Greece Volunteering

Feel like saving the world this week? Volunteering can be a powerful and fulfilling experience, especially when combined with the thrill of traveling in a new place. Though Greece is considered wealthy by international standards, there is no shortage of aid organizations. From providing medical care to refugees to ensuring the survival of wildlife species for the future, Greece has plenty of opportunities to give back.

Most people who volunteer in Greece do so on a short-term basis at organizations that make use of drop-in or summer volunteers. These are referenced both in this section and in the town and city listings. The best way to find opportunities that match your interests and schedule may be to search online at websites like ww.volunteerabroad.com, www.servenet.org, and www.idealist.org ; most programs have contact information and many provide detailed descriptions and instructions on the Internet. Those looking for longer, more intensive volunteer opportunities usually choose to go through a parent organization that takes care of logistical details and often provides a group environment and support system—for a fee.

I Have To Pay To Volunteer? Many volunteers are surprised to learn that some organizations require large fees or “donations,” but don’t go calling them scams just yet. While such fees may seem ridiculous at first, they often keep the organization afloat, covering airfare, room, board, and administrative expenses for the volunteers. (Other organizations must rely on private donations and government subsidies.) If you’re concerned about how a program spends its fees, request an annual report or finance account. A reputable organization won’t refuse to inform you of how volunteer money is spent. Pay-to-volunteer programs might be a good idea for young travelers who are looking for more support and structure (such as pre-arranged transportation and housing) or anyone who would rather not deal with the uncertainty of creating a volunteer experience from scratch.

Wildlife Conservation

Archelon Sea Turtle Protection Society, 3h Marina Glyfadas, 166 75, Glyfada (☎ 210 89 82 600; www.archelon.gr). Non-profit group devoted to studying and protecting sea turtles on the beaches of Zakynthos ...more

Social Welfare

Global Volunteers, 375 E. Little Canada Rd., St. Paul, MN 551 17 (☎ 800-487-1074; www.globalvolunteers.org/1main/greece/volunteer_in_greece.htm). Sends volunteers to various locations in Crete to teach ...more

Other Opportunities

The American Farm School, Office of the Trustees and Greek Summer, 1133 Broadway, Ste. 1625, New York, NY 10010 (☎ 212-463-8434; www.afs.edu.gr) and P.O. Box 23, Thessaloniki 551 02 (☎ 23104 92 700) ...more