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Youth Support Volunteer Program in Portugal - Lisbon

Youth Support Volunteer Program in Portugal - Lisbon

Inspired to effect change for tomorrow’s young people as a Youth Support volunteer in Portugal? International Volunteer HQ’s Youth Support project enables volunteers to assist with after-school programs for students from disadvantaged communities. Volunteers will gain youth work experience while providing young people with a safe, positive and supportive environment where they can gather, connect and take part in constructive activities.

Highlights:
  • Programs start every Monday
  • Affordable fees from AU$1131 for 1 week
  • Includes accommodation, meals, airport pick up, orientation and 24/7 support
  • Inspire and encourage young people in socially positive ways

  • Explore Lisbon’s vibrant and busy urban streets

  • Stay in a sustainable hostel only a short walk from the beach

Key information

Provide a safe space for marginalized youth
Based in after-school programs
Dormitory-style hostel
Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Fully hosted experience from AU$1131 for 1 week
Durations from 1 - 12 weeks
Portugese language lessons available
Up to 5 hours volunteering a day

This program is ideal for:

Volunteers who enjoy working with young people and who can act as mentors and positive role models for them. You’ll be supported by the local team and placement staff so no prior experience of youth work is required.
Who is this program suited to?

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

There are many underfunded community initiatives in Lisbon that aim to provide young people with a safe place to go after school where they can meet, interact and take part in various activities. Many young people who use these facilities come from disadvantaged backgrounds and would otherwise be left to their own devices.

As a Youth Support volunteer, you’ll spend time with students aged between 11 and 18 after the school day is finished, or you could be taking care of babies and younger children, helping their mothers that have to study or work. Your goal is to be a positive role model, helping students to think about their futures, inspiring and encouraging them to set and achieve goals for themselves. Volunteer duties vary but often include:

  • Arranging games and activities
  • Interacting with and supervising young people
  • Helping with homework
  • Teaching English in an informal way
  • Arts and crafts
  • Any other work as required

You may also​​ ​work with young mothers,​ teaching them English in an informal way, ​or taking care of their babies while they are studying or working. During the school holidays, volunteers can also help with outside activities including trips to the beach, games and other activities.

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #1: No Poverty

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #1: No Poverty

More than 10% of the world’s population live in extreme poverty, struggling to fulfil the most basic needs like health, education, and access to water and sanitation, to name a few. Growth must be inclusive to achieve sustainable development and an economy that benefits all.

Why do Youth Support volunteering in Lisbon with IVHQ?

When you volunteer with young people in Portugal you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

  • Providing support to young people in a positive environment
  • Helping students develop life skills in a safe place
  • Developing your communication skills
  • Gaining youth work experience
  • Immersing yourself in Portugese culture
  • Exploring Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city

Volunteer requirements

  • Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
  • Volunteers aged 16-18 are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional documentation to the local team
  • All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
  • All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
  • All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

Apply For Free

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What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

AH
Annabelle Hawkins
18 Mar 2024

I feel like I gained a whole new experience from my program. It helped me learn about babies and myself and if that's what I want to do. I was also able to see the country and be immersed in a new culture while making an impact.

...
CV
Claudia Villalobos
28 Feb 2024

This was such a great experience for me and my daughter, I think our travels will forever be changed. We will want to make a difference in the world before travelling just for leisure!

...
LB
Libby Brook
27 Feb 2024

I loved my time with IVHQ! The local team are so kind and accommodating and the volunteer house was so cute with a lot of friendly faces! My volunteer project was such a great representation of how reproductive education can interrupt the poverty cycle and I really felt like I was making a difference there! As a first time solo traveller this trip was the perfect first trip to go on where I had support and freedom at the same time.

...
DW
David Whelpdale
19 Jan 2024

I feel that I have gained a better understanding towards children and teenagers, which I might have struggled to acquire at home without the right circumstances. I would tell someone who is in the right position to volunteer to just drop their inhibitions and get on the plane! The memories and friends that a person can make on this type of adventure are unforgettable and I will be keeping in contact with many of my former volunteers.

...
AC
Alexa Cacciarelli
08 Dec 2023

I gained new experience and I feel like I am more comfortable trying new things and going into new situations without worrying/preparation.

...
TH
Toryn Hooks
04 Oct 2023

I gained so much from this experience by forcing myself to go outside of my comfortable bubble, and travel somewhere I had never been before in order to help people who need it most.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Academic course credit through International Volunteer HQ and Intern Abroad HQ.

Academic course credit

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Volunteer Abroad in Portugal with IVHQ

Location

The IVHQ Portugal Program is located in and around Lisbon - the capital and largest city in Portugal. It’s a veritable treasure trove of history, culture, breathtaking scenery, exciting nightlife, gorgeous beaches and great places to eat and drink.

Portugal and Lisbon have risen from poverty only this century, so while it is a fantastic and affordable destination to visit, local communities are still facing the lingering effects of previously being one of the poorest countries in Western Europe. Volunteers can have an impact on these communities by supporting local initiatives which aim to improve the lives of Lisbon’s residents and make sure they have access to all of life’s basic necessities.

Arrival and orientation

The program orientation begins every Monday, and volunteers need to arrive in Lisbon the day before their orientation.

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Lisbon Airport (LIS). Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee, however, if you arrive outside of Sunday between 9:00AM - 10:00PM, your pick-up will incur an extra cost of US$65. Volunteers under the age of 18 are required to travel with written consent from both parents or guardians in order to enter Portugal. Volunteers under the age of 18 who require a pre-arranged visa will also need their visa application to be signed by a parent or guardian.

When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in either Lisbon. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.

If you are travelling in Portugal prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up from a prearranged location in Lisbon on the day before your program orientation.

Orientation is hosted by our Portugal team at the accommodation. It begins the morning of your chosen start date and lasts for a full day. The orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Portugal – an introduction to Portugal, culture and customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities, an introduction to project and placement as well as a tour of the local area. The orientation will also give you a chance to sign up for Portuguese language lessons if you’re on a Lisbon based project, and to meet other volunteers with whom you can swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.

Volunteer schedule example

Weekdays

You will have a morning, afternoon or evening shift at your placement and will work for approximately 3 to 6 hours per day. Please note that start times and daily workloads depend on the project that you are participating on.

8:00 - 10:00 AM Breakfast is available at the volunteer accommodation
8:30 AM Travel to placement to join local placement staff and begin work on your project.
1:00 - 3:00 PM Lunch is served at the accommodation or at your placement. After lunch, you will continue your volunteer work.
2:30 PM Volunteers with afternoon or evening shifts travel to placement and begin work on their project.
7:00 - 9:00 PM Dinner at the volunteer accommodation. After dinner you will have the remainder of the evening free to relax and use as you wish.

Weekends

Volunteers have the weekends free and Portugal and Lisbon are full of interesting things to do, see, visit, eat and learn.

Explore the old city of Lisbon and get yourself lost in the small alleys that are seeped with music and delicious food. Be sure to try the local pastry - pastel de nata and listen to traditional folklore music - fado. Lisbon is a vibrant city with many cultural and music events, you can’t possibly be bored here. If it’s nature you’re looking for - it has that too! Sintra Natural Park is only a short drive away and boasts wonderful castles and palaces. Come for a day trip to Arrabida beach and try the well-known local wines.

Volunteers can make travel arrangements further afield once in Lisbon, with the advice and guidance of our local staff.

Accommodation and WiFi

Volunteers on Lisbon based projects will be accommodated in a dormitory-style hostel with other volunteers in Estoril which is a 5 minute walk from the beach. You can expect to share a room with between 3 - 13 other volunteers of the same gender however, male volunteers may share mixed-gender rooms with other guests if the male dormitory room reaches capacity.

Bedding and towels are provided, and there are shared western bathrooms however, they are not separated by gender. Staff will clean the accommodation throughout the week, however volunteers are required to keep their rooms tidy. Please note that there is a 10:00 PM curfew in place at the hostel for volunteers under the age of 18.

WiFi is available at the volunteer accommodation, as well as many cafes and restaurants in the area. To keep connected, the local team will provide you with a free local SIM card that you can activate to purchase mobile data for an unlocked mobile phone.

Private double rooms in the hostel, with the use of the communal bathrooms, are available at an additional cost of US$384 (approximately AU$616). These can be purchased as an add-on via your MyIVHQ account once you have registered for the Portugal program. All accommodation upgrades are subject to availability.

Volunteers travel to their placements from the volunteer accommodation via public transport or by foot.

Meals

Portuguese food is delicious and during your time in Portugal, you will be sure to receive some incredible treats.

Most volunteers are provided with three meals a day. Breakfast is self-serve at the accommodation and generally includes tea, coffee, bread, cheese, ham, spreads, cereal, yoghurt and fruit. Lunch and dinner usually include local staples such as fish and chicken, as well as rice, pasta, vegetables, and salad. If your placement requires you to be away from the accommodation during lunch or dinner, these will be provided at your placement or you will take a packed meal.

Tap water is fine to drink in Portugal, however bottled water is readily available if you prefer and you should budget US$10 (approximately AU$16) a week for this.

Pricing

  • USD
Duration
Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
  • USD
1 week AU$1129 Equivalent to AU$161/day
2 weeks AU$1706 Equivalent to AU$122/day
3 weeks AU$2283 Equivalent to AU$109/day
4 weeks AU$2860 Equivalent to AU$102/day
5 weeks AU$3453 Equivalent to AU$99/day
6 weeks AU$4045 Equivalent to AU$96/day
8 weeks AU$5231 Equivalent to AU$93/day
10 weeks AU$6417 Equivalent to AU$92/day
12 weeks AU$7603 Equivalent to AU$91/day
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • In-country program orientation
  • Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
  • Airport pick-up
  • Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
  • Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
  • Discounts on language lessons
  • Certificate of International Volunteer Service

Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.

  • All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately AU$528) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services. IVHQ fees are priced in USD but you may elect to pay in AUD.
  • A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
  • Additional things to budget for include: Visa, flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check, public transport to and from your placement each day and return to the airport when your program finishes.
  • Recommended spending money: Volunteers on Lisbon based projects and on the Wildlife Conservation project generally find US$65 to be sufficient for basic weekly expenses. For those on the Wolf Conservation project, we recommend a weekly budget of US$150.
  • Any changes or cancellations within 14 days of your start date are subject to a US$200 late change/cancellation fee.

Free-time experiences & tours in Portugal

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Portugal! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Portugal program.

Language Lessons
Language Lessons

Enhance your Portuguese language proficiency at the most affordable rate while volunteering in Portugal.

From AU$505
Language Lessons
Language Lessons

Enhance your Portuguese language proficiency at the most affordable rate while volunteering in Portugal.

From AU$505

Portuguese language lessons

Portuguese language lessons are available to all Lisbon-based volunteers, regardless of your Portuguese language ability. Volunteers are strongly encouraged to take advantage of these lessons to allow you to work and communicate more effectively during your program.

If you would like to sign up for the language lessons, simply let your Program Manager know and they will be happy to help you arrange them. The language lessons are tailored to each volunteer’s current level of Portuguese and are taught by a professional Portuguese language teacher. Classes run Monday through Friday, the cost is very affordable and offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers. They are paid for prior to your arrival and the local team will help you arrange a suitable time to complete your lessons during your program orientation.

10 Hours: US$315 (approximately AU$505)
20 Hours: US$630 (approximately AU$1011)
30 Hours: US$943 (approximately AU$1513)
40 Hours: US$1258 (approximately AU$2019)
50 Hours: US$1571 (approximately AU$2521)

Please note, Portuguese lessons are held at the Lisbon accommodation and are not available to volunteers on the Wolf Conservation project.

Check what's required to visit Portugal

Safety and support with IVHQ

Safety and support

IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.

  • All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
  • All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
  • All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
  • All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Learn more about IVHQ's safety

Essential country information

Capital Lisbon
Population 10.46 million
Languages Portuguese
Currency Euro (EUR)
Time zone UTC+00:00

Weather and climate: Lisbon has a Mediterranean climate with dry hot summers and mild winters. During winter, from December to February, temperatures are mild and vary from 8°C to 14°C (46°F to 57°F). Summer, from June to September, is dry and hot with temperatures ranging between 18°C and 29°C (64°F and 84°F). Rainfall is heaviest in December/January and driest in July/August.

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How to get started

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