Understanding the local language, lively culture, and enchanting way of life of the Mongolian people may help make your volunteer experience more rewarding. This program is uniquely designed to provide you with intensive language training and cultural orientation, which offer glimpses into Mongolia’s languages, cultures, customs, religions, and history, and arm you for the challenges you may face in this untamed land. Our program is as intensive as it is short and provides a series of language classes, cultural visits, village/home stays and countryside exploration.

First Week Proposed Schedule:

The focus of the first week of the program will be on learning Mongolian, but it will also provide you with an introduction to Mongolian customs and culture, as well as a delightful sightseeing tour of the country’s capital, Ulaanbaatar.

Day 1: Airport arrival and hotel transfer

Day 2: Orientation

Volunteers will meet in our offices for an orientation designed to provide insight into Mongolia's religion, culture, history, customs, politics, and geography. Our staff will provide information on health precautions and other necessary topics that will make your Mongolian adventure a success.

Day 3: Mongolian language lesson

Day 4: Mongolian language lesson

Day 5: Day-tour of the city

Sightseeing in Ulaanbaatar will introduce you to the intriguing cultural and religious heritage of Mongolia.

Day 6: Mongolian language lesson

Day 7: Mongolian language lesson

Second Week Proposed Schedule:

After a week-long language course in Ulaanbaatar, volunteers will travel to the tiny village of Aimag, situated closely to Ulaanbaatar. Our home and village stay locations present our volunteers with a personal look at Mongolia’s unique culture and the fascinating daily lives of its rural families. In fact, the people of Mongolia are virtually untouched by modern civilization and still practice many of the traditional ways of nomadic civilization. Our volunteers will continue to work on their language skills while enjoying a rare, cross-cultural experience as they live and work alongside their welcoming host family. This is a perfect preparation for our participants as they move into the volunteering phase of their program.

Day 8: Depart for the village of Aimag (2-hour drive)

Aimag is a small yet beautiful valley located about 60 km east of Ulaanbaatar (120 km northwest from the Terelj National Park). The interesting ethnic groups who live in the mid-hill region are quite hospitable. Aimag provides volunteers with the opportunity to experience the unique, intriguing culture of the people of rural Mongolia.

Day 9-12: Village stay and hiking

As part of a host family, our volunteers may work on a farm, cook traditional Mongolian food, visit a neighboring village, and explore local lifestyles. These tasks, along with visits to the local market to buy food and other goods, will give volunteers the opportunity to practice their Mongolian language skills with native speakers. A three-night stay will be arranged with a welcoming host family. Volunteers will have time to explore rural Mongolia’s villages, lush green forests, and magnificent landscapes.

Day 13: Return to Ulaanbaatar

Free Time and Cultural Program
After dinner, the Mongolian National Ensemble will present an ethnic music and dance show, providing a riveting way for our volunteers to continue their immersion into the timeless customs of the Mongolian people.

Days 14: Free Time and Cultural Program

Enjoy shopping, museum visits, and a tour of this extraordinary city.

Volunteering Phase

After 2 weeks of extensive language training, culture orientation, and village stay, participants will begin their planned volunteer work projects. Our staff will take you to your host family and familiarize you with the area that you will be residing in during your time as a Mongolian volunteer.

Departure Times:

First group: 1st of each month

Second group: 16th of each month.