Year-Round Volunteer Positions

Immerse yourself in a new culture, not simply as a tourist, but as a part of the community. We offer a unique and affordable opportunity to live and work in the fascinating country of Russia and to gain insight into the life and culture in a way no traveler could. Volunteer to help the community and come home with a reward that lasts longer than an ordinary paycheck!

YEAR-ROUND VOLUNTEER POSITIONSstephen_teaching_an_english_class_in_a_school_in_novosibirsk.jpg
- Teacher (English, French, German and other languages, computers and other subjects);
- Volunteer position in the field of your specialization

PROGRAMME DATES
All year round.
You can arrive and take the placement at any time convenient for you, and stay for as long as you wish.
A longer stay will certainly give you more opportunities to develop skills, experience the culture, learn the language, interact with people, enjoy a larger excursion, cultural and socializing program.

LOCATION
Volunteer placements are in the city of Novosibirsk, Siberia, Russia. Siberia has been opening up to the West and offers a range of still unexplored experiences and opportunities. As the cultural, scientific and educational center of Siberia and the third largest city of Russia (after Moscow and St.Petersburg), surrounded by picturesque wooded and field areas, Novosibirsk is an excellent place for immersion in the Russian language and culture, and provides many opportunities to experience the hospitality and cordiality Siberians are famed for.

ELIGIBILITY
Our Volunteer opportunities are designed to include people of diverse backgrounds so there are few requirements for participation. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. No maximum age restrictions, senior citizens are always welcome.

- TEACHERS of English, French, German and other languages and subjects;
- SPECIALISTS in other fields such as computing, business, journalism, environment, music, arts, drama, etc.;
- UNIVERSITY STUDENTS.

SKILLS
No previous experience is necessary. The most important qualifications are: energetic, enthusiastic, self-motivated, open-minded, flexible, enjoying work with people, willing to share.

LANGUAGE
Some knowledge of Russian is required for all volunteer placements except teaching-a-foreign-language positions.

RESPONSIBILITIESstephen_and_his_class_in_a_school_in_novosibirsk.jpg
Volunteer placement includes 25 working hours weekly. Volunteer may be given the challenging and rewarding role of helping students enhance their foreign language (English, German, French, etc.) conversational skills. Volunteers may plan and supervise activities for children, work with elderly or disabled people. Most placements engage volunteers in working with the local people in the field of their specialization, which will be both beneficial to the community and enjoyable to volunteers. Duties and responsibilities for each volunteer placement are outlined in the agreement.
Volunteering to work, you will still have plenty of time for checking out the sights, socializing and relaxing.

RUSSIAN COURSE
  Structured Russian language classes are incorporated into the volunteer placement. Our standard course for volunteers consists of 15 academic hours per week in a small size class (max. 5 students/group) or with a private language tutor. However, Russian classes can be structured according to your needs and requirements. Volunteers pay a Course fee which depends on the number of the Russian lessons on the course.
In addition to learning the Russian language in class, interacting and speaking with local people is the fastest and most effective means of learning a language, and knowledge of other cultures is priceless.

ACCOMMODATION
  For you to get immersion in the Russian language and culture 24 hours a day, we will accommodate you with a hospitable Russian family, who will provide you with a room and two meals a day (breakfast and dinner). Our host families are carefully selected by our staff in order to provide the student with comfortable and friendly accommodations. 
Hotel accommodation and apartment rent are also available upon request.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Volunteers must arrange and pay for their own airfare and ground transportation. We can assist in booking domestic flights in Russia and train tickets.

VISA
Volunteers will need a valid passport for travel to other countries. We provide volunteers with the Invitation letter which is a special form issued by the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation and allows to apply for a Russian visa at the Russian Consulate in the country of volunteer’s residence. Volunteers are responsible for obtaining visas and paying visa fees. Please contact the appropriate Russian embassy or consulate in your country for requirements.

PARTICIPATION FEE
Volunteers pay participation fee which includes:
  - Accommodation and meals (breakfast and dinner) with a Russian family.
- Transportation from/to the local airport in Novosibirsk.
- Visa support (Letter of Invitation and registration on arrival).
  - Volunteer placement fee (non-refundable).
  - Course fee for minimum fifteen 40-minute classes of the Russian language weekly.
  - Excursion program: per week - two excursions/ visits to museums/galleries, etc. (optional)

    For Volunteer’s Participation fees please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The key to experiencing these volunteer positions is keeping an open mind, staying flexible, being involved, and having fun! You will have an incredible experience that will open your mind and heart in ways many only dream about.