Project and location:
Reykjavik is a city full of energy, just waiting for you to experience it. Powered by heat from the earth below, with ever-changing weather sweeping across the landscape, its natural features are matched by the energy of its residents. Think of the qualities of a great city - fun, culture, nature, clean air - and Reykjavik has them in spades. All the advantages of a modern, forward-looking society are complemented by the beautiful natural setting. In a country of only just over 300,000 people, the Reykjavik Capital Area has a population of about 200,000. However, since it’s the only major city in the country, Reykjavik has a lot of the amenities that you would only expect to find in a much larger center elsewhere in the world.
Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital city and is centred on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. Come at the right time of year, and in favourable conditions you will see the city’s skyline silhouetted against the glowing, shimmering curtain of the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights. Reykjavik is framed by the majestic Mt. Esja and the blue waters of Faxafloi Bay to the north, while rugged lava-fields spread to the southeast. On a clear sunny day, the Snaefellsjokull glacier glitters on the western horizon like a crystal.
Work: We will help the organizers of the Reykjavík International Film Festival with different tasks before and during the festival. Our group of international volunteers will work closely with the team of Icelandic volunteers which are in most cases students of the Universities in Reykjavik.
We will put up posters and hand out leaflets and brochures around the city before the festival starts; some of the volunteers might be asked to pick up international guests at the airport. During the festival we will sell entrance tickets and festival passes, setup the venues before and after the movies and control the entrance if needed. There might be other tasks to be done and we will have to be flexible and willing to give a helping hand whenever necessary.
The festival is one of the most important cultural events in Reykjavik and the work of the volunteers is a crucial contribution to the event. It is interesting for the volunteers to be part of this international project and have the opportunity to experience its amazing atmosphere.
Leisure: On weekends, the central location of the accommodations is ideal for enjoying Reykjavik‘s amazing nightlife, which is world-renowned for its wide array of bars, clubs, and concerts.
WF Iceland will also organise reasonably-priced weekend excursions to some of the most popular, beautiful areas and natural wonders that Iceland has to offer. Excursions include unique Icelandic sights such as glacial lagoons, waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal areas, glaciers, geysers, lava forests, hot-springs, rhyolite mountain ranges, steam-vents, or even icebergs.
Accommodation and Food: Worldwide Friends volunteers stay in two of several shared houses offering basic sleeping and cooking facilities in the heart of historical downtown Reykjavik. Volunteers need to bring their own sleeping bag and towels, but mattresses and bed linens are provided. Wireless internet access is provided free of charge. The accommodation provided by Worldwide Friends Iceland for volunteers in Reykjavik is located within short walking distance of many urban amenities, including: banks, pharmacies, supermarkets, public swimming pools, restaurants, cafes, libraries, theatres, shops, museums, and bus stations.
Food is included for the duration of the workcamp, however everyone is expected to do their fair share of the cooking and cleaning. Since it is always nice to try new and different dishes, volunteers are encouraged to bring along their favourite recipes from home!
Language: The language of the workcamp is English.
Additional information: There is an extra participation fee of 250 Euros for this workcamp.