Volunteering with IVHQ on two occasions has been the best thing I have ever done! The guidance and preparation resources received from IVHQ really was brilliant! Thank you so much! I couldn’t have asked for more, they were incredible! The people you meet and work alongside, the other volunteers you meet during your time, they really are people for life! The projects I volunteered on were rewarding, you really felt that you made an impact! If you’re hesitant, book it, go, and experience something completely different, you honestly won’t regret it! It will be life changing!
Community Support Volunteer Program in Spain - Barcelona
Want to help support marginalized communities in Spain? International Volunteer HQ’s Community Support project is a unique opportunity to volunteer with nonprofit organizations in Barcelona to help improve the lives of those living in poverty and facing inequalities, such as refugees or those battling addiction. As an IVHQ volunteer, you’ll help empower these individuals by teaching them new skills, improving their access to basic services, or helping integrate them socially, such as through sports.
Highlights:
- Programs start every second and fourth Monday of the month
- Affordable fees from $1240 for 2 weeks
- Includes accommodation, meals, orientation and 24/7 support
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Help improve quality of life for marginalized populations and those living in poverty
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Soak up Barcelona’s art, architecture, and buzzing atmosphere
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Stay in a modern, socially driven hostel in Barcelona
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.
Key information
This program is ideal for:
Compassionate volunteers who want to share their skills and interests, be it through teaching a new skill, languages, sports, cooking, or organizing facilities/donations. Being able to speak Spanish is an advantage, as this will help you communicate.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
In the vibrant urban landscape of Barcelona, the stark realities of inequality and poverty are unmissable. For those grappling with life’s harsher challenges—limited access to social services, economic instability, inadequate housing, or the elusive search for employment—the path to dignity and stability is steep.
There’s no universal remedy for poverty or social risk, no “one size fits all solution”. That is the philosophy of the Community Support project in Barcelona!
As a volunteer on the Community Support project you will assist with offering a range of support, from free basic amenities like food, clothing, and medical care, to empowering individuals through football, or even teaching languages.
By partnering with dedicated non-profit organizations across the city of Barcelona, you will not only help to alleviate hardship, but also to improve quality of life.
Depending on your skills, experience, and passions, there’s a place for you to make an impact. Some of the tasks involved on the Community Support project may include:
- Supporting a local host center by preparing meals, managing facilities, sorting donations, contributing to educational and language training initiatives, and generally helping to support people to regain confidence and learn new skills.
- Teaching languages by sharing your linguistic talents to teach English or Spanish in a nurturing, supportive environment. Helping marginalized communities to voice their needs.
- Assisting with sports teams focused on integrating young immigrants, refugees, and individuals battling addiction.
Why do Community Support volunteering in Barcelona with IVHQ?
When you volunteer on the Community Support project in Spain you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Learning about how nonprofits work in Spain
- Directly helping refugees, migrants and those battling addiction
- Developing your communication skills
- Practicing your Spanish language skills
- Immersing yourself in Catalan culture
- Exploring Barcelona’s fabulous buildings, culture, and history
Volunteer requirements
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Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate in this program. If you are under the age of 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad page to learn more.
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All volunteers are required to speak fluent English, have adequate volunteer travel insurance and provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Apply For FreeNot 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 Community Support project
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IVHQ Refugee Support project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Creative Technologies project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Refugee Support project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Special Needs Support project
IVHQ Youth Support project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Refugee Support project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Forest Conservation project
IVHQ Special Needs Support project
IVHQ Refugee Support project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
Exploring Barcelona during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Barcelona during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Barcelona during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Barcelona during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Barcelona during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Barcelona during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Barcelona during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Barcelona during an IVHQ weekend
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
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Serica Battaglia
10 Apr 2024
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Steven Blalock
19 Mar 2024
I think our group gained a real-life and important view of the challenges people face even in a high-profile tourist center that is Barcelona. We were provided a glimpse of the realities of homeless people and the challenges they face on a daily basis. We were also provided a glimpse of how organizations assist folks with accessing basic needs like clothing, food, and showers. An added complexity to this was that many of the homeless and housing insecure folks we worked with were also immigrants or refugees and had the extra obstacles of transitioning to a new country, language, and culture.
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Sadie Yoder
29 Jan 2024
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.
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Erika Poynter
20 Dec 2023
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.
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Macy Hubbard
02 Aug 2023
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.
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Lorena Sanchez
26 Apr 2023
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.
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
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 credit
Location
Catalonia is a region in northern Spain with its own distinct culture. Barcelona is its capital and melds millennia of history with modern life in a way that creates a vivid, stylish city with a vibrant atmosphere. It’s rich with the art and architecture of Gaudi and Picasso; home to FC Barcelona - one of the world’s best football teams; loaded with remnants of its ancient Roman past; stacked with beautiful beaches and parks and known for its mouth-watering cuisine. The IVHQ Spain volunteer program in Barcelona hosts a popular range of meaningful volunteer work. The dedicated local team supports volunteers 24/7 as they’re immersed in local life, helping you to develop an authentic understanding of this iconic destination. Volunteer placements are located throughout the wider city area of Barcelona. Some placements are up to a 90-minute commute, which can be on different means of public transport.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins on the second and fourth Monday of every month, and volunteers need to arrive in Barcelona on the Sunday before orientation.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN). Your airport pick-up is included in your program fee.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported via Metro and bus to the volunteer accommodation. Your accommodation is covered by your program fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are traveling in Spain prior to your volunteer program and arriving overland, we will provide you with a time and place to meet the local team in Barcelona on the day before your program orientation.
Orientation is hosted by our Spain team in Barcelona. 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 Spain – an introduction to Spain and Barcelona, culture and customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities, an introduction to project and placement as well as a tour of the local area and a basic Spanish language lesson. The orientation will also give you a chance to sign up for additional Spanish language lessons and to meet other volunteers with whom you can swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing .
Volunteer schedule example
Weekdays:
After the initial orientation, you will have a morning or afternoon shift at your placement and will work for approximately 2 to 5 hours per day. Please note that start times and daily workload depends on the specific project that you are participating on.
A typical daily schedule is as follows:
| 7:00 - 10:00 AM | Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation. |
| 8:00 AM | Volunteers with a morning shift travel to placement to join local placement staff and begin work on their project. |
| 1:00 - 3:00 PM | Lunch is served at the accommodation. |
| 2:30 PM | Volunteers with an afternoon or evening shift travel to placement to join local placement staff and begin work on their project. |
| 8:00 - 10:00 PM | Most volunteers choose to eat dinner at this time. There are restaurants close by to the volunteer accommodation or you can prepare your own dinner in the communal kitchen. |
Weekends:
On your free weekends in Spain, visit Gaudi’s unfinished yet still iconic La Sagrada Familia church, catch a football match, try a local paella, sunbathe on an incredible beach or wander the streets of Les Ramblas to Barcelona’s city center.
Volunteers staying for longer durations, or who wish to travel before or after their program, can visit areas further afield in Spain including; Granada, Valencia, Madrid and many other places. Volunteers can make travel arrangements once in Barcelona, with the advice and guidance of our local team.
Accommodation and WiFi
Prepare for an exciting stay just a short distance from Barcelona’s bustling city center! Volunteers will be accommodated in a vibrant dormitory-style hostel, offering a lively atmosphere and the chance to meet other volunteers and travelers. Each room accommodates up to eight individuals of the same gender, providing a comfortable and sociable environment.
Expect modern conveniences like shared ensuite bathrooms with hot showers, cozy bedding, reading lamps and individual sockets next to each bed, and air conditioning. Each volunteer will have their own, complete with a provided lock. While towels are not provided, they can be rented from the hostel reception for a small fee, approximately $3 (approximately $3) - $4 (approximately $4), or you’re welcome to bring your own towel from home.
The hostel features communal spaces including a welcoming living room, dining area, fully-equipped kitchen, and a spacious outdoor terrace, perfect for socializing and enjoying meals together.
WiFi is available in the hostel, free of charge, and can also be accessed from many cafes and restaurants in the area. If you would like to keep connected during your stay, it’s recommended to bring an unlocked mobile phone and purchase a local SIM card once you arrive in Spain.
Private room upgrades with shared or private bathrooms can be arranged upon request for an additional cost, subject to availability.
Meals
Volunteers are provided with breakfast and dinner everyday.
Breakfast is self-serve at the volunteer accommodation and typically consists of fruit, bread, jam, cereal, milk, tea, and coffee. Lunch is not included in the program and you will need to purchase this yourself. You can expect to budget around $10 (approximately $10) - $15 (approximately $15) for lunch, however; prices will vary depending on what type of establishment you choose to purchase your lunches from.
Dinner is provided at the volunteer accommodation’s restaurant, according to a fixed menu. Meals typically include pasta, rice, meat, seafood, vegetable and salad dishes.
Tap water is safe to drink in Barcelona but if you would prefer to drink bottled water, it is readily available in Barcelona and volunteers should budget approximately $5 (approximately $5) - $8 (approximately $8) per week for two liters of water per day.
If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when submitting your application so we can make arrangements for you. As you will be living and volunteering abroad, you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home; however, the local team will do their best to ensure you are well taken care of.
Volunteer social area
Volunteer social area
Volunteer internet wifi zone
Volunteer social area
Volunteer social area
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical upgraded volunteer bedroom
Volunteer dining room
Volunteer dining room
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Pricing
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
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| 2 weeks | $1,240 Equivalent to $89/day |
| 3 weeks | $1,700 Equivalent to $81/day |
| 4 weeks | $2,160 Equivalent to $77/day |
| 5 weeks | $2,620 Equivalent to $75/day |
| 6 weeks | $3,080 Equivalent to $73/day |
| 8 weeks | $4,000 Equivalent to $71/day |
| 10 weeks | $4,920 Equivalent to $70/day |
| 12 weeks | $5,840 Equivalent to $70/day |
- Accommodation
- Meals
- 24/7 in-country 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
- 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 $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.
- Additional things to budget for include: Visa, flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, lunches, 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 in Spain generally find US$100 to be sufficient for weekly expenses including lunches, transportation and miscellaneous spending.
- Please note: You will need to budget an extra US$10 per night for the Barcelona City Tax, paid directly to the accommodation upon arrival.
- 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 Spain
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Spain! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Spain program.
Spanish Language Lessons - Ten Hour Intensive Class
Want to improve your Spanish language skills while volunteering in Spain? There’s no better time or more affordable way to gain confidence speaking, reading and writing in Spanish!
From $326
Spanish Language Lessons - Ten Hour Intensive Class
Want to improve your Spanish language skills while volunteering in Spain? There’s no better time or more affordable way to gain confidence speaking, reading and writing in Spanish!
From $326
Language lessons in Barcelona
Spanish language lessons are available for all volunteers in Spain regardless of their ability. Volunteers are strongly encouraged to take advantage of these lessons to allow them to work and communicate more effectively during their program. The language lessons are tailored to each volunteer’s current level of Spanish and are taught by professional Spanish teachers. Classes run Monday through Friday, the cost is very affordable and offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers.
- 1 x 1 hour class = $44
- 10 x 1 hour classes = $326 Spanish lessons can be booked through IVHQ once you have been accepted onto the Barcelona program.
Check what's required to visit Spain
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
| Capital | Madrid |
| Population | 46.9 million |
| Languages | Spanish |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 |
Weather and climate: Being such a large country, the climate of Spain is very varied. Barcelona and its metropolitan area has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers. Its average annual temperature is 21.2 °C (70.2 °F) during the day and 15.1 °C (59.2 °F) at night. In the coldest month, January, the temperature ranges from 12 to 18 °C (54 to 64 °F) during the day and 6 to 12 °C (43 to 54 °F) at night. In the warmest month – August, the temperature ranges from 28 to 32 °C (82 to 90 °F) during the day and about from 20 to 24 °C (68 to 75 °F) at night. Large fluctuations in temperature are very rare.
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