Are you afraid of getting bored? Don't worry, here are some ideas on how you could spend the summer months staying in Switzerland while making a social commitment.
1. Commit to the environment with Umwelteinsatz
The action-environmental foundation organises, proposes and manages maintenance work on the Swiss countryside. In particular, it is possible to spend weeks of active holidays in various regions of Switzerland and engage in various projects such as the construction of dry stone walls, hay harvesting or the maintenance of trails. Participation costs 270 CHF (170 CHF for students) and includes board and lodging. The places finish quickly, if you are interested you can find the list here. You can participate from the age of 18.
2. Help various projects through Workaway
Workaway is one of the most famous sites to find jobs in exchange for food and accommodation. Usually it is used by those who want to travel abroad for little money, but on this occasion why not use it to rediscover Switzerland? You can help farming families with their vegetable garden, take care of children or help build a house. In short, there is something for everyone. You can participate from the age of 18. You can find all current offers here.
3. Live a summer on the farm and in the mountain pastures thanks to Agriviva
Thanks to Agriviva, boys and girls from 14 to 25 years old can spend a few weeks in the company of farming families, on the farm or in the mountain pastures. The tasks to be done are different depending on the family: from taking care of the children and the house to helping with animals and hay. Just choose what suits you best. The best thing? Participation costs only 45 CHF and in addition to board and lodging you will also receive a daily pocket money of between 12 and 20 CHF. You can find all the information on the official website.
4. Spend a week in the Swiss forests with Bergwaldprojekt
Just like Umwelteinsatzt, Bergwaldprojekt also offers active holidays in nature, but in this case it is about spending time in the woods. The concept remains similar, however, and you will receive room and board in exchange for maintenance work. Participation is free of charge and open to all people who are 18 years of age. All info here: bergwaldprojekt.ch
5. Participate in one of the national workcamp from workcamp.ch...
The workcamps are short term volunteers (usually a couple of weeks) that take place all over the world. One of the Swiss associations in charge of their coordination has organized special workcamps within the national borders. For more information and to get an idea of the current proposals, please contact workcamp.ch directly.
6. ... or those of the International Civil Service
The International Civil Service also organises workcamps all over the world. You can use the search engine to search for workcamps that take place in Switzerland. At the moment there are various possibilities, such as a workcamp on the topic of creative recycling or weeks of assistance for the disabled persons. You can find the search engine here.
As you can see there are plenty of possibilities to spend your summer in Switzerland without getting too bored. But if you still need support to find an activity for your holiday, remember that you can always contact us. We will try to help you in the best possible way (and always for free!).