Volunteer in Turkey

30 Years Experience

IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.

Affordable Volunteer Travel

Turkey, a transcontinental country straddling Europe and Asia, offers a captivating tapestry of history, culture, and diverse landscapes. With its bustling metropolises like Istanbul, where East meets West, and ancient marvels like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, Turkey is a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Its culinary scene, featuring delights such as kebabs and baklava, reflects a rich gastronomic heritage influenced by various civilizations.

The country’s warm hospitality and breathtaking natural beauty, from the Mediterranean coastline to the rugged landscapes of Cappadocia, make it a compelling destination for travellers. While Turkey thrives with economic dynamism and historical richness, it also faces challenges such as educational disparities and economic stability. However, the nation’s resilient spirit and ongoing efforts for progress underscore a story of contrasts and continuous growth, making Turkey a captivating and evolving part of the global tapestry. 

Turkey experiences a diverse range of climates due to its varied topography and geographical features. In general, the country can be categorised into three main climate zones: a Mediterranean climate along the southern coast, a continental climate in the interior, and a Black Sea climate along the northern coast.

Mediterranean Climate:

1. • The southern coastal regions, including popular tourist destinations like Antalya, experience a Mediterranean climate.
   • Summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild and wet.
   • This region is characterized by long, sunny days and relatively mild temperatures in winter.

Continental Climate:

1. • The interior parts of Turkey, including cities like Ankara, have a continental climate.
   • Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F), while winters can be cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing.
   • Temperature variations between seasons are more pronounced in the continental climate zone.

Black Sea Climate:

1. • The northern coastal areas along the Black Sea, such as Trabzon, experience a temperate climate.
   • Summers are warm and humid, while winters are cool and damp.
   • This region receives a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year.

Eastern Anatolian Climate:

1. • Eastern Anatolia, characterized by high plateaus and mountains, has a harsher climate.
   • Winters can be extremely cold, with heavy snowfall, while summers are short and warm.

Aegean Climate:

1. • The western coastal regions, including Izmir and Bodrum, have a climate similar to the Mediterranean but with some variations.
   • Summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild and wet.

The diversity of Turkey’s climate makes it a year-round destination, catering to various preferences from beachgoers to winter sports enthusiasts. However, travellers should be mindful of regional variations and plan accordingly based on the specific climate of the areas they intend to visit. 

Turkey’s culture is a fascinating mix of old and new, shaped by its diverse history and welcoming people. The warmth of the Turkish people stands out, making hospitality a big part of their culture. They love sharing meals, especially their delicious cuisine that blends different flavours.

The Turkish language is like a common thread that connects the past and present, and their stories are told through both old and new writings.

In big cities like Istanbul, you’ll find a lively scene of art, movies, and music that adds a modern touch to the traditional culture. Families and communities are really important in Turkey, and they celebrate special occasions with lively festivals that show off their unique traditions.

In a nutshell, Turkey’s culture is a mix of the old and the new, offering a warm and rich experience for both locals and those excited to explore Turkish traditions. 

Solar age Program

We have a workshop in Basmane/Izmir. Basmane is in the centre of Izmir. It is easy to get to by public transport and is 5 min away from food places in Basmane metro station. There are also shops close to the workshop.

Back to school program 1

This program is located in the Menderes/Izmir. There is a village in the Menderes and our bus takes us there for education activities. There are no local shops close to the program. Our team gets what they need before arriving at the village.

Back to school program 2

This program continues in the Torbalı/ Izmir. The bus goes to the refugee camps, which are a little bit far away to the centre so there are no shops close to the program.

We have a volunteer house with 3 rooms each with a double bed, so at least 3 people, or maximum 6 people can stay in the house at the same time. The house is located in the Mithatpaşa, Mustafa Kemal Sahil Blv and is near the tram station so transportation is easy. 

If there is no space in the House, the local team will suggest volunteers local airbnbs or hostels where previous stayed and liked.

Turkish food is a delicious mix of flavours. Here are some yummy things you might find:

Grilled Goodies:

Think kebabs—tasty grilled meat on sticks, often with bread and veggies.

Little Starters:

Before the main meal, you might get small bites called mezes, like stuffed grape leaves or dips with yogurt.

Sweet Treats:

Turkish delight is a sweet candy, and baklava is a dessert with layers of dough, nuts, and honey.

Special Breads:

Pide is like a flatbread with tasty toppings, and lahmacun is a bit like Turkish pizza.

Tea and Coffee:

Turkish tea is served in small glasses, and coffee is strong and rich. Sometimes, they come with a sweet called Turkish delight.

Savory Pastries:

Börek is a flaky pastry with fillings like cheese or meat.

Döner Kebab:

Döner is sliced meat, often served in a flatbread.

Fresh Breakfast:

Turkish breakfasts are full of fresh stuff like fruits, cheeses, and olives.

Pilaf and Rice:

Pilaf is a dish with rice or bulgur, often served with meat.

Turkish food is not just tasty; it’s like a journey through different flavours and a fun part of exploring Turkey!

For the first 1-2 days the local team will spend time with the volunteers to assist with anything and help to understand the association, programs, culture, history etc..

Airport pickup is not provided but it is easy to get to the city center by metro. The local team can help you with arranging transport to your accommodation. 

For the back to school projects volunteers will meet with our team at the metro station and they go to the program with our van. For the Solar age project you will need to use the metro by yourself as there is no transportation to and from the program. 

Explore Istanbul with its iconic sites like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar.

In Cappadocia, take a hot air balloon ride over the unique rock formations known as fairy chimneys. Delve into the underground cities and ancient cave dwellings for a fascinating adventure.

Discover the natural terraces of Pamukkale, featuring thermal pools and white travertine formations that offer a serene and surreal experience.

Step back in time at the well-preserved ancient city of Ephesus, where landmarks like the Library of Celsus and the Temple of Artemis tell tales of antiquity.

In Antalya, wander through the charming Old Town (Kaleiçi) with its narrow streets and historic buildings. Relax on the beautiful beaches along the Mediterranean coast.

Visit Mount Nemrut to witness colossal statues and ancient ruins, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore the legendary city of Troy, known from Homer’s Iliad, and its archaeological site that echoes with ancient stories.

Pay homage to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, at his mausoleum in Ankara.

Journey to Pergamon to marvel at its impressive theatre, library, and Temple of Trajan.

Cruise along the Turquoise Coast, discovering picturesque bays, crystal-clear waters, and ancient ruins.

Embark on a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus, enjoying panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline.

Experience the spiritual tradition of the Whirling Dervishes in Konya, a mesmerizing Sufi dance.

Hike through Göreme National Park, renowned for its surreal rock formations and cave churches.

Visit the well-preserved Aspendos Theater, one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, or attend a performance for a unique cultural experience.

Turkey offers a diverse range of attractions, from historical wonders and natural beauty to cultural experiences, promising a memorable and enriching journey.

Would you like to raise money in order to afford your trip abroad to volunteer? Or perhaps you would like to set up a funraiser to gain enough money to give as a donation to the local project? Crowd funding is a great way to do this. Read this article on Crowdfunding tips to find out how you can raise funds for your trip.