Work and Travel in Montenegro

VOLUNTEER AND PAID WORK OPPORTUNITIES IN MONTENEGRO FOR TRAVELLERS

Montenegro only became a fully independent country in 2006, after its split from Serbia. Yet it attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. Travel in Montenegro is incredibly popular, but why not make a difference next time you visit the country.

There are so many volunteering opportunities in Montenegro. Our travel guide to Montenegro is going to reveal what you need to know about what you can do during your visit.

1. Clean Up the Environment in Montenegro

The environment is the reason why people travel in Montenegro. There are lots of volunteering projects that involve cleaning up the national parks of the country.

The heart of this is National Park Biogradska Gora, which is the home of Biogradska Lake. Volunteers spend their time cleaning up rubbish and cleansing the areas around the forests and lake. The work usually involves staying onsite, so you’ll get to experience the nature of Montenegro up close and personal.

2. Help the Disabled in Montenegro

The disabled in Montenegro often suffer from prejudice. Anyone who wants to work and travel in Montenegro can make a huge difference to the lives of disabled children and their families by joining programmes that help to support them.

These projects occasionally require specialized knowledge, but many of them are available to unqualified volunteers. Helping disabled children to read, helping them with their homework, and keeping them company are just some of the things you can do to help the disabled.

3. Renovate Village Homes in Montenegro

There are a variety of crumbling villages in Montenegro. There’s little support for those who want to continue to live in these villages.

Charities are helping those who live in the rural areas right now. It will be ideal if you already possess some DIY experience or some general carpentry skills.

The work is difficult and you’ll be expected to work hard. However, it’s perfect if you want to experience rural life in Montenegro. It’s a part of the country few people get to experience because they rarely venture away from the coast.

VOLUNTEER WORK VISA / PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR MONTENEGRO

Montenegro offers a liberal visa policy to citizens of most countries. The biggest misconception people have about Montenegro is that it’s part of the European Union (EU) and the Schengen Zone because it’s part of NATO. For more info click here.

This is not the case. However, they still offer a 90-day visa policy to every country in the world, other than all of African countries and much of Asia, such as India and China. For more info click here. Everyone else can appear at the border and receive their stamp.

They also have a liberal approach to re-entry. Many people who want to stay longer step across the border and return the next day without any problems.

If you do wish to avoid this hassle, apply for a long-term visa from the Montenegrin embassy in your country. It can also be done from any neighbouring country.

SEASONAL BACKPACKER SKILLS NEEDED IN MONTENEGRO

SPRING WORK

Montenegro enjoys a pleasant climate in spring. It’s still cold, but it’s the best time to head to the coastline for warmer temperatures. Environmental projects across the country are open in spring and you’ll be able to clean up the pristine landscape of the country.

It’s also the perfect time to begin working on construction projects. Most of them are suspended due to the harsh winters, but the moment the snow melts they start again.

Try to apply during winter as a lot of projects like to have a team in place well in advance of their start dates.

SUMMER JOBS

The summer is the main tourist season. The coastline receives the bulk of travellers. So if you want to work in Montenegro you should consider working in a hostel.

Kotor is the centre of the hostel trade and they always need volunteers to help keep the hostel clean and to work at the reception desk. To a lesser extent, you can also find these hostels in the capital of Podgorica, or even Budva.

You may also want to consider working in summer camps. Montenegrin children often go into the rural areas. Sports camps are the most common, so if you’re an active person this kind of work could be for you.

AUTUMN

The autumn season is the end of the tourist season. It’s the perfect season for English teachers. Teach English in Montenegro this year and you’ll be able to give people young and old the skills they will use for the rest of their lives.

Bear in mind, though, that to work in a school you’ll be expected to possess a TEFL qualification, along with additional experience in teaching English.

Private projects usually only require you to be a native English speaker.

WINTER

Montenegro offers little in the winter, in terms of volunteering opportunities. Anyone who wants to work in Montenegro may want to consider working in one of the ski resorts.

One of the main ski resorts in Montenegro is Kolasin. Work in these resorts as an instructor or as part of the staff in a nearby hotel or chalet.

Take note that most of these positions are filled months in advance, so be prepared to apply well before the winter season begins.

Another option for work in Montenegro could involve working with disabled children or the elderly in more remote areas.

ATTITUDE TO FOREIGNERS WORKING OR VOLUNTEERING IN MONTENEGRO

Montenegro is the sort of country that has gone through a turbulent history. You’re unlikely to experience any issues in the country because of the mass tourism that has hit it in recent years.

You should be aware that ethnic minorities may experience strange looks in the rural areas. People of Asian or African descent will struggle to connect with the locals in the beginning.

But you shouldn’t let this deter you. You’re always going to be safe and you’ll be able to discover the reality of Montenegrin life during your stay here.

Do you want to work and travel in Montenegro this coming year?