General Info
Short term projects in Europe, Eastern Europe, Russia, North America, Japan and Korea
This is our largest programme, containing hundreds of different volunteering opportunities every year. Projects available in these areas of the world run mostly during the summer from June to September. A few projects are also available in winter and spring.
Here are some examples of projects that might be available:
* Paint an orphanage in the Ukraine
* Build footbridges in Canada
* Supervise a theatre camp in Finland
* Renovate a historic railway in Slovakia
* Participate in human rights workshops in Serbia
* Work in an ecological village in Korea
* Volunteer with refugees in Belgium
* Set up a music festival in Germany
* Restore a castle in France
* Assist with holidays for people with special needs in the USA
* Volunteer at a nature reserve in Italy
* Carry out archaeological work in Greece
* Rebuild a children’s playground in Croatia
* Help with arts activities in Turkey
* Promote organic farming in Japan
* Volunteering and group co-ordinator opportunities in the UK
What is Concordia?
Concordia's aim is to encourage international youth exchange as a means of promoting personal development, greater cultural awareness and international understanding.
What are International Volunteer Projects?
International Volunteer Projects bring together individuals from around the world to participate in two to four week projects. Volunteers work as part of an international team to support community-based initiatives that would not be possible without their help.
What types of project are there?
Over 1500 projects take place every year so there is a wide range of options to choose from. Generally projects fall into the following categories: environmental; construction; renovation; archaeology; agriculture; working with children or youth; social work; working with people with special needs; arts or culture; festival work; and teaching.
Why do an international volunteer project?
To experience different cultures, ideas and beliefs and also share your own...to work alongside local people in local communities, thus gaining a real insight into their country, cultures and traditions...to learn new skills and broaden your horizons...to meet new people and explore new places...to be part of a global movement working towards equality and peace between all people...to make a difference even when you only have a short amount of time to spare.
The main short term programme for the summer is available on our website every year at the end on March. Opportunities are available in winter and spring as well. PLEASE NOTE THAT IN ORDER TO APPLY VOLUNTEERS MUST BE RESIDENT IN THE UK. Volunteers who are not UK citizens but live in the UK at the time of the application are welcome to apply.
Placements in:
Australia / Austria / Bahamas / Bangladesh / Belgium / Bosnia / Bulgaria / Canada / China / Croatia / Czech Republic / Denmark / Ecuador / Finland / France / Germany / Greece / Hungary / Iceland / India / Indonesia / Italy / Japan/ Korea / Lithuania / Malaysia / Mongolia / Nepal / Netherlands / Poland / Romania / Russia / Serbia / Spain / Switzerland / Tanzania / Thailand / Turkey / Ukraine / United Kingdom / United States / Vietnam / Worldwide
"I had a fantastic experience with Concordia. It really helped me improve my French, meet some wonderful people and gain some work experience in an area (art) which I’m really interested. I’m really gald I chose this option for my university vocation residence. Highly recommended" (Hannah Gibson, art project in France, 2007)
"Working on the project was a unique experience – I hope to do many more. Everyone should be a volunteer!" (Ruth Simister, Festival project in Italy, 2007).
"It was a tiring but very enjoyable two weeks, and I made some good friends from both the volunteers and the locals. Then was always something to keep us busy and it was a very enjoyable and fulfilling experience" (Richard Bennet, environmental project in Germany, 2007)
"I went to Nea Makri on the Greek coastline to clean beaches, watch for forest fires and meet new people. I did all this and more. I discovered Greece and Greek people in a non-tourist way. I met people from across the globe and found that despite language difficulties it is possible to put people from different cultures together and they will make friends and enjoy themselves. The experience taught me that age and nationality are of little importance and that you do not have to spend money to have fun or see something beautiful. I made friends for life. Voluntary is about the people". (Hannah Phillips, Nea Makri, Greece, 2006)
"I worked with teenagers aged 14-17, they were mostly Russian speaking Estonians, but there were also teens from other countries. It was an excellent experience, I learnt a lot, particularly about the experience of the teens as Russians living in Estonia. It was also very interesting to meet and work with the volunteers from all over Europe (I was the only English volunteer). We got on well and I hope to keep in touch long term with some of them". (Caroline Hickerton, Down Town English Teching project, Estonia, 2007)
