Just because you’re not interested in teaching English doesn’t mean you can’t volunteer with ILP. That's the focus for most of our volunteer programs, but we actually have one in particular in Europe where you won’t be teaching at all.
If you think everything about International Language Programs sounds perfect for you (except for the teaching part) this blog post is for you! You can still volunteer, make a difference, and do some traveling without needing to teach.
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In all of our other countries and programs, volunteers will be in the classroom part-time, teaching play-like lessons to help the kids learn English naturally. Teaching is fun, but challenging — energy levels are high, and the kiddos have a short attention span. Although it's hard work, you get the hang of it, and there's no experience needed. But if you're not into teaching English and still want to make a difference while going abroad, our humanitarian program in Europe is perfect for you.
Keep reading to learn all about the orphanage volunteer program in Romania.
- Why Won't I Be Teaching?
How Will I Be Making A Difference?
What Do Volunteers Do In Romania?
Hear From A Few Volunteers
Why Won't I Be Teaching?
At the heart of our mission is enriching the lives of children around the world by providing support and opportunities that help create brighter futures. What that support looks like can vary depending on the unique needs of the children we serve.
Our main focus is helping children learn English. Fluency in English is a highly valued skill around the world (especially in countries that rely on tourism) and can open doors to greater educational and career opportunities later in life. Because access to native English speakers is often limited, learning from ILP volunteers provides a unique and powerful learning experience.
In Romania, however, the needs of the children we work with are different.
Many of the children in this program are orphans, and all have a wide range of physical abilities and developmental challenges. Some are bedridden and benefit from simple acts of care, such as companionship, singing, and gentle stretching. Others are working toward important developmental milestones, like learning to walk, communicate, or interact with others. More than anything, these children need individualized attention, encouragement, and love to support their growth and well-being—much like the care a parent would provide.
Our Romania program gives ILP volunteers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a setting beyond the traditional classroom.
Although volunteers in Romania do not teach English, the overall program structure remains the same. Volunteers spend about half of each day serving—up to four hours in direct interaction with the children, plus transportation and cleanup time—while still enjoying free time, weekends off, and vacation days. The schedule is familiar; the way you serve is simply different.
How Will I Be Making A Difference?
You'll have the chance to help in so many meaningful ways and spend your days supporting children with a wide range of abilities and needs, who all have individual and unique needs.
Some kids simply need someone to sit with them, play, cuddle, and give them the one-on-one attention every child deserves. Others may need extra help getting around, stretching their muscles, listening to music, or participating in activities. While all the children have their basic needs met by onsite local staff, there's a need for more individualized attention, which is so important for their development and happiness. That's where you come in.
The kids live in group homes—This setting gives them opportunities to learn everyday life skills, and volunteers play a big role in helping them build confidence and routines. You'll help with things that may seem small but make a huge difference—holding a toothbrush, turning a doorknob, learning to share, managing big emotions, following a schedule, and celebrating milestones along the way.
Most of the kids are orphans, but some have families who need the support that the group home setting is able to provide. Some of your kids may have families visiting.
It's often the little moments that leave the biggest impact. Whether you're helping a child learn a new skill, offering encouragement, or simply spending quality time together, you'll be part of their growth and progress every day.
How Is This System Working In Romania?
Understanding a little of Romania's history helps explain why this program exists—and why the work you'll be doing matters so much.
For decades, Romania faced a major orphan care crisis that began during the rule of Communist leader Nicolae Ceaușescu. Government policies encouraged larger families while limiting access to contraception, but many families didn't have the resources needed to care for additional children. As a result, thousands of children were abandoned or placed in state-run institutions, creating an overwhelmed orphanage system that affected generations of children.
Today, Romania is working to move away from large orphanages toward more family-centered care. Many children now live in smaller apartment-style homes or care centers that provide a more supportive environment and help prepare them for greater independence, foster placements, or long-term care.
This is where ILP volunteers come in.
The children you'll work with live in "group home" settings provided by Romanian social services. There are local onsite staff who make sure their basic physical needs are met.
As a volunteer, your role isn't to replace caregivers—it's to provide something that can be hard to find in busy care settings: meaningful one-on-one connection. Whether you're helping with daily routines, celebrating milestones, playing games, or simply spending time together, your presence helps children feel seen, valued, and loved.
The kids have a variety of physical and developmental disabilities and benefit greatly from extra attention, encouragement, and interaction. While some are orphans, others have families who are unable to provide the specialized care their children need. These care homes help ensure every child has access to the support and resources necessary for their well-being.
Hear From A Few Volunteers
As you might have guessed, being able to care so personally for these kids can make quite the impact. Even though the ways you are helping may seem small (singing lullabies, stretching tired arms, helping kids share their toys, finally seeing one of your kids smile and laugh) they are hugely impactful. Read in detail about a few more personal experiences from our volunteers in Romania on this blog post.
Ready to volunteer at a Romanian orphanage?
You'll be set up with a group of volunteers to live with, explore with, and volunteer with, plus have weekends off + vacation days to explore Romania (and all the other countries on your European bucket list). Come join us to help with our Romania Orphanage Program!
