Italy Volunteer Quests
What makes a United Planet Short-term Quest unique?
United Planet’s Quest volunteer abroad programs are 100% cultural immersion experiences. United Planet Quest programs run year-round and are available to individuals and groups of all ages, skill levels and nationalities. We have no doubt it will be life-changing and provide lasting memories. Read on for more detailed information about volunteer opportunities in Italy.
All Quests include:
- Flexible start dates and lengths of stay (4-12 weeks)
- Personalized attention from Coordinators
- On-site lodging option
Country Information
While most of Italy spans the Mediterranean coastline, it’s also blessed to share a northern alpine boundary with France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. A romantic and picturesque destination, Italy has remained a tourist favorite for many years. Many come for the distinctive canals of Venice, the fashion in Milan, and the ancient ruins of Rome but as a volunteer, you’ll have the chance to experience all of this in a way most tourists can’t.
By immersing yourself in the warm Italian family culture you’ll appreciate the traditional sights with a unique local perspective. More importantly, you have the opportunity to give back to the overlooked sectors of Italian society, including the older generations and those with disabilities. The affectionate Italian spirit will make you feel right at home as you embrace the culture, the fantastic cuisine, and help out the community. Who knows, you may never want to leave! Andiamo! (Let’s go!)
United Planet and the ICYE Federation
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United Planet is the U.S. and Canadian member of the International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE) Federation , founded in 1949. Through their vast network and 60 years of experience, United Planet and ICYE offer a wide range of programs for volunteers from around the world. This Italy Quest is offered in partnership with AFSAI, the ICYE partner in Italy. |
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Volunteer Opportunities in Italy: 4 - 12 weeks
United Planet currently offers volunteering opportunities in partnership with local organizations in Italy.
What's Included and Program Details
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Highlights
- Enjoy rich Italian culture from a local’s perspective.
- Visit the canals of Venice, the ancient ruins of Rome, or the birthplace of Italian art in Florence.
- Indulge in famous Italian cuisine.
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People with Disabilities -Cooperativa Sociale Villa Maria This project aims to offer support to people with disabilities in a local community center, situated in the north of Italy. It is approximately an hour far from Verona by train. Volunteers in Italy will have the opportunity to organize and take part in various activities with the community members such as swimming, music lab (educational and creative lab), creative workshops, and cooking activities. Volunteers will share a double room in a flat which includes a living room, kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms. The accommodation is shared with other volunteers and/or staff. |
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People with Disabilities - Servizio Residenziale Flessibile Volunteers provide support to people with disabilities between the ages of 30 and 55 in a community with a family atmosphere in Perosa Argentina. The main tasks for volunteers include assisting professional staff and accompanying the residents in activities such as movies, dinner, conversation, reading, etc. Volunteers will stay in their own apartment on the second floor of the community. |
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Elderly – Rifugio re Carlo Alberto Onlus This project is run by the local church through volunteers and staff members, and is located in the village of Luserna San Giovanni, an hour from Torino. Volunteers will be involved in the day centre. During the first days at the project, volunteers will try various activities to understand which ones are most suitable for their skills and interests. The centre is open from Monday to Friday, 8:45am to 5:15pm. Possible activities include light exercises, cooking, personal care, various workshops, gardening and assisting with baths. Each volunteer will stay at the project in an apartment reserved for volunteers with single room and bathroom. |
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People with Disabilities – Associazione “Insieme Si Puo-Onlus” Volunteers’ main tasks are to help people in the centre to improve linguistic and physical skills in order to gain personal independence. Such tasks can include using money, using the telephone, music therapy, using public transportation, shopping, Volunteers also have the chance to help the organization’s structure and daily planning, as well as to participate in creative and social activities. This project is located in Reana del Rojale, on the outskirts of Udine which was originally was a rural area, but has grown to be more commercial. It is 100 Km from Austria, 30 km from Slovenia and 50km from the Adriatic sea. Volunteers stay in a room in a separate area of the community where some disabled people live from Monday to Friday. |
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Elderly - Asilo Valdese Asilo Valdese, owned by the evangelic church of Luserna San Giovanni is a small town located about an hour outside of Torino and founded over 100 years ago and is a non-profit organization which offers facilities for 80 non-self dependent elderly people and 20 self-dependent elderly people as well as serves the elderly people living in Luserna S.G. and the surrounding area. Volunteers will cultivate and improve relationships with the elderly guests at this organization. Volunteers’ tasks will involve participating in crafts, music lab, supporting the physiotherapist, and helping during meals. Occasionally, volunteers will also participate in half-day trips with the project’s staff and guests. Volunteers will stay in a house located near the Asylum which has a bathroom, kitchen, living room and washing machine. |
Questions about applying?
Call one of our friendly regional Quest coordinators today. We will walk you step-by-step through the application process and answer any questions you may have.
Step 1: Choose your Quest. Contact us at any time for help! We'd love to talk to you. Email or call 1-800-292-2316.
Step 2: Enroll online. Please fill in the enrollment form. Then reserve your spot with a deposit (which will be credited toward your program fee).
Step 3: Meet your Quest coordinator and iron out the details. Once you've applied, your United Planet coordinator will contact you, and arrange a phone session to talk about your Quest of interest. THANKS!
- Scholarships and Grants page for current opportunities and resources.
- Fundraising page
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Special Discounts



