Poland, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming people, presents a wonderful opportunity for volunteering. Volunteering in Poland allows you to not only contribute to meaningful causes but also immerse yourself in the local way of life.
There’s a lot to discover as a volunteer in Poland.
Whether you're passionate about , , or , there are lots of amazing opportunities to lend a helping hand and create a positive impact. But how exactly do you go about volunteering in Poland? What are the requirements? Is it complicated or easy to do?
We’ll be answering these questions and more below, helping you figure out how to volunteer in Poland and hopefully inspiring you to do so in the near future!
Can I volunteer in Poland for free?
First of all, let’s begin with the issue of cost: Is it possible to volunteer in Poland for free? Well, it all depends on the type of program you wish to volunteer for. Some programs are surprisingly affordable, with fees covering accommodation and meals for the duration of your project.
Volunteering in Poland for free will be exceptionally rare, and it’s more likely that there will be a cost involved. Although it’s understandably frustrating and confusing to have to pay to volunteer, this is often due to operation costs and () for direct community support. The affordable end of the spectrum for volunteer programs in Poland is about 289 Euros a week.
That said, it’s important that you research the right program for you and prior to making any decisions.
What kind of visa do I need to volunteer in Poland?
You’ll need the proper documentation to get to Poland!
Another very important issue to consider is whether you will need a visa to do volunteer work in Poland or not. This all depends on your home country. If you are from the EU, then a work visa is not a requirement; Poland is part of the Schengen area and therefore EU residents can travel and work in Poland for as long as they like.
If you’re based outside of Europe, you will need to obtain a valid visa to work in Poland. Most volunteer travel falls under the category of a tourist visa, which can be obtained via the or on arrival depending on your nationality.
Other requirements that may apply for volunteering in Poland
- Language. This is not totally necessary as basic English skills are widespread in Poland, but it’s always worth learning a few general phrases when spending considerable time in a foreign country. Simple greetings, expressions of gratitude, and asking for directions in Polish will be appreciated by the locals.
- Additional documentation. Depending on if you need to apply for a visa or not, you may need to provide extra documents such as proof of travel insurance, proof of accommodation, proof of onward flight, and more.
- Background check. Some volunteer programs are extremely thorough in vetting who they allow on their projects. This is especially true if you’ll be working with children, animals, or the elderly.
How to volunteer in Poland
Here’s your step-by-step guide to volunteering in Poland.
Let’s go through the basic steps you’ll need to follow when deciding to volunteer in Poland and prior to arriving.
1. Decide on the right volunteer program for you
This should be the first thing to consider; why exactly do you want to volunteer in Poland? Is it something you are definitely capable of doing or will you find yourself out of your depth? Volunteering is a nice idea but the reality can be very different if you’re not well prepared.
In order to ensure success, you’ll want to find a program that’s suitable for you. That means identifying where your skills overlap with areas of need in Poland. Doing something you want to do, are able to do, and that needs to be done in Poland, is a combination that helps ensure a positive experience. If you have no clue where to start, .
2. Decide when you want to volunteer in Poland
The winter months in Poland can be very cold, sometimes below freezing with snow. January and February are considered the coldest months, while June to August are the hottest months. These summer months can have temperatures that vary between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius.
Keep in mind that the summer months are the busiest months for tourism in Poland. So, if you want to avoid the tourist crowds then maybe Spring or Autumn would be a better option. Travel costs will likely be cheaper during these months as well, such as flights and accommodation.
3. Decide where in Poland you want to go
There are many great places in Poland that are worth exploring. There are amazing cities such as the capital , , , and . Each of these cities is fascinating in their own way with incredible history and rich culture.
Sometimes though, the areas of greatest need will dictate where you end up volunteering in Poland. For example, if they need a lot of education volunteers in Krakow, then going to Warsaw may not be a wise decision.
4. Apply for your volunteer program
Now that the details are nailed down—it’s time to apply!
Once you make sure you meet all the necessary requirements, it’s time to inquire with the program directly and apply! Requirements typically involve interpersonal skills and lots of enthusiasm; you’ll be meeting lots of people from varied backgrounds, so being able to adapt to new situations is a must.
Having a varied skill set and a can-do attitude will be looked on favorably as well. Be prepared to work up to 35 hours a week as a volunteer, and make sure to do your research on your volunteer program prior to your trip so that you know exactly what to expect.
5. Apply for your visa
If you do need a Poland volunteer visa, then the sooner you get this done the better as it will likely take up to four weeks at least, perhaps longer to obtain.
There will be several documents you will have to send; these may include a copy of your health insurance, proof of sufficient funds during your stay in Poland, a copy of your return flight out of Poland, and proof of residence/someplace to stay.
There will also likely be what’s called a “stamp duty” fee that you’ll have to pay when you submit your documents for your Poland volunteer visa, but this is a relatively low cost.
6. Book your flight
Once all these steps are completed (and pending acceptance to your program), then it’s time to book your flight to Poland! You may want to book a hotel for a night or two to explore the area of Poland you’ll be visiting before your program starts. You should also look into how to get to the location of your volunteer program; do they provide transportation or will you have to make your own way there?
7. Practice cultural awareness
And finally, before traveling to Poland! Poland has a unique cultural identity, so take the time to educate yourself about the customs, traditions, and etiquette.
Once in Poland, definitely embrace the local way of life; try traditional Polish dishes and participate in local festivities to fully immerse yourself in the cultural experience. Polish people are known for their warmth and hospitality, so be open to forming meaningful connections with locals.
3 volunteer opportunities in Poland to consider
Now that we’ve looked at all the requirements for how to volunteer in Poland, let’s look at three amazing volunteer opportunities in Poland that you may wish to consider:
1.
- What to know: Angloville is an English exchange program where you chat to Polish professionals who are looking to improve their English speaking levels. It’s a great way to meet Polish people, make new friends, and see a lot of Poland!
- Angloville has Poland volunteer work across the country (Warsaw, Wroclaw, Poznan, Krakow), and you get to stay in nice hotels for up to a week with meals provided every day. Additionally, Angloville is a sponsorship program, meaning that they cover a vast majority of program costs. It’s one of the most affordable ways to see Poland.
2.
- What to know: ELI Abroad is a non-profit organization that creates volunteer and internship opportunities for globally-minded travelers. They offer internship placements at a low cost which is perfect for undergraduates, grad students, or if you’re taking a gap year.
- ELI Abroad is situated in Krakow in Poland and offers placements at local schools, as well as the Jewish Museum in Krakow. There is a one-time program fee of $695 and an application fee of $200.
3.
- What to know: International Medical Relief is in need of medical professionals and qualified individuals to help with relief services for the ongoing war in Ukraine. This is an opportunity to help make a difference to people who have been displaced from their home country.
- International Medical Relief is based in Warsaw and costs start at $1600 per week, with accommodation provided.
Make an impact on the world by volunteering in Poland
Next stop: Poland!
Volunteering in Poland can be a transformative experience that allows you to make a positive impact while discovering the country's rich heritage and warm hospitality. By choosing the right program, understanding visa requirements, and embracing the local culture, you can embark on a meaningful journey that leaves a lasting impression on both you and the communities you serve.
So, take the first step towards volunteering in Poland, and get ready to make a difference in this beautiful and welcoming country!
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