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Protecting Nature with My Own Hands: Environmental Volunteer Work in Iceland

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    Recommended Duration: Monday(Mar–Nov)

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    • -Early Bird Discount (0)days before start 0 %
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    * Estimated Daily Cost
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    (May include accommodation, meals, training, and program activities. Please check details.)
    EIRH0008
    Europe/Iceland/Reykjavik
    • Program Period: Available Year-Round
    • Application Period: Open Year-Round
    • Number of Participants: Unlimited
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    Program Creator / KoreaGapYear Global
    We are a social enterprise that develops Gap year programs related to Internship, Volunteering, Traveling, and Education.
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    4.3
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    • Learning & Growth
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    Program Introduction

    PROJECT INTRODUCTION

     

     

    Iceland, a land where diverse natural landscapes unfold before your eyes!

    Meet a special opportunity to work with people who strive to preserve Iceland's unspoiled nature in its purest form. Through your efforts to protect nature firsthand, you will experience making a better planet.

    * June to July is very popular and fills up quickly, so please apply early if you wish to join during this period.

     

    From the striking blue glaciers and pristine perennial snow to the hot geysers erupting and the majestic waterfalls, the endless Milky Way and the colorful auroras lighting up the dark night, the black sand beaches, and the whales swimming gracefully in the vast sea, all are part of Iceland's astonishing natural beauty.

    Experience Iceland's beautiful nature up close! Witness breathtaking views that are rare to find anywhere else on Earth in your everyday moments, and spend time reflecting and rejuvenating.

     

    Iceland, captivating countless travelers with its unparalleled natural environment, is suffering from rapid environmental destruction and pollution. Volunteers in this project collected 95 tons of coastal trash last year alone. To restore such beautiful nature, many hands are needed.

    Help preserve untainted nature in its original state! Picking up trash along the coast makes the problem of environmental pollution more evident and provides a chance to actively participate in solving these issues, leading to a more sustainable lifestyle.

     

    People from all over the world, including students from Europe, America, South America, and Asia, are gathering in Iceland to protect its beautiful nature. Don't miss the chance to meet friends who share the same passion! Collaborating with friends not only builds confidence in English but also helps in sharing the common dream of environmental protection and forming long-lasting special friendships.

    Create unforgettable memories with friends amidst Iceland's grand nature. These beautiful landscapes will remain as eternal memories and will provide energy for your future life.

     

    ✉️ Message from an Iceland Project Participant ❤️

    Recommended Duration by Participants

    13.3 Week

    Based on past participants’ experiences, we’ve organized the common themes of learning, reflection, and growth by time period.

    4Week
    Discover
    8Week
    Learn
    Recommended 12Week
    12Week
    Grow
    16Week
    Move Forward
    20Week
    Transform

    Why This Project

    What makes this project special

    #Rest & Recovery#Freedom & Happiness#Inner Peace & Fulfillment#Environmental expert#Iceland travel#Time of relaxation and peace#Beautiful nature#Experience in the world's remote areas#Environmental volunteering#Wilderness travel#Hiking#Multicultural experience#Expanding worldview#Practical English#Recovery#Emotional healing#Global teamwork experience#Sustainable living#Travel and volunteering combined
    3 Step

    12Week

    Grow

    Learn how to complete complex projects by collaborating with team members. Get the opportunity to reflect on and practice a sustainable lifestyle firsthand. You can advance your career based on experience working in environmental organizations. Gain indirect exposure to diverse ways of life, such as polar explorers or environmental activists. Feel a strong sense of belonging and camaraderie as you move together toward a shared goal. Experience the thrill of pushing your limits in extreme natural environments. Feel gratitude for the cultural diversity and profound experiences you have encountered. Take pride in the new self you discovered during your gap year. Develop leadership skills that enable you to guide and motivate teammates. A sense of community responsibility toward your environment grows. A clear sense of self-direction and identity becomes established. Experience a shift in outlook on life, gaining a deep appreciation for its value and meaning. Over the long term, combining volunteer work and activities deepens leadership and implementation abilities. Team projects greatly expand problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills. Build practical experience and expertise through environmental data collection and upcycling activities. By understanding nature and people together, self-reflection, psychological stability, and resilience are strengthened.

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    Program Activities

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    PROJECT ACTIVITIES

     

    This project focuses on volunteer activities along the northwestern coast of Iceland to protect and restore its natural environment. Help preserve the pure beauty of Iceland's nature with your own hands!

     

     

    • You will work 6-7 hours a day, 5 days a week. The groups usually consist of an average of 7 volunteers, working with a team leader selected for their extensive training and experience. Cooperation and understanding are essential as you work together with various people in the field.
    • There will be 3-4 workshops per week covering various topics related to the environment and volunteering, aiming to raise awareness about environmental protection.

     

    Main Activities Beach clean-up
    Forest restoration activities such as tree planting*
    Upcycling beach trash
    Participating in environmental workshops

    * The above content is an example to aid understanding. It may vary depending on local conditions and schedule.

    Forest restoration activities such as tree planting*
    These activities are seasonal, mostly taking place from late June to August. Volunteers support the activities of local forest-related communities.

     

     

    Typical Daily Schedule

     

    Time Activity
    8:30 Breakfast
    09:00 - 13:00 Volunteer work (Beach clean-up)
    13:00 - 14:00 Lunch
    14:00 - 16:00 Data collection (sorting and upcycling)*
    16:00 - 18:00 Free time
    18:00 - 19:00 Workshop
    19:00 Dinner
    * The above content is an example to aid understanding. It may vary depending on local conditions and schedule.
     
    Data collection (sorting and upcycling)*
    All collected trash is sorted by weight, and then further sorted by material and weight. This work helps create shared data with government agencies and identifies items for use in upcycling workshops.

     

    • This project is highly dependent on the weather. Schedules may change flexibly according to on-site conditions.

     

    * The Ever-Changing Weather of Iceland!

    Iceland is known for its unpredictable weather, to the extent that there's a local joke: 'If you don't like the weather in Iceland, just wait 5 minutes.'

    In particular, the area where this project takes place often experiences rain. Since activities continue even in the rain, it is essential to bring waterproof clothing. Additionally, during the harsh winter season from November to March, some activities may be canceled or postponed due to adverse weather conditions.

    As a result, the schedule for activities will be flexible depending on local conditions. Please be prepared to adapt to changes in the schedule as this is a measure for the safety of participants. Embrace the changes with an open attitude, and you will be able to enjoy your time with friends from around the world. Every day can be enjoyable!

     

    • Transportation will be provided from the accommodation to the activity locations, which may take between 5 to 40 minutes depending on the site.

     

     

    • Various weekend travel activities are available, including tours of Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Krauma Geothermal Baths, and more. Experience Iceland's pristine natural environment up close with friends from around the world. Please note that additional local costs may apply for some activities.

     

    Activity Examples

    Deildartunguhver Hot Spring, Langjökull Ice Cave, Hraunfossar Waterfall, Arnarstapi Beach, Dúpalónssandur Beach, Kirkjufell Mountain, and other
    tours of Iceland’s natural scenery

    * The above content is for illustrative purposes. The details may vary depending on local conditions and schedules.

     

     

    * Experience Iceland's Unique Bathing Culture!

    In Iceland, where bathing culture has developed around naturally occurring hot springs, nudity is quite common. You can easily find Icelanders bathing in hot springs without any clothes. Of course, if you prefer, you can wear a swimsuit while bathing.

    The Icelandic culture might seem unfamiliar and challenging at first, but try to embrace the local lifestyle with an open mind! It will be a great opportunity to understand Iceland better and connect more deeply with it.

     

    Additional Information

    • This project runs on a set schedule each year. After arriving in Iceland, there will be a two-day pre-orientation in Reykjavik, followed by a transfer to the activity site.
    • The pre-orientation will start on Monday, and field activities will begin on Wednesday.

     

    Pre-Orientation Schedule
    Day 1 (Mon) Pick-up from Reykjavik city (2-5 PM) > Transfer to accommodation
    Day 2 (Tue) Golden Circle Tour
    Day 3 (Wed) Transfer to activity site (10 AM)

     

    • During the pre-orientation period, accommodations will be in shared dormitories (4-person or 6-person) that are generally mixed-gender, allowing you to interact with volunteers from various nationalities.
    • Ingredients for three meals a day will be provided. Participants can cook and prepare meals together with other volunteers.
    • Participants can choose an activity period ranging from 2 to 6 weeks.
    • This project runs from March to November each year. Please inquire in advance for specific start dates.

     

    English Proficiency Required ★★☆☆☆

    • Basic communication in English is required as you will need to interact with on-site staff and volunteers from around the world. Even if your English skills are a bit lacking, as long as you have the enthusiasm to overcome challenges and participate, you're welcome!

    Physical Fitness Required ★★★☆☆

    • There are many outdoor activities, and adapting to Iceland's unpredictable weather is necessary. It is advisable to assess your physical fitness before participating in the project.

     

     

    Program Inclusions

    • On-Site Orientation
      On-Site Orientation
    • Professional Training / Education
      Professional Training / Education
    • Groceries / Ingredients Provided
      Groceries / Ingredients Provided
    • 24/7 Emergency Contact Support
      24/7 Emergency Contact Support
    • Real-Time Support Service
      Real-Time Support Service
    • Personal Growth Support (Missions / Scholarships / Consulting)
      Personal Growth Support (Missions / Scholarships / Consulting)
    • International Admin Support
      International Admin Support
    • Orientation Materials
      Orientation Materials
    • Local Area / City Tours
      Local Area / City Tours
    • On-site / Off-site Activities
      On-site / Off-site Activities
    • Accommodation Included (See Details)
      Accommodation Included (See Details)
    • Host Institution Certificate
      Host Institution Certificate
    • Local Support / Inquiries
      Local Support / Inquiries
    • Expert Program Leader
      Expert Program Leader
    • Partner Discount Benefits
      Partner Discount Benefits
    • Official Certificate of Completion
      Official Certificate of Completion
    • Pre-Departure Orientation (Korea GapYear)
      Pre-Departure Orientation (Korea GapYear)
    • Pickup from Designated Meeting Point
      Pickup from Designated Meeting Point
    • Shared Kitchen
      Shared Kitchen

    SUPPORT

     

     

    Details and Support

    ■ Accommodation and Meals

    • Dormitory-style accommodation where you can interact with volunteers from around the world and rest comfortably
    • Local ingredients provided for delicious meals
    • Common areas to socialize with other international friends

     

    ■ Project Activities

    • Safe pick-up service to and from accommodation (round-trip/from a designated meeting point in Reykjavik)
    • Detailed local orientation on Icelandic living
    • Dedicated local manager for support
    • 24/7 emergency contact available for immediate assistance
    • Travel tips to help you live like a local

     

    ■ Care Services

    • Participant dispatch procedures: Project registration and dispatch process
    • Orientation: Various information provided to ensure a successful gap year
    • Orientation materials: Expert advice for safe international travel
    • Gap Year Notebook: A notebook for self-reflection during the gap year (▶ Learn more)
    • Gap Year Mission

     

    ■ Certificates and Recommendations

    • Certificate of Volunteer Service from the local organization
    • Certificate of Participation and Completion from Korea Gap Year

    * The issuance of local organization certificates and recommendations will be processed upon the participant's request after the project ends. Additionally, the format and issuance of these documents may vary depending on the local organization's requirements.

    * Certificates and recommendations will be issued after completing the project and submitting feedback.

     

    Exclusions

    • Round-trip airfare
    • Additional local expenses (such as meals outside the accommodation, transportation, etc.)
    • Personal travel insurance

     * Please book your airfare and transportation after receiving the final confirmation of your project participation and departure schedule.

     

    About the Provider

    INSTITUTION INTRODUCTION

     

     

    Our organization, founded in 2001, is a non-profit dedicated to nature conservation and international exchange. We believe that when people from different countries and cultures come together and collaborate to build a community, they gain the strength to better understand each other and move towards a common goal. We run a variety of volunteer programs that invite participants from around the world to engage in activities that directly impact the natural environment.

     

    Accommodation

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    ACCOMMODATION INTRODUCTION

     

    Double Room / Shared Bathroom / Shared Kitchen / Free Wi-Fi

     

    The on-site accommodation is organized as double rooms, and you will share bathrooms and kitchens with other volunteers from around the world. Typically, accommodations are gender-segregated, but you can opt for mixed-gender rooms if preferred.

    The organization provides fresh and nutritious ingredients, and you will prepare meals together with other volunteers in the shared kitchen. You can share recipes and enjoy a great time cooking together.

    Bedding and sheets are provided, but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag.

    Free Wi-Fi is available at the accommodation.

    Contact: koreagapyear@gmail.com, KakaoTalk @GapYear

     

    Location Overview

    LOCATION INTRODUCTION

     

    Location: Iceland

    Experience the untouched natural beauty of Iceland! Every year, numerous travelers from around the world visit Iceland to encounter its diverse nature. Create your own special memories in Iceland, a land with breathtaking landscapes that will take your breath away just by looking at them.

     

    Recommended Travel Destinations

    01 Blue Lagoon

    One of Iceland's most popular attractions, the Blue Lagoon is a massive spa where you can enjoy hot spring baths. Located about 20 minutes from Keflavík Airport, many tourists visit the Blue Lagoon either upon arriving in Iceland or before departing. Experience relaxation for both body and mind in the blue milky waters!

     

    02 Reykjavik

    Reykjavik, one of the few cities in Iceland, is the capital of Iceland. Though it is the most bustling city, it is small enough to explore on foot, making it easy to find various pleasures. You can visit lakes and churches, spend evenings at bars with live music, and sign up for various tours and activities. Enjoy the city life of Iceland to the fullest!

     

    03 Snæfellsnes Peninsula

    Located in western Iceland, Snæfellsnes means "Peninsula of the Snow-Capped Mountain," named after the glacier-covered volcano. The area features volcanic landscapes, glaciers, waterfalls, and coastlines, making it a miniature version of Iceland. Enjoy the beauty of this small, tranquil fishing village! You might also recognize the Snæfellsnes Peninsula from the movie "Journey to the Center of the Earth."

     

    Participation Dates & Fees

    SCHEDULE AND PRICES

     

    This project starts on designated dates throughout the year.

    ■ The minimum participation period for this project is 2 weeks.

    ■ The costs listed below include project fees, accommodation, meals, round-trip pick-up service, and more.

     

    Duration Participation Fee
    2 weeks 1,420,000 KRW
    4 weeks 2,410,000 KRW
    6 weeks 3,400,000 KRW

     

    ■ Eligibility and Qualifications

    • Healthy adults over 18 years old
    • Able to communicate in basic English
    • Interested in environmental protection
    • Eager to create change through personal effort
    • Desiring to relax in Iceland’s natural environment
    • Prepared to handle various situations flexibly

     

    Gap Year Mission Scholarship (▶ See Details)

     

    Payment Plan Information

    If you cannot pay the full amount at once, you can pay a deposit of 500,000 KRW and settle the remaining balance within 2 weeks. After paying the deposit, we will begin the process to confirm your participation and check availability for your desired dates and duration. Early registration is crucial to secure your spot! (Refunds are not available once participation is confirmed.)

    * Please note that payment deadlines may vary if the start date is approaching.

     

    Early Bird Discount and Urgent Application Information

    We recommend applying for all Gap Year projects at least 3 months before the project start date, and no later than 2 months before. If you need to apply urgently, you can pay an additional fee for expedited processing. We will assist with the fastest processing possible, but please note that time may be required for communication with local organizations and finalizing participation. For urgent applications, active cooperation with the Korea Gap Year team is necessary.

    * Although we strive for rapid processing, there will be basic time requirements for communication with local organizations and finalization, and procedures will follow the same process as regular applications. Therefore, those applying for urgent processing should cooperate actively with the Korea Gap Year team.

    ** Those who apply at least 180 days before the start date can receive an Early Bird discount.

    *** The urgent application service can be selected from the options above. For inquiries about the urgent application service, please contact koreagapyear@gmail.com.

     

    - Provided Services: Automatic application for Gap Year missions and notes / Complete OT materials upon confirmation / Additional urgent staffing / Support for required documents, etc.

    * If you have difficulty calculating dates, refer to the Naver date calculator >> Naver Date Calculator

    ** Note: For urgent applications, there may be no availability due to local conditions, and the process will proceed according to Gap Year refund policies. Additionally, any issues caused by participant non-cooperation will be the participant's responsibility.

     

     

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    For any additional inquiries about the project, please contact our operations team via email (program@koreagapyear.com )
    or consult with one of our program consultants via KakaoTalk.

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