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Welcoming those interested in books, printmaking and the Icelandic language to Selfoss, Iceland

  • Favourited 657 times
  • Last activity: 25 Mar 2024

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Report for 2024 - updated 29th of February 2024

    Our volunteer time in 2024 will be in from 20th of May to 16th of June

    I prefer volunteers that can stay all the entire time of a given period. Applications for dates outside the given dates are of no use.

    For ten years running, I have dedicated some weeks every year to a volunteer program at my house. With a multi-national band of volunteers, we have completed a range of tasks, that have cultural and personal value, and had some fun in the meantime: A mountain climping and weekend road trip is part of the program!

    The work: I collect and sell Icelandic books -- probably owning one the country's largest private collection -- and would like help with archiving them into a digital data base. The main requirement is having an open mind to learning the Icelandic alphabet -- which is like the English alphabet but with a few extra letters.

    In addition to book archiving, we do a handful of odd maintenance work around the house like painting, gardening and petting the cat. But also some construction work, carrying book-boxes etc

    In leisure time we do hike in mountains and wild nature. Hiking boots and sleeping bag are useful in this stay but not required. In Selfoss we have also very good swimming pool (free for you to use) and many interesting shops etc.

    Bjarni

    PS.:
    This year I might need some help in moving a bookstore in Reykjavik from one place to another, this includes carrying boxes and making new bookshelfes.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Art Projects
    Language practice
    DIY and building projects
    Farmstay help
    General Maintenance
    Help with Computers/ Internet
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    They get to engage with life in small-town Iceland as well as belonging to group of other volunteers from all over the world. As I mentioned, we travel at least once during the season and I urge people to make independent trips.

    The work will teach people about the Icelandic language - an dialect of Old Norse - and the countries history of the written word. Plus, preservation of old books and modern archiving.

  • Help

    Help

    We look for curious minds with a good work attitude. No skill is irrelevant.

    That's the basic description. Ideally, volunteers are interested in books, printmaking and the Icelandic language. We don't expect you to know any Icelandic, just to have an open mind to learning the Icelandic alphabet -- which is similar to English but with a few extra letters.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    Icelandic: Fluent
    English: Intermediate
    Danish: Beginner

    This host offers a language exchange
    This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
    You can contact them directly for more information.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    The house has six bedrooms and three bathrooms. Two of these rooms are connected but other are more private.

    In Iceland, dinner is the biggest meal of the day. Breakfast and lunch are usually taken together, as a group. Between meals volunteers can snack all they want in the kitchen. Very very important to eat well at this house!

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Excellent outdoor areas and nearby the house is public swimming pool with outdoor hot baths; volunteers can use it free of charge. We are in South Iceland where many of Iceland's best known tourists attractions are located.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    This host can provide space for campervans.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week

Host ref number: 125835698858

Feedback (22)



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Accuracy of profile: (4.8)

Cultural exchange: (4.8)

Communication: (4.8)
























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