Protecting the Arctic

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Very Good 4.3  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Enjoy the magnificent and awe-inspiring views of the fjords.
  • Learn about Environmental Protection
  • Embark on an adventure that will take you to explore the north of Iceland

Highlights

  • Enjoy the magnificent and awe-inspiring views of the fjords.
  • Learn about Environmental Protection
  • Embark on an adventure that will take you to explore the north of Iceland
  • Enjoy the flourishing cultural life of Siglufjörður
  • Conservation of the Arctic


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups

    About the program

    It is an area of spectacular natural beauty, our aim is to protect the Forestry and keep the Arctic Ocean clean.

    Project Activities

    Our main activity will be to work in Forestry; managing, planting, using, conserving, and repairing forests, woodlands, and associated resources for human and environmental benefits. We will also work in Beach Cleaning,  The plastic crisis is one of the major environmental ...

    About the program

    Project Activities

    Our main activity will be to work in Forestry; managing, planting, using, conserving, and repairing forests, woodlands, and associated resources for human and environmental benefits. We will also work in Beach Cleaning,  The plastic crisis is one of the major environmental challenges of our times. The Arctic now has a higher concentration of plastic than the infamous Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

    Some days, when the weather conditions are not suitable, we will focus on renovation work; painting or fixing things around and inside the house. 

    We will upcycle garbage into art! While creating bookshelves out of driftwood or designing a chair with old tires and nets, your imagination is the limit! 

    Our work will depend on weather conditions, which is why we must be flexible. You should be prepared for unfriendly weather, as they say: if you don’t like the Icelandic weather, just wait 5 minutes it might change. The work will depend on the needs of the local community and the season. This is a perfect camp for people who like outdoor work and physical challenges. Working hours are on average 5 hours a day, 5 days a week.


    Participants

    We host international volunteers, most of them around 18 to 29 years old.


    Camp Leaders

    There are always one or more leaders for each camp, depending on the size of the group. Leaders represent the link between the hosting community and the group of volunteers. They coordinate the work, organize leisurely activities, plan excursions, and organize the shopping, house chores, and cooking sessions. Apart from these additional responsibilities, they are equal to other volunteers. Most of our camp leaders are from other countries, as we are very open-minded in hosting international leaders from other organizations


    What to pack?

    Icelandic weather can be unpredictable, so you need to be prepared for anything. You will need:

    • Hiking boots that are waterproof 

    • Warm sleeping bag (we only provide bedsheets) 

    • Swimsuits and towels (to take advantage of the traditional swimming pools and hot springs) 

    • Warm and waterproof clothes/shoes (you will spend time outside) 

    • Slippers/shoes for indoors, we don’t bring shoes inside the houses! 

    • Raincoat 

    • Pillow 

    • Medication 

    • Food, photos, or anything interesting related to your country for intercultural nights 

    • Hairdryer (optional) 

    • Cash (ISK or EUR) for extra excursions

    • Baggage allowance: 1 large suitcase & small carry-on



    Typical day

    A typical working day has the following schedule:


    • 8:00 Breakfast
    • 9:00-13:00 Environmental work
    • 13:00- 14:00 Lunch 
    • 14:00 - 16:00 Environmental work
    • 16:00-17:00 Free time 
    • 18:00 Workshop
    • 19:00 Dinner
    • 20:00 Leisure Activity

    Typical day

    A typical working day has the following schedule:


    • 8:00 Breakfast
    • 9:00-13:00 Environmental work
    • 13:00- 14:00 Lunch 
    • 14:00 - 16:00 Environmental work
    • 16:00-17:00 Free time 
    • 18:00 Workshop
    • 19:00 Dinner
    • 20:00 Leisure Activity


    Free-time activities

    There are opportunities for fun all over Siglufjörður. From adventurous activities to well-known tourist attractions, this delightful city packs a punch.  From great hiking trails, museums, and swimming pools, you have many activities to choose from.

    WF Iceland will organize reasonably-priced ...

    Free-time activities

    There are opportunities for fun all over Siglufjörður. From adventurous activities to well-known tourist attractions, this delightful city packs a punch.  From great hiking trails, museums, and swimming pools, you have many activities to choose from.

    WF Iceland will organize reasonably-priced weekend or one-day excursions to some of the most popular, beautiful areas and natural wonders that Iceland has to offer. Excursions include unique Icelandic sights, such as waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal areas, lava forests, hot springs, rhyolite mountain ranges, and steam vents;

    • Mývatn

    • Whale watching 

    The closeness to nature is always within reach, whether you wish to go on a hike, play golf, try ocean swimming or go skiing. In Siglufjörður there is a flourishing cultural life. There are several restaurants, there are also numerous galleries and museums. When you go for hiking plan ahead, share your travel plans, stay on the trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, and do not approach or feed wildlife.


    You should not go for high or steep mountains without a professional guide.


    Northern Lights

    The best time to see aurora borealis in Iceland is between September and April. It’s when the nights are dark enough to see the aurora.



    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Required Documents

    CV, ID and Passport

    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 from 09:00 - 15:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Worldwide Friends

    The fees include 

    • Transportation from Reykjavik to the Project Location & Back

    • All meals & Housing

    • WIFI

    • Workshops

    • Volunteering activities.

    Pre-Camp (Optional)

    • Pick up at BSI Bus Station

    • 2 Days in Reykjavík

    • Accommodation in Reykjavík

    • Golden Circle Excursion

    • Meals 


    Deposit

    The deposit is paid directly to Volunteer World. Please review the Flex Option for more information. 


    Payment Cancellation Terms  (Payment made to Worldwide Friends)

    As we start to incur costs from the time the contract is confirmed we will apply cancellation charges as shown below from the time when written notification of the cancellation is received:

    • With a notice of more than 30th days, the cancellation will be free of charge.

    • With a notice between 30th – 14th days, 50% of the total fee will be charged.

    • With a notice of less than 14th days, 100% of the total fee will be charged.

    • Expenses due to early departure, any expenses that may occur due to early departure will be covered by the participant and not WF, no refund shall be given.

    Code of Conduct

    In order to have an adequate code of conduct during the program, the following points are established that must be complied with without exception.

    • WF is committed to ensuring an environment that is free of discrimination and to fostering a climate in which all participants can have an exceptional experience.

    • Clothing. Appropriate footwear and suitable outdoor clothing must be worn. We reserve the right to refuse participation to participants who are dressed inappropriately or with inappropriate footwear since this will put the participant’s well-being and safety at risk.

    • Non-prescription Drugs. WF We reserve the right to terminate the program to participants we believe are under the influence of drugs, in such circumstances, no refund shall be given.

    • WF reserves the right to refuse participation and to cancel the stay to any participant whose conduct or manner is likely to cause offense, upset, or put other participants in danger. Any expenses that may occur due to early departure will be covered by the participant and not WF.

    Accommodation

    Volunteers will be staying in the house of Worldwide Friends. The house is approximately 300 m² and has 2 big dormitory rooms, 2 double rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, several bathrooms, and common areas. House capacity 15.

    Volunteers need to bring their own sleeping bags, but beds and sheets are provided. 

    Wireless internet access is provided free of charge.


    Food & Beverages

    Food is included for the duration of the camp; however, everyone is expected to do their fair share of the cooking and cleaning. 

    We provide a well-balanced and healthy variety of food products that includes a wide variety of whole grains, seasonal fruits & vegetables, pantry staples, dairy products, and vegetarian/vegan options. We try to reduce our carbon footprint on the planet by cutting down our meat intake and we usually encourage volunteers to try more sustainable dishes. 

    We can accommodate special diets such as gluten-free, vegetarians, vegans, or any allergies, please let us know in advance

    Since it is always nice to try new and different dishes, volunteers are encouraged to bring along their favorite recipes, ingredients, and spices from home! 

    The meals are cooked by participants in teams according to a weekly schedule.

    Breakfast is free, and Lunch & Dinner group activity

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Keflavik International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Keflavik International Airport (KEF) in Reykjavik. We assist you to find cheap flights to Iceland. 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 Iceland provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    Arrival

    Volunteers will be picked up at the City Hall of Reykjavik in Tjarnargata 11 101 Reykjavik at 09.00 am on the first day of the camp. 

    Departure

    Drop off will be on the evening of the last day of the program at BSI Bus Station. You will arrive no sooner than 18:00. The time may vary due to adverse weather conditions and other related conditions. We strongly recommend departing no earlier than one day after the last day of your work camp. Keep in mind you have to arrange your stay for these days.

    We strongly recommend arriving in Iceland at least one day before the first day of your project and departing no earlier than one day after the last day of your project. 


    *Pre-camp in Reykjavik - NOT included but optional for 150 euro (2 days before the start of the program)

    • Day 1-Monday: Arrival day -Pick up at the BSI Bus Station (17:00)  -Accommodation in Reykjavík*
    • Day 2-Tuesday: Golden Circle Excursion - Accommodation in Reykjavík*
    • Day 3-Wednesday: Departure to Workcamp accommodation
    *Accommodation in Reykjavík: on the outskirts of Reykjavík, 20 min by car from City Center

    Start Dates for 2024
    (Every two weeks from Wednesday to Wednesday)
    • 25.09
    • 09.10
    • 23.10
    Start Dates for 2025
    (Every two weeks from Wednesday to Wednesday)

    • 23.04
    • 07.05
    • 04.06
    • 18.06
    • 02.07
    • 16.07
    • 30.07
    • 13.08
    • 27.08
    • 10.09
    • 24.09
    • 08.10
    • 22.10

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

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 750€
    4 weeks 1,400€
    6 weeks 2,150€
    10 weeks 3,650€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 4,400€
    Average fees 370€/week

    Program fees

    370€ per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 12 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 Worldwide Friends during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Worldwide Friends

    Very Good 4.3 rating (65 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2001

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Victoria

    Spoken languages: Spanish, English

    About the project

    We are an environmental organization that focuses on 2 weeks workcamps or medium to long volunteering programs. Our main topics are climate change and sustainability.

    Meet your organization

    - Who are we?

    Worldwide Friends (WF) was founded in 2001 as a non-governmental, nonprofit organization. Our aim is to promote nature and peace-oriented activities among people interested in spending time in Iceland as volunteers. 
    The staff of WF consists of 5 members: 
    • Our director and founder - Toti Ivarsson.
    • 4 project managers: Valentina, Steini, Bjarki, and Sebastian.
    Alongside the staff members, we have long-term volunteers that are crucial for our programs.
    - What we do:
    The main activities offered by WF Iceland are workcamps, exchange programs, and educational seminars. Our activities are suitable for anyone interested in discovering an exotic and safe destination. WF also sends Icelanders abroad who wish to have similar volunteering experiences elsewhere in the world. Our programs are a mixture of volunteering, excursions, cultural exchanges,  environmental work, and environmental education.
    - Where we work:
    Worldwide Friends is located in one of the safest countries in the world, the land of Ice and Fire, Iceland. We work all over the country but mostly in the east and west of Iceland where we have our two main centers. We try to have a balance between outdoor work and indoor work but most of the time it depends on the weather.
    - Our mission/vision:
    • Promoting peace and friendship
    • Promoting intercultural education and awareness
    • Preserving Icelandic nature and raising awareness about environmental issues
    • Promoting voluntary work and a culture of volunteering
    - Our goal:
    To be able one day to live in a sustainable society that respects and protects the environment.
    - Who are we looking for?
    The biggest requirement that we have is that our volunteers must be interested in the environment. If you like to work outdoors, explore exotic locations, discover unspoiled nature, have a cultural exchange with volunteers from different countries, and improve your environmental knowledge then we are looking for you!
    - Why choose us?
    When you choose us, you are making the decision to volunteer with one of the biggest and more experienced organizations in Iceland. We have hosted thousands of volunteers in all these years, which grants us the opportunity to offer you the best experience possible. 

    65 reviews · rating4.3

    Iñigo Garcia rating5

    2024 at Protecting the Arctic

    I think it has been a totally rewarding experience, because of the special relationship the Icelandic locals have with nature. I highly recommend it to everyone as it opens your eyes and makes you aware of how important it is to take care of our ...
    Valentin Coussi rating4.4

    2024 at Protecting the Arctic

    A very enriching experience, with memories engraved for life. Contacts with the locals, varied activities and a very warm welcome. Organizers who listen and welcome you as best they ...
    Rubén García rating4.4

    2024 at Protecting the Arctic

    Something that I could do everytime I have the opportunity to. A great experience in which you can merge with lots of different cultures while helping the local forest of the location, hence helping the ...
    Lénaïc PINSON rating2.4

    2023 at Protecting the Arctic

    I signed up for this project for a period of 4 weeks, a lot to say and a lot of disappointment. Good points : - the town of Siglu is really nice - vaucher for going to the municipal swimming pool - good atmosphere with the other volunteers - camps leaders trying to do their best - the ...
    KEIGO MATSUMOTO rating5

    2024 at Ecovillage - One with Nature

    This was the first time I join the volunteer group for me, as this was also the first time I join the group with speaking English. So, I had some concern like my English skills or cultural differences. Members except for me were all European and I was only Asian. However, all members were kind and I ...
    My stay in Iceland changed my attitude toward nature. I learned about the beauty and power of nature and felt a strong desire to protect it. I also had a great time with everyone and it was a memory I will never forget. The Northern Lights that I saw in Iceland left a strong impression on me. I am ...

    Location

    Europe > Northern Europe > Iceland > Siglufjörður

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    Spanish, English

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