Greece

Volunteer work in the medical project in Crete

Directly at the sea
Surrounded by nature
Diverse cuisine

Volunteering on the paradise island of Crete! In the port city of Heraklion, you will support the staff in a hospital and assist the patients with everything that is necessary. This gives you the opportunity to gain a lot of experience in the medical field and to get a taste of the different areas of responsibility in a hospital. Are you aiming for an apprenticeship or degree in this field or do you already have previous knowledge and experience in the healthcare sector? Then this project is for you!

Crete

from 18 years

4 - 16 Wochen (Juni - Sept) / from €1.550

Wednesday, Sunday

Volunteer work in the medical project in Crete, Greece

health and well-being

Ensure a healthy life for all people of all ages and promote their well-being.

Project ID : FA-GR375

As a volunteer
Greece

4 - 16 Wochen (Juni - Sept) / ab 1.550 €
to the cost overview

What's the matter?

Especially during the pandemic, it became clear how important additional support is in a hospital - so your involvement is very welcome!

In general, it depends on your previous knowledge at which placement you can be deployed: If you are a medical student or have demonstrably already gained professional experience in the medical field, you can volunteer in a hospital. On the other hand, if you don’t have any medical expertise, you support the specialist staff in the medical center, in private clinics or in rehabilitation centers.

Get to know the processes of a hospital abroad and benefit from international exchange. Gain extensive professional and intercultural experience and get to know Greece from an authentic perspective!

Your tasks as a volunteer

Your tasks as a volunteer vary depending on your interests and previous knowledge: For example, you help the patients to move around in the hospital and make their everyday life easier by talking to them and dealing with them.

In addition to dealing with the patients, you will take on other simple tasks such as small errands or cleaning and tidying up. Depending on what professional experience you can already show, monitoring the patient's condition - measuring temperature, pulse, breathing, etc. - is also part of your area of responsibility.

Otherwise, you do not need any previous medical experience - it is important that you show commitment and are a team player. You should also have a neat appearance. There is no specific dress code though - first of all we recommend comfortable shoes/trainers as you will be on your feet all day. A white coat will be provided.

You work six hours a day, five days a week. Training will take place in the first few days so that you can familiarize yourself with your work and your new environment. In general, this project tries to give you an overview of the work in a hospital, to gain experience in the various areas there and to get to know the daily routine.

Accommodation Catering

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Volunteer Apartment in Crete

During your assignment you will live in one of the volunteer apartments on site. Depending on how many volunteers take part in the project and how long you stay on site, it is decided which apartment you will stay in.

Each apartment can accommodate up to four volunteers. All apartments are fully furnished, have a modern bathroom and are equipped with all kitchen utensils, air conditioning and WiFi. Towels and bed linen are also available. However, you must ensure the cleanliness of the premises yourself. Accommodations will also be divided by gender unless there is a request for couples.

Depending on your accommodation, you can get to your project location either by bus or on foot. Depending on your project in Crete, you will need approx. 5-30 minutes. If you are dependent on the bus to get to your place of work, you can request a bus ticket from the local team (approx. €60 per month or €25 per week).

Supermarkets, restaurants, bars and other shops can be found in the vicinity. The beach is also not far away and invites you to swim and relax. There are also occasional social events or joint outings that you can take part in.

The nearest town, Hersonissos, is about 3 km away and can be easily reached by bus and Heraklion is only 12 km away and can be easily visited by bus.

Location

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Crete

Crete is located in the south of the Aegean Sea and is the largest Greek island. It offers breathtakingly beautiful nature with high mountains and wild gorges. The island is like a small version of the mainland. You will find beautiful original villages, big cities and mountains here. Blending the old with the new, the mountains with the sea, the island brings together so many comparative advantages that it is now one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations.

The scent of thyme, sage and oregano fills the air due to the cultivation of aromatic herbs. Crete's agriculture is mainly used for wine, olive and fruit growing and you can admire grapevines and olive trees everywhere. The island is one of the largest olive oil exporters in the EU and one of the oldest olive trees in the world can be found near Kavousi in north-east Crete.

Administratively, Crete is divided into four prefectures: Heraklion, Chania, Rethymnon and Lassithi. Heraklion is the island's largest city and its capital - a vibrant city full of students and youth, where the organization is also based.

Here you can combine work with vacation and fun. Your internship or volunteer work will definitely be etched in your memory forever!

Your free time on Crete

On Crete, the island of the gods, you will certainly not get bored. Be sure to take some time after your work on the project to thoroughly explore the largest island in Greece.

Heraklion, Crete's capital, is about twelve kilometers away from your project location. Highlights of the city are definitely its beautiful Venetian harbor, the historic old town and the attraction par excellence on Crete: the palace of Knossos. There you will learn about the most well-known myths surrounding the Minotaur, discover the labyrinth and learn more about the history of the Ionian civilization. By the way: Entry to the palace is free for volunteers under the age of 25. Talk to our project team about this.

Would you like to absorb even more historical knowledge? Then off you go to the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion. The museum is full of finds from the Minoan period. The time is considered the hour of birth of European culture.

You can take another city trip to Chania. It is considered one of the most beautiful cities on the island with its Venetian harbor, a lighthouse, the ancient old town and the Hasan Pasha Mosque.

Crete is also an ideal place for nature lovers with its breathtaking nature, high mountains and deep gorges. The Samaria Gorge is one of the largest gorges in Europe and definitely an ideal place to go hiking in Crete. Equally exciting for hiking is Crete's second largest mountain Pachnes. It lies in the white mountains and impresses with its bizarre lunar landscape.

If you are more drawn to the beach, Crete will not disappoint you either. For example, visit Preveli Beach. The beach is a popular photo opportunity, as a heart-shaped rock juts out of the water. You will find another special feature on the beach of Elafonisi. Here, turquoise water meets pink sand. Definitely a must see!

On-site procedure

Arrival in Crete

You land in Heraklion and a team member will pick you up from the airport. On the way to your accommodation, you will take a small tour of the city by car. The course of the next few days will be explained to you and you will already be shown some important places, buildings, shops and restaurants. You will then be taken to your accommodation and have the rest of the day free. This gives you time to rest, explore your surroundings or get to know the other volunteers.

Orientation program on Crete

The orientation program starts the day after your arrival and you will learn a lot about Greek culture, customs and the house rules. If necessary, you can get a monthly ticket for public transport together in the city or you can drive directly to work. There you will be shown your workplace and the further processes will be explained to you. If you have any questions, you can contact the on-site team at any time. After the orientation program you have the rest of the day free.

Your first day in the project

Each project has different working hours (approx. five days a week), which will be discussed with you right at the beginning of your assignment. On the first day you will get to know the employees and the work processes and you will be briefed on your tasks.

Our team is your number 1 contact for the entire duration of your stay on Crete. If you have any questions or problems, you can contact our team at any time!

Pricing

base fee

€ 1.550, -

4 weeks of participation
extension week

€ 240, - / week

up to 48 weeks

included
Services

Before departure

Individual advice and support from our trained RGV team in Munich
Organization including placement in the project and coordination of your stay on site
Assistance with preparation: visa, health care, travel insurance, etc.
Non-binding flight advice
Travel ABC with packing list for your travel preparation
RGV t-shirt

On site

Orientation program with the team on site
Support and guidance from the on-site team
RGV 24h emergency number
Project t-shirt to wear during on-site activities

Airport transfer on the agreed arrival and departure days
Accommodation in Volunteer Apartment

Meals: breakfast

After return

Participation confirmation of your voluntary commitment
Reflection course on your experiences abroad
Evaluation sheet and optional feedback discussion

useful additional services

not included
Services

Round trip
Private expenses on site
Excursions with microlight flights
Travel and cancellation insurance
Visa and Vaccinations
All nights outside your agreed accommodation
Public transport and extra transfers

Daily drive to the project

Drinks

Individual Recommended additional offers
& must-haves

Would you prefer to stay in a single room? Are you vegan or do you have special requests for food? Or do you want to do some cool trips with other volunteers in your free time and explore the country?

With us, you benefit from a variety of optional additional services that you can add individually to your booking, depending on your preferences.

" Round Trip
Cheap flights with our flight partner thanks to volunteer rates.

" Insurance
Benefit from the 4 in 1 ERGO travel insurance.

Greek language course

175 €

Greek language course
English language course

175 €

English language course
Einzelzimmer

90 €

Per week (subject to availability)
Dinner and breakfast

65 €

per week
Personal development introductory course

Free of charge

Two tools to get you started on your personal development

Crete Team
site

The main person responsible for the projects on Crete Nikos. Your volunteer coordinators are Rebecca and Cecilia.

Rebecca is English and has lived in Greece for over 20 years. Therefore, she speaks fluent Greek and also has basic knowledge of German. She has also worked in the travel industry for many years, is a professional singer, dancer and loves sports.

Cecilia is Romanian, speaks English and Greek and studied tourism and management. She loves travelling, reading and sports.

RGV FAQ
to the project

What are the project fees used for?

Although we are a non-profit organization, there are costs associated with volunteering abroad. Find out here, why volunteering requires money and what your project fee is used for.

Do I need a visa?

As an EU citizen and from Switzerland, you do not need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days. If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you have to apply for a residence permit in the first month at the location.

What language skills do I need for the project?

In order to be able to communicate well with the team on site, you should definitely have good English skills.

Are there age restrictions for the project?

Volunteers between the ages of 18 and 45 can take part in the project.

What are the requirements for the project?

With proven medical experience or as a medical student, you will work in a hospital.
Without any previous medical experience, you will be employed in medical centers, private clinics, retirement homes or rehabilitation centers.

General FAQ about volunteer work

Ready to volunteer in Greece? Start your adventure abroad with Rainbow Garden Village!

Rainbow Garden Village has been offering volunteer work and internships abroad since 1999. What started as a small student initiative in Ghana has now grown into an organization with over 250 projects around the world.

You can be sure that your work as a volunteer will be an unforgettable experience. Bring your commitment and your knowledge to do good locally - and at the same time benefit from the unique experiences that will promote your personal development.

Become part of our RGV community!
We look forward to you.

RGV Your way
to the volunteer

1
Choose your volunteer project and register online.

2
We will review your application and confirm your participation.

3
Prepare for your assignment online or in our preparatory seminar in Munich.

4
Here we go! During your volunteer work, we will support you at any time with our on-site team.

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With RGV you achieve flexible volunteer work in different countries worldwide. Maybe there is one too Internship abroad the ideal choice for you to gain valuable experience abroad.