Volunteer Vacations - Redeeming Transylvania, Romania
Romania is a charming country that embodies the European spirit of past, present, and future. Picturesque castles and quaint farming villages contrast with cosmopolitan cities and ski resorts as the country strives to develop its economy after the fall of communism and its recent admission to the European Union. The Transylvania region in central Romania is home to many treasures, among them the idyllic town of Brasov, where our program is located. This quaint town is only 160 kilometers from the capital of Bucharest and exemplifies the fairy-tale medieval architecture and cobblestone streets of a traditional Eastern European town.
Volunteer work will be centered in the city of Brasov and there will be ample time to explore the town center as well as the countryside if you so desire.
Globe Aware works closely with a local grassroots organization assisting children and adults with special needs such as Down syndrome, Asperger’s, and on the Autism spectrum. Unfortunately for these children, regardless of their condition, the Romanian state does not have a public oriented toward recovering and integrating the children into mainstream education, developing their potential, and preparing them for an inclusive labor market. Due to this approach, the majority reach adulthood as socially assisted individuals.
Work Project
In Romania, adults on the autism spectrum lack sufficient public services tailored to their specific needs, leaving them reliant on the support provided by their families and non-governmental organizations. The absence of essential services and the uncertain future of their child after the parent's demise pose the greatest burden on parents of individuals with autism.
Through the support of Globe Aware, a building underwent rehabilitation in 2017 to bring about a positive transformation. Over the years, our dedicated volunteers have contributed to various projects, including waterproofing, installing new windows and doors, constructing a new fence, and installing new gates.
Currently, our volunteers are actively involved in renovating interior fixtures & facilities, and beautification. Globe Aware eagerly anticipates the ongoing participation of our volunteers in this groundbreaking project, which is the first of its kind in Romania. The main objective of the Center for Autistic Young Persons is to provide exceptional social services tailored specifically for adults with autism, Down syndrome, and related disorders. The building will primarily function as a residential facility, offering individual homes to accommodate young individuals and adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These living spaces will not only provide a comfortable environment but also ensure the continuation of crucial therapies for the residents. Additionally, the center will offer employment services through workshops, facilitating community-based job opportunities that align with the individual skills and level of independence of our beneficiaries.
By actively participating in volunteer services, you have a precious opportunity to personally engage and positively impact the lives of these exceptional children and adults. Each instance of volunteer work has the potential to create a meaningful and noteworthy change for them.
Food and Lodging
Volunteers will be housed in one of several centrally located furnished apartments, with hot running water, flushing toilets, kitchen/kitchenette, towels provided. Your kitchen will be stocked with basic foods for a self made breakfast. Below are photos from one of our regular lodging options, which are very representative of all the lodging.
Unlike most of our programs, dinners will be taken independently, given the many enticing, delicious, and affordable restaurants within walking distance of your accommodations. Your coordinator can also give you recommendations, though we know you will not have difficulty spotting them.
Typical Romanian food includes mamaliga, a cornmeal dish that may be boiled, fried, or baked; different varieties of soups, and many meat and vegetable dishes. Wine is also a staple beverage and regional varieties are plentiful. There are many cafes and stores in Brasov where you may purchase additional snacks, coffee, etc.
Leisure and Activities
Free time may be used to explore Brasov's historic town center. Sights include two watchtowers, which protected the walled medieval center, the History Museum right in the heart of the Townhall Square, the Romanian Art Museum, and the famous Black Church. A cable car carries visitors to a stunning view of the Brasov center from atop a small plateau. There are a number of medieval fortresses and churches in the surrounding area. The most famous of these is Bran Castle (more commonly known as Dracula's castle), only 30 kilometers south of Brasov, as well as Rasnov, a quaint citadel.
Arranging Your Airfare
Volunteers should be at the meetup point in Brasov at 4:30 pm on the Sunday the program begins. While you are responsible for getting yourself to the city of Brasov, we are happy to help arrange private transportation if desired. From the airport in Bucharest, it is around a 2.5 to 3-hour drive to Brasov and will cost USD 155 each way (a car with a maximum of 3 passengers in). You are also responsible for arranging transportation back to Bucharest at the end of your program.
There are plenty of other transportation options to consider as well, though volunteers will be responsible for arranging this independently. A shared taxi (needs reservation before !) from the airport to the hotel in Brasov/or back will cost around $30 USD (one way). There is also the option of taking the train, which takes around 3 hours and costs anywhere from $9 - $50 USD depending on the schedule and cabin class. Volunteers are free to depart after breakfast on the last day of the program. Ask us for more details on these options.
As there is so much to see and do in Transylvania, we encourage you to take some time and explore the region. Call our office for recommendations for onward travel.
Starting in spring 2025, the European Union will launch the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), requiring U.S. travelers, including Globe Aware volunteers heading to Romania, to obtain authorization before entering.
Safety and Security
Romania is politically stable and suffers from petty street crime similar to other major cities. Using common sense and not carrying large sums of money, passports, and bank cards in an easily accessible area should help deter thieves.
