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Join us in creating a circular fashion industry in Athens, Greece!
This project is a volunteer program in collaboration with NGOs in Athens, working to create a sustainable society by reproducing wasted fabrics from the fashion industry, redistributing discarded clothing to those in need, and upcycling garments. A unique opportunity awaits you to help build a circular fashion system while protecting the environment.
Experience the change you can create with your own hands!
If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s something you can do after seeing images and videos of massive piles of clothing waste or news showing how quickly our planet’s environment is deteriorating, now is the time to head to Athens. Meet people taking action on the ground, connect with like-minded individuals, and create meaningful change together. Spending time with people who share the same dreams and goals will ignite your passion and become the driving force to challenge yourself in building a better society. Experience the change that leads the world — in Athens, Greece.
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Q. Why is a circular fashion industry necessary? The rapidly changing fashion industry driven by trends is causing significant environmental pollution worldwide. Fast fashion — buying cheaply and discarding quickly — leads to greenhouse gas emissions, water waste, and massive amounts of waste. In particular, the volume of clothing waste is staggering, with approximately 2,000 or more garments being discarded every second. Experts predict that if the current fashion industry continues, serious resource depletion and environmental damage will occur within the next 10 years. Reducing clothing consumption, extending product life, recycling, and upcycling can all create meaningful change through our actions. |
In this project, volunteers sort discarded clothing and redistribute them to new owners. Depending on your experience with clothing, you may also create new garments using various upcycling materials. Since new materials are used regularly, volunteers can design and participate in creating new fashion pieces. Feel free to express your creativity! If you are studying fashion or interested in the industry, your time in Athens will become a truly special experience. Take this opportunity to build your own career while practicing environmental sustainability.
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* A word from the project planner If you dream of becoming part of the fashion, beauty, or entertainment industries, we encourage you to take on this project. International experience is highly valuable in these fields, just as much as academic qualifications. Time spent in Athens will give you new perspectives and experiences, helping you build a unique and competitive career. |
Athens, the capital of Greece and often called the center of European civilization, is a city where warm sunshine and relaxed air naturally slow down the pace of everyday life. Ancient ruins blend seamlessly with modern scenery, fresh food and a glass of wine at the end of the day, and simple yet meaningful daily moments — in Athens, even ordinary days feel like travel. With the sea and islands just a short trip away, you can create your own rhythm between city life and nature. Start your new story in Athens — a city you’ll want to return to again someday.
8.9 Week
Based on past participants’ experiences, we’ve organized the common themes of learning, reflection, and growth by time period.
Capturing the growth journeys
of our participants.
Learn
This project is a volunteer program in Athens, Greece, aimed at creating a sustainable society through a new approach to the fashion industry. Fashion is one of the industries that most quickly reflects the culture and sensibilities of each era. While it constantly evolves and creates new trends, it also raises concerns about environmental issues, overconsumption, and labor conditions.
This project offers an opportunity to view fashion from a “slower and more meaningful” perspective within this context. Instead of fast fashion that is quickly consumed and discarded, you will discover new possibilities for clothing through the lens of circulation and coexistence. From sorting discarded clothing and redistributing them where needed, to creating new uses through upcycling, small actions come together to help you naturally learn ways to coexist with the environment. More than just volunteering, this experience encourages you to rethink what you wear and how you consume. Your time in Athens will become a meaningful starting point for making everyday life more intentional and sustainable.
| Main Activities | Clothing Collection & Reuse Activities : Collecting and transporting clothing from donation points, Sorting and cleaning collected clothing, Packaging and displaying clothes for redistribution |
| Refugee Clothing Support Activities : Supporting clothing reuse for refugees, Assisting and interacting with refugees, Supporting meal distribution activities | |
| Campaign & Awareness Activities : Supporting campaigns to raise awareness about environmental pollution, consumerism, and child labor in the fashion industry, Assisting with sustainable fashion events and workshops | |
| Nonprofit Organization Support : Participating in upcycling tasks at ethical fashion nonprofits, Administrative and operational support, Assisting with social media promotion |
* The above examples are provided for reference. Activities will be determined locally depending on timing, participant skills, and background.
Additional Information
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English Requirement ★☆☆☆☆
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Detailed support items
Support Details
■Accommodation and Meals
*Please book your flights and transportation only after your participation is confirmed and your departure schedule has been finalized.
This project is carried out in collaboration with an NGO based in Athens, Greece. In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — No. 8 "Decent Work and Economic Growth," No. 10 "Reduced Inequalities," No. 12 "Responsible Consumption and Production," No. 13 "Climate Action," and No. 17 "Partnerships for the Goals" — this project seeks solutions to global environmental pollution caused by the fashion industry while also working to minimize social isolation and exclusion across diverse communities.
Hello! My name is Rita, and I’m the project coordinator. My wonderful team and I warmly invite you to join this project. :)
Would you like to create positive energy in the local community by participating in social and environmental activities in Athens with us? You’ll meet new friends from around the world with completely different cultural backgrounds, and together you’ll create unforgettable memories through shared adventures and travel.
We are committed to ensuring your safety and comfort so that you can grow personally while also creating meaningful experiences for the local community you support.
We look forward to meeting you in Athens. Let’s make a difference together!
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10–12 Person Room (Female-only or Mixed Dormitory) / Lunch & Dinner Provided / Free Wi-Fi / Basic Bedding Provided / Shared Bathrooms Separated by Gender (some exceptions) / Washer & Dryer (additional fee) |
You will stay at an accommodation in Athens where you can meet international volunteers and travelers. Each room accommodates 10–12 people, and each room has its own bathroom shared with your roommates. The accommodation is operated with an eco-friendly approach and offers a cozy atmosphere, along with various common spaces including a kitchen and living room. This creates a great opportunity to connect and spend enjoyable time with volunteers from around the world.
The accommodation is conveniently located within a 5–10 minute walk from a metro station, making it easy to access major attractions in Athens such as Syntagma Square and Monastiraki. (Approximately 20 minutes by public transportation.) Lunch and dinner are provided daily, and meals are served in packaged form at the dining area.
*Accommodation is dormitory-style shared rooms. Private room upgrades are available for an additional fee upon request.
*If you have special dietary requirements such as vegetarian or gluten-free, please contact us in advance.
Region:Greece, Athens
Greece, a land of history and myth, lies at the crossroads of the southeastern Balkans and combines both European and Mediterranean characteristics. Greece has many jewel-like islands, including Santorini, Crete, Zakynthos, and Kefalonia. Santorini is often cited as a must-see destination.
In the capital city of Athens you can find historical sites that reflect the birthplace of world civilization, including the Parthenon on the Acropolis. The climate is typically Mediterranean: hot and dry in summer but rainy in winter. The project site is located on a quiet seaside about 13 km from downtown Athens.
Recommended destinations
1. Santorini Island
A place of white houses with blue roofs lined up on hills against the backdrop of the sea and a blue sky—that is Santorini. Like Jeju Island, Santorini was formed by volcanic eruptions and features many cliffs. An interesting feature is that the roof of the house below can serve as the terrace of the house above. We recommend watching the sunset over the Aegean Sea from a Santorini terrace or an outdoor café!
2. Acropolis
Athens' Acropolis is a foundation of Western history and attracts many visitors. The Acropolis, the center of Athens, literally means 'a city built on a high hill.' There you can admire the wonder of the Parthenon, the most famous and magnificent temple, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Don't forget to climb the Acropolis and take in the panoramic view of Athens!
3. Mykonos Island
Mykonos offers another facet of Greece's charm. White houses and windmills are symbols of the island. If Santorini has a grand, masculine appeal, Mykonos feels more quaint and feminine. The island's famous resident is the pelican, which often travels in flocks and helps increase the island's bird population. While staying in Mykonos, meet the pelicans that mingle with locals and immerse yourself in the island's picture-perfect scenery!
■ This project can start on the first and third Monday of every month.
■ The minimum participation period for this project is 1 week.
■ The cost of this project is at the top of the current pagewhere you can easily check the detailed amounts by duration and options.
Eligibility and Qualifications
■Installment Payment Information
If you have difficulty paying in full, you may prepay a registration fee of 500,000 KRW and pay the remaining balance within two weeks. Based on the date the registration fee is paid, we will proceed with the process to confirm participation in the project and check availability and openings (TO). To participate on your desired date and for your desired period, it's important to secure a spot quickly! (Once participation is confirmed, refunds are not available.)
* However, if the start date is imminent, the schedule for paying the remaining balance may vary depending on the circumstances.
■Early Bird Discount and Urgent Application Information
We recommend applying for all GapYear projects at least 3 months before the project start date to allow for normal processing and GapYear preparation time; as a rule, applications should be submitted no later than 2 months before the start date. However, if there are unavoidable reasons or you urgently need to join a project, we offer an expedited application service for an additional fee to help facilitate the fastest possible processing.
* While we assist with the fastest possible processing, there is still the time required for communication with local organizations and for confirming participation, and because all procedures are conducted the same as for regular participants, applicants using the urgent application service are required to actively cooperate with the Korean GapYear operations teamYou must do this.
** Applicants who submit their application at least 180 days before the start date are eligible for an early-bird discount.
*** The urgent application service can be requested from the selection options above. For inquiries regarding the urgent application service, please contact koreagapyear@gmail.com.
- Included: Automatic registration for the Gap Year mission and notes / Full OT materials provided immediately upon confirmation of participation / Additional emergency personnel deployment / Support for preparing documents if needed, etc.
* If you have difficulty calculating dates, please refer to the Naver Date Calculator >>Naver Date Calculator (Direct Link)
** Note: For ultra-urgent applications, there may be no available slots depending on local circumstances, and subsequent procedures will follow the Gap Year refund policy. Any problems caused by a participant's lack of cooperation are the participant's responsibility.
