Youth Support Program
For international volunteers with a passion for teaching and who wish to have a true European city experience - look no further than this amazing program in Split, Croatia. Participants will be working directly with underprivileged youth, assisting local staff in supporting students educational, emotional and social needs. Based in this vibrant seaside city, volunteers will find it hugely satisfying to give their time to this worthwhile program whilst enjoying all this popular destination has to offer. Free time can be spent enjoying the cultural and historic activities on offer, taking a tour or attending an event or simply soaking up the atmosphere of a palace market or relaxing in one of the many coastal bars and restaurants. On the weekend simply hop on a ferry to a gorgeous Croatian island!
This is a fabulous location for any volunteer to help teach those less fortunate essential life tools that could greatly improve their wellbeing and future prospects. Become a Love Volunteer today and put your skills to best use!
Goals of this Project:
- Assist local staff in after-schools centres; providing a much needed resource to help with one on one student support.
- Enable an exchange of cultures and ideas for mutual benefit
- Provide vulnerable youth with a safe place from which to learn and grow
- Improve the future prospects of Croatia's most impoverished youth
How You Can Help
This valuable program works with after-school centres in Split, providing assistance with all aspects of a child's education and wellbeing.
Whilst Split is a developed, modern city there is still poverty and inequality. Access to a safe space, mentorship and motivation opens up life opportunities otherwise closed to less fortunate Croatians and provides a way out of the vicious cycle of poverty.
Volunteers will primarily work alongside local staff and volunteers providing support with children's homework and studies, arranging creative and sporting activities and helping the children with their conversational and written English. Most importantly volunteers act as vital role models to the disadvantaged children of Split.
This is a hands-on project with volunteers working directly within this amazing community and a wonderful opportunity to experience the real Croatia, spend time with its people and learn about its rich culture and history.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake many of the following tasks:
- Assist local staff in the delivery of after-school activities
- Improve verbal and written English abilities of staff and children alike
- Help to design art, craft, drama, music and sporting activities
- Work one on one with students on homework assignments
- Motivate and encourage the children through example
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over (17 with parental consent) who wish to help create a brighter future for children through the power of education. This project best suits those with experience and/or qualifications in the field of childhood development and education, though volunteers who simply wish to explore an interest in this field are also welcomed as there are many ways you can assist in the classroom. Whist not mandatory, completing a TEFL course prior to joining this project would prove to be highly beneficial.
All applicants must of course display a genuine willingness to help, be fit and active, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
A basic knowledge of the local language (Croatian) is recommended but not essential.
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
- Resume
Project Location
Split perfectly melds the old and the new.
This vibrant Croatian coastal city showcases the best of relaxed European living, blended with history and ancient architecture. Bars, restaurants, markets and shops nestle within the walls of the Unesco listed Diocletian palace and the walls of the Old Town.
With it's backdrop of impressive mountains, coastal dining and alleys winding through the palace walls this is a city that will enchant!
Split is a ferry ride away from magical outlying Croatian Islands, perfect for a weekend getaway.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round with arrivals on SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Volunteers are met on arrival into Split airport and transport is provided to the hostel to settle in. On Monday a comprehensive orientation session takes place to cover the culture and customs, language basics, safety guidelines and practical information as well as an overview of the programs and volunteer experience. A 2-hour responsible guided city tour is also included - perfect for getting to know Split and meeting fellow volunteers and local staff.
- Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival Airport: Split International Airport (Resnick Airport). Code SPU.
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers in Split are accommodated in a popular hostel, conveniently located 10 minutes walk from the centre of town and near to public transport. Rooms are dormitory style and split by gender with shared bathroom facilities.
The hostel is well equipped for a comfortable and enjoyable stay including free Wi-fi, storage lockers, great communal areas for relaxing and air-conditioning for the hotter months. Laundry services, a 24hr pharmacy and supermarket are all within close proximity. Linen and small towels are provided so volunteers need only bring their personal toiletries.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided daily (included in the program fee). Just note that the restaurant closes at 5pm 2 nights a week, so you will need to get in early, takeaway for later or, even better, explore the other local eateries! It doesn't get much easier than that!
Fees
That’s just USD 94 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.