Changing Worlds can offer volunteering placements in the country known as ‘the East in the West and the West in the East.’ Serbia has a complicated history and its population and culture is now one of the most diverse anywhere in Europe.

What will I be doing?

There are a number of volunteering opportunities for you in Serbia. The Humanitarian organisation that you would work with is trying to aid the social development of the inhabitants in Voijvodina, the northern province of Serbia.

They have introduced the idea of volunteering to the people of Novi Sad and now run schemes such as homes for disabled children, care for the elderly, and methods of empowering and educating the Roma people who have been forced to the area as refugees from conflict or poverty.

There is also a summer program that aims to educate and unite young people aged 8-18 from different backgrounds, religions and nationalities in order to break down prejudices instilled by their parents. Work is done here to improve understanding of diseases and provide this generation with the ability to improve the quality of life yet further once they are in positions of power.

As well as this there is a strong desire among all the inhabitants to learn and advance their English to enable them to improve their chances of employment, and to allow them to integrate with the rest of Europe once Serbia joins the EU.

The majority of people learn their English from text books, television and films, and there is little opportunity to build their conversational skills. Therefore, you could work with any age group running workshops and classes to build these skills and give them confidence in their abilities.

Where are the placements?

Occupying a central position in Eastern Europe, bordered by eight independent countries, Serbia is at the crossroads of Europe both geographically and politically; a fascinating mix of people will welcome you, maybe surprisingly, in English with a warmth and friendliness that is second to none.

Aside from the demands and rewards of your placement you should find time to enjoy the varied nightlife the university city of Novi Sad has to offer. Live music, bustling clubs and traditional wine cellars will ensure no two nights will be the same. A taxi home is very cheap and easy, or alternatively you could walk home without any sense of apprehension, as street crime is almost non-existent.

A breakfast of Burek, the delicious traditional Serbian breakfast of pastry filled with curd cheese, meat, cherries or apples, will ensure you can put all your energy into the placement again the next day.

Those with energy to burn could head to the un spoilt, densely forested mountain of Fruska Gora where wolves, bears and red deer can be found. Alternatively you could relax on the man-made sandy beaches and swim in the Danube.

If you are a music fan, or even if you are not, the Exit Festival, which is held in Serbia over the summer months, would be a great experience. The 20 or more stages located within the Petrovaradin Fortress draw over 50,000 people from all over Europe.

If you have a free weekend then a bus trip south to Belgrade will provide the chance to soak up the culture and nightlife of the quickly expanding capital.

Accommodation:

The accommodation options will depend on your placement choice and the time of year that you are there:

• There are placements that involve staying with a local family within Novi Sad
• Some of the placements such as the summer camp provide accommodation for you on site
• There is the possibility you may be placed with other volunteers in self-catered accommodation in an apartment in Novi Sad
• You may be placed with other volunteers in a hostel within Novi Sad
• If you have chosen to teach English there is the option to live and work in a language college for girls

Cost

The cost of a six month placement with Changing Worlds is £2285 (inclusive of return flights and accommodation but excludes food. Budget for £35 per week

0845 344 7521

Changing Worlds is a family run not-for-profit Gap Year Company. We offer a personalised service & are happy answering any questions from you or your parents. We regularly visit each placement and have representatives at every location. We are ATOL protected