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Italy Volunteer Quests
Volunteer in Italy: 4 to 12 weeks

  "I have had the opportunity to do international volunteer work in Jamaica, Ecuador, and Romania, but I have always dreamed of volunteering in Italy - the home of my ancestors. United Planet made my dream come true. A truly amazing experience!  Thank you United Planet!"    

-
Edward Antonelli, Italy Quest 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.  This Italy Quest is offered in partnership with AFSAI, the ICYE partner in Italy.
  ICYE

 

Country Information

 

Italy is located in Western Europe and shares its northern alpine boundary with France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia.  As a romantic & picturesque destination, Italy has remained a tourist favorite for many years. As a volunteer in Italy, you have the chance to experience this vibrant country through its dramatic sites such as the canals of Venice, the fashion of Milan and the ancient history of Rome.  More importantly, you have the opportunity to assist those whose basic needs are not satisfied, to become friends with the elderly and to counsel and assist the disabled.  This program allows you to experience Italy in a way most tourists can not!

 

Volunteer Opportunities in Italy (4 to 12 weeks)

1. 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 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. People with Disabilities – Sospiro Project

The Sospiro Foundation aims to realize the social integration of people with disabilities.  Volunteers will assist people with disabilities in various activities including computer lab, theatre and music therapy, sports as well as activities related to daily life skills and strengthening communication.  In addition, volunteers may also go on excursions on the territory with people with disabilities and should also support the education team and personnel on location.  This project is located in Sospiro, Cremona—located about 90 km southeast of Milan.  Volunteers will stay in a house separate from the community which has a bathroom, kitchen, common room and washing machine.

6. 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.

 
  • Italy Quests run year round and have flexible start dates, dependent on project availability.
  • Volunteers for Italy must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Read about Italy Quest prices and details.


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 web site 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 web site. If you need a letter from United Planet to verify your participation in our program, please e-mail us with this request and we will be happy to provide one.  U.S. Citizens can participate in the Italy Quest on a tourist visa for up to 12 weeks.

Health Issues and Vaccinations

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

Living and volunteering in another country, 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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Prices and Start Dates
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Short-term Locations
(1-12 weeks)

Cambodia
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(6-12 months)

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