Sochi Volunteers
This^^^
I really don’t think they have thought this through…
And it sounds like the are using international Voli’s as their last resort. Which means they will be screwed when we all are unable to come…
It’s already going to cost me $2717 from Australia (with a quick search). I’d push my limit to about $3500 or $4k since I do get a lot of free stuff while there and Russia will be an amazing experience. but I’m not going to use all my savings on just the travel too and from :(
Hey Everyone!
I was able to get some updated information verified by my contact in Sochi. Unfortunately, some of it is not very encouraging, however, its better to receive information that not to know. (IMHO) So please don’t “flame” the messenger!
1) It sounds that because of the tremendous amount of Russian applicants the Sochi Volunteer Committee is REALLY backed up and are still giving initial Skype interviews. There have been a few areas that have been giving 2nd interviews (Press Operations & Opening/Closing Ceremonies) but apparently they are few and far between) I was also told that they want to give every qualified applicant an interview if possible.
2) One of the goals of the SOC is to build a culture of volunteerism within Russia, therefore they are giving preference to Russians. Once they’ve given offers and sorted out schedules with the Russian candidates, then (if there are any spots left) they’ll start making offers to foreigners. I know that’s not very encouraging but it is what it is.(Thanks Kirk)
3) It is staring to look like Mid-July before actual invitations will be extended to foreigners. (Where have we heard that before huh? “It’ll be Jan”, “It will be in March”, “It will be in early April”...) I guess we will only find out when we find out…
4) I was also informed that only Russians will have “on-site” training, All foreigners will have some sort of training via Skype AND some sort of training a few days before you start your “volunteer assignment” in Sochi.
If (when) I’m able to get some additional VERIFIED information, I’ll post it here. As always, keep the faith everyone!
Rob
thanks for the update Rob.
Its not very promising. Looks like I will be going to the US.
I understand their reasonings for wanting to have locals BUT they are screwing themselves in the foot because they have a very very high chance that they are going to be short voli’s come game time because a lot of internationals will have no choice but to decline due to costs.
No matter how close they live everyone is going to have to travel some distance to get to Sochi, and everyone will have a budget that they can spend. And the closer we get to the games the doubling and tripling of those cost will increase.
Thanks for the update Rob. Sounds like there is not much we can do but wait till July. I’m starting to think I’ll have to sell my gold medal mens curling and hockey tickets.
I agree with you Kim, they are risking losing the out of towners by waiting to notify. I wanted to let my employer know by now if I needed almost the entire month of February off.
Hi Everyone!
Wow it has been some time! I actually spend the last 8 months flying in the united states, and to be honest I didnt expect anything from the sochi team anymore… however the day I got back in Holland, I received a mail for an interview… I was really surprised!
So I just had my interview, and to be honest it kind of left me with a strange feeling. I think this was one of weirder interviews i had, the questions where as posted earlier in this topic (thanks!) and they also asked if i knew about the olympics, so i just told them something about the beginning and how it is now. There was no feedback from the pretty blonde lady on my questions, and if i asked her something that was not in her script, i could see the question marks in her eyes. All in all it was a pretty short interview actually, about 20 minutes instead of the 50 minutes other people said. So i am not sure if that is a good or a bad sign.
However in the end she asked me if i would like to volunteer for the transport desk and she asked me some situations like if a president of an english speaking country is in urgent need of a car and you just ran out of cars, what would you do?
So of course i said i would love to be a volunteer there (that was also my first choice, transport).
I think they first handled all the sport category interviews, and are now looking to the more supporting roles like transport and such. In the end she said that my interview would be checked and i would get a call if i got the role.
And now its back to waiting… 
PS: I will take the second round on me if i get in… robs tactic!
Hi Everyone! I wanted to share my good news with you. I was offered a volunteer position today (Village Management) and they asked if I would be willing (able) to work a test event for hockey in August! Of course I said YES! If I get any additional information that would be helpful to the board, I’ll pass it along as well! Woooo-Hooooo!
Now the hard part, how to pay for two trips to Sochi…
As promised, here are one of the emails that I received earlier today regarding the “test event” that will be held in Sochi in August. (I removed their email/phone numbers from the post)
Dear candidate to Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Games!
As you know, many world cups and world level sport competitions were already held in Sochi on the Olympic Venues!
We would like to invite you as volunteer to Sledge Hockey International Tournament «Four Nations», That will take place in Sochi from 23 August until 2 September 2013!
Sochi Organizing Committee will provide you:
1 Visa support (special humanitarian visa)
2 Accommodation
3 3 time hot meal
4 Equipment
5 Transport to venue
6 Games time valuable experience
7 Participant notification
8 Life time adventure
You will also receive an opportunity to be one of those, who helps to born international volunteer movement in Russia.
You will be one of the first international volunteer at Sochi Test Event.
I’m sure, you are interested, so please check your plans and reply me if you are interested to be one of history makers.
This experience will be notified in your application form and will let you have more chances for Sochi Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Rob, congrats!
Did you put that down as a choice on your app?
If you said no to the test event, would they have still given you the position?
And we know the Rob tactic worked, for Rob at least!
I wrote an email a month back asking if they are still going to notifiy us in May, even though we had heard otherwise, and how I am hoping to be chosen. No surprise, no response.
Well, June is almost here, another 5-6 weeks, I’m sure we will all finally hear one way or another.
Hi All!
I’m from US, and applied last year. Finally got invite to a Skype interview for upcoming Wednesday, so I was encouraged a bit, until I found this forum
Seems like this will be a very long shot, but the area i requested was either technical (profession) or media (hobby), so maybe I can get by as many seem to be interested in sports support role. Hell, I would even do generic work if needed (as my 3rd option).
For the Skype interview, when do they send out the contact info? I know its supposed to be the day of the interview, but how many hours before?
Igor.
Think mine was late? I emailed people asking about it…
If I recall, they will just contact you when its time for the interview, so make sure your Skype is on.
Good luck Igor.
I recieved this 2 days ago… looks like Rob and I have the same offer:
Dear candidate to Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Games!
As you know, many world cups and world level sport competitions were already held in Sochi on the Olympic Venues!
We would like to invite you as volunteer to Sledge Hockey International Tournament «Four Nations»,
That will take place in Sochi from 23 August until 2 September 2013!
Sochi Organizing Committee will provide you:
1 Visa support (special humanitarian visa)
2 Accommodation
3 3 time hot meal
4 Equipment
5 Transport to venue
6 Games time valuable experience
7 Participant notification
8 Life time adventure
You will also receive an opportunity to be one of those, who helps to born international volunteer movement in Russia.
You will be one of the first international volunteer at Sochi Test Event.
I’m sure, you are interested, so please check your plans and reply me if you are interested to be one of history makers.
This experience will be notified in your application form and will let you have more chances for Sochi Olympic and Paralympic Games.
I replied asking two questions: is there any possible financial help and is this mandatory for me to be selected for the winters Olympics. I got a reply:
Dear Aleksandr,
Thank you for your reply!
1) It depends only on your wish. Your refusal won’t influence on your Sochi application process. But in can give you Games time experience.
2) Unfortunately, we do not provide any financial support.
Please think about my answers and let me know about update.
Great news!
How many interviews did you two have?
Also was Village Management your first preference?