In Moldova

We host and coordinate volunteers coming from different programmes:

Types of projects

Most of the projects coordinated of ADVIT involve some sort of social/care work. Our projects include working in orphanages for children or young people with/without learning difficulties or disabilities, helping refugees, victims of trafficking, domestic violence and etc. Some projects are related to heritance protection and art/culture.

When I will work?
European Solidarity Corps Volunteers usually work between 30-35 hours each week including language lessons.
Sometimes there will be a shift or rota system where some work during night or weekend may be required. Volunteers are entitled to two days off each week. You should also be allowed 2,5 days off holiday for every month of work.

What if I do not like my host project?
ADVIT will encourage you to stay at the same project for the whole period of your project.
In certain cases it may be necessary to change the project. ESC Volunteers are entitled to change projects only once during the year.

Where will I live?
ADVIT will provide you with accommodation. You can live in a host family or a flat shared with other volunteers. Different types of accommodation include:

  • Your own bedroom in the project, with access to a shared bathroom and kitchen.
  • A bedroom in the host family.
  • A bedroom in a flat out side of the project where 2-6 volunteers live together.

The accommodation is normally basic but comfortable, which means that only the necessary things (such as a bed, table and a wardrobe) will be provided. If you are living in a flat outside of the project with other volunteers there are certain quotas on consumption of water, gas and electricity. Consumption over the limits is paid by volunteers themselves.

Pocket money, food and transport allowance
You will receive pocket money directly from ADVIT. The amount is 3 Euro/day forEuropean Solidarity Corps volunteers that will be paid in Moldovan Lei according to the exchange rate of the day when you receive it. In addition to this you will receive monthly food and local transportation allowance .
If you come to Moldova for more then 3 months we will open bank account for you. You will receive pocket money and other allowances to your bank card monthly. If you are short term volunteer all the allowances will be paid in cash.
You will not receive pocket money:

  • If you choose to leave your host project before we have found you a new one to work in;
  • If you choose to leave your project before your work placement finishes.

Health insurance
As an European Solidarity Corps volunteer you will be fully covered by a comprehensive health insurance. Upon your arrival you will pass some medical tests including HIV/AIDS test – it is obligatory for all foreigners who are going to stay in Moldova for more than 3 months.

What language will I learn?
In Moldova, people speak Romanian and Russian. Learning the language is an essential part of your intercultural experience. ADVIT will support your language learning process by providing intensive language course upon your arrival and 30 hours of language course during your project. As you will be working with Moldovan people, it is very important that you are willing to make an effort to learn Romanian and/or Russian language(s).

Visa and registration procedure in Moldova
The citizens of the following states do not need visas for the entry on the territory of the Republic of Moldova for a period of stay until 90 days:

  • The member states of the European Union;
  • Canada, Japan, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, USA;
  • CIS member states: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.

If you come from the country not listed below ADVIT will issue an invitation letter for visa application to the nearest Moldovan embassy/consulate.
After one month of your stay in Moldova we will apply for your temporary residence permit that will allow you to stay more then 90 days.

Checklist – what you need to bring with you

  • A valid passport.
  • Doctor certificate, where will be mentioned your group of blood.
  • Police clearance certificate.
  • Correctly issued flight ticket and that your flights are confirmed.
  • Warm clothes and good, waterproof shoes.
  • Bed clothes and towels.
  • Some information about your country: pictures, maps, books, coins, recipes, etc.
  • Small gifts from your country to give to people in your host project.

What does ADVIT expects from you

Being a volunteer with us does not require diplomas or certificates. It does require the right attitude though. What do we expect from you:

A positive attitude and outlook. One of our participants described his experience like this “What you get is what you put into it”. This is very true! If you keep looking at things from the positive side and try to see what you can learn from difficult situations, your experience will be a success.

Problem solving skills. Although your host project and ADVIT are all there to support you, in the end it is you yourself who makes or breaks your voluntary service. If you encounter a problem, do not wait until someone else solves it for you. Try to think what you can do to make things better.

Initiative. Together with the problem solving skills, you should be able to take initiative when necessary. When you have a question, ask it straight away. When you feel a bit lonely, look for opportunities in your host community to meet other people…

Intercultural curiosity and flexibility. For ADVIT the intercultural aspect of an ESC service is extremely important. You should be willing to learn about a different way of living and thinking – even if it maybe does not always stroke with your ideas and attitudes. An open mind, flexibility and a lot of curiosity are crucial!!
Sensitivity towards other people. As you will be working with Moldovan people, a lot of people are involved in your ESC experience. You should realise that just like you, these are people with feelings, who can sometimes make mistakes. You can address problems and criticize a situation in different ways. Whatever the situation, you should be able to remain polite and you should try to see the other person’s point of view.

The attitude we expect from you, is the attitude that you can expect from the people around you. Your ESC- experience should be a great learning experience, not only in terms of your work, but also in terms of personal growth and interpersonal / intercultural skills. Learning is never a straight line, it goes with ups and downs. We do not expect anyone to be perfect, but we expect you to be willing to look at and learn from your mistakes.