Volunteering in a foreign country enables you to experience life as a local. You get to experience a new city by living amongst, mingling with, and contributing to the locals. I have travelled a lot but this was, in my opinion, the best way to get a taste of day to day life in a new country. The volunteer coordinator was absolutely amazing. She oriented us to the culture, things to do, and always made sure we knew she was available in case we had any questions or concerns. The organization we worked was absolutely wonderful. Their work and contribution to the community was truly inspiring. I am glad I got to know and learn from the team!
Climate Change Volunteering in Italy - Rome
Purpose
Help tackle climate change
Start dates
Programs start every second and fourth 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 camping lodge
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:
Hands-on volunteers who want to take climate action and care about conserving the environment. As your tasks will vary based on the season, you should be open to helping out in any kind of activity that is prioritized while you’re there.
Project details
Want to help tackle climate change by volunteering in Italy - Rome? International Volunteer HQ’s Climate Action project enables volunteers to support local non-profits in fighting climate change and promoting environmental conservation. IVHQ volunteers work alongside local volunteers in disadvantaged suburbs of Rome to mitigate the effects of climate change through tree planting, and raise public awareness. This volunteer project also helps to foster community connection as a way to respond to social isolation, poverty and exclusion.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
The Climate Action volunteer project gives volunteers a taste of the wonderful city of Rome, while helping tackle the effects of climate change, spreading awareness of what is happening to the planet, and bringing the local community together.
As a climate change volunteer in Italy, you can expect to get involved in a diverse range of activities. These range according to the season and current needs of the non-profit, but you can expect to take part in a range of the following:
- Tree planting
- Engaging with beneficiaries and their network on NGOs, to involve the community in tree planting
- Supporting NGOs with general maintenance operations
- Weeding, mulching, collecting trash, replacing damaged cardboard that helps with the irrigation of trees
It is common for volunteers on this project to work independently up to three or four times a week. You should expect to engage in physically demanding activities, such as carrying heavy buckets of water.
As your tasks will vary based on the season, you should be open to helping out in whatever kind of activity is prioritized while you’re there. This project has a minimum duration requirement of two weeks.
Why do Climate Action volunteering in Rome with IVHQ?
When you volunteer on the Climate Action project in Rome you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Helping tackle climate change and spread awareness
- Fostering inclusion and connection within the local community
- Practicing your Italian
- Developing your communication skills
- Learning new practical skills
- Gaining tree planting and conservation experience
- Immersing yourself in Italian culture
- Exploring the beauty of Italy’s charming capital city
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 have adequate volunteer travel insurance
- All volunteers must speak fluent English.
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.
Italy photo gallery
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Climate Action project
IVHQ Sustainable Farming project
IVHQ Creative Technologies project
IVHQ Youth Support project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Climate Action project
IVHQ Sustainable Farming project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Sustainable Farming project
IVHQ Climate Action project
IVHQ Sustainable Farming project
IVHQ Sustainable Farming project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Youth Support project
IVHQ Sustainable Farming project
IVHQ Climate Action project
IVHQ Sustainable Farming project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Sustainable Farming project
IVHQ Climate Action project
IVHQ Creative Technologies project
IVHQ Youth Support project
IVHQ Sustainable Farming project
IVHQ Climate Action project
IVHQ Climate Action project
IVHQ Creative Technologies project
IVHQ Creative Technologies project
IVHQ Sustainable Farming project
IVHQ Creative Technologies project
IVHQ Sustainable Farming project
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
KP
Kruti Parekh
22 Oct 2024
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AW
Avah Woodland
21 Aug 2024
This program was an amazing way to not only see Italy but also make new friends and gain a wonderful experience!
...
AC
Alecia Creasap-Simpson
21 Aug 2024
Very organized process, I appreciate the professionalism of all points of contact from IVHQ. The local team were great and sincerely wanted to make the experience positive and meaningful. Fantastic accommodations. The cabins were clean and the air conditioning was amazing since the temperatures in July in Rome were in the high 90's each day. I gained a greater appreciation for the amazing people that choose to travel the world to make a difference. The high school and college students were fantastic to learn from!
...
JV
Jessica Vega
21 Aug 2024
Working on my project was absolutely incredible, the supervisors on the farm project were absolutely amazing. I feel that every moment working on that farm was meaningful, and an impact was made to support their mission. The accommodation was absolutely amazing. One of the best ones I’ve stayed at volunteering abroad.
...
AG
Amanda Gebre
12 Sep 2022
I have many favorite moments from my volunteering experience! As we were tackling different areas throughout the course of the two weeks, the local team decided to also give us a rundown of each areas history and show us there’s more than what meets the eye, they were wonderful and interactive! My other favorite moments were interacting with the local team at dinner to fully immerse in what Rome is all about and compare it to my culture and country. My volunteering trip pushed me to be more independent. Whether it was going within the city and exploring it myself or reaching my placement and learning to effectively accomplish my tasks. This is progression I have grown into and can take home with me. Not only did I feel like I grew as a person from this project but also developed a different perspective which makes me want to pursue more on my own means or with this program again.
For someone who is hesitant about volunteering, I would say to them that volunteering abroad will be an experience of a lifetime and all of the fears or doubts that are going through one’s brain will disappear when you start. You will come back from the trip feeling a new level of confidence and self-sufficiency for what you are capable of and a new appreciation for what volunteering really means across different parts of the world. Also, you’ll miss it once you come back!
...
MG
María Teresa Gullotti Vázquez
19 Aug 2022
Do it! It is an experience that would change your life. I got to share interests and wonderful moments with my co-volunteers and the friendship we have now, that I hope to keep for many years.
...
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
Rome is and has been many things - the capital of Italy, the Eternal City and the center of the ancient Roman empire. It is both brimming with reminders of bygone eras and teeming with dynamic, modern industry and entertainment. It’s also the setting of IVHQ’s Italy - Rome program, and volunteer placements are located throughout the wider city area.
Like any major city, there is a socio-economic divide in Rome and the people who fall on the disadvantaged side of this face a host of challenges. Volunteers can help make a difference to their lives by providing essential support to local initiatives designed to address these issues and others that affect the community.
Volunteers on this project should expect commutes of up to two hours one way from the accommodation to their placement, via public transportation. These long commute times are a result of Rome’s transportation system that almost always have long delays, ongoing repairs, and unpredictable schedules. Those who wish to join the Sustainable Farming project will usually have a longer commute than those on projects such as Youth Support and Teaching English, as this project is in the countryside on the outskirts of the city.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation in Rome begins on the second and fourth Monday of each month and lasts for a full day. Volunteers need to arrive in Rome on the Sunday before orientation.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO). You can also arrive into Ciampino–G. B. Pastine International Airport (CIA) but should expect you may need to wait to be picked up. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and taken to the volunteer accommodation in Rome. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are traveling in Italy prior to your volunteer program and arriving overland, we can arrange for you to be picked up from a central meeting point in Rome on the Sunday before orientation.
Orientation is hosted by our Italy team in Rome. It begins the morning of your chosen start date and lasts for a full day. The orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Rome – an introduction to Italy, culture and customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities, and a tour of the local area. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers with whom you can swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
Your specific placement orientation will be held the following day and you will be shown how to travel to and from your placement, receive an introduction to your placement, and then complete a few hours of volunteering.
Volunteer schedule example
Weekdays
After your program orientation, you will have a morning or afternoon volunteer shift at your placement and will work for approximately 3 to 5 hours per day. Your schedule will vary depending on the needs of your particular project. A typical schedule is as follows:
| 7.30 AM | Breakfast begins at the volunteer accommodation and is available until 10.30 AM. |
| 8.00 AM | Travel to your volunteer placement to join local placement staff and begin work on your project. Please note that some placements run in the afternoon and volunteers on these placements will have the morning free to use as they wish. |
| 12.00 - 1:00 PM | Lunch break. Buy your own lunch from Rome’s many excellent cafes and eateries. After lunch, volunteers will continue volunteer work (where applicable). |
| 1.00 PM | Volunteers with afternoon or evening shifts travel to placement to join local placement staff and begin work on their project. |
| 6.30 - 10:30 PM | Dinner at the volunteer accommodation. After dinner, you will have the remainder of the evening free to relax and use as you wish. |
Weekends
On weekends, you can spend your free time discovering why Rome is one of the most popular and revered tourist destinations in the world. For a start, you can visit monuments to ancient history like the Colosseum, check out Vatican City, see Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, explore the Pantheon and throw coins into the Trevi Fountain.
Once you’ve ticked off those iconic experiences you can relax and find out which of the rest of Rome’s numerous attractions you’ll see next. It might be any one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, the perfect authentic carbonara or a steaming cup of espresso, touring ancient churches, checking out the nightlife of buzzy Trastevere or stumbling upon the latest in fashion on one of Rome’s best shopping streets, Via del Corso.
If you’re ready for a change of scene, you can take a quick weekend train trip to see the ancient ruins of Pompeii, or Naples - the home of pizza. Nature lovers should also factor in a visit to the beautiful Amalfi Coast to complete the precipitous and spectacular Walk of the Gods. Volunteers staying for longer durations, or who wish to travel before or after their program, can visit areas further afield in Italy, including Venice, Cinque Terre, Florence, Milan, Pisa and much more. You can make travel arrangements once you arrive in Rome with the advice and guidance of our expert local team.
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers are accommodated in a central camping lodge in Rome. You can expect to share a room with one to two other volunteers of the same gender. Bedding and towels are provided, and there are shared western bathrooms. Staff will clean the accommodation throughout the week, however volunteers are required to keep their rooms tidy.
The lodge has a large pool as well as other social and game facilities for volunteers to enjoy in their free time.
WiFi is available at the camping lodge. It may not be available in your room; however, it is available in all of the common areas. WiFi is also available in many cafes and restaurants in the area.
Private single, twin or double rooms in the camping lodge, with the use of the communal bathrooms, can be arranged at an additional cost.
Meals
Volunteers are provided with breakfast and dinner each day as part of the program.
Breakfast is self-serve at the accommodation and available from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Breakfast generally includes tea, coffee, bread, croissants, sweets, cheese, ham, spreads, cereal, yogurt, and fruit.
Dinner is served between 6:30 PM and 10:30 PM and includes local staples such as pasta, vegetables, and salad.
Lunch is not provided and we recommend you budget about CA$14 per day to buy it from the excellent local shops, cafes and restaurants nearby. These are easily accessible both close to placements and the accommodation.
Tap water is fine to drink in Rome and the accommodation has a fountain of drinkable water where you can refill your reusable bottle. However, bottled water is also readily available if you prefer and you should budget approximately US$10 (approximately CA$14) per week for this.
Accommodation outdoor social area
Typical volunteer dining area
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Volunteer accommodation
Volunteer accommodation
Volunteer accommodation
Volunteer outdoor swimming pool
Volunteer dining room
Volunteer dining room
Volunteer dining room
Volunteer dining room
Accommodation outdoor social area
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately CA$441), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately CA$441) 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 | $1,645 Equivalent to $118/day |
| 3 weeks | $2,315 Equivalent to $110/day |
| 4 weeks | $2,985 Equivalent to $107/day |
| 5 weeks | $3,655 Equivalent to $104/day |
| 6 weeks | $4,325 Equivalent to $103/day |
| 8 weeks | $5,665 Equivalent to $101/day |
| 10 weeks | $7,005 Equivalent to $100/day |
| 12 weeks | $8,345 Equivalent to $99/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately CA$441) 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 Rome generally find US$200 to be sufficient for weekly expenses, including lunches, transport and miscellaneous spending.
- Any changes or cancellations within 14 days of your start date are subject to a US$200 late change/cancellation fee.
- Breakfast 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
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Lunch
- 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 Rome
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 Rome program.
Airport Drop-off
Enjoy a stress-free ride from your accommodation to the airport, organized by the local team.
CA$98
Airport Pick-up
Arriving outside the airport pick-up times? Book this add on now!
CA$98
Extra Night of Accommodation From May - September
Arriving early or departing a few days after your program has finished? Book your extra nights of accommodation.
From CA$178
Check what's required to visit Italy
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 | Rome |
| Population | 61.7 Million |
| Languages | Italian |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 |
Weather and climate
Italy’s climate is quite diverse due to its long peninsula and mountainous terrain. The coastal areas of Liguria, Tuscany and most of the South are predominantly Mediterranean with dry summers and moderately wet winters. In the northern parts of Italy and areas of higher altitudes, the climate is cooler and the winter months can be cold, wet, and often snowy. Weather in Rome, where the IVHQ volunteer program is based, is pleasant throughout the year. Winter temperatures in Rome (December to February) vary from 4°C/39°F to 14°C/57°F while spring (March to May) is slightly warmer at around 15°C/59°F. Summer (June to September) in Rome can become very hot and humid with average temperatures ranging between 18°C/64°F and 31°C/89°F. Rainfall is heaviest in November and driest in July.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
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