from 750€

Very Good 4.3rating (37)

Health and Environment Supporter

location
2 - 14 weeks  Â·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Very Good 4.3  Â· 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Complete your reservation as soon as possible. This project fills up quickly and is already booked on certain dates.


Highlights

  • Indulge in the ultimate relaxation as you take a dip in the rejuvenating natural thermal river of HveragerĂ°i, a blissful experience for your senses
  • Gain fascinating insights into Iceland's innovative agricultural practices, witnessing the cultivation of food through the use of greenhouses and sustainable thermal energy
  • Embark on an awe-inspiring journey along the Icelandic south coast, where you'll encounter majestic waterfalls, the distinctive black beach, and the breathtaking SĂłlheimajökull Glacier
  • Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of nature as you venture on exhilarating hiking adventures, surrounded by Iceland's stunning landscapes
  • Expand your horizons by connecting with volunteers from across the globe, embracing the opportunity to learn about diverse cultures and traditions, enriching your experience even further

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

Cultivate your skills in our geothermal Greenhouse in southern Iceland. Prepare organic medicines and learn about organic agriculture. 🌱

Project location
HveragerĂ°i is a small town of about 1,700 inhabitants that lies 45 km east of ReykjavĂ­k. This friendly little community sits on top of a highly active geothermal field.

This provides heat for hundreds of greenhouses where fruit, flowers, and vegetables are produced throughout the ...

About the program

Project location
Hveragerði is a small town of about 1,700 inhabitants that lies 45 km east of Reykjavík. This friendly little community sits on top of a highly active geothermal field.

This provides heat for hundreds of greenhouses where fruit, flowers, and vegetables are produced throughout the year. Even bananas grow in these greenhouses! The name Hveragerði means“hot springs garden”. Geothermal energy is Hveragerði’s lifeline and chances are you won’t find such a natural wonder in the middle of a populated area anywhere else in the world. Nearby you will find an even more geothermally active site: Gufudalur, the lovely “Steam Valley” behind the town. This whole valley is full of hot springs, geysers, mud pots, fumaroles, and steam vents. 

Our host is a non-profit organization called the NLFI Rehabilitation and Health Clinic, which is a part of the Natural Health Association of Iceland. Every year approximately 2,000 patients and other guests enjoy their diverse rehabilitation programs, which are focused on an approach that builds self-confidence and personal responsibility for the patient's own health. Since its foundation in 1955, the clinic has earned a solid reputation, both in Iceland and internationally, for the personal and effective care of patients. It is one of the two most important rehabilitation clinics in Iceland. In the last few years, this ongoing camp has been the most popular camp in our organization.

Work

The Natural Health Association has a horticultural and environmental department, including forestry, gardening, and greenhouses, which is where Worldwide Friends volunteers work most of the time. Volunteers will be working in the greenhouses planting and harvesting vegetables, doing weed control and sometimes you will also be gardening. The agriculture that is practiced in the center is organic/bio.

The main activities, but not limited to are; Agriculture: cultivating soil; planting; raising, and harvesting crops. Horticulture: growing fruits, vegetables, and plants. Working involves working with herbs. Renovation around the property. During winter the work might include snowplowing.

If you have any specific allergies please check before booking.

The nature of the work depends largely on weather conditions, which can change quickly. Volunteers should bring clothes appropriate for outdoor work, but also clothes for working inside the warm greenhouses. Working hours are usually from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and volunteers will have a coffee break in the morning and a one-hour lunch break.

Participants

We host international volunteers, most of them around 18 to 25 years old.

Camp leaders

There are always one or more leaders for each camp, depending on the size of the group. Leaders represent the link between the hosting community and the group of volunteers. They coordinate the work, organize leisurely activities, plan excursions, organize the shopping, house chores, and cooking sessions. Apart from these additional responsibilities, they are equal to other volunteers. Most of our camp leaders are from other countries, as we are very open-minded in hosting international leaders from other organizations

 

We strongly recommend arriving in Iceland at least one day before the first day of your workcamp and depart no earlier than one day after the last day of your workcamp.

What to pack?

  • Hiking boots 

  • Work gloves

  • Water bottle

  • Work clothes (for outside & inside the Greenhouse)

  • Warm sleeping bag (we only provide bed sheets)

  • Towel

  • Swimsuit (to take advantage of the traditional swimming pools and hot springs)

  • Warm and waterproof clothes/shoes (you will spend time outside)

  • Slippers/shoes for indoors, we don’t bring shoes inside the houses!

  • Raincoat

  • Pillow

  • Medication

  • Food, photos, or anything interesting related to your country for Intercultural Nights

  • Cash (ISK or Euros) for camp fees and excursions as we do not accept credit card payments on the spot.

  • Baggage allowance: 1 large suitcase & small carry-on 



Typical day

  • 7:30 Breakfast
  • 8:00 - 10:30 Working in the greenhouse
  • 10:30 - 11:00 Break
  • 11:00 - 12:00 Working in the greenhouse
  • 12: 00 Lunch
  • 13:00 - 15:00 Working in the greenhouse
  • 15:00 Free time
  • 18:00 Workshop
  • 19:00 Dinner
  • 20:00 Planned activity (Ex. Movie night, Game night, Aurora hunting)

Typical day

  • 7:30 Breakfast
  • 8:00 - 10:30 Working in the greenhouse
  • 10:30 - 11:00 Break
  • 11:00 - 12:00 Working in the greenhouse
  • 12: 00 Lunch
  • 13:00 - 15:00 Working in the greenhouse
  • 15:00 Free time
  • 18:00 Workshop
  • 19:00 Dinner
  • 20:00 Planned activity (Ex. Movie night, Game night, Aurora hunting)

Free-time activities

Excursions

WF Iceland will organize reasonably-priced weekend or one-day excursions to some of the most popular, beautiful areas and natural wonders that Iceland has to offer. Excursions include unique Icelandic sights, such as waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal areas, glaciers, lava forests, hot ...

Free-time activities

Excursions

WF Iceland will organize reasonably-priced weekend or one-day excursions to some of the most popular, beautiful areas and natural wonders that Iceland has to offer. Excursions include unique Icelandic sights, such as waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal areas, glaciers, lava forests, hot springs, rhyolite mountain ranges, steam vents, or even icebergs; 

  • Golden Circle (Included in the camp fee)
  • South Coast (80 EUR)
The area around the house is also great for hiking, Hveragerði is known for having great areas for hiking, including the hot river in Reykjadalur. Plan ahead, share your travel plans, stay on the trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, and do not approach or feed wildlife. You should not go for high or steep mountains without a professional guide. 


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (intermediate level)

Required Documents

CV and ID

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

Volunteers must be in good health and capable of doing physical work.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 15:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Worldwide Friends

The fee includes: 
  • Trip from the meeting point to the accommodation 
  • The Golden Circle Excursion
  • Accommodation
  • All the meals
  • Meaningful volunteering 
  • Return trip from the accommodation to the meeting point on the last day

WF Cancellation fees & charges

As we start to incur costs from the time the contract is confirmed we will apply cancellation charges as shown below from the time when written notification of the cancellation is received:

  • With a notice of more than 30th days, the cancellation will be free of charge.
  • With a notice between 30th – 14th days, 50% of the total fee will be charged.
  • With a notice of less than 14th days, 100% of the total fee will be charged.
  • Any expenses that may occur due to early departure will be covered by the participant and not WF, no refund shall be given.


Code of Conduct

In order to have adequate conduct during the program, the following points are established that must be complied with without exception.

  • WF is committed to ensuring an environment that is free of discrimination and to fostering a climate in which all participants can have an exceptional experience.
  • Clothing. Appropriate footwear and suitable outdoor clothing must be worn. We reserve the right to refuse participation to participants who are dressed inappropriately or with inappropriate footwear since this will put the participant’s well-being and safety at risk.
  • Non-prescription Drugs. We reserve the right to terminate the program to participants we believe are under the influence of drugs, in such circumstances, no refund shall be given.
  • WF reserves the right to refuse participation and to cancel the stay to any participant whose conduct or manner is likely to cause offense, upset, or put other participants in danger. Any expenses that may occur due to early departure will be covered by the participant and not WF.

Accommodation

Worldwide Friends volunteers will be staying in a fully equipped bungalow consisting of several double bedrooms and a living room. Fully equipped kitchen, several bathrooms, and toilets. 

Volunteers must bring their own sleeping bag and pillow, but beds and sheets are provided. 


Wireless internet access is provided free of charge.

Food & Beverages

Food is included for the duration of the work camp; however, everyone is expected to do their fair share of the cooking and cleaning. 

  • We provide a well-balanced and healthy variety of food products that includes a wide variety of whole grains, seasonal fruits & vegetables, pantry staples, dairy products, and vegetarian/vegan options. We try to reduce our carbon footprint on the planet by cutting down our meat intake and we usually encourage volunteers to try more sustainable dishes. 
  • *Breakfast is in individual activity 
  • *Lunch at Hveragerdi  is served at the cafeteria (35 min, plus 25 min free time)

  • *Dinner is prepared by the group


Since it is always nice to try new and different dishes, volunteers are encouraged to bring along their favorite recipes or ingredients from home!



Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Airport Pickup at Keflavik International Airport

An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Keflavik International Airport (KEF) in Reykjavik. We assist you to find cheap flights to Iceland. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Iceland provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Iceland you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Iceland. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

About the first and last day of the program: (The first day of the camp is Arrival Day and the last day of the camp is Departure Day):

Arrival 

Participants will be picked up at the City Hall of Reykjavik in Tjarnargata 11 101 Reykjavik at 09.00 am at the first day of the camp. 

Departure

Drop off will be on the evening of the last day of the program at BSI Bus Station. You will arrive no sooner than 18:00. The time may vary due to adverse weather conditions and other related conditions. 

Note: the night of the last day of the camp is NOT included. Keep in mind that you need to arrange for your stay in Iceland before and after the work camp. We strongly recommend arriving in Iceland at least one day before the first day of the camp and departing no earlier than one day after the last day of the program.


2024 Start Dates
From Monday to Monday, every 2 weeks; 
  • 08.01
  • 22.01
  • 05.02
  • 19.02
  • 04.03
  • 18.03
  • 01.04
  • 15.04
  • 29.04
  • 13.05
  • 27.05
  • 10.06
  • 24.06
  • 08.07
  • 22.07
  • 05.08
  • 19.08
  • 02.09
  • 16.09
  • 30.09
  • 14.10
  • 28.10
  • 11.11
  • 25.11

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 750€
4 weeks 1,500€
6 weeks 2,250€
8 weeks 3,000€
10 weeks 3,750€
14 weeks (max. stay) 5,250€
Average fees 375€/week

Program fees

375€ per week 2 - 14 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

2 - 14 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Worldwide Friends during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Worldwide Friends

Very Good 4.3 rating (37 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 2001

Verified by Volunteer World

  Excellent response rate

Coordinated by

Victoria

Spoken languages: English, Spanish

About the project

We are an environmental organization that focuses on 2 weeks workcamps or medium to long volunteering programs. Our main topics are climate change and sustainability.

Meet your organization

- Who are we?

Worldwide Friends (WF) was founded in 2001 as a non-governmental, nonprofit organization. Our aim is to promote nature and peace-oriented activities among people interested in spending time in Iceland as volunteers. 
The staff of WF consists of 5 members: 
  • Our director and founder - Toti Ivarsson.
  • 4 project managers: Valentina, Steini, Bjarki, and Sebastian.
Alongside the staff members, we have long-term volunteers that are crucial for our programs.
- What we do:
The main activities offered by WF Iceland are workcamps, exchange programs, and educational seminars. Our activities are suitable for anyone interested in discovering an exotic and safe destination. WF also sends Icelanders abroad who wish to have similar volunteering experiences elsewhere in the world. Our programs are a mixture of volunteering, excursions, cultural exchanges,  environmental work, and environmental education.
- Where we work:
Worldwide Friends is located in one of the safest countries in the world, the land of Ice and Fire, Iceland. We work all over the country but mostly in the east and west of Iceland where we have our two main centers. We try to have a balance between outdoor work and indoor work but most of the time it depends on the weather.
- Our mission/vision:
  • Promoting peace and friendship
  • Promoting intercultural education and awareness
  • Preserving Icelandic nature and raising awareness about environmental issues
  • Promoting voluntary work and a culture of volunteering
- Our goal:
To be able one day to live in a sustainable society that respects and protects the environment.
- Who are we looking for?
The biggest requirement that we have is that our volunteers must be interested in the environment. If you like to work outdoors, explore exotic locations, discover unspoiled nature, have a cultural exchange with volunteers from different countries, and improve your environmental knowledge then we are looking for you!
- Why choose us?
When you choose us, you are making the decision to volunteer with one of the biggest and more experienced organizations in Iceland. We have hosted thousands of volunteers in all these years, which grants us the opportunity to offer you the best experience possible. 

37 reviews Â· rating4.3

Anne-Marie LAM rating4.2

2023 at Health and Environment Supporter

I spent 2 weeks in may 2023 at Hveragerdi and it flies so fast ! I would probably have stayed longer if not for the windy/rainy/cold weather (even if i knew since it's ICEland but still.. ) and my job.. Though, you should know that the average age is around 18-20 so don't be surprise, but if you ...
Vesela Balev rating4.4

2023 at Health and Environment Supporter

This was our first volunteer mission with www.volunteerworld.com. The site is very well organized and easy to use. The missions it offers are very well selected. We went to Iceland with World Wide Freinds. The organization was correct, but sometimes everything changed at the last minute and it ...
Rodrigo Alvarez rating5

2023 at Health and Environment Supporter

It was the best experience, the friends I made here I will never forget, the opportunity to help the world helped me to realice that we need to change , I have no words to explain how grateful I am ...
Regina Vahldieck rating4.8

2023 at Health and Environment Supporter

Rating of the stay in Hveragerđi I am a travel enthusiast, retired for a year and I wanted to make myself still a little useful. I found very quickly on the Internet the volunteer program of Worldwide friends, which immediately appealed to me by a good design. The choice was huge, there were ...
Erik Ludwig rating4.8

2023 at Health and Environment Supporter

I spent 12 weeks in this program, and I can undoubtedly say that it was an outstanding experience. During this time, I had the opportunity to meet many new and diverse people from around the world. This intercultural experience broadened my horizons and deepened my understanding of different ...
Logan O'Hara rating4.4

2023 at Health and Environment Supporter

Stayed in a house with around ten other people. Everyone was welcoming, fun, and lovely. Shout out to Ivan for hanging out with us every night even though he wasn't a part of the camp anymore. Iceland is such a safe and beautiful place, and there is so much to do in hvegaroi. I would recommend ...

Location

Europe > Northern Europe > Iceland > HveragerĂ°i

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Contact Victoria
  Excellent response rate
English, Spanish

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