Volunteer Programs in Iceland


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9 Volunteer Programs in Iceland
GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
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GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.
Volunteer World
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Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.
See All 2 ProgramsGoBeyond Student Travel
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This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and build cross-cultural community service summer trips perfectly geared to your interests and curiosities. Whether you’re looking to contribute to authentic service projects, experience exhilarating adventure, or develop your language skills, GoBeyond will immerse you in a new culture where you can make a meaningful difference while on the journey of a lifetime. Our high school community service summer programs proudly serve in many under-resourced communities and environments throughout the world. Explore our journeys in the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Galapagos & Ecuador, Peru, Iceland, Spain, China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Beyond experiencing the adventure of a lifetime and creating lasting memories, we believe our community service summer trips enable lasting positive change in the world. For over forty years, we’ve been transforming communities, environments, and students’ lives through meaningful, collaborative adventures and service that develop skills and a more sophisticated worldly outlook—ultimately shaping the person you become.
See All 2 ProgramsVolunteers For Peace
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Join us for the adventure of a lifetime! Volunteers For Peace (a Vermont-based nonprofit) can place you on a team of international volunteers who contribute to a meaningful community service project designed, planned, and hosted by local partners. We offer the most affordable projects and the best way to meet people from all over the world. Work project types vary by country but may include environmental and wildlife conservation, historic preservation, educational and language learning, archaeology, organic farming, and arts and festivals. We also have social services projects, which could involve working with children, the elderly, or refugees. Projects are designed to combine service with recreational activities and cultural exchange – whether by visiting local beaches, learning local dances, meeting local officials, or volunteering with residents at the place you’re visiting. Each project is unique, but all bring people together for the most meaningful travel experience imaginable. Please note that VFP can only place US Citizens. This is due to our agreements with our international partners.
Inter-Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE UK)
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Volunteering with ICYE UK is a transformational experience with real impact. Our ethical programmes promote peace, intercultural awareness and equality of opportunity, encouraging young people from around the world to live, learn and work together. UK residents can apply now to join us on our six or 12-month placements starting in either January or August, and work with locally run NGOs in Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Europe on impactful projects that matter, such as: - Human rights projects - Women’s empowerment projects - Supporting people with compromised health and/or disabilities - Environmental and wildlife conservation - Sustainable agriculture projects - Providing education, care, and support for children from under-resourced communities - Sports, art, or cultural projects - Community development programmes - And many more Additionally, short-term placements of 3 to 5 months with flexible start dates are available in some of our partner countries. Whether you join us on our long-term or short-term programme, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and language, learn, grow, and make an impact! Get in touch to find out more!
Canadian Alliance for Development Initiatives & Projects
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Volunteers have the opportunity to explore environmental issues, peace, and intercultural understanding in a series of Photo Marathons in Iceland. The project aims to send messages and draw the attention of the local population through the photographs captured. Anybody passionate about photography and global issues is welcome to join. The main task is to take photos based on given topics. Volunteers capture unique shots and share photography skills and lessons with other like-minded participants. They also learn more editing techniques to bring out the best in their shots. At the end of the project, the group will put up an exhibition with the best pictures. Volunteers also help out with some community service projects such as cleaning green spaces, beautifying gardens, and working on the recycling system of the city.
WorkingAbroad Projects
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The Icelandic Forestry Association (IFA) was founded in 1930 and has been aiding this cause ever since, and recently started working in an area around Úlfljótsvatn lake in the southwest of Iceland. Úlfljótsvatn is situated south of the beautiful, Þingvellir national park. Parts of the area have been heavily eroded or degraded and are in urgent need of attention. This is where the volunteers are needed! Assist with reforestation efforts through planting seedlings and by fertilizing young trees and/or an area in the south of Iceland called Geitasandur. We need two groups of 5 short-term volunteers who will team up with long-term volunteers already working in the area. The volunteers will live on a farm situated next to the lake. The teams will be led by a qualified and experienced team supervisor who is both educated in forestry and biology. Volunteers will plant trees in Iceland, so no previous experience of this work is necessary as training will be provided by experienced leaders. A workday normally runs from 09:00 – 17:00 with, breaks for lunch and coffee. Travels to and from the work area will be via a car.
A Guide to Volunteering Abroad in Iceland
Prepare for Volunteering
Set goals
Setting clear goals will help you make the most of your volunteer experience in Iceland. Depending on the cause, your goals could go in many different directions. Here are a few good basics to start with:
- Identify any interests and focus on causes that you are passionate about. Make sure to take the time to work on it.
- Define the objectives that matter to you and decide what you aim to achieve—skills development, cultural immersion, or making a difference.
- Research the history and story of where you’re volunteering to be more intentional about serving that place or people.
Understand the Benefits
Volunteering in Iceland offers numerous advantages for personal and professional growth. Regardless of the field, spending time in Iceland can offer the following:
- Cultural immersion and lots of learning. Experience Icelandic traditions and lifestyles and see the similarities and differences throughout the regions.
- Hone and develop skills. Gain new skills and practice new ones by learning through hands-on work.
- Meeting people everywhere. Build connections with locals and fellow volunteers throughout your time in Iceland.
Things to know
Wherever your volunteer placement is, a few important things to know are:
- Learn Icelandic - Knowing the basics of the Icelandic language is beneficial in any situation and can greatly endear you to locals, showing respect for their culture and fostering positive interactions.
- Cultural Sensitivity - Show openness and respect toward the community’s customs and practices, being mindful of Icelandic social norms, which helps in building genuine connections and avoiding unintentional offense.
- Weather - Iceland's weather is famously unpredictable, so pack versatile clothing and gear to stay prepared for rapid changes and varying conditions.
- Networking - Building personal and professional connections can open doors for mentorships and broaden career prospects, making even small efforts toward networking highly valuable.
- Logistics - Ensure you have transportation and accommodation plans ready if not prearranged, and double-check all essential documents such as visas, passports, and health insurance to avoid last-minute issues.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Volunteering in Iceland offers a diverse range of opportunities, including unique placements like joining a dog sledding team or assisting with organic food production in Sólheimar village.
Citizens of the European Union (EU) and many other nationalities do not require a visa to volunteer in Iceland. However, it is best to confirm the visa requirements specific to your nationality and the length and purpose of your stay.
Volunteering abroad in Iceland provides an affordable opportunity to fully immerse yourself in Icelandic culture since the program fees already include housing and meals.
Yes. Iceland has a low crime rate and is known for its safety and security. So volunteering in the country is generally considered safe. Still it is important to remain vigilant and informed during your stay.
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