• Zero Hunger

Community Gardening

location
1 - 32 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+
rating  Outstanding 5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Moderate response rate

Highlights

  • Savor Farm-to-Table Flavors: Experience the joy of growing fresh vegetables in our garden, and savor the flavors of traditional Romanian cuisine prepared with your own hands.
  • Immerse yourself in Transylvanian Culture: From learning age-old agricultural techniques to participating in lively folk traditions, immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of rural Transylvanian life.
  • Champion Sustainability: Through hands-on activities like composting, water conservation, and natural pest control, you'll help foster a more resilient and eco-friendly food system.

Highlights

  • Savor Farm-to-Table Flavors: Experience the joy of growing fresh vegetables in our garden, and savor the flavors of traditional Romanian cuisine prepared with your own hands.
  • Immerse yourself in Transylvanian Culture: From learning age-old agricultural techniques to participating in lively folk traditions, immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of rural Transylvanian life.
  • Champion Sustainability: Through hands-on activities like composting, water conservation, and natural pest control, you'll help foster a more resilient and eco-friendly food system.
  • Connect with Nature: Spend your days surrounded by breathtaking scenery, breathing in the fresh mountain air, and rejuvenating your spirit amidst the tranquility of the garden.
  • Forge Global Connections: Share stories, laughter, and cultural exchanges around the communal dinner table, creating memories that will stay with you long after your time in Transylvania.

    • Especially good for

    Age 16+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    From planting seeds to harvesting fresh produce, every moment spent volunteering in our community garden is an opportunity to connect, learn, and grow.

    The Community Garden project in Romania has one main placement with the possibility to get involved in various side projects, depending on the need at the time and the abilities of the volunteer.

    As a Community Garden volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in maintaining a community garden and ...

    About the program

    The Community Garden project in Romania has one main placement with the possibility to get involved in various side projects, depending on the need at the time and the abilities of the volunteer.

    As a Community Garden volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in maintaining a community garden and greenhouse. This space offers gardening opportunities for locals, particularly large families, who lack access to green areas or childcare. While parents tend to the garden, their children can enjoy the nearby playground, fostering a sense of community and sustainability.

    To uphold traditional Romanian agriculture practices, you can expect to plant a variety of local seeds, utilize a home made solar panels, create egg shell powder and use wood ash to add nutrients back into the soil, as well as collect rain water to sustain the garden. The garden is also a place where volunteers can socialize in summer months, or just relax after a busy day.
    Specific roles will vary depending on the time of year and your placement location. Tasks in spring, summer and autumn can involve planting, harvesting and cultivating flowers, vegetables and herbs, weeding, cutting the grass, raking, composting and other garden maintenance work. On occasion, there may be additional opportunities to help out in the gardens of local children’s homes or after school clubs. Volunteers can expect to help create and maintain vegetable patches, and where possible engage the children so that they can continue to manage the garden in the absence of volunteers. And finally, on occasion, local environmental and conservation NGO’s seek volunteer help in their bid to preserve the natural environment through tasks such as hay meadow mowing, river clean- ups and monitoring and protecting endangered flora & fauna. Such work usually comes in the form of one-off events, which the local team ensure volunteers are informed about.

    Roles and Responsibilities

    • Weeding the herb garden, vegetable garden & path
    • Lawnmowing
    • Planting fruit/veg
    • Watering and cultivating the herbs, fruit & veg
    • Maintaining, improving garden
    • Raking the soil
    • Harvesting
    • Helping prepare the vegetables into edible food (peeling, chopping, cleaning etc)
    • Compost maintenance 
    • Organizing tools

    You’re encouraged to employ innovative and sustainable practices, experimenting with new techniques. For instance, past volunteers have established an efficient composting system, implemented drip irrigation, and crafted a solar panel from recycled cans. Your creativity and eco-conscious initiatives will help enhance the garden's productivity and environmental impact.

    The project is closed from November to February, as the winter temperatures are too cold for meaningful volunteer work.

    Typical day

    Start times and daily workload depends on the project that you are volunteering on, with some beginning in the morning and some in the afternoon. A typical community garden volunteer schedule is as follows:

    8:00 - 9:30 AM Volunteers prepare their own breakfast at the accommodation and get ready for ...

    Typical day

    Start times and daily workload depends on the project that you are volunteering on, with some beginning in the morning and some in the afternoon. A typical community garden volunteer schedule is as follows:

    8:00 - 9:30 AM Volunteers prepare their own breakfast at the accommodation and get ready for the day

    10:00 AM - 14:00 PM Work in the garden 

    14:30 PM Volunteers eat lunch at a local restaurant and use their free time as they wish 

    Free-time activities

    Our organization is based in the center of Miercurea Ciuc, a small town with a population of about 34,000 inhabitants, famous for its enthusiasm for hockey and for being one of the coldest cities in Romania. It lies in the Székely Land, a mainly Hungarian-speaking ethnocultural region in eastern ...

    Free-time activities

    Our organization is based in the center of Miercurea Ciuc, a small town with a population of about 34,000 inhabitants, famous for its enthusiasm for hockey and for being one of the coldest cities in Romania. It lies in the Székely Land, a mainly Hungarian-speaking ethnocultural region in eastern Transylvania, and is situated in the Olt River valley. Volunteers have the weekends free and there is no shortage of things to do in Miercurea Ciuc or further afield in Romania. Surrounded by mountains, forests and traditional villages, volunteers can fill their free time hiking, visiting local markets, adventure activities, concerts, exhibitions, sports events, diverse cultural events throughout the year, such as the Pentecost Pilgrimage on the nearby Sumuleu hill with hundreds of thousands of pilgrims coming from all around the world, the NyarON Szereda Festival in June, the International Jazz Festival, Drum Festival and City Days happening in July, or the Thousand Szekler Girls festivity on the Sumuleu hill. There are countless other events and sights worth seeing, but the cities magic lies in the laid back and peaceful atmosphere that you can enjoy sipping a coffee at one of the terraces. 

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 16 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Care2Travel Association

    The program fee includes:
    • Airport pick-up
    • Accommodation
    • Meals 
    • 24/7 direct support from our team
    • Program orientation
    • A 1 hour introduction to Hungarian language 
    • City tour of Miercurea Ciuc with a local guide
    • Volunteer placement introduction on the first work day
    • Contribution to the long term goals of the volunteer placement

    Airport Pickup at Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport

    Volunteers need to arrive one day prior to the orientation on Monday. Pick up from Bucharest Henri Coanda Airport (OTP) is included in the program fee if you arrive on Sunday between 9:00 AM and 10:00 PM. If you arrive outside of these hours, your pick-up will incur an extra cost of US $150.

    Volunteers will be greeted by one of the Care2Travel staff members just outside the arrival hall, as soon as they come out. We will reach out a few days before the arrival on WhatsApp and we will communicate all details in an email a week before the arrival. 
    The drive to the project site will take around 4-5 hours depending on the traffic. Miercurea Ciuc is 250 km from Bucharest.

    Accommodation

    Volunteers are housed primarily in one of two adjacent volunteer apartment complexes or in a designated volunteer residence. The smaller apartment can accommodate up to 8 volunteers of the same gender in a single room, while the larger apartment, featuring 3 bedrooms, can house up to 19 volunteers. During the summer months, occupancy in the female apartment typically ranges from 7 to 17 individuals across 3 connecting rooms, while the male apartment hosts between 4 to 8 occupants. In other seasons, the number typically falls between 3 to 6 individuals. The volunteer residence consists of 4 rooms, each shared by two individuals of the same gender. Volunteers have the opportunity to relax in the outdoor spaces provided at both volunteer residences, featuring expansive gardens equipped with fire pits for grilling and enjoying leisurely moments.
    The accommodations are conveniently located within a central area, with the local team’s office reachable within a 10 to 15-minute walk, and surrounded by numerous cafes and restaurants. Bedding is provided, and towels are available upon request. A washing machine is accessible for volunteers to maintain their clothing and bedding. If you have specific accommodation preferences, please communicate them to your IVHQ Program Manager, and our local team will strive to accommodate your needs.
    WiFi is accessible at both the volunteer apartments and the volunteer residence, as well as in many nearby cafes and restaurants. For continuous connectivity, volunteers can also opt to purchase a local SIM card with data for use in an unlocked mobile phone.

    Food & Beverages

    Volunteers receive one cooked meal daily, either served at a local restaurant or provided at their placement site. Breakfast, dinner, and weekend meals are self-prepared using supplies available at the volunteer accommodation. The accommodation manager regularly purchases food supplies, and volunteers are welcome to make specific food requests to him if desired.

    When dining outside the accommodation, the main meal typically consists of lunch with two courses. The first course invariably includes a traditional soup, followed by a second course featuring potato or rice dishes, along with options like chicken, pork, goulash, stews, and pasta. Bread is a staple accompanying all meals, often dense due to its potato content. Vegetarians can expect offerings of cheese or mushroom dishes as commonly provided alternatives at restaurants.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) in Bucharest. We assist you to find cheap flights to Romania. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Romania provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Romania you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Romania. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    The program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of each month, and volunteers need to arrive in Miercurea Ciuc the day before orientation. After you have registered for the program, please book your flight to arrive at Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) on the Sunday before your start date.

    Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee, however, if you arrive outside of Sunday between 9:00AM - 10:00PM, your pick-up will incur an extra cost of US$150.

    When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night prior to your start date. If you are traveling in Romania prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up from a pre-arranged location in Miercurea Ciuc the day before your program orientation.

    Orientation: This is a standard full-day induction on your selected start date that covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Romania. You’ll be provided with an introduction to Romania, meet the program staff and get an overview of procedures. You’ll learn about the history of Romania and Hungary, religion, festivals, customs and traditions, dress/clothing, safety issues, food, transportation and travel opportunities and go through details about your volunteer project and accommodation​.​ The afternoon includes an introduction to the Hungarian language and a city tour of Miercurea Ciuc​ which is​ provided by local volunteers.​ ​The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.

    The last day of your volunteering program is on Friday, and Friday night is included in your program fee. While airport drop-off is not covered by the program fee, we provide all the necessary assistance to ensure you arrive at the airport safely and on time for your flight. This can be arranged through either public transportation or a private drop-off service.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    1 week (min. stay) 610€
    2 weeks 1,049€
    3 weeks 1,371€
    4 weeks 1,696€
    8 weeks 2,970€
    16 weeks 5,466€
    32 weeks (max. stay) 10,521€
    Average fees 469€/week

    Program fees

    469€ per week 1 - 32 weeks Age 16 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    1 - 32 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Care2Travel Association during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

    Meet your organization

    Care2Travel Association

    Outstanding 5 rating (14 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2011

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Moderate response rate

    Coordinated by

    Orsolya

    About the project

    Working at grassroots level, everything we do is about meeting real needs, caring for the local environment and giving back to community.

    Meet your organization

    Who we are?
    Care2Travel is an independent, non-profit association in Romania, established in March 2011 with the following staff:

    Péter Kedves - Director, volunteer coordinator
    Orsolya Biró (Orsi) - fundraiser, volunteer coordinator 
    Kinga Kovács - ESC project manager
    Niki Fehér - volunteer coordinator
    Rita Takács - project assistant

    C2T was formed as a result of observing numerous foreign volunteers being ineffectively placed and managed in Romania. These foreign volunteers were sent by international volunteering organizations that had no understanding of the need on the ground. In addition it was observed that volunteering by locals was still a relatively new concept. The social need therefore was to develop the effectiveness of foreign volunteers and to introduce and develop the concept of volunteering amongst the local community.


    What we do?
    By creating positive volunteering experiences we popularize volunteering in Romania, thus support the growth of an active civil society. We receive international volunteers from all over the world and place them within the local community on well run ethical placements in schools, after schools, summer camps, special needs placements, sustainable agriculture placements, NGO support, animal care placement, renovation, construction and community building. 

    We pay attention to enriching the cultural experiences of both foreign volunteers and locals, so we organize and are involved in ongoing activities like language clubs, intercultural nights, trivia nights, board game nights, creating and managing an allotment for the volunteer accommodation with a greenhouse, a well developed composting system and raised beds that can be used by families from the local community. 

    Our projects are carefully chosen, ethical and sustainable and all profits are reinvested back into the community to ensure maximum benefit.

    Our vision:
    A world where citizens are socially aware & motivated towards a positive change.

    Our mission:

    To connect volunteers from different nationalities to work together on responsible volunteer placements that support both the development of the local communities and the personal development of the volunteers. Moreover by creating positive volunteering experiences we aim to popularize volunteering in Romanian society and thus support the growth of an active civil society.

    Our goals:

    1. The advancement of socially responsible, active citizenship (volunteering).
    2. The advancement of sustainable tourism and regional development.
    3. The advancement of education and personal development.
    4. The advancement of racial and cultural tolerance and harmony.
    Where we work?
    Miercurea Ciuc is a picturesque town nestled in the heart of Transylvania, Romania. Surrounded by the stunning Carpathian Mountains, it boasts a blend of historical charm and natural beauty. The town is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with colorful festivals and events celebrating its rich heritage. Care2Travel operates here, offering impactful volunteer programs aimed at supporting local communities through education and sustainable development initiatives. From its quaint streets to its welcoming locals, Miercurea Ciuc exudes warmth and offers volunteers a unique opportunity to make a difference while immersing themselves in the beauty of Transylvania.

    Volunteer with us:
    • Experience real community life in Romania, working and living alongside local people
    • Explore beautiful Transylvania
    • Be part of an ethical volunteering experience
    • Gain practical work experience
    • Be supported every step of the way

    14 reviews · rating5

    Alexis Devereux rating5

    2024 at Community Gardening

    This experience was my first as a volunteer abroad and I was delighted with the way that I was supported by Care 2 Travel during my time in Romania. As a mature adult who also struggles with anxiety, the kindness and care of the local team helped me to overcome my nerves and flourish during my short ...
    Barbara Agliano-Kimmich rating5

    2024 at Community Gardening

    Another volunteer and I built in nearly 4 weeks a great wall in the community garden. We started with obtain small stones for the drainage and looked for good and big stones in the garden. We built stone layer by stone layer. So at the end we have a wall about 20 m lenght. It was also great that ...
    Orchid Castagnera rating4.8

    2024 at Community Gardening

    This volunteering project felt like being apart of a community and felt like the work i did, did have a positive impact on the local community, jobs i did involved, tree replanting, after school activities and garden maintenance. I highly recommend this project to anyone seeking more practical and ...
    Linda Bahr rating5

    2022 at Community Gardening

    I have been involved in volunteer opportunities most of my life. From soup kitchens to repack bulk food distribution to building homes in Africa and teaching English as a foreign language. What I found in Csikszereda through Care2Travel was more than just helping people through my volunteer work. ...
    Tanya Mois rating5

    2022 at Community Gardening

    Volunteering with Care2Travel was nothing short of a wonderful experience. Communication was excellent from beginning to end. This was my very first time leaving the US, and my first time volunteering abroad with a legitimate organization. Communication was so clear and easy from before I even left, ...
    Lucinda Balcers rating5

    2024 at Summer Camp Assistant

    I volunteered with care to travel. This was my first time going abroad alone and I was beyond nervous. From the moment I arrived my nerves were melted away and I knew that I made the right decision to volunteer with care 2 travel. I was picked up from the airport and taken to the accommodation where ...

    Location

    Europe > Eastern Europe > Romania > Miercurea Ciuc

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    Contact Orsolya
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