The transition of Russia to capitalism has left a large portion of the population lagging behind. The bottom Forty percent of the Russian population living in suburbs, is earning a continuously decreasing income since 1991. The government has been ineffective in resolving their problems. Volunteers can provide a tremendous service by helping in social services and other areas.
Why Volunteer in Russia?
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. Covering 6.5 million square miles and spanning two continents and eleven time zones, Russia is the largest country in the world. Within this vast expanse, you’ll find wilderness, lakes, and mountains, as well as hundreds of historically and culturally rich cities.
Best Volunteering Programs in Russia
There are many opportunities for volunteers to shadow doctors in fields like surgery, paediatrics, or therapeutics. This can be a great chance for potential doctors or new M.B.B.S. graduates to perk up resumes while providing a community service. There are also options to work with the elderly or help disabled children and adults.
Community development is another area that needs volunteer help. Working with sexually abused women, homeless shelters, youth camps and senior centres allows volunteers to help enrich the lives of natives at a local level while, observing Russian culture first hand.
Native English speakers are in great demand in Russia. Volunteers can take part in Conversation Camps that are run throughout the year. Volunteers live with a local host family and teach them English for fifteen hours a week. Such positions are usually available in larger cities, so volunteers can experience the Russian city life in their free time at a nominal cost.
For those volunteers more in tune with nature, conservation working holidays is also an option. Volunteers help in studies relating to snow leopard activity through tracking, observing and analysing field signs. Volunteers stay at a 2200m base camp in a secluded mountain range overlooking an open steppe.
Where You Can Work
Most projects for internationals are in places like Moscow and St Petersburg. Some volunteer programs in Russia are based in Yaroslavl, the unofficial capital of Russia’s “Golden Ring,” a symbolic circle of ancient towns located northeast of Moscow that contain some of Russia’s oldest architecture. Situated on the banks of the majestic Volga and smaller Kotorosl rivers, Yaroslavl is one of the most beautiful and historically preserved cities in Russia. Home to the country’s oldest and best public theaters, the city is known for its picturesque cathedrals, gold-domed churches, ancient fortresses and monasteries, as well as for its vibrant artistic community. 2010 will mark the city’s 1,000th anniversary, and as a volunteer in Russia, you will have the chance to join the local population in the celebrations, which have already begun.
Community Work in Russia
As a volunteer or intern in Russia, you will get to work side-by-side with local people in a Social Services placement. Skilled Russian translators will be available at your volunteer placement, to support you and facilitate your volunteer experience. They will also help you with planning your daily projects.
The area of focus available for Intern Abroad participants in Russia is social services. 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.
Cultural and Learning Activities
Building on your volunteer work in Russia, cultural and learning activities include Russian language classes, excursions to local villages where you will get to know the local people, and guest speakers on Russian history, politics, traditions, and cuisine. You may receive a visit from a local psychologist who discusses Russian fairytales, have a talk with a member of the Yaroslavl government, who shares insights into Russian politics, or meet with a WWII survivor who shares her experiences of the war.
Free Time
In your free time you may choose to see a production at a local puppet theater, go to the ballet and museums, take a trip to the Metropolitan Palace along the Volga River, or walk down tree-lined streets and admire the beautiful historic architecture. For volunteers wanting to travel outside of Yaroslavl, Moscow and St. Petersburg are both easily accessible by train. Volunteers who are in Russia between the months of September and March may also enjoy skiing or sledding, ice-skating or ice-fishing on frozen lakes and rivers, and countless indoor activities like concerts and sporting events.
Accommodation
Volunteers usually stay at a comfortable hotel in the middle of the city and eat their meals at the hotel’s restaurant at a special table reserved for volunteers. The central location of the Home-Base allows you easy access to the local culture, as well as to the volunteer work placements.
Feedback & Reviews
“I had a wonderful experience. Working with the children was amazing — I felt like I had a real impact on their lives and I grew as a person … I wanted to learn more about Russian culture, about the political system, and about the orphanage system. I accomplished this through the guest lectures, Russian lessons, talking with the translators, and doing some independent travel on the weekends.” – Andrew Navratil, Russia volunteer
“You will be captivated by the serenity of our riverside promenade and the sheer beauty of the architecture and art that grace our city. Staff ensure that your experience is unforgettable! In fact, many alumni return several times to volunteer again with us!” – Nadia, Yaroslavl
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