• Quality Education

Support Youth with Special Needs

location
4 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Outstanding 5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Moderate response rate

Highlights

  • Provide care and connection for people with disabilities
  • Immerse yourself in Transylvanian culture while working alongside local staff, fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.
  • Use your expertise as a qualified volunteer to provide therapy and rehabilitation to the service users.

Highlights

  • Provide care and connection for people with disabilities
  • Immerse yourself in Transylvanian culture while working alongside local staff, fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.
  • Use your expertise as a qualified volunteer to provide therapy and rehabilitation to the service users.
  • Make lifelong friendships with fellow like-minded volunteers from all around the world.
  • Embark on adventures in "the land beyond the forest", combining service with exploration. Explore ancient castles, fortresses, rolling hills and primeval forests.

    • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    50+

    About the program

    Enrich the lives of young people with different disabilities through extra care, attention and heartfelt connections.

    In Romania, many families struggle to properly care for disabled family members due to social stigma and limited government support. Volunteers play a vital role in bridging this care gap, enriching the lives of children and adults with disabilities at a special needs facility.

    The daycare center ...

    About the program

    In Romania, many families struggle to properly care for disabled family members due to social stigma and limited government support. Volunteers play a vital role in bridging this care gap, enriching the lives of children and adults with disabilities at a special needs facility.

    The daycare center was founded in 2008 in Miercurea Ciuc for disabled persons to have the possibility for daycare, special treatment and special development. The service users are people between the ages of 10 and 50 years, children and adults with different disabilities such as intellectual disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder, physical- and sensory disabilities. Clients with autism have specific autism therapy, and our specialists were chose according to the needs of the daycare’s participants. Most of the programs operate with disability specialists, psychologists, social workers, kintetotherapists, teaching assistants and volunteers. The center has music therapy which is being held by a volunteer music teacher, and we also have many free time programs where we leave the center, like camps, trips, music festivals, parties.

    As a Special Needs volunteer, you’ll assist in planning and conducting games and educational activities for individuals with various mental and physical disabilities. This specialized placement is ideal for those with experience in disability care, and offers qualified volunteers the opportunity to provide therapy and rehabilitation. You will enhance the crucial efforts of the local staff by offering additional care, attention, and connection for these young people with disabilities. This unique opportunity allows you to contribute meaningfully to the community while gaining practical experience working with disabled people.


    Volunteering with disabled individuals is a challenging yet rewarding project, perfect for patient and compassionate people. You will need strong organizational skills and the ability to improvise, as resources are limited. Despite these challenges, the service users are incredibly enthusiastic to meet you, and their smiles will be a heartwarming reward for your efforts.

    Please note, this project is closed in August due to the holidays. If your volunteering period extends into this month, you will be transferred to a different project.

    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 special  needs volunteer schedule is as follows:

    7:30 AM Volunteers prepare their own breakfast at the accommodation and get ready for the day

    8:3

    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 special  needs volunteer schedule is as follows:

    7:30 AM Volunteers prepare their own breakfast at the accommodation and get ready for the day

    8:30 AM Getting to the special needs center

    9:00 AM - 14:30 PM Volunteering at the special needs center

    15:00 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 town`s 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: 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 (intermediate level)

    Education Requirements

    Qualification or training in Special Education or Physical Therapy or a closely related discipline, or have relevant experience. at University 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 driving to the project site will take around 4-5 hours depending on the traffic. Miercurea Ciuc is 250 km from Bucharest. 

    While airport drop-off at the end of your program 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 - train ($20) or shuttle bus ($30), or a private drop-off service ($150).

    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 - train ($20), direct shuttle bus ($30) or a private drop-off service ($150).

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

    Program fees

    4 weeks (min. stay) 1,604€
    5 weeks 1,886€
    6 weeks 2,169€
    7 weeks 2,452€
    8 weeks 2,938€
    11 weeks 3,581€
    16 weeks 5,407€
    19 weeks 5,842€
    20 weeks 6,609€
    24 weeks 7,806€
    50 weeks (max. stay) 14,599€
    Average fees 346€/week

    Program fees

    346€ per week 4 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    4 - 50 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 ...
    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 ...
    Valentina Krenn rating4.8

    2024 at Dog Shelter Support

    When I decided to take part in a volunteering program last year, I didn't know what I had to prepare for at all. It seemed like I would throw myself into a completely new environment when I had never been abroad on my own before. But all my life there was this desire to make a little difference, to ...
    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 ...
    Pilar De la Vega rating5

    2023 at Summer Camp Assistant

    Ive been going to Romenia to participate in the summer camp for two years now, and I wish to come again this year. I chose to repeat because of the wonderful experience I've had the past years. The team there makes me feel so welcome. The summer camp is a beautiful project, we work with kids from ...

    Location

    Europe > Eastern Europe > Romania > Miercurea Ciuc

    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Education  >  Special Needs in Romania
    Contact Orsolya
      Moderate response rate

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