City Center Tartu, Estonia



Volunteering in Tartu

By Betsy Burlingame

 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance
 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance

Summary: One of the best ways to meet others in Tartu is by giving back. Here are a number of organizations where your help would be welcome.

Volunteering is an excellent way for expats to integrate into the local community of Tartu. It provides an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, learn about the culture, and contribute positively to society. Moreover, volunteering can help improve language skills, gain new experiences, and foster a sense of belonging. There are numerous organizations in Tartu that welcome volunteers, offering a variety of activities to suit different interests and schedules.

Tartu Youth Center

The Tartu Youth Center focuses on providing various activities and support for young people. Volunteers can assist with events, workshops, and mentoring programs. Getting involved is easy; simply contact the center to express your interest. The time commitment varies, but most volunteers contribute a few hours per week. This organization is great for those who enjoy working with young people and want to make a direct impact on their lives.

Website: tartu.ee/noortekeskus
Location(s): Riia tn 2, Tartu
Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per week

Tartu Animal Shelter

The Tartu Animal Shelter is dedicated to caring for stray and abandoned animals. Volunteers can help with feeding, walking, and socializing the animals. To get involved, contact the shelter directly. The time commitment is flexible, with most volunteers contributing 1-2 hours per week. This is an ideal opportunity for animal lovers who want to make a difference in the lives of homeless pets.

Website: tartu.loomadevarjupaik.ee
Location(s): Vaksali tn 47, Tartu
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per week

Tartu Nature House

The Tartu Nature House is an environmental education center that offers programs for both children and adults. Volunteers can assist with workshops, exhibitions, and outdoor activities. Contact the Nature House to express your interest in volunteering. The time commitment varies, but most volunteers contribute a few hours per week. This is a great opportunity for those interested in environmental conservation and education.

Website: tartu.ee/loodusmaja
Location(s): Lille tn 10, Tartu
Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per week

Tartu University Hospital

Tartu University Hospital welcomes volunteers to assist with various tasks, such as visiting patients, organizing events, and providing administrative support. To get involved, contact the hospital's volunteer coordinator. The time commitment is flexible, with most volunteers contributing a few hours per week. This is an excellent opportunity for those who want to make a difference in the healthcare sector.

Website: kliinikum.ee
Location(s): L. Puusepa tn 8, Tartu
Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per week

Tartu Food Bank

The Tartu Food Bank collects and distributes food to those in need. Volunteers can help with sorting, packing, and distributing food donations. To get involved, contact the food bank directly. The time commitment is flexible, with most volunteers contributing 1-2 hours per week. This is a great opportunity for those who want to help combat hunger and food waste in the community.

Website: tartu.toidupank.ee
Location(s): Kastani tn 52, Tartu
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per week

Tartu Refugee Council

The Tartu Refugee Council provides support and assistance to refugees and asylum seekers. Volunteers can help with language classes, cultural activities, and integration programs. To get involved, contact the council directly. The time commitment varies, but most volunteers contribute a few hours per week. This is an ideal opportunity for those who want to support refugees and promote cultural understanding.

Website: pagulasabi.ee
Location(s): Veski tn 11, Tartu
Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per week

Tartu City Library

The Tartu City Library offers a variety of volunteering opportunities, such as helping with events, assisting with library tasks, and participating in reading programs. To get involved, contact the library's volunteer coordinator. The time commitment is flexible, with most volunteers contributing a few hours per week. This is a great opportunity for book lovers who want to support literacy and cultural programs in the community.

Website: tartu.ee/raamatukogu
Location(s): Kompanii tn 6, Tartu
Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per week

Tartu Art Museum

The Tartu Art Museum welcomes volunteers to assist with exhibitions, events, and educational programs. To get involved, contact the museum directly. The time commitment varies, but most volunteers contribute a few hours per week. This is an excellent opportunity for those interested in art and culture who want to support the local arts scene.

Website: tartmus.ee
Location(s): Raekoja plats 18, Tartu
Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per week

Tartu Environmental Education Center

The Tartu Environmental Education Center offers programs and workshops focused on sustainability and environmental conservation. Volunteers can assist with events, workshops, and outdoor activities. To get involved, contact the center directly. The time commitment varies, but most volunteers contribute a few hours per week. This is a great opportunity for those interested in environmental issues who want to promote sustainability in the community.

Website: keskkonnaharidus.tartu.ee
Location(s): Lille tn 10, Tartu
Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per week

Tartu Red Cross

The Tartu Red Cross provides various services, including first aid, disaster response, and social support. Volunteers can assist with training, events, and community outreach programs. To get involved, contact the Red Cross directly. The time commitment varies, but most volunteers contribute a few hours per week. This is an excellent opportunity for those who want to support humanitarian efforts and make a difference in the community.

Website: redcross.ee
Location(s): Riia tn 2, Tartu
Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per week

Tartu Society for the Protection of Animals

The Tartu Society for the Protection of Animals is dedicated to promoting animal welfare and preventing cruelty to animals. Volunteers can help with events, fundraising, and educational programs. To get involved, contact the society directly. The time commitment is flexible, with most volunteers contributing a few hours per week. This is a great opportunity for animal lovers who want to support animal welfare initiatives in the community.

Website: loomakaitse.ee
Location(s): Vaksali tn 47, Tartu
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per week

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance
 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance

 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance
 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance
 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance

Copyright 1997-2026 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal