adamski

I'm halfway through my 5th Bear Sanctuary experience as a volunteer with Oyster. 5 stars is not enough to describe how amazing this place continues to be. The flat in Brașov is the hub of your time here and is very comfortable with everything you need. The old city itself is as charming and laid back as I remember.

That first view of a bear at the sanctuary as you enter never ever gets old and is as special on the 5th occasion as it was the 1st.

I've absolutely loved being back in Romania at Libearty. Whether it's preparing food or painting fences, life is always better when there are bears watching you work!

I've saved the best for last though. The legend that is Răzvan, who will help you and guide you through your time here is incredible. His dedication to helping volunteers, not just at the sanctuary but making sure they enjoy their time in Brașov is exemplary.

If I could give 0 stars I would. This union is supposed to represent workers but they jumped straight in bed with every supermarket owner. They screw over every store worker and make decisions about our lives without consultation. While transport and health unions are backing their members, this waste of space union is sucking up to the shareholders, facilitating a legion of parasitic leeches that prey on the average person just trying to get through life.

I've not long returned from Romania and am already pining to go back. The sanctuary is my happy place and Brasov is the city I love. Working at the sanctuary for my 4th time was as special as it was the 1st time. Seeing the bears every day, living a happy life, fills my soul with joy. Since I first volunteered in 2018 Razvan has become a dear friend who always goes above and beyond his role, whether you are there for the first time or a returning volunteer. I can't possibly say enough positive things about this experience.

Unbelievably terrible. This would be a no star review if possible. Told that parcel is ready to collect from chosen pick up point but when attempting to collect it hadn't been delivered. Conflicting messages claiming parcel is delayed in transit and delivered at the same time. Nearly 3 weeks since order was placed and still haven't received anything. Proof that changing the company name makes absolutely no difference to the quality of service. Why anyone companies continue to use Evri is baffling. Avoid at all cost.

This is the second time I have volunteered through Oyster Worldwide. Last year I spent 2 weeks at the bear sanctuary in Romania and loved it so much I came back for 6 weeks at the start of July.

It was super easy to book and Anne was really helpful and is always there to answer questions you may have. There is tonnes of information about the project on the website and it makes planning your trip so much easier.

When I arrived back in Romania it felt like I'd never left. Răzvan is amazing and incredibly helpful and will make anyone's time here fun and memorable. The apartment is clean, spacious and has everything you need to have a comfortable stay. The other volunteers are great company and we often explore together or relax with a drink on an evening.

Brasov and the Transilvania region are gorgeous. Big mountains covered in forest with rolling green hills in between. The city has lots to do and if you want to go and explore the area, Răzvan is there to help. He helped us to find the best way of getting to Sighișoara, which is definitely worth a visit.

The sanctuary is stunning and I love being there surrounded by the bears enjoying their lovely home. Their stories are very upsetting but thanks to many amazing people, these gorgeous bears can enjoy being bears again. It is truly a privilege to walk around the sanctuary and see them walk out of the forest to enjoy the food we helped prepare. The daily tasks can range from preparing food (bear ice cream, fruit, veg, meat and even filling bread with honey) to painting fences etc. When the work is done there is always time to watch the bears playing and splashing around in the pools. There are also wolves, donkeys, goats, horses, deer and of course the sanctuary dogs, who love to say hello, especially when there is food around!

It's great to be back!