BEFORE APPLYING, PLEASE CHECK IF YOU REQUIRE A VISA TO ENTER UKRAINE. Unfortunately FinEst Volunteers is unable to provide visa invitations for its volunteers. Check visa requirements here.

Do you feel like you want to do more to help Ukraine and Ukrainians? Please read the following carefully before applying. The application form can be accessed at the end of this page. 

Our base is in Western Ukraine, approximately 150 kilometers from the Polish border.

In 2024, 26 volunteers worked with us from June to November. Our volunteers came from all around the world: Finland, France, the UK, Ireland, the United States, New Zealand, Austria, Ukraine and Poland.

In 2024, we received over 200 applications in total.

Volunteering is an amazing way to make lifelong, like-minded friends from across the globe – everyone has their own story about why they want to help, and everyone’s heart is in it 100%. 

Please read more about what we did in 2024 HERE.

In 2025, our volunteers help with the following tasks:

• Sorting, packing, and sending humanitarian aid to the front line and front line cities.
• Teaching English to the local children, youth, and adults.
• Weaving camouflage nets and helmet covers.
• Producing small batches of food to be sent to the front lines.
• Supporting the local animal shelter with their daily/weekly tasks.
• Working comprehensively together with the village community and other international organizations when necessary,  according to the expertise, skills and strengths of the volunteer.

In 2025, we accept volunteers from April onwards. We provide accommodation in exchange for a small fee to cover our running expenses.

ARE YOU INTERESTED?

If you are considering volunteering in Ukraine, remember the facts.

There is a war in Ukraine, and even though battles are fought in the east, the whole country is at war. There are risks involved, and we cannot guarantee your safety; it is your own responsibility. We also do not insure our volunteers. We recommend you insure yourself and check that the insurance is valid in Ukraine.

Though the ideal duration for volunteer work is one month, our volunteers commit to working for a minimum of three weeks. Tasks are tailored to everyone’s skills, and there is no obligation to undertake anything the volunteer considers dangerous.

You are to arrange and cover the costs of your travel to and from Ukraine yourself. However, we can assist you in planning your trip, and, upon arrival, we can arrange to pick you up from the nearest city. It is beneficial for you to have at least a basic understanding of English, as the volunteer community is international, and we primarily communicate in English. Being part of an international community also offers a great opportunity to improve language skills, or even learn entirely new languages.

We live and work in a rural area, and the nearest town is approximately 10 kilometers away. A driver’s license is recommended, but not mandatory.

Please remember: As much as we plan, in Ukraine, things and situations can change rapidly. We are in Ukraine to help, and we adjust our plans and actions according to the needs of Ukraine and Ukrainians. With that in mind, please consider in advance how well you manage uncertainty and unexpected events! Both are sure to occur.

Volunteer accommodation in Ukraine is communal, and you may share a room with up to three other people. There are separate rooms for men and women. We can not guarantee shared rooms for couples. While the ability to compromise is crucial, everyone commits to communal rules and common code of conduct, and each person has their own private space.

Communal living can be stressful from time to time, and personal space may be limited. Please consider carefully whether you are willing to be flexible in your usual habits and ready to live harmoniously with strangers for several weeks?

That said, volunteer work is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling! You have the chance to get to know Ukrainians, perhaps learn the language, provide tangible help, and see the results of your work right away. Because we share the same goal, there is a strong sense camaraderie among our volunteers, and the community always lends a hand.

Still interested? Please fill in an application HERE.

Please note: New applications will be processed in January 2025. Applications already sent will be processed from January 2025 onward. We will contact all applicants via email. Thank you!