Reykjavík - Icelandic traditions & culture

WORK & PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers in this project will be part of voluntary service combined with non-formal learning activities bringing to the participants knowledge and practical skills on few different Icelandic traditions in the fields of language, gastronomy, folk culture and handcrafts.

SEEDS coordinators (enthusiastic Icelanders) will have prepared lessons on few different issues as:

- Language: Basics of the Icelandic language, its history and basic conversation

- Gastronomy: Cooking lessons on how to prepare some typical Icelandic dishes.

- Folk culture: Guests speakers on folk tales and Icelandic history

- Handcrafts: Icelandic knitting, how to make your own huts, gloves, scarves & 'lopapeysur'

SEEDS coordinators will conduct the sessions and take the volunteers to places related to the topics. The sessions will be interactive, sometimes in a room or during the working hours. SEEDS will provide ingredients for the cooking, while materials for the knitting lessons (eg. wool, knitting needles) will be brought/bought by the volunteers themselves according to taste and items to knit.

The group will also work on the new SEEDS volunteers' base in the outskirts of Reykjavík where we will be partly staying. We will be assisting and giving contributions to the future development of SEEDS base and its activities. Painting the house and possibly tending the lot, all depending on weather conditions.

We may work with the city of Reykjavík on trying to keep the city and its public areas lively and charming for locals and guests. Tasks may involve painting to cover graffiti tags, tiding up public spaces, working in the green areas and preparing the city for the winter.

This project combines different tasks in Reykjavík and its surroundings ensuring diversity and various experiences for participating volunteers.

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will stay in two different SEEDS volunteers bases, both fully equipped houses; sleeping in shared rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

Food ingredients will be provided and a kitchen will be available, volunteers will share the duties of preparing and cooking meals. Please do not forget some typical food for the international evening, where others can try and taste some specialities from your home countries.

LOCATION: The project will take place in the city centre and also in the outskirts of Reykjavík: Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland, often called ?the nightlife capital of the north?. It is an International city with a lively Cosmopolitan cultural scene. The world?s northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and North America.

In October, you are likely to see the Northern lights (Aurora Borealis) in Iceland. In the area closer than 100 Km from Reykjavík, there are several spectacular waterfalls, geysers, impressive coastline and the well-known geothermal Blue Lagoon spa to visit.

Part of the time the group will stay in the hills of Úlfarsfell, or Mountain of Wolves. The location is far enough from the city to be able to enjoy the quality of the country life, pure air, nature and tranquillity but close enough to the capital.

LANGUAGE: English will be the language of the camp; high proficiency is not required.

TERMINAL: International Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). Bus station: Central Reykjavík (BSÍ).

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 160.

Volunteers have to bring warm clothes, hats, gloves and scarves as part of the project takes place outside. Tours and excursions (Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon or South Shore) will be arranged for SEEDS volunteers at discount fares.

AGE: +18