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Finland Volunteer Quest
Volunteer in Finland: 6 or 12 months

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“United Planet provides an invaluable service to both the Quest countries and the U.S.  The friendships fostered on the Quest leave a lasting impact... All in all it was an amazing experience!"

- Carolyn, United Planet volunteer

United Planet and the ICYE Federation

The International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE) is an international non-profit youth exchange organization promoting intercultural learning and international voluntary service.  United Planet represents the U.S. and Canada as an associate member of the ICYE Federation which was founded after World War II as part of a reconciliation program between the U.S. and Germany. Today there are over 30 country members of the ICYE Federation who work in partnership to exchange volunteers for 6 months and 1 year placements.   ICYE logo

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Country Information

Finland is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of northern Europe. It is the oldest modern democracy in the world and is home to a unique environment where the sun does not set for 73 days during the summer!  It is a small and unassuming country with many pleasures.  In fact, its people are ranked as the sixth happiest population in the world.  Your time in Finland will help you learn or improve Finnish, while exposing you to Finnish culture.  Volunteering in Finland has added benefits including enhancing your personal development, a better understanding of world issues, and gaining tolerance and open-mindedness while providing crucial support to local communities.

 

  Finland map

Volunteer Opportunities in Finland (6 or 12 months)

The purpose of this Quest is to promote a deeper level of cultural exchange and understanding through meaningful volunteer work at local organizations and immersion in the host community.


Volunteer opportunities begin August of each year:

1) Education Projects – Volunteers work in a kindergarten or elementary school, which is a great opportunity for cultural learning and practicing your Finnish! Volunteers work with the classroom teachers and also help the school staff in other tasks when needed.

2) Social projects – Volunteers have the opportunity to work at a foster home or at an organization that works with people with disabilities.   These projects aim to provide their inhabitants with family-like surroundings, close contacts, as well as advance their development and sense of security. Volunteers normally learn about and assist in various types of therapy, art classes, handicrafts, workshops, agriculture, garden work, animal care, and more.

Volunteer Accommodations

Volunteer accommodations vary according to project and location.  Possible accommodations include home stays, shared housing with other volunteers or a room at the work placement.

Are you interested in volunteering in Finland? Read more about ICYE Finland!

 


Read about the application process, deadlines and program fees for the Finland Quest.

  • Volunteers must be 18 years of age to participate in the Finland Quest.
  • United Planet can send volunteers who are citizens of the United States and Canada or those who are currently living in the U.S. and Canada.  Citizens and residents of other countries must contact the ICYE partner in their home country. United Planet can send people from any country to our short-term Quest locations for 1-12 week programs.  Some of our short-term volunteer placements can be extended for longer stays.  Please contact us for more information about volunteering with United Planet.

Finland flag

Visas
United Planet sends volunteers from many countries around the world. Obtaining a Visa (if necessary) is therefore the responsibility of the volunteer. U.S. citizens can visit the website of the U.S. State Department to learn more about foreign entry requirements. For citizens of all other countries, please contact your destination country's embassy in your home country or your government website. If you need a letter from United Planet to verify your participation in our volunteer program, please e-mail us with this request and we will be happy to provide one.

Health Issues and Vaccinations

Some countries require or suggest that volunteers have certain vaccinations before entering the country.  Please consult your country's government website for more information regarding the health of travelers. U.S. citizens can visit the website of the Centers for Disease Control to learn more about vaccinations and staying healthy while traveling.  It is also recommended that you visit the nearest travel clinic several months prior to departure.

Living and volunteering abroad, often in conditions you are not used to, can take a toll on the body and mind.  In addition to the information that is provided in your pre-departure package, please research how to stay healthy in your country of destination.  It could make all the difference!

 

 

 

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Request Info

Any questions? Please contact us online at Request Info or call 1-800-292-2316 or 1-617-267-7763. United Planet is open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm EST.

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Why Pay to Volunteer

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Fundraising

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Short-term Locations
(1-12 weeks)

Cambodia
Chile
Costa Rica
Ecuador
Ghana
Guatemala
India
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Mexico
Nepal
Peru
Romania
Tanzania
Thailand
Tibet
USA

Long-term Locations
(6-12 months)

Australia
Bolivia
Brazil
Colombia
Costa Rica
Denmark
Ecuador
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Honduras
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Italy
Kenya
Mexico
Moldova
Mozambique
Nepal
New Zealand
Nigeria
Philippines
Russia
South Africa
South Korea
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Uganda
United Kingdom

Skills and Interest

Quests projects vary by location and are offered to both skilled and unskilled volunteers. Read more at:

Groups

Are you interested in going as a group? Learn more on our groups page!

FAQS

Click here to find out answers to many frequently asked questions about United Planet Quests.

Picture Gallery

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Volunteer Testimonials

Hear what United Planet volunteers have to say about their Quests.

Family and Friends Page

Are you a parent, family member or friend of a UP volunteer? Read this important information!

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