The Application Process

How do I apply?

The Volunteer Journey - what is the process from application to placement?

Can I speak to a returned volunteer?

How do I apply?

Before you apply, please ask yourself the following questions:

1) Are you aged between 18 - 70?

2) Do you live in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland?

3) Are you in relatively good health?

4) Are you able to work overseas for a minimum period of 10 days?

5) Will you be able to live and work with new people?

If the answer is yes to all of the above questions, then you are ready to apply. Please consult our Volunteering in Moldova section and we will walk you through each of the important areas of your application.

The Volunteer Journey: what is the process from application to end of placement?

The paperwork process:

After you have download our literature or received a copy in the post, it is very important that you read all sections very carefully and complete and return all appropriate forms. Incomplete applications will be returned. 

• You will be asked to fill in and return your volunteer application form and volunteer agreement form.
• You will be asked to detach the medical certificate of vaccinations and general health  & fitness to travel assessment and present them to your medical doctor for his/her completion. These will then have to be returned to the ORM Dublin office by the applicant volunteer.
• You will be asked to familiarise yourself with our child protection guidelines and policies.
• You will have to start your vaccination schedule immediately and complete it on time.
• You will have to provide 2 references.
• You will have to provide next of kin details for someone in Ireland.
• You will have to give your permission for a Garda Clearance check.

If your application is approved at this time, you will be asked to provide your preference for dates of travel and will be invited to an assessment day.

The assessment process:

The assessment day includes a variety of group activities and interview. These elements enable us to look for the qualities you will need to meet the challenge of living and working overseas;

• Self-assurance
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Problem Solving
• Ability to work in a team
• Sensitivity to the needs of others
• A desire to learn and help others learn
• A positive and realistic commitment to volunteering

We will ask you to give examples of times and situations where you have used these qualities. Over 80% of candidates are successful. So we are not looking for super humans.

The Matching Process:

If your assessment is successful, you will be allocated to a group. The Dublin office will step in an provide you any further assistance at this time, including putting you in contact with others travelling in your group and returned volunteer advisors who provide useful and practical information as you prepare for your trip. It will be necessary at this point to ensure all your documentation is up to date and complete. Fundraising can commence.

• You will be asked to fundraise to cover the costs of your trip.
• You will have to apply through the Dublin office for any necessary public places fundraising permits.

Once all fundraising is complete and submitted to the Dublin office, appropriate travel and insurance documents including itinerary will be provided. All necessary documentation will be provided at least 2 weeks prior to departure.

Travel to Placement:

Where possible, you will fly out in a group. On the day of departure you will meet with your group at Dublin Airport at 5.30am for travel and check-in together. At this time we fly with Malev Hungarian Airlines to Budapest and Moldovian Airlines to Chisinau. You arrive in Moldova at 3.30pm local time (GMT+2hrs) this is subject to change as flights may change and airlines may change their schedules. You will be advised in advance of any changes.

You will be met on arrival by ORM's senior country representatives and Irish personnel who will accompany  you on the hour long journey to the town of Hincesti. On arrival you will meet the field manager who will give you an orientation of your living arrangements for your stay, the rest of the evening will be free to relax and unwind. You will be living on the grounds of an orphanage for your entire stay and will have a rest day on Sunday where we will provide day trips to local historical or commercial sites of interest.

Day 2 will consist of a whole day orientation and training programme run in 3 parts. The morning session will be general introduction and language and cultural training and will include manual handling exercises and universal safety precautions. The afternoon session will involve instruction and training to ORM volunteer and child protection guidelines and policies. This will be followed by a tour of the orphanage and an introduction to the ORM staff.

Day 3 will be a full tour including receiving your placement assignments and team allocations. You will be introduced to your team leader and volunteer manager at this time, they will be your point of contact during your stay in Moldova.

Day 4-10 will include child orientated activities in supervised group settings. This will be discussed in full in Moldova.  The working day in Moldova is 9am - 7pm with a two hour break in the afternoon while the children rest.

Day 10: pre-departure debriefing and staff meetings followed by transfer to airport and assistance with customs.  At present your flight arrives back in Dublin at 10.30pm local time.

Post placement:

Our Dublin office is on hand to answer further queries post placement.

Can I speak to a returned volunteer?

Yes. If you want to hear first hand from someone who has been there before we will put you in touch with someone from your area, so that you can fully brief yourself before you go on your placement.

 People meet as strangers and return home having made friends for life.