How to go to Iceland as a volunteer. Volunteer on a family farm in Iceland

In Europe and the USA, after the last year of school, teenagers do not strive to enter a university as quickly as possible (like here), but take 1 year to travel, find themselves, volunteer and other sloppiness.
Adults have a similar practice. In some universities, a teacher is required to take a 1-year vacation every 2-4 years to search for new topics and travel, so as not to “burn out.”
There are several websites where you can find a volunteer program in different countries ah to your taste. It can be on a farm, it can be in the city. Maybe in Brazil, or maybe in Norway. Here is the most popular https://www.workaway.info/
And I thought, where are we all really in a hurry? Maybe everyone should breathe out, take a break for a year and be lazy? Try yourself here and there. Finally learn the language.
In one of my projects, a student guy teaches English to children. At some point, he took an academic position at a university and went to India for six months as a volunteer to teach local children. Then he drove off somewhere to Singapore. Overall well done.
What prevents this?
- Army. If you leave school after 9th grade, you will have as much as 2 years left, and there are a number of other schemes.
- Ignorance of English. Volunteering - The best way learn it, free of charge and in an environment.
- Ignorance at all about such a possibility (and what, it was possible).
- Various fears and risks (maybe I will be sold into slavery or eaten there?). This is decided by the guide, someone who has already walked this path and returned alive and cheerful.
- Parents, relatives, etc. won’t let you in. Perhaps you should take them with you.
Most young people after university work in such uninteresting and meaningless jobs that they would be better off crushing wine with their feet in Italy or helping Cuban fishermen catch tuna. Perhaps this will give more development and understanding of life than six months of working in Svyaznoy or at the checkout in Leroy-Merlin.
Yes, I have always argued that the best way to find yourself is to try for free. Look for volunteer activities. You can do all kinds of crap for money, but you won’t do a job you don’t like for free? In this regard, it is an excellent tool.
Some tired graduate of the Faculty of Philology, who now works as a florist in a flower shop for 14 hours for 2 thousand rubles. during the shift, having learned about this opportunity, he will spit on everything and leave for Brazil. Why?
Because if you choose between a) poverty and in an interesting way life and b) poverty with an uninteresting lifestyle, it is better to choose the first.
Even if you choose between a) interesting work, for which you yourself will pay extra and b) meaningless work for which you are paid, again if possible, it's better to choose the first one.
Once upon a time, as a child, I thought that only teenagers did not know how to live further and that only after school they needed a gap year to decide who to be.
Now I can say that no one knows how to live further. Worse yet, it turned out that people don’t get smarter over the years. And perhaps everyone needs such a gap year, every 5 years.

One very good man once told me that a good trip can not only change you, but also heal your soul. Last year I was lucky enough to go on just such a trip. I went as a volunteer to magical Iceland.

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Initially, I really wanted to save whales. I was very attracted by the description of one of the projects, which said that you need to wear a whale costume and conduct propaganda. This was the project “Meet us - Don’t Eat us” with the support of the International Fund for Animal Welfare. But this is one of the most popular volunteer programs, so I was not able to join it.

I was offered three other projects to choose from. I stopped at the Viking Festival in Northern Iceland and didn’t regret it at all.

As soon as we arrived, I immediately started looking for big pot-bellied guys in hats with horns, but there were none. The only one I found explained to me that the Vikings did not wear such headdresses at all. So now believe all the cartoons from your childhood.

The Viking Festival turned out to be an event consisting entirely of songs, dances and other fun. We are volunteers, we did everything: we painted flags on stones, played with local children, painted faces, placed candles in a fortress in the mountains and just walked in national costumes. It was great to feel part of this fabulous holiday.

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Excursions in Iceland cost from 100 euros, but if you are a volunteer, and also with good organizers (and in this country it’s hard to imagine bad ones), then they will show you a lot. The entertainment here is quite unusual. You can go on a boat to count seals or catch the spray of waterfalls, or you can swim in hot springs somewhere in the mountains. If you're a foodie, it's a different story. To paraphrase a phrase from the film: “If you want sharks, eat seals.” Here you can try all the diversity of the underwater world.

It seems to me that all Icelanders are very smart, if you have ever heard a word in their language, you will understand why. Learning even a few phrases in it seems impossible. If you try, learning English will no longer seem so difficult. Just the name of the volcano, which caused a lot of problems for air traffic several years ago, is worth it. I never learned it, so I won’t write its name, so as not to embarrass myself. By the way, they make him say “cheese” instead of the word when they take your photo. :)

In general, Icelanders are just nice people. I arrived in Reykjavik at one in the morning, and for the first time in my life I was not afraid in unfamiliar city. There are few people, but everyone who met me on the way was so happy to help that we even managed to become friends.

Usually people think that to practice English you need to go to America or England, but this is not entirely true. There are many volunteers wonderful people from all parts of the world. And in Iceland everyone speaks excellent English, everyone will be happy to talk with you on any topic. These are cheerful and open people. It’s not so easy to meet a compatriot here, but it’s easy to find a simple local resident, who will be happy to tell you everything about this amazing country. The main thing is not to be afraid and not to be shy. Yes, I don’t want to be with them, to be honest. Everything seems easy and simple, and it really is.

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Interesting fact: in our huge world There is a country in which the main attraction is not the abundance of cultural and architectural monuments, but... nature! I think you already guessed that we will talk about Iceland - perhaps the most amazing point on the map, whose extraordinary beauty landscapes can conquer anyone!

Brief information about the country

Enchanting Iceland can surprise even the most inveterate skeptics. They say that this is the same country where you have to take out a loan to pay for dinner (Iceland is a very dear country)! Accommodation and food costs are much higher here than in any other country. But, believe me, a trip to Iceland is worth any money, because the landscapes here are so far from what you are accustomed to that they are worthy of becoming the backdrop for the most fantastic films. And this is far from the only reason to see this country. Climb a higher hill and completely relax your body and mind, immerse yourself in the Blue Lagoon, try local herring, rightly called “Icelandic gold”, enjoy the power of the Strokkur geyser, which shoots directly from the bowels of the Earth several times an hour, submit to the majesty of the Bjargtangar lighthouse... The list is endless! Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, Kopavogur and Akureyri will gladly welcome you into their hospitable arms

The climate in Iceland is subarctic maritime, but very mild and comfortable even for residents of mid-latitudes. Truth to the strong gusty winds However, you will have to get used to it. In mountainous areas, the temperature is lower than in flatter landscapes. During the summer months, Iceland experiences “white nights”, but in December the daylight hours do not exceed 5 hours.

An interesting fact: Iceland becomes the most hospitable in the summer, but in winter nature itself is a little reluctant to welcome guests to this marvelous land of untouched nature. Since September, hotels have been closing here, the number of flights has been reduced, which, however, does not at all prevent hundreds of volunteers from all over the world from coming here, for example, for the New Year holidays.

The local currency here, just like the country itself, is distinctive: here it is not the usual euro, but the Icelandic krona (1 krona is equal to 100 aurars, Icelandic “kopecks”). Approximately 135 ISK is equal to 1 euro. What is noteworthy is that there are ATMs here on every corner, in large hotels, shops, on the streets, and they work with all types of cards! Traveler's checks are also accepted everywhere.

The population of Iceland is only about 350 thousand people, and in 2017 the birth rate here fell to its historical minimum! Nevertheless, the Icelanders managed to maintain the optimal ratio of birth rate to death rate: the typical 30-40% plus goes in favor of the birth rate. In many ways, this increase is ensured by the influx of migrants, and although the Icelandic authorities claim that they did not artificially stimulate the increase in the birth rate, nevertheless, about 3 years ago, a rumor leaked onto the global network about the state's promised substantial financial payments to male migrants who would create a full-fledged family with female citizens Iceland! Whether this is true or not, one can only guess. But even with such a humorous fact, this country once again confirmed that it clearly knows how to surprise!

Volunteer projects in Iceland

Volunteering in Iceland has very non-trivial features. Here, the main mission of volunteer projects is to make the world a better place through strengthening communications between the peoples of the world. Therefore, projects for volunteers from all over the world here have not practical, but more, so to speak, spiritual value. Photo marathons and mini photo schools are popular here, in which participants can not only try themselves as photojournalists, but also learn all the tricks of this art! Projects dedicated to the New Year and Christmas festivities invite participants to experience the special spirit of these days and spend them in complete harmony between representatives different cultures, putting together a real international buffet with dishes from cuisines from around the world! In short, a volunteer project in Iceland is a direct impact on the world through the minds and hearts of its inhabitants.

As for living conditions and leisure time for volunteers, the Icelandic host will win you over with their hospitality, desire to serve you and make your stay in this country as comfortable as possible. Comfortable sleeping rooms, provided food, bathrooms and showers with hot water, Internet - agree, a real fairy tale, especially within the framework of a volunteer project!

She shared her experience of volunteering in Iceland: how she found a program, saved on registration, photographed beauty, communicated with residents of the country and struggled with the language barrier. We publish its text in full.

I quit my job. And, for obvious reasons (sometimes I want to eat), I began to look for a new one, hanging out on various sites with vacancies. On one such site I saw a banner about volunteer programs. I had little idea what it was at the time, but it was a wonderful excuse to take my mind off the job search, and I, of course, clicked on it. And there I saw something after which I decided not to look for a job (okay, just kidding, stop looking for a while).

It turned out that there are hundreds of volunteer organizations all over the world that gather dudes for different types works: Agriculture, teaching children English, helping in hospitals and nursing homes - and for completely fun programs, where they do journalism or paint graffiti, help at rock festivals or exhibitions. And a lot of people travel this way, saving on accommodation and food, and sometimes on tickets, that is, almost free! Apparently, some evil people hid this from me, because I lived to be 22 years old without having the slightest idea about it.

I immediately noticed the programs in Iceland. This has always been my dream country, but I never managed to go there because it’s crazy expensive destination. I found a journalism program that required me to make a magazine in English language about tourism in Iceland, and clicked on the “Register” button.

Preparation

After this, some kind of bacchanalia began. People started calling me and saying that in order to register for this program, you need to pay 20 thousand rubles to a Moscow organization for mediation. I was upset and ready to get depressed (and look for work again), but I decided to first go to the Icelandic website of the volunteer organization and check everything. It turned out that the program still exists, and the very company that called me is not an official intermediary in Russia. I found the official one - it was not in Moscow, but in Cheboksary - and they did everything for me for 3 thousand rubles. So don’t believe the stories about Moscow prices.

Three days later I received the cherished letter that they were ready to accept me into the program in a month. The trip itself was supposed to last three weeks. I still didn’t really know what I would do there, but I quickly bought tickets and got a visa. And she began to wait.

How it was

Iceland greeted me with strong winds and unrealistically beautiful views.

I cannot express in words all my admiration: I was dying from this beauty (and a little from the cold) all the way to the volunteer gathering place. I was also wildly worried about the level of my English, which was supposed to become the main method of communication here. I was the second to arrive at the meeting place: a girl from Germany (later I found out that her name was Hannah) was already standing there with a huge backpack. She was only 18, but she had already traveled all over Europe and amazed me with her cheerful disposition and fiery red hair.

Hannah through the Zenit lens

Then other participants began to approach: the shy and terribly cold Japanese Shun (his name is impossible to pronounce normally - it’s something between Sean and Shun), the Italian Julia, Lisa from Estonia, the German Alex and the rest.

And then the main fun began. We boarded the bus and were told that it was low season (the main flow of volunteers falls in the summer, but it was already October) and there were very few volunteers. And since there are few of us and we are all from different projects(some signed up for a volunteer project on a farm; some, like me, for journalism; and some even for cleaning up garbage on the coast), we are asked to unite. We nodded in confusion and went somewhere.

Then I found out that I had problems and there was some kind of language barrier. I understood what the guys were saying, but when it was my turn, there was nothing left in my head except “Zis from the Capital of Great Britain” (that is, the words most firmly drilled into my head back in school). But at the very least, I got to know everyone and began to enjoy the views.

And there was something! It turned out that before the start of the project, all volunteers are taken on an excursion to the most beautiful places in the country (waterfalls, national park and so on). I snapped off as many as two films and almost died of delight.

After the excursion, we were brought to some settlement and dropped off at a house. With the words “Well, this is where you want to go,” the driver took our things out of the trunk and drove off. We were left standing outside the house in confusion.

Since initially we were all from different volunteer programs (which, according to the plan, were supposed to take place in different places), then at first we couldn’t even understand what city we were in. We entered the house in fear and realized that... there was no one there. No, seriously, like in some creepy horror movies. We spent half an hour talking loudly and exploring the space (we found a cat!), after which the door opened and a girl entered. She was very surprised, began to lament that we were brought earlier, apologize and introduce ourselves. It turned out that this was Min, one of our camp leaders.

We learned a lot of new things. That we are on a farm in the town of Hvaregardi. That since we were united, in the morning we will help in the greenhouses (picking tomatoes and cucumbers and watering them, and also feeding the chickens), and in the evening we will make our magazine. That we have six camp leaders who will help us adapt and work with us (in general, these dudes are something like counselors in children's camps). That we have a swimming pool. That we will do national nights and play games. As for Reykjavik with its cool bars, you can get there by bus in an hour.

View from the window of the house

Well, then it started. We met, became friends and made these three weeks unforgettable. We went hiking after work (there was a hot river four hours away from us - geysers flowed into it and the temperature in it was almost 40 degrees), watched the northern lights, hitchhiked (there is no work on weekends, which means forward to adventure) and talked a lot. By the end of the trip, even my terrible English stopped bothering me.

Icelandic horses on the farm

Greenhouses

Let's go to the Valley of Geysers

Ice lagoon (blocks of ice drifting in the ocean)

Reykjavik

Since I just couldn’t stop taking photographs, I decided to prepare a photo project for the magazine. Its meaning was that I approached people on the street, photographed them with an old Soviet film “Amateur” and asked them to say what they thought about Iceland in one sentence. Since I spoke mainly with Icelanders, it turned out cool.

My favorite Icelander ever photographed

To sum it up, I want to say that it was really worth it. If you are not afraid of surprises (and also people, mice and language barriers), then volunteering will be for you the perfect way knowledge of the world.

All photos in this post were taken using Soviet Zenit and Lyubitel cameras. You can see more of my strange film pictures (including those from Iceland) on Instagram

For the tenth year now, the non-profit volunteer organization SEEDS has been creating a communication space for people from different countries and cultures who work together for fresh air and help environment. Today, many people are once again attracted to subsistence farming, and this spring SEEDS is giving everyone the opportunity to help on a family farm. Four two-week projects are planned from April to June.

Growing vegetables

Vegetable growing projects require 5 volunteers over 18 years of age:

From April 6 to April 20;
From April 20 to May 4;
From May 4 to May 18.

Where will it be? The farm is located in the south of Iceland among mountains and glaciers. The shore of the Atlantic Ocean is nearby. Nearest locality– the village of Vík with 600 inhabitants. The majority of Vik's residents are subsistence farmers.

What do volunteers do? The main activity of volunteers is growing vegetables. They will have to work in the field, where they will cover the beds with cellophane against the cold and weed them. Those who wish will be able to help on a dairy farm - for example, learn how to milk cows and take on this responsibility.

Where do volunteers live? Volunteers will live in an apartment for free and sleep in sleeping bags (each person brings their own for the trip!). There is no need to buy food either - all products are provided by the organization, and volunteers cook for themselves.

How much does it cost. Each project participant makes a contribution of 150 euros. He transfers this amount of money to the organization upon entering Iceland.

The weather in Iceland is unpredictable and often cold, so it's a great idea to pack plenty of warm clothes.

Helping on a farm in Iceland isn't just about digging in the ground from morning to night and tending to the herd without sleeping. After work and on weekends, project participants will enjoy events prepared by the organization. Excursions, trips to museums and art galleries, outings into nature, activities in the pool and team games, nights around the fire will unite the team and inspire them to do difficult work in the lap of nature.

Adel Khasanova