Volunteer in the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic Overview
Do something different this summer and volunteer in the Czech Republic experiencing a variety of different placements throughout the city of Prague and beyond in the beautiful countryside. With flying time from London only 2 hours and plenty of time in the schedule to explore, the Czech volunteer programme makes a perfect quick getaway to see the area and lend a helping hand at the same time.
Placement highlights
- Work together as a group in a variety of locations both in the historical city of Prague and the countryside beyond
- Volunteer in a wide range of hands on projects from animal sanctuaries, local charities and community projects to eco-farms and park maintenance
- Spend your free time exploring the city and neighbouring countries.
- Sun worshippers won't miss out either with the highest temperatures in Central Europe and plenty of outdoor pools to relax in(see Trip Info for trips and prices)
No experience is needed to volunteer here in the Czech republic, just bring yourself and some energy and be ready to head off each day with your fellow volunteers to wherever a call for help has been made!
Placement at a Glance
2015 : May 30th - September 13th
Images from the Czech Republic
For an amazing experience call us on 01603 280702
Trip info for the Czech Republic
Country: Czech Republic
Book your placement with £125. Then pay £125 per week
to volunteer in the heart of Europe
Volunteer in the Czech Republic
Czech Republic Placement Details
Here's everything you need to know about the volunteer programme including how it works, how to get there and how to stay safe.
About the Project
The Czech Republic volunteer programme offers an unrivalled opportunity to truly live and work alongside fellow volunteers and local people in a variety of settings, from animal sanctuaries, parks, local charities, community centres to eco-farms. The programme's ethos is of getting out and lending a hand to any charity or project which is currently is in need.
A weekly schedule is organised by the volunteer group coordinator and there is the flexibility to opt out of any activities for sightseeing should you wish to.
All volunteer work is part time and generally Monday to Friday according to the needs of local charities and projects so there is plenty of time to relax and explore.
Occasionally a volunteer trip may be running at the weekend but there is no obligation or days off in the week could be taken instead.
Do I need experience?
No experience is required and the weekly schedule provides a variety of all-inclusive opportunities for all levels and ages of confidence. There may be occasions to teach English informally at some projects, although most of the projects volunteers visit require hands on help so if you don't want to teach not to worry as this is not currently the focus of the programme! If you would like to know how to teach for this or any other project our guide for novice TEFL teachers might be useful reading.
Can I choose what project I want do?
The local team organise a varied schedule for the week so there will always be a few placements to suit everyone. Simply see the noticeboard for the week's activities and add your name to the list for those you would like to join - it couldn't be simpler. And because everyone travels together to the same activity on the schedule you won't be on your own!
Health, safety and support
How safe is the Czech Republic?
The Czech Republic is a safe modern European country to visit and you should have no concerns that you would not have travelling anywhere else in Europe.
All the facilities are good, modern and hassle-free with modern supermarkets, banking and modern public transport is easy to use to get around.
How can I stay safe health - wise?
If you are a European citizen, take a European Insurance Card (EHIC) with you which will entitle you to the same immediate medical attention available to native Czechs. If you are in the UK, apply online through the NHS website for your EHIC card which lasts for 5 years and will cover you for all future holidays in Europe. However, as for any trip abroad, even with the EHIC card, you should also purchase travel insurance which will provide a flight home for more serious illness or accident.
What level of support is provided?
The local support team organise the weekly schedule for the volunteer group and will assist you with anything you need help with outside of your volunteering. They are English speaking and know the area inside out.
Travel with others
How can I travel with another volunteer?
We will pair you up with another volunteer so you can fly together. Even if you do travel alone, the local team are there and you will rarely be the only volunteer as new volunteers arrive every few days. You can also:
- Add yourself to the Buddy List to meet other volunteers, travel together or simply find a familiar face when you arrive.
- Join the volunteer community on Facebook and like the page to connect with other volunteers, receive recent pictures, stories and updates.
Getting there
Do I need a visa?
European passport holders only require a valid passport to enter the country. If you hold a different passport and require a visa to enter the Czech Republic, we can provide you with a supporting letter of introduction to assist your visa application. Allow an extra 2 to 3 weeks to prepare this for you.
How do I get there?
There are many ways to travel to the Czech Republic, with flights to Prague starting from London at £90 return, more information on routes is provided in the welcome pack.
What happens on arrival?
Our regular drivers will be there to meet you and take you to the volunteer accommodation. They always have a sign so you won't miss them. The driver will also wait if your flight is delayed.
Are there fixed days to arrive?
Volunteers can arrive on any day of the week, there is no fixed start date, although as for most projects, Monday/Tuesday are great days to arrive so you can settle in with volunteering and make friends before the weekend when you will want to explore with your fellow volunteers. Whatever day you arrive whether Mon/Tues or any other day of the week, our regular drivers will meet all flights and transfer you to the volunteer accommodation.
Meals
Are meals provided?
The volunteer programme is self catering. There are plenty of shops to cook at the volunteer house and cafes to eat out. £40 - £60 per week will be enough for all meals and snacks.
What to take
What do I need to take for volunteering?
Take comfortable clothing. Jeans or loose trousers are recommended. You should also take a couple of t-shirts/shirt which you don't mind getting dirty for animal or conservation work.
What do I need to take for my stay?
A list of resources which are needed will be emailed to all volunteers a couple of weeks before travel based on the schedule for your visit. Do not worry though, the list will be kept to an absolute minimum to not take up luggage space. This may only include one or two items for example, gardening gloves, water proof shoes or a smarter outfit for a specific event.
Some locations out of Prague may require an overnight stay due to travelling times. Staying over night will mean the project visited will benefit from a full day's help before travelling back to base so it is a good idea that all volunteers bring a sleeping bag and camping mat just in case.
Clothing-wise, bring a variety of clothing to suit all types of volunteering. Short shorts and a t-shirt may be more practical for outside work, whilst jeans or a dress may be more suitable for a community centre. Try to avoid bringing clothes which require ironing as this may not be practical when camping! Do check the weather forecast before you arrive and take what is comfortable. An anorak for summer showers, a sun hat for outside work and trainers/strong shoes for rough ground will be sensible additions.
A smaller daypack is essential at all times to carry equipment and a drink to projects as well as carrying your sleeping bag to projects further afield.
Other volunteers
Travel with friends
What happens if I book with a friend?
We can buddy you up with another volunteer so there is no need to travel alone if you get booked on early. Simply tell us at the time of booking and we will pass your details on to everyone else on the list for you.
Getting around
How will I get to the projects each day?
Volunteers travel in a group to projects on foot or by public transport in and around the city. Sometimes the group will travel further afield to projects outside of the city and in smaller towns which may require a few extra hours but the travel is worth it for the experience gained.
£1 or £2 is enough to cover transport in and around the city. For travel to other towns further away, costs may be a little higher but are always optional and if travelling by taxi can be shared amongst the group.
Example schedule
Monday
Animal shelter for abandoned cats and dogs
Tuesday
Visiting a care home and providing company for elderly patients with few visitors
Wednesday
Gardening and maintenance work in parks and farms in and around Prague
Thursday
Animal shelter return visit and charity shop work
Friday
Full day visit to Roma community near Polish border for games and activities
Saturday/Sunday
Free time. Spend the weekend exploring the city, sunbathing at the outdoor pool or further afield. Neighbouring countries are close enough for an easy weekend visit including Vienna, Berlin, Krakow and Salzburg.
Communication
How will I keep in touch with family?
Unlock your phone before travel and get a new SIM on arrival. T-Mobile, Vodafone and Telefonica are the 3 top mobile operators. See Kate Russell's advice column using your phone abroad for more.
Getting back to the airport
How will I get back to the airport?
Your support team will help organise a return transfer with the team's regular driver to Varna airport/train station or Burgos airport. Simply ask a couple of days before your departure.
Payment
When do I need to pay for the programme?
We will email an invoice shortly after we receive your flights. Do not worry if you forget - we will send a reminder or give you a call!
Free Time in the Czech Republic
The volunteer schedule allows plenty of time to relax and explore. Volunteers generally get together and sightsee as a group as this is more fun and you can share the memories together.
Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge
Price FREE
Take a leisurely stroll over the famous Charles Bridge, most days there are musicians and entertainers. Great rivers views for photos.
Divorka Sarka pool
Entrance £2
Take tram 20 or 26 to Divoka Sarka and walk down the steps and through the forest to get to a wonderful outdoor pool in pretty surroundings. It's open from 10 am to 7pm so great for an afternoon off.
Divorka Sarka pool
Hostivarska swimming lake
Hostivarska swimming lake
Free to explore. Museum entrance £3
Take an additional large beach towel to sunbathe on the large grassed area surrounding the pool. is a new lake created by a dam and is a magnet when the summer heat arrives. Take tram 22 or 26 to tram stop Hostivarska, a 20 minute stroll through the park brings you to the swimming beach.
Free city walking tour
Price Free!
Everyday twice a day through the year there are walking tours in English from the Old Town Square in the centre of Prague. A walking tour is great way to learn more about Prague's history from an expert and get to know where everything is. Recommended. Book your free walking tour through Sandemans.
Free city walking tour in Prague
Historical city island
Free entry or £6 museum
Kampa island (Na Kampe) is an island in the Vltava river which flows through the city. There are some beautiful historic buildings, cafes and the Kampa Museum of modern and Czech art which has some interesting sculptures outside. Entrance to museum £6 adults, £3 concessions with student ID.
Mirror maze
Price from £3
Petrin hill with great city views and a tower resembling the Eiffel tower in Paris is easily reached by a funicular railway. This lesser known attraction offers a mirror maze and pleasant gardens. Entrance fees include the tower, maze and observatory. The best time to visit is the first Wednesday of each month at midday when bells are rung and sirens tested - recommended for surreal experience which feels like the end of the world.
Get lost in the the mirror maze on Petrin hill
Jackets are provided for everyone not to worry!
Ice Bar
Entrance Freewith cocktail purchase
A popular evening attraction, Prague's famous ice bar. Book in advance as popular and numbers limited to prevent the ice melting! Coats, gloves and hats are provided. Entry is free but you will be expected to buy a cocktail or two. Time limited to 30 minutes due to the low temperatures inside.
Medieval Tavern
Meal from £12
Enjoy a show of fire breathing, belly dancing and jugglers in a medieval themed tavern in the heart of historical Prague. With lots of meat, low beamed ceilings, candles, costumed servers and your bill coming in a skull it is a great experience not to be missed. Try to go in a group with friends on Friday or Saturday night as you might get more table entertainment, Check before hand what entertainment is running as mid week will be quieter.
The medieval tavern for a themed eating experience
The washroom which was never used.
Terezin Concentration Camp
Entrance £8
Terazin, 40 miles outside Prague, was used by the Nazis in the Second World War as an internment camp for the Jewish community. From here Jews were deported on trains to death camps including Treblinka and Auschwitz in neighbouring Poland. Terezin was also used by the Nazis to show the Red Cross and international community that they were looking after the needs of their interns with excellent sport and recreational facilities. The reality was very different with 75,000 people squeezed into accommodation for 7,000.
Despite extreme hardships the conductor Rafael Schachter who was interned here formed an underground chorus to sing Verdi's requiem. A 2012 film covers the choir's struggle for survival.
What happens after you have booked?
- As soon as you have booked you will receive a welcome email confirming your booking and explaining in more detail how to get organised for you trip
- We will pair you with another volunteer arriving around the same time so you can arrange to travel together
- You will also receive an email with all travel routes. It is possible to both fly and travel by coach to Prague
Below is an example timeline for a volunteer travelling in July 2014.
- As soon as possible : If you have booked your place on the volunteer programme, purchase flights (or coach tickets) to Prague straightaway before they go up. Flights with the budget airlines are in the region of £60 to £100 return if they booked far enough in advance. Do not buy flights until you have booked and received confirmation as spaces are limited.
- Add yourself to the Buddy List to meet other volunteers, travel together or simply find a familiar face when you arrive.
- Join the volunteer community on Facebook to see recent pictures from projects and other interesting stories and updates
- May : send us a copy of your CRB, or if you do not have a recent CRB, please apply for a Police Check – we will send you more information on how to do this after booking.
- June : Purchase travel insurance. This is easily bought with your flight. Ensure that the policy covers repatriation to your home country should you require it. If you are a EU citizen, obtain the European Health Card for free local medical cover.
- No visa is required beforefor European passport holders for stays up to 90 days. If you have a non-EU passport and require a tourist visa to enter the country, you will need to obtain this at least 3 weeks in advance from the nearest Czech Embassy. It will be useful to find out if you can obtain the tourist visa on arrival as this will be simpler.
- When you have flights to Prague: Email this so we can prepare the local team for your arrival and pick up. If you are travelling by coach, please provide a rough date of travel and arrival and we will put you in touch with the team a few days before you go.
- At anytime : after we have flights or dates if you are travelling overland, pay for your volunteer programme - we will send an invoice by email – as long as we know your dates - don't worry if you forget as we will send a reminder.
The Czech Republic at a glance
The Czech republic is a small country in the heart of Europe famous for its parks and gardens. The country is the sixth most visited country in Europe, now aided by the number of budget airlines which transport many weekenders to Prague. It is also one of the safest countries and cities in Europe. Despite a population of just over a million, many visitors to Prague are surprised by the number of green park spaces around the city including the open air swimming pool and a large campsite.
The country was formerly called Bohemia was historically fighting to maintain its territory from it's neighbours, Germany and Austria. More recently after the Second World War it was a reluctant annex of Russia under Communist control which came to an abrupt and peaceful end in 1989.
In 2006 it was the first ex-Communist country to be join the ranks of "a developed country" as labelled by the World Bank.
The climate in the Czech republic is one of extremes due to it's landlocked position in Europe with hot summers and cold winters.
Accommodation
Country: Czech Republic
Book your placement with £125. Then pay £125 per week
to volunteer in the heart of Europe
Czech Republic
Accommodation In order to keep costs as low as possible various accommodation will be used between hostels and city and farm camping. This is organised for you and we will advise shortly before travel if you need to bring a small tent for your visit.
Airport pickup: Available 24/7.
Support: English speaking co-ordinator is easily reached during your stay.
Not supported in the rooms so don't forget:
- Adaptor
- Sleeping bag
- Sheet
Pictures for illustration purposes only.
Actual room design/layout in hostel/campsite may differ.
Hostels/houses/city campsite: Facilities near by within walking distance
Shop
20 minutesChemist
5 minutesBus
10 minutesTaxis
5 minutesCash machine
20 minutesBank
20 minutesPhone Booth
5 minutesInternet
1 hourLaundry- washing machine in hostels
What next?
Media page for the Czech republic
Country: Czech Republic
Book your placement with £125. Then pay £125 per week
to volunteer in the heart of Europe.
Images of the Czech Republic
Click on the images and videos below to get an idea of what to expect when volunteering.
Video - Below you'll find the videos you need so you don't have to search around the whole site!
Pictures from Czech Republic
