IVHQ and the local team were great - I was able to reach out with questions and get feedback in a timely manner. The orientation was very helpful and comprehensive. The local center we worked with was so sweet and patient with me and my language limitations. Volunteering in a new culture can be uncomfortable or awkward at times, but it is very worth it! You won't regret the experience or new friends you make.
Volunteer in Spain
Explore International Volunteer HQ’s popular Spain volunteer abroad program. Choose from a wide range of trusted Spain volunteer projects, including Animal Care, Youth Support, Marine Conservation, Forest Conservation, Content Creator For Impact and Special Needs Support. Volunteer work in Spain is based in the iconic and captivating beachside city, Barcelona. With affordable Program Fees and top rated volunteer projects trusted by over 135,000 travellers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organisation in Spain.
Highlights:
- 9 meaningful project options available year-round
- Program Fees from AU$1251 for 1 week
- Includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, breakfast and lunch and 24/7 in-country support
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Accommodation in a dormitory-style hostel in Barcelona
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Affordable Spanish language lessons available in-country
Key information
Volunteer opportunities in Spain
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
I gained a lot of insight towards my future endeavors. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with the team within the kitchen, as well as the extra programs I briefly joined. It gave me a lot of reassurance about what I want to do with my career and how I want to direct it. I didn’t have any reservations but I can empathize with the international aspect. I would encourage anyone on the fence to open their hearts to experiencing the world and trying to rehabilitate it. There’s a significant amount of value to humbling yourself an apolitical way for the good of the world.
The preparation checklist was really helpful and so were the email reminders, they helped me to stay organized. Also, thanks to my Program Manager for being there to answer any questions I had and for always responding so quickly! The in-country volunteer coordinator was so amazing and I felt so grateful to have her there to guide me. She was available no matter what time it was.
My favorite moment was meeting the children on the first day of my placement, they were so excited to meet me and welcomed me with open arms. I will never ever forget it! I learnt more about myself and realized that it's so important to live in the moment and take everything in. Jump right in and do it - it’s scary at first but will turn out to be the most incredible adventure where you will learn so much about yourself and the world around you.
GO GO GO! I promise you will not regret it, the connections you will make, the things you will learn, and the growth you will undergo is incredible. My favorite moment from the volunteer experience was being able to be a part of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebration. It was an absolutely beautiful experience to see them make speeches and dance together. Seeing the smiles on their faces truly warmed my heart. Volunteering taught me a multitude of things and has been a life-changing experience. The way I was able to bond and connect with so many individuals left a positive mark on me.
If you're considering it then you're half way there ... just do it! You'll be glad you did. Molly was very helpful and quick to respond. The guide was very useful as well. The whole team in Barcelona was amazing! So helpful and knowledgeable. The food had a good taste, was freshly served, and the staff were helpful. It was an amazing experience, and quite humbling to see how much work the sanctuary had to put in with so little funding. I wish I could have done more, and I will be booking another project as soon as I can. I've caught the travel bug!
Just do it! It sounds corny to use that phrase but I genuinely can say it was two of the best weeks of my life and it broadened my perspective not only on my own life but others as well and has really impacted who I am and motivated me to start giving back even more than I already do! The preparation resources that I received from IVHQ before starting my trip allowed me to be prepared to the point that I was not worried at all before arriving in Barcelona. I think the hostel was a great place to stay for the two weeks. It was in a good location and the front desk staff were very nice. During my time volunteering it did not feel like a job or a chore what so ever, I was excited every day to go because of the feeling it gave me. Additionally, the other volunteers in IVHQ and my two leaders made the experience even better. You get to know people from other parts of the world and everyone was very friendly and eager to meet others in our large group in Barcelona.
One of my favorite moments of my volunteering experience was when I got to play soccer outside at a nearby park with two of the special needs adults. These two adults were more quiet when we would hang out inside, however once we were able to play soccer with them you could see their faces light up and how much fun they had. I also hadn't played soccer since I was younger so it was so fun to play for fun again. I truly believe my group and I left an impact on the adults we helped during our two weeks of volunteering. When we had to say goodbye ourselves and the adults we were helping did not want the two weeks of volunteering to come end.
I got to see what life is like for a variety of special needs adults and their caretakers. Before this trip I was very unfamiliar with what life was life for them, but now I have a deeper understanding and bigger appreciation for the people who devote their lives to taking care of them and for the special needs adults themselves. They will always hold a special place in my heart now and after this trip I want to continue spending time helping them.
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