Russia community projects

As a volunteer in Russia, you will have the unique opportunity to step inside a culture that was hidden behind "the iron curtain" for seventy years. Since the formation of the Russian Federation in 1991, Russia has seen a resurgence of efforts to recover its ancient national heritage through art, architecture and literature. Many of Russia’s best places are only now being truly discovered by the outside world.

We operate volunteer and intern programmes in Yaroslavl, located northeast of Moscow on Russia’s “Golden Ring” of historic towns. Your Individual placement will be arranged by our in-country staff who match your personal skills and interests to the needs of the local community. Volunteers and interns in Russia are involved with caring for infants and children, teaching children, assisting teachers, caring for the elderly, and caring for people with disabilities.

We also operate a Home-Base Structure, providing you with a safe, comfortable place to call home while in Russia.

We have found that the volunteer experience is most effective and rewarding when coupled with the opportunity to learn about local culture, customs and community development. In Russia, cultural and learning activities include an in-depth orientation, insightful discussions with staff and local experts on cultural norms, basic Russian language assistance, guest speakers and special events. Guest speakers may include a traditional Russian folklorist, a neurosurgeon who discusses the state of Russian health, or a director from one of the nearby orphanages who will speak about the history of Russia’s orphanages and its system for raising children in orphanages. Special events may include a tour of Yaroslavl’s many merchant churches, or a visit to the Kremlin on the banks of the Volga River.
On weekdays, volunteers usually get up and eat breakfast at the Home-Base together, before leaving for their Volunteer Placements. Our in-country staff will provide transportation to and from your Volunteer Placement. You will probably spend about four hours at your Volunteer Placement, before returning to the Home-Base to lunch with the other volunteers.

Afternoons will be filled with opportunities to learn about the local culture and customs, and community development. Your Perspectives Programming activities may include language lessons, field trips to places of local interest, discussions with experts on local issues, perhaps even dance lessons! Evening meal-times provide another exciting chance to enjoy authentic food provided by our staff cooks - and to share stories with new friends. The food is delicious and healthy and takes full advantage of local cooking traditions.

The evenings and weekends are free time, to relax at the Home-Base or explore the local area. Volunteers often travel to other parts of the country at weekends, and the staff, who are all from the local area themselves, are always happy to make recommendations.