Volunteering Projects in Romania

Romania offers an incredible opportunity to combine meaningful volunteer work with rich cultural experiences. Whether you’re assisting at a bear sanctuary, exploring a medical career through hands-on internships, or enjoying a family-friendly conservation project, Romania’s welcoming communities and breathtaking landscapes make it a standout destination. Complement your experience with day trips to medieval castles, charming villages, and the awe-inspiring Carpathian Mountains for an unforgettable adventure. All ages welcome!

Bear Sanctuary Volunteer

Make a tangible difference in animal welfare by volunteering at Europe’s largest bear sanctuary, located in the heart of Romania’s stunning Carpathian foothills. Home to over 100 bears rescued from captivity and exploitation, the sanctuary is a safe haven where these majestic animals can live out their lives in peace.

As a volunteer, you’ll support daily activities such as preparing food, maintaining enclosures, and observing the bears to ensure their well-being. This hands-on experience offers a unique insight into animal conservation efforts, allowing you to be part of a vital project that has rescued bears from zoos, circuses, and private ownership.

Beyond the rewarding work, you’ll have plenty of time to soak in the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and learn about Romania’s wildlife conservation challenges. This project is ideal for animal lovers and anyone passionate about ethical tourism and sustainable practices.

Medical Internship

Take the first steps in your medical career or gain invaluable insights into healthcare by participating in a medical internship in Romania. This unique opportunity allows you to work alongside experienced professionals by shadowing a mobile home support team.

Interns can expect to observe and assist in various capacities, from general medicine to specialized care, gaining exposure to patient diagnosis, treatment plans, and healthcare management. You’ll learn about the challenges faced by Romania’s healthcare system, particularly in rural and underserved areas, while contributing to improving the quality of care provided to the local community.

This project is ideal for medical students, nurses, recent graduates, or those considering a career in medicine. Outside of the internship, enjoy day trips to explore Romania’s rich cultural heritage, including its historic cities and enchanting natural landscapes.

Family Volunteering with Bears

Create unforgettable family memories by volunteering together at Romania’s renowned bear sanctuary. Designed for families with children over 10, this project offers a safe and engaging way to contribute to animal conservation while fostering a sense of teamwork and compassion.

Your family will take part in activities such as preparing meals for the bears, cleaning enclosures, and learning about the sanctuary’s mission to rescue and rehabilitate bears. With the sanctuary situated in a picturesque location, you’ll also enjoy the opportunity to bond with your family while surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

This experience is a fantastic way to teach children about the importance of animal welfare and environmental conservation while enjoying quality time together. When not volunteering, you can explore nearby attractions, including medieval towns, castles, and beautiful hiking trails, ensuring a balance of meaningful work and adventure.

Explore Romania

Romania is a land of endless discovery, and we offer a variety of day trips to enhance your volunteering experience. Visit the legendary Bran Castle, often linked to the Dracula myth, or explore medieval gems like Brașov and Sighișoara, steeped in history and charm.

For nature enthusiasts, the Carpathian Mountains provide countless hiking opportunities, while the Danube Delta offers a unique chance to see Europe’s largest wetland ecosystem. Whether you’re drawn to cultural landmarks or outdoor adventures, Romania’s diverse landscapes and rich heritage make it an ideal destination for exploration.

For more information about the country, read our guide to Romania.

​Planning Your Trip to Romania

Volunteering in Romania is a unique and rewarding experience, offering the chance to contribute to impactful conservation and community projects while exploring a country rich in history and natural beauty. To ensure you make the most of your trip, it’s important to plan ahead. Here’s a quick guide to help you prepare for your Romanian adventure.

When to Apply

To secure your place on one of our volunteering programs, we recommend applying a few months in advance. This ensures you have plenty of time to finalize travel arrangements, gather necessary documentation, and prepare for your role. Availability can be limited, particularly during peak seasons, so early applications are encouraged to avoid disappointment.

Requirements

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to participate in most programs. If you’re under 18 and interested in a family-friendly project, such as Family Volunteering with Bears, please reach out to us to discuss suitable options.

No specific qualifications are required to volunteer, but a passion for conservation, animals, or healthcare (depending on your chosen project) is essential.

For the Medical Internship, applicants should have an interest in pursuing a healthcare-related career. Minimum age -17yrs.

Costs

Our volunteering projects in Romania are designed to be affordable, with fees including accommodation, transfers to the projects, all volunteering activities and training. You’ll also benefit from orientation upon arrival and 24/7 in-country support. Airfare, travel insurance, food and personal expenses are not included, so budgeting for these is important.

Living costs in Romania are relatively low compared to Western Europe, meaning your money will go further when it comes to leisure activities, dining out, and exploring the country during your free time.

Health & Safety

Romania is a safe and welcoming destination, with a low risk of health concerns or vaccinations needed before travel. However, it’s important to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, particularly if you plan to participate in active projects or explore the outdoors.

While volunteering at the Bear Sanctuary, you’ll be given a safety briefing to ensure you can work around the bears and sanctuary facilities confidently and securely.