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A middle
term project usually lasts from 3 to 6 months, and a long term project –
a year or longer. It’s a non-formal international learning experience
developing volunteer’s sensitivity towards social and cultural
differences, self-confidence and problem solving ability.
Middle and long-term volunteering is individual rather than in groups.
Often there are 2-3 volunteers working on a certain project. Note that
it is not a workcamp environment and if there is a group, it will be
smaller and the work and the everyday life is not group-oriented.
 Usually a short training or orientation session is given to the
volunteers in the very beging of the project, to help them get
acquainted with the project aims, the host organization, the local
customs and culture. This may include also a basic training in the local
language.
Middle and long term volunteers are immersed in the local culture to a
much greater extent allowing them to integrate better with the local
community and actually become part of it. Over time volunteers can learn
the local language, make friends and better understand the needs and
problems of the locals. This enables them to take more active role in
the running of the project by implementing their own ideas for
accomplishment of better outcomes.
 Cost
 Participants make
their own arrangements for the travel to the project and cover the
transportation by themselves. They are always provided with sufficient
information about the local means of transport, location and directions
to the projects site, meeting point, etc. Few projects provide partial
travel support to the participants.
The participation
fee for each middle and long term volunteer project is listed in the
project description. Some host organizations charge extra fee which is intended to
support the actual organizing of the project. The extra fee is also
specified in the project presentation.
Food and
accommodation are provided for the volunteer for the whole length of the
project.
 What makes a successful volunteer?
Once you’ve made a commitment, you will probably want it to be a
beneficial and rewarding experience. Your chances of completing
successfully your volunteer assignment will be better if you:
- are organized, responsible and well-prepared
- are emotionally stable and have a good sense of humor
- are open-minded, adaptable and ready to adjust to a different culture
- are self-reliant and capable of improvisation when needed
- are patient, flexible and able to work in an international team
- are willing to learn about other cultures and lifestyles
- committed to sharing your knowledge and skills
 
View the available openings for
middle-term volunteering in
Turkey
long-term volunteering in
Italy
middle-term volunteering in
Korea
long-term volunteering in
Mexico
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