I had an unparalleled environmental recycling education. I deeply experienced the role of environmental recycling.
Upcycling For Social Good Volunteer Program in Portugal - Lisbon
Purpose
Turn discarded materials into something meaningful and new.
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 1-2 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 16+
Accommodation
Dormitory-style hostel
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Practical volunteers who want to have a positive social and environmental impact on this unique project.
Project details
Looking to make a positive social and environmental impact as an Upcycling volunteer in Portugal? International Volunteer HQ’s unique Upcycling for Social Good project partners with local NGOs to offer a creative, hands-on experience where you’ll help transform waste into something meaningful and inspiring. As a volunteer, you’ll transform single-use plastic into fun sports gear like skateboards and tennis racquets, giving old materials a second life. It’s a unique way to protect the planet, uplift communities, and let your creativity shine.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
The Upcycling for Social Good project offers volunteers a unique opportunity to engage with the local community in a creative environment where sustainability meets social impact. Each day is filled with hands-on, meaningful tasks that contribute to a more circular and compassionate way of living. The goal is to raise awareness, reduce waste, support vulnerable communities, and inspire more mindful, eco-conscious habits.
Environmentally, the project addresses pressing issues like plastic pollution, textile waste, and the consequences of overconsumption and landfill overflow. Volunteers help transform single-use plastics into sports equipment, showing that waste can be a valuable resource when approached with creativity and care.
Socially, the project supports the integration of marginalized communities while challenging the throwaway culture. It encourages thoughtful consumption and highlights how small, sustainable actions can lead to meaningful social change.
By taking part in this project, volunteers actively contribute to a movement rooted in sustainability, ecology, innovation, and social justice. It’s a hands-on, eye-opening experience that reveals the powerful connections between environmental issues and human well-being.
Volunteers contribute up to 5 hours per day and duties can vary day-to-day, but generally include:
- Separating and shredding plastic
- Collecting and sorting recyclable materials
- Creating new products from upcycled materials
- Learning how to craft new pieces from recycled resources
Why do Upcycling For Social Good volunteering in Lisbon with IVHQ?
As an Upcylcing volunteer in Portugal you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Fighting plastic pollution and advocating for the environment
- Learning how to create skateboards and sports items
- Gaining experience working with marginalized groups
- Developing your communication skills
- Immersing yourself in Portuguese culture
- Exploring Portugal’s capital city
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, provide parental consent to IVHQ, and potential additional documentation to the local team to participate on the program.
Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their start date, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead, and are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program.
Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
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IVHQ Homeless Support project
IVHQ Upcycling For Social Good project
IVHQ Ecological Surf project
IVHQ Horse Caretakers project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Biological Park Conservation project
IVHQ Horse Caretakers project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Horse Caretakers project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Forest Conservation project
IVHQ Wolf Conservation project
IVHQ Ecological Surf project
IVHQ Horse Caretakers project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Youth Support project
IVHQ Biological Park Conservation project
IVHQ Horse Caretakers project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Forest Conservation project
IVHQ Homeless Support project
IVHQ Horse Caretakers project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Food Rescue project
IVHQ Forest Conservation project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Horse Caretakers project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Biological Park Conservation project
IVHQ Upcycling For Social Good project
IVHQ Environmental Scuba Diving project
IVHQ Horse Caretakers project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Homeless Support project
IVHQ Youth Support project
IVHQ Forest Conservation project
IVHQ Horse Caretakers project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Food Rescue project
IVHQ Homeless Support project
IVHQ Youth Support project
IVHQ Horse Caretakers project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Forest Conservation project
IVHQ Homeless Support project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Homeless Support project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ volunteer orientation
IVHQ Upcycling For Social Good project
IVHQ volunteer orientation
Exploring Portugal during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Portugal during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Portugal during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Portugal during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Portugal during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Portugal during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Portugal during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Portugal during an IVHQ weekend
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
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 - 9:00PM, your pick-up will incur an extra cost of $87. 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 traveling 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 socializing.
Volunteer schedule example
Here’s what a typical volunteer schedule in Lisbon, Portugal looks like, including arrival, orientation, and daily activities.
First Day
Upon arrival in Lisbon, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation. This is a free day to settle in, relax after your journey, and get familiar with your surroundings. You will also receive details and instructions for your orientation.
Second Day
All volunteers attend an orientation led by the local team. This covers everything you need to know about your placement, Lisbon, safety guidelines, and cultural expectations. You will also have the chance to meet other volunteers.
Most volunteers begin their placement the following day.
Tuesday to Saturday
Volunteers participate in their placement for up to 4 hours per day. Shifts may take place in the morning, afternoon, or evening depending on your specific project. Volunteers are supported by local staff and typically contribute alongside other volunteers or community members.
Example Morning Schedule
| 7:00–8:00 AM | Breakfast at the accommodation and travel to your placement |
| 8:30 AM–12:30 PM | Support your placement alongside local staff |
| 1:00–3:00 PM | Lunch at the accommodation |
| Afternoon | Free time to explore Lisbon, join activities, or relax |
| 7:00–9:00 PM | Dinner at the accommodation |
Travel time to placements is approximately one hour by public transport, depending on your project location.
Schedules may occasionally vary due to weather, public holidays, or local events. We recommend checking your travel dates in advance to be aware of any national or school holidays.
Sunday and Monday
Volunteers have these days free to explore Lisbon and the surrounding region.
Popular activities include:
- Exploring Alfama, Lisbon’s historic old town
- Visiting Sintra’s UNESCO-listed palaces and castles
- Relaxing at Arrábida’s beaches
- Trying traditional foods like pastel de nata
- Experiencing live fado music
- Visiting local markets, museums, and cultural sites
Lisbon offers a mix of culture, history, food, and nature, making it easy to fill your free time.
Volunteers can also plan independent travel or weekend trips with guidance from the local team.
What does a typical volunteer day look like in Lisbon?
Volunteers spend up to 4 hours per day at their placement, with the rest of the day free to explore Lisbon, take part in cultural activities, or relax at the accommodation.
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers participating on Lisbon-based projects will stay at a lively dormitory-style hostel in Estoril, just a five-minute stroll from the beach. You’ll share a room with 3 to 13 fellow volunteers of the same gender, fostering a community atmosphere. In instances where the male dormitory is fully occupied, male volunteers may be housed in mixed-gender rooms with other guests.
Each volunteer will be provided with all necessary bedding and towels, and you’ll have access to shared Western-style bathrooms, which are communal and not separated by gender. The hostel staff will ensure cleanliness throughout the week, though volunteers are encouraged to maintain tidiness in their own spaces. For those under 18, please be aware that a 10:00 PM curfew is implemented to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.
Staying connected is easy as free WiFi is available within the hostel, and local cafes and restaurants nearby. Plus, to help you stay connected on the go, the local team offers a complimentary local SIM card. This can be activated to purchase mobile data for any unlocked mobile phone, ensuring you can share every moment of your adventure.
For added privacy and comfort, private double rooms (with a shared bathroom) are available for an extra charge of $456 per week, or private double rooms (with a private bathroom) are available for an extra charge of $480 per week. These rooms can be booked through your MyIVHQ account after you register for the Portugal program, subject to availability.
From this central location, volunteers can conveniently travel to their placements by public transport or on foot.
Meals
Portuguese food is delicious, and during your time in Portugal, you’ll be treated to some incredible dishes.
Most volunteers enjoy three meals a day, starting with a self-serve breakfast at the accommodation. Kickstart your day with a selection of tea, coffee, fresh bread, cheese, ham, spreads, cereal, yogurt, and fruit. Twice a week, you’ll have the chance to savor authentic Portuguese dishes.
For lunch and dinner, you’ll feast on local favorites like fish and chicken, complemented by rice, pasta, vegetables, and salad. If your placement requires you to be away from the accommodation during meal times, you’ll either dine at your placement or take a packed meal with you. We accommodate for vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free (not celiac) and peanut-free diets.
While tap water in Portugal is safe to drink, bottled water is also readily available. If you prefer bottled water, budget approximately $10 (approximately $10) a week for this.
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Volunteer house accommodation
Volunteer house accommodation
Volunteer house accommodation
Volunteer house social area
House view towards the beach
Outside patio at the house
Outside patio at the house
Dining room at the house
Dining room at the house
Dining room at the house
Dining room at the house
Kitchen at the house
Kitchen at the house
Typical bedroom - house
Typical bedroom - house
Typical bedroom upgrade - house
Typical bathroom - house
Volunteer house accommodation
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$329 (approximately $329), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately $329) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
|
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.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $740 Equivalent to $106/day |
| 2 weeks | $1,260 Equivalent to $90/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately $329) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- Discounts on language lessons
- Discounts on travel, tours, and experiences
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular tours & experiences in Lisbon
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular tours and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Lisbon program.
Airport Drop-off
Enjoy a stress free ride from accommodation back to Lisbon airport arranged by our local team.
$102
Extra Night in Shared Room
Arriving early or departing a few days after your program has finished? Book your extra nights of accommodation.
From $67
Coasteering in Arrábida
Coasteering adventure along Lisbon’s coastline with transport to Sesimbra.
$107
Check what's required to visit Portugal
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
Safety and support
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.
Essential country information
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.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
KH
King Hirotoshi
...
AM
Adam Malik
The biggest things which I’ve gained is the importance of making connections and learning from others. As amazing as the actually volunteering was, talking and learning from locals and fellow volunteers was just as impactful. It truly is about the people you meet along the way and all the connections which are made with people from all over the world.
...
MM
Mia MacLeod
My advice is just go for it! If you are thinking about doing it, just do it.
...
TS
Thomas Salcedo
I have gained several things from this experience. The impact on others, the sharing of different perspectives and lifestyles, and most importantly the memories that will stay with me and help me grow as a person. I would definitely tell someone that is hesitant about joining the program to take the risk because there is no change or growth without risk.
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
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