I learned about a healthcare system in Croatia and the culture of this beautiful country. I would strongly recommend joining this program!
Special Needs Support Volunteer Program in Croatia - Split
Purpose
Provide care & connection for those with disabilities
Start dates
Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
Duration
Choose from 2-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+
Accommodation
Dormitory-style hostel
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:
Caring, compassionate volunteers who want to support people with disabilities. As you will be working closely with the local placement staff, you don't need previous experience to participate on this project.
Project details
Inspired to be a Special Needs Support volunteer in Croatia? International Volunteer HQ’s Special Needs project gives volunteers the opportunity to assist in care centers for children, teenagers and adults with a wide range of physical and mental disabilities. Volunteers will gain experience caring for people with special needs and help them become more accepted and less stigmatized in their communities, improving their overall quality of life.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Access to appropriate and effective care dramatically improves the quality of life for individuals living with disabilities. As a volunteer in Croatia, you’ll provide invaluable support to carers, enabling disabled individuals to participate in a wide range of activities and receive more personalized care and attention.
As a Special Needs Support volunteer, your daily tasks will be diverse and fulfilling. Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Outdoor Adventures: Lead enjoyable activities like beach walks, bicycle tours, and animal farm projects, bringing joy and excitement to those you support.
- Creative Indoor Fun: Engage in arts, crafts, and cooking sessions, fostering creativity and skill development in a fun and supportive environment.
- Physical Therapy Assistance: Help with physical therapy exercises, contributing to the physical well-being and progress of individuals with disabilities.
- Companionship and Care: Provide companionship and care, building strong, supportive relationships and offering emotional support.
- Meal Preparation: Assist in preparing and serving nutritious meals, ensuring everyone receives the nourishment they need.
- Daily Living Support: Help with cleaning and personal care tasks, making daily life easier and more comfortable for those you support.
Your efforts as a volunteer will make a significant difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities, helping them lead more active, engaged, and fulfilling lives. Your support not only enhances their well-being but also enriches the entire community.
Why do Special Needs Support volunteering in Split with IVHQ?
While volunteering on the Special Needs project in Croatia you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving access to care for people with disabilities
- Helping students develop life skills in a safe place
- Learning or practicing the Croatian language
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining experience caring for people with special needs
- Immersing yourself fully in the Croatian culture
- Exploring Split’s lively historic center
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate on this program, unless volunteering with a parent or guardian. If you are under the age of 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad High School Volunteer Abroad page to learn more.
All volunteers must speak fluent English, have adequate volunteer travel insurance and provide a recent criminal background check.
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.
Croatia photo gallery
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
Exploring Split during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Split during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Split, Croatia during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Split during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Split during an IVHQ weekend
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
AC
Antoinette Clements
25 Nov 2024
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JP
Jess Pringle
12 Jun 2024
Just do it!! I have definitely learnt a lot of social skills during volunteering. Being open minded is major as you never know what to expect. It’s an incredible and rewarding experience that is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
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IS
Ian Stevens
03 May 2024
Don't hesitate to join this project. It is an experience for me that I found challenging and inspiring. Language is not an issue (I still can't speak much Croatian). If you are outgoing and self-confident and can patiently engage with really talented people you will love this experience.
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TT
Tata Tatalashvili
07 Mar 2024
From this experience, I gained valuable insights, personal growth, and a sense of fulfillment. My advice to those hesitant would be to embrace the opportunity; the rewards in personal development and contributing to a community far outweigh any initial uncertainties.
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SL
Sesili Lazaria
05 Mar 2024
Volunteering is one of the greatest experiences a person can experience. It will help you to become a better person. Everyone should try it at least once in their life. I’m very thankful for this opportunity.
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KK
Ken Kieffer
29 Jan 2021
The whole experience, and the beauty of Croatia was amazing. I cannot isolate one moment in two weeks of joy.
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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 creditLocation
Location
The IVHQ Croatia volunteer program is based in Split, a vibrant seaside spot on the Mediterranean coast and the second largest city in Croatia. This is a golden opportunity to volunteer in Europe in a place high up on every traveler’s bucket list. Split is a popular tourist hub because of its scenic ocean views, rich culture and authentic Croatian feel.
Volunteer placements are located in and around Split with the Marine Conservation project based in Omiš. While Split is a well developed city, it does have pockets of under-served communities, social and environmental issues and local initiatives that need volunteer help. By choosing to volunteer here, you’ll be supporting community-led projects that focus on providing opportunities to improve the livelihoods and wellbeing of the local community.
Arrival and orientation
The Croatia volunteer program begins on the first and third Monday of every month, and you need to arrive in Split on the Sunday before your chosen start date.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Split International Airport (SPU).Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee, however, if you arrive outside of Sunday between 9:00AM - 09:00PM, your pick-up will incur an extra cost of CA$108.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and taken to the volunteer accommodation, approximately 40 minutes away. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are traveling in Croatia prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up from a meeting point in Split on the Sunday before your program start date. You are also free to make your own way to the volunteer accommodation.
On Monday, orientation is hosted by our local team in Croatia and runs for a full day. Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Croatia – an introduction to Croatia, Croatian customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Croatia, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
Volunteer schedule example
Weekdays:
A volunteer day is subject to change depending on your specific project and placement. A typical daily schedule might be as follows:
| 8:00 - 10:00 AM | Breakfast is served at the restaurant next door to volunteer accommodation. |
| 9:00 AM | Volunteers with a morning shift travel to placement to join local placement staff and begin work on your project. |
| 12:00 - 2:30 PM | Lunch is served at the restaurant next door to volunteer accommodation. |
| 2:30 PM | Volunteers with an afternoon or evening shift travel to placement to join local placement staff and begin work on their project. |
| 7:30 - 9.00 PM | Dinner at the restaurant next door to volunteer accommodation. After dinner you will have the remainder of the evening free to relax and use as you wish. |
Weekends:
Volunteers have the weekends free and Split and Croatia are full of interesting things to do, see, visit, eat and learn.
Croatia has a wondrous history and culture, paired with beautiful coastline and nature. You can spend a weekend traveling across the country - visit the popular Klis fortress that is only a short drive from Split, or spend the day in nature surrounded by waterfalls in Krka National Park or Plitvice National Park. If you are looking for an adventurous activity, try rafting down the river in Dalmatian hinterlands, or sea-kayaking the beautiful see-through Adriatic Sea. There is so much to see and explore, and nothing is far away in Croatia!
Volunteers can make travel arrangements further afield once in Croatia, with the advice and guidance of our local staff.
Accommodation and WiFi
Experience the vibrant heart of Split from our cozy, dormitory-style hostel, perfectly situated just a 10-minute stroll from the city center. Conveniently located, the nearest bus station is only a 5-minute walk away, and you’ll find a delightful array of local amenities including coffee shops, a pizzeria, a supermarket, a pharmacy, an ATM, and more, all within a short walk.
The hostel is divided into three dormitories, typically arranged by gender, though during peak times, shared-gender dorms may be utilized. You’ll have the opportunity to meet and connect with fellow volunteers, sharing a room with up to seven others. Each volunteer is provided with a personal locker to keep their valuables safe, and you’ll enjoy free WiFi and air conditioning throughout your stay. The communal areas include a dining room, a lounge, and a well-equipped kitchen with fridges, microwaves, and basic utensils for your convenience.
Shared bathrooms are separated by gender and feature Western toilets and showers. Bedding and towels are provided for each volunteer, and while our local staff ensure the accommodation is cleaned throughout the week, we encourage volunteers to keep their spaces tidy to maintain a pleasant atmosphere.
For those seeking a bit more privacy, we offer private room upgrades upon request, and subject to availability. These rooms are located within a 20-minute walk of the hostel and are self-catered. Enjoy the added benefit of lunch and dinner at our partner restaurant, giving you a taste of the local cuisine, while breakfast can be enjoyed at your leisure.
Meals
Indulge in flavorful meals daily as part of your volunteer experience! Start your day with a self-serve breakfast at the volunteer accommodation, featuring a variety of options such as cereals, butter, marmalade, cream cheese, ham, milk, coffee, and bread.
For lunch and dinner, savor diverse and appetizing dishes at the local restaurant, offering a range of choices to suit every palate.
In Croatia, tap water is safe to drink. To support eco-friendly practices, we encourage you to bring a reusable drink bottle. However, bottled water is also available for your convenience at an estimated cost of just CA$7 per week.
Accommodation living room
Accommodation living room
Accommodation kitchen
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bathroom
Typical volunteer bedroom upgrade
Typical volunteer bedroom upgrade
Typical volunteer bedroom upgrade
Typical volunteer bedroom upgrade
Typical volunteer bathroom upgrade
Typical volunteer bathroom upgrade
Typical volunteer bathroom upgrade
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately CA$452), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately CA$452) 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.
|
|---|---|
| 2 weeks | $1,110 Equivalent to $79/day |
| 3 weeks | $1,520 Equivalent to $72/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,930 Equivalent to $69/day |
| 5 weeks | $2,340 Equivalent to $67/day |
| 6 weeks | $2,750 Equivalent to $65/day |
| 8 weeks | $3,570 Equivalent to $64/day |
| 10 weeks | $4,390 Equivalent to $63/day |
| 12 weeks | $5,210 Equivalent to $62/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately CA$452) 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 Croatia generally find US$80 to be sufficient for basic weekly expenses.
- Any changes or cancellations within 14 days of your start date are subject to a US$200 late change/cancellation fee.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized 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 Split
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 Split program.
Airport Drop-off
Enjoy a stress free ride, arranged by our local team, from the volunteer accommodation back to Split airport.
CA$108
Airport Drop-off from Omis
Enjoy a stress free ride, arranged by our local team, from the volunteer accommodation back to Split airport.
CA$154
Extra Night of Accommodation in Omiš (shared room with three meals)
Arriving early or departing a few days after your program has finished? Book your extra nights of accommodation.
From CA$108
Check what's required to visit Croatia
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 | Zagreb |
| Population | 4.7 million |
| Languages | Croatian |
| Currency | Croatian Kuna (HRK) |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00 |
Weather and climate
The Adriatic coast of Croatia, where our volunteer program is based, enjoys a Mediterranean climate of cool, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. Temperatures in Split range from 41°F to 50°F (5°C to 10°C) in winter and 79°F to 86°F (26°C to 30°C) in the summer, which runs from June to August.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
