This program was a great experience and I feel that I was able to learn about a part of the world that I had no idea about before. I gained confidence and a sense of fulfilment.
Teaching English Volunteer Project in Romania - Miercurea Ciuc
Purpose
Improve access to quality education
Start dates
Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
Duration
Choose from 1-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+
Accommodation
Dormitory-style volunteer apartments
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Volunteers who speak English fluently and are interested in education and teaching English. As you will work with the support of the local team and placement staff, you don’t need to be a qualified teacher to participate. However, some relevant experience or training, like a TEFL course, would be useful.
Project details
Inspired to Teach English in Romania? International Volunteer HQ’s Teaching English project is a great way for volunteers to assist with language lessons in local schools. Volunteers gain teaching experience while supporting teachers to create engaging lesson plans, or leading classes on their own. Fluent English-speaking teachers can be a bit of a novelty for Romanian students and inspire them to keep learning the language.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
In Miercurea Ciuc, native English-speaking teachers are a rare sight for Romanian students, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, making volunteers a beacon of knowledge and inspiration in local schools, offering invaluable support and mentorship.
As a Teaching English volunteer, you’ll step into classrooms as a valuable aid to local educators, or take the lead in teaching English lessons independently. From assisting with various subjects to focusing on English language proficiency, you’ll engage with students aged 6 to 16, sparking their curiosity and nurturing their skills. This project offers an ideal platform for aspiring educators, providing structured teaching experiences that serve as a stepping stone to a teaching career.
Your responsibilities may include:
- Conducting English classes
- Collaborating with local teachers
- Providing one-on-one tutoring sessions
- Offering language guidance and support
- Organizing engaging educational activities
- Developing lesson plans tailored to student needs
As a teaching volunteer, you may be asked to join some of the After School Support project activities too.
The Teaching project isn’t available during the summer holidays, spanning from June to September. However, if you’re considering traveling during this period, you can join the Summer Camp project instead. During other school holidays, volunteers can anticipate engaging in holiday-themed activities.
If your project coincides with the two-week transition period before or after the summer vacation, you should expect schooling to be run differently to normal, as schools either wind down or gear up for the new academic year. These periods are bustling in the school calendar, with minimal formal teaching taking place. You may also assist with after-school programs during this time.
Why do Teaching English volunteering in Miercurea Ciuc with IVHQ?
As a volunteer English teacher in Romania you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Inspiring students to learn English
- Providing language guidance and expertise
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining teaching experience
- Immersing yourself in Romanian culture
- Exploring Romania’s historic cities
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate in this program. If you are under the age of 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad page to learn more.
- All volunteers are required to speak fluent English, have adequate volunteer travel insurance and provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Romania photo gallery
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ After School Support project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ NGO Support project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Special Needs project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Special Needs project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ After School Support project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ volunteer orientation
IVHQ volunteer orientation
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
JB
Jessica Burchett
06 Nov 2024
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MC
Marina Cherici
30 Oct 2024
The first thing I gained from this experience is surely a concrete skill in the teaching field, which is the one I would like to work in in my future. Secondly, feeling part of a community and actively do something to support and help it really healed my heart. The affection and the gratitude demonstrated by the kids are priceless. My advice is to find the strength to get out of your comfort zone and just do it, because the result will be extremely rewarding.
...
SM
Shan Malik
14 Dec 2022
The experience and growth you gain is amazing. Although, you must be willing to break free from your everyday comfort zone and be able to tolerate very different living conditions. One of my greatest experiences was meeting the local teachers and volunteers who were amazing and intelligent.
...
RH
Rafael Heryapriadi
11 Dec 2022
The local team did a really great job in supporting me during the time I was volunteering. I felt a very strong connection with the kids I was teaching and it made me happy to see how enthusiastic the children were when we were present in the classroom! I also learnt many things about the local customs and culture. Overall, I had a positive experience on the program as not only did I get to see a new part of the world but I also got to see the smiles that I would put on people's faces!
...
NK
Noritaka Kobayakawa
06 Jun 2022
My experience in Miercurea Ciuc was very memorable. The local team was fantastic as they were very attentive and welcoming. The orientation week was very helpful as it informed me a lot about Transylvania history and the Hungarian language. The English camps were a lot of fun and the kids in Romania were great to work with.
...
MS
Mia Sim
12 May 2022
I loved my placement so much! This program has been absolutely exceptional with making sure that I got everything that I needed and that I had people to help support me.
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditRecommended online TEFL course
Recommended online TEFL course
We encourage volunteers on IVHQ’s Teaching and Childcare projects to come prepared by completing some relevant training, such as a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. Although formal teaching qualifications are not required on these projects as volunteers are supported by local staff, taking a TEFL course enables you to gain more from the experience. Visit our Online TEFL Course page to learn how to gain an internationally recognized TEFL certification at a discounted rate.
Get TEFL certified onlineLocation
Location
IVHQ’s Romanian projects are based in and around Miercurea Ciuc - a town in the Harghita county of Romania. It lies in the Székely Land, an Hungarian-speaking region in eastern Transylvania. It has an interesting history, pretty European architecture spanning centuries, an annual music festival, a Catholic pilgrimage, and winter temperatures that reach -30°C or −22 °F, which makes it the perfect place for cold season sports like ice hockey and speed skating.
Arrival and orientation
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).
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.
We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation.
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 travelling 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. There are two options for orientation in Romania, a One-Day Orientation and an Orientation Week.
One-Day 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 socialising.
Introduction Week: This takes place during the first week of your program. This introduction week has an extra cost of US$542 (approximately AU$874) and is very popular among IVHQ volunteers. It includes everything on the One-Day Orientation as well as Hungarian lessons, trips to a castle, a Franciscan monastery, local villages, salt mines, a giant statue of Jesus Christ, museums, mountains and mineral springs. You’ll have the weekend free to do as you please before your specific placement orientation the following Monday. We recommend all volunteers take advantage of this week as it’s a great way to help settle the culture shock you can face when arriving in Romania.
The Introduction Week begins on your selected start date and your volunteer work will start the following week. If you wish to participate in the One-week Introduction, you’ll need to tell your IVHQ Program Manager in advance. You need to book a place and pay for this week before your volunteer program starts.
Please keep in mind that this is only available in June, July and August.
Volunteer schedule example
Weekdays
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 schedule is as follows:
| 8:00 AM | Volunteers prepare their own breakfast at the accommodation. |
| 9:00 AM | Travel to placement to join local placement staff and begin work on your project. |
| 1:00 - 2:00 PM | Lunch. Volunteers either eat lunch at a local restaurant or, in some cases, at their placement. |
| 3:00 - 5:00 PM | Afternoon placements usually end. Volunteers are free to return to the volunteer accommodation, plan for the following day’s activities or use their free time as they wish. |
| 7:00 PM | Volunteers prepare their dinner at the volunteer accommodation and have the remainder of the evening free. |
Weekends
Volunteers have the weekends free and there is no shortage of things to do in Harghita or further afield in Romania. Volunteers can fill their free time with local markets, adventure activities or simply exploring parts of Harghita. Romania is a popular tourist destination, offering beautiful nature and scenery, with great trekking, climbing, biking, rafting and kayaking opportunities. Volunteers who wish to take a long weekend to travel can enjoy beautiful limestone mountains and explore Old World Europe.
Volunteers staying for longer durations, or who wish to travel before or after their program, can visit areas further afield in Romania and neighboring countries such as Hungary and Bulgaria. Volunteers can make travel arrangements once in Miercurea Ciuc, with the advice and guidance of our local staff.
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers are housed primarily in one of two adjacent volunteer apartments or in a cozy volunteer house, adding a sense of camaraderie and community to your stay. The smaller apartment comfortably hosts up to 8 volunteers of the same gender in one room, while the larger apartment, boasting three bedrooms, can accommodate up to 19 volunteers.
During the vibrant summer months, anticipate sharing your living space with 7 to 17 fellow volunteers in the female apartment and 4 to 8 in the male apartment. Throughout the rest of the year, the numbers usually range from 3-6 occupants per apartment.
The volunteer house is made up of four rooms, with each individual sharing a room with a same-gender roommate.
Conveniently situated within a 10 to 15-minute stroll from the local team’s office, your accommodation is set in a lively neighborhood filled with charming cafes and delicious restaurants. This prime location allows you to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy all the community has to offer. Bedding is thoughtfully provided, and towels are readily available upon request. For your convenience, a washing machine is at your disposal to keep your clothing and bedding fresh throughout your stay.
Stay connected with WiFi access available at both the volunteer apartments and house, as well as at numerous cafes and restaurants nearby. For seamless connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card with data for your unlocked mobile phone. Should you have any specific accommodation preferences, feel free to communicate them to your IVHQ Program Manager, and our dedicated local team will strive to accommodate your needs.
Join us in Romania and create unforgettable memories in a welcoming and supportive volunteer community!
Meals
As a volunteer, you’ll enjoy one delicious cooked meal each day, provided either at a local restaurant or at your placement. For breakfast, dinner, and weekend meals, you’ll have the fun and flexibility of preparing your own food using the supplies in the volunteer accommodation. Our accommodation manager regularly stocks up on fresh groceries, and you can even place specific food requests to suit your tastes.
When dining out, you can look forward to a hearty lunch, typically featuring two courses. Start with a traditional soup, followed by a second course that might include potato or rice dishes, chicken, pork, goulash, stews, or pasta. Freshly baked bread, often made with potatoes, accompanies all meals.
Vegetarians will find delicious options like cheese or mushroom dishes readily available at local restaurants
Volunteer accommodation
Typical volunteer meal selection
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bathroom
Typical volunteer kitchen
Typical volunteer kitchen
Typical volunteer kitchen
Accommodation entrance
Accommodation entrance
IVHQ Romania common area
IVHQ Romania dining area
IVHQ Romania dining drea
Garden at volunteer house
Typical volunteer arrival
Volunteer arrival airport
Typical volunteer transport
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately AU$482), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately AU$482) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $514 Equivalent to $73/day |
| 2 weeks | $877 Equivalent to $63/day |
| 3 weeks | $1,144 Equivalent to $54/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,411 Equivalent to $50/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,674 Equivalent to $48/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,937 Equivalent to $46/day |
| 8 weeks | $2,463 Equivalent to $44/day |
| 10 weeks | $2,989 Equivalent to $43/day |
| 12 weeks | $3,501 Equivalent to $42/day |
| 16 weeks | $4,525 Equivalent to $40/day |
| 20 weeks | $5,531 Equivalent to $40/day |
| 24 weeks | $6,531 Equivalent to $39/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately AU$482) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Romania generally find US$70 to be sufficient for weekly expenses including, transportation, water and miscellaneous spending.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Discounts on language lessons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Miercurea Ciuc
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Miercurea Ciuc program.
Airport Pick-up
Arriving outside the airport pick-up times? Book this add on now!
AU$245
Extra Night of Accommodation
Arriving early or departing a few days after your program finished? Book your extra nights of accommodation.
From AU$35
Hungarian and Romanian Language Lessons (One Hour Class)
Eager to enhance your Hungarian or Romanian language skills while volunteering in Romania? Now is the perfect, cost-effective opportunity to boost your proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing these languages with confidence!
From AU$27
Hungarian and Romanian language lessons
We recommend that volunteers take advantage of the very affordable Hungarian and Romanian lessons offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers by local language teachers. These language courses are organised during your program orientation and are tailored to each volunteer’s current level of Hungarian or Romanian. We believe that taking these lessons can help you immensely with your day to day volunteer work and communicating with local people.
- Three hour intensive private class = US$30 (recommended for short term volunteers)
- One hour private class = US$15
These language lessons can be booked directly through IVHQ once you have registered for the Romania program.
Check what's required to visit Romania
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Bucharest |
| Population | 20 Million |
| Languages | Romanian |
| Currency | Romanian Leu (RON) |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00 |
Weather and climate
Romania has a temperate-continental climate with distinct seasons, cold winters and hot summers. Daytime temperatures in winter range from 0°C to 5°C and in the summers months 25°C to 30°C. The IVHQ Romania program is based in Transylvania where the average temperatures are a little more extreme than the average.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
