Let's get Sustainable - 6 Weeks on the move

Non-profit
·
founded in 2001
Worldwide Friends
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Coordinator | Sebastian
Coordinator | Sebastian
Book with Flex Option! Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.

High­lights

Visit our 3 centers; Stöðvarfjörður, Hveragerdi & Solheimar
Share your culture and traditions with other international volunteers while improving your English.
Embark on an adventure that will take you to explore all of Iceland. Starting on Reykjavik, traveling along side the Ring Road
Experience the Northern Lights during winter and the white nights during summer.
Join excursions that will take you to Black Beaches, Geysers, & Waterfalls!
Learn about the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN. Embark yourself on an adventure that will take you to discover all of Iceland and its natural wonders. This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups

Pre-camp in Reykjavik

1st Day; Arrival Day (Pick up BSI Bus Station)

2nd Day; is Excursion day to the Golden Circle!

3rd Day; Departure to the first camp


During the six weeks, you will travel around Iceland starting in Reykjavik for two days, followed by two weeks in Stödvarfjörður in the East, two weeks in Hveragerdi & then 2 weeks in Solheimar- Eco Village in the South of Iceland.


Reykjavik is a city full of energy, just waiting for you to experience it. Powered by heat from the earth below, with ever-changing weather sweeping across the landscape, its natural features are matched by the energy of its residents. All the advantages of a modern, forward-looking society are complemented by the beautiful natural setting. 

Our first 2 nights will be at "The Farm" a cozy cabin on top of the hill with a nice view. The house is located 20 minutes from City Hall in the outskirts of Reykjavik. Many hiking trails nearby, and a relaxing geothermally heated pool just a 20' walk away


Stödvarfjörður

“Fjarðabyggð" is an association of villages in the Eastern fjords of Iceland. It includes the town of Stöðvarfjörður, which is where the WF House is located. This village is the most southerly settlement in Fjarðabyggð. A tiny fishing village with steep mountains towering just behind the houses. In this area, you will see some of the features that make Iceland a unique place: spectacular fjords with rich sea life, a great variety of birdlife, and countless breathtaking hiking paths. You will explore the area during your stay in the east. 

Volunteers will clean the coastline in different parts of the east and help to recycle the plastic which we are collecting there. We work with the local community as well helping with the reforestation of the areas nearby. Or removing lupines, which is an invasive species affecting Iceland's biodiversity (summer season)


-Accommodation

The house is approximately 500 m² and has 6 quadruple rooms, 2 triple rooms, two fully equipped kitchens, several bathrooms, common areas,  and workshop rooms. House capacity 30.


Hveragerdi

Hveragerdi is a small town in the south of Iceland. It is famous for its thermal river that runs in the mountains surrounding the town. Since the area has plenty of geothermal activity, the town has a high number of greenhouses.

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. Participants 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. Renovation around the property. During winter the work might include snowplowing.


-Accommodation

The house is fully equipped and has 6 double rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, several bathrooms, and a common area.


Sólheimar

Iceland‘s first and only eco-village is located in southwest Iceland. It is a community where people with or without special needs live and work together. Sólheimar is a pioneer in practicing organic farming. In Sólheimar there is an organically certified greenhouse, forestry, and arboretum. Other environmental-friendly projects in Sólheimar include geothermal energy and recycling. The main work in this camp will be with the forestry called Ölur and also in the greenhouses which are called Sunna.


-Accommodation

Participants will be staying in the house of Worldwide Friends in Sólheimar. The house is across the village and has 4 double rooms with private bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and common areas. The common areas are shared with the local workers.

Workshops

Workshops will take place in the late afternoon. Our main focus during the project will be on Global Warming and how to prevent it. Throughout a series of different workshops, the goal is to improve the environmental education and consciousness of the projects’ participants. Take part in this promising project and spring into action against climate change!


Participants Age

We host international volunteers, and most of our participants are between 18 to 25, however, we don't have a maximum age limit.

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

What to Pack?

  • Hiking boots 

  • Work gloves

  • Water bottle

  • 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

  • Work clothes (for outside & inside the warm Greenhouses)

  • 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.

  • Luggage allowance: 1 large suitcase and a small carry-on



Typical day

A typical working day has the following schedule:

  • 8:00 Breakfast
  • 9:00-12:00 Work
  • 12:00 Lunch
  • 13:00 to 15:00 Work
  • 15:00 to 18:00 Free time
  • 18:00 Workshop
  • 19:00 Dinner
  • 20:00 Movie Night                             


Free-time activities

WF Iceland will organize reasonably-priced weekend 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, and even icebergs;

Participants also have free access to several geothermal swimming pools, Gym (Solheimar), 

We will focus on intercultural learning and exchange. Every evening a volunteer from a different country will be in charge of presenting their country of origin and culture in an informal way. It can be a presentation, a game, or theatrical – the form of introduction is up to you! Therefore, we encourage you to bring along some food, photos, or anything interesting related to your country for a fun and informative evening amongst other volunteers. There will be cultural dinners where volunteers prepare typical dishes from their country and share it with the groups. Bring any traditional ingredients that you want to share. 

Water Sports
Swimming
Sightseeing
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Hiking
Museum/
Opera
Sports
Riding
Yoga/
Meditation

Require­ments

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)
Criminal Background Check
required
Required Documents
CV
Nationality Restrictions
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Time Commitment
Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 16:00

What's Included

Services by Worldwide Friends

  • Housing
  • Golden Circle Excursion
  • Domestic transportation related to the project
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Meaningful volunteering
  • Workshops

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 our house in Reykjavik "The Farm" for the first two days 

The house is located 20 minutes by car from City Hall in the outskirts of Reykjavik, (1-hour min by bus) It is a nice cozy place on top of a hill with a nice view. House capacity 10. The house has a fully equipped kitchen, 1 toilet, 1 Bathroom, a living room, 2 mixed dormitories, a Greenhouse, and a tool room.


*Volunteers will be staying in the house of Worldwide Friends in Stöðvarfjörður.

The house has 6 quadruple rooms, 2 triple rooms, two fully equipped kitchens, several bathrooms, common areas,  and workshop rooms. House capacity 30. Washing machine available

*Accommodation in Hveragerði

The WF house is located within the Rehabilitation and  Health  Clinic compound. The house has 6 double rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, several bathrooms, and a living room. Washing machine available


*Accommodation Sólheimar


Volunteers will be staying in the house of Worldwide Friends in Sólheimar. The house is across the village and has 4 double rooms with private bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, and common areas. The common areas are shared with some of the local workers. House Capacity: 8. Washing machine available


Please keep in mind that there will be other volunteers in the same houses at the same time as your group.
Bedroom (Double) Dorm Room
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. 


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


*Breakfast is an individual activity

*Lunch is prepared by the group (Lunch at Hveragerdi & Solheimar is served at the cafeteria)

*Dinner is prepared by the group


Internet Access
Good access at the project site
What's NOT included?
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees. 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.
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.
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.

Dates & Fees

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Details on arrival

Arrival: Volunteers can arrive on the starting day in the afternoon. At 20:00 is the last pick-up from the BSI Bus Station.

Departure: Departure from the camp to Reykjavik is on the last day of the project, on Tuesday. The group will be back in Reykjavik around 18:00. Participants should not book their flights before this. Drop off BSI Bus Station


Keep in mind that you need to arrange for your stay in Iceland before & after the workcamp.

The 2023 Program starts on Monday and ends on Monday, the dates are the following:


  • 06.03
  • 20.03
  • 03.04
  • 17.04
  • 01.05
  • 15.05
  • 29.05
  • 12.06
  • 26.06
  • 10.07
  • 24.07
  • 07.08
  • 21.08
  • 04.09
  • 18.09
  • 02.10
  • 16.10
  • 30.10
  • 13.11

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Duration
6 - 16 weeks

Program fees

Costs: Prices in USD
6 weeks (min. stay)
$2,543
8 weeks
$3,221
10 weeks
$3,899
12 weeks
$4,577
16 weeks (max. stay)
$5,255
Average fees
$376 /week

The organization charges its fees in EUR. The price table in USD is subject to currency fluctuation. Worldwide Friends will let you know about the final price during your application process.
Deposit (15%)
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 (85%)
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.

Why book with Volunteer World

Extra security layer by Volunteer World
Volunteer World is the world's leading comparison platform for international volunteer opportunities. We guide you through a safe and easy application process - including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
Quality Assurance
High ethical standards & transparent social impact
Flex Option
Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if Worldwide Friends cancels your trip
Support & Mediation
We cover your back no matter what happens
Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by Worldwide Friends.

What are people saying about Volunteer World?

Let's get Sustainable - 6 Weeks on the move

Learn about the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN. Embark yourself on an adventure that will take you to discover all of Iceland and its natural wonders.

$333/week

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