I have always loved working with children of all ages and I knew immediately that this was something I wanted, and needed, to do. The entire experience was inspiring itself- such a parade of bright, heartfelt people sharing their knowledge, and the volunteering has been rich. I continue to volunteer yearly as a way to give back and meet people in their time of need by giving them as much of myself as I can. I come away from these experiences feeling I’ve gained at least as much from the time spent as the people may have. For the few hours a week I spend at this, the impact is disproportionately fulfilling and purposeful for me.
Teaching Volunteer Project in Spain - Barcelona
This project is currently not accepting applications.
Purpose
Support education and empower communities
Start dates
Programs start every second and fourth Monday of the month
Duration
Choose from 1-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 4 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+
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:
Volunteers who enjoy working with people, are passionate about education, cultural exchange, and social inclusion, and want to help youth and adults improve their language skills and future opportunities.
Project details
Volunteer teaching in Barcelona with IVHQ and support local NGOs and community schools. You’ll plan and lead English and Spanish language sessions, help students grow their confidence and give them better access to school and employment opportunities.
The organizations behind this project are often understaffed. You’ll walk away with real classroom and lesson-planning experience. Your communication and Spanish will be sharper. And you’ll live in Barcelona while you do it.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Barcelona is home to many community schools and NGOs working with youth, migrants and adults at risk of social exclusion. They run language classes, homework clubs and adult learning programs. The goal is straightforward: better Spanish, better English and better job prospects. Many of these organizations run on limited staff and resources.
On this project, you’ll work alongside local educators to deliver extra-curricular language lessons and learning support that students could not otherwise access. Your tasks may include:
- Planning and delivering English language lessons focused on vocabulary and conversation
- Assisting Spanish language classes within immigrant community projects (open to volunteers with intermediate Spanish)
- Designing interactive activities suited to students’ ages and learning levels
- Supporting youth with homework and combining lessons with games, songs, storytelling or outdoor activities
- Running sector-specific vocabulary sessions for adults in tourism, administration, health or customer service
- Adapting educational content to each student’s personal or professional goals
- Working with local staff and keeping in regular contact with the project coordinator
Why do Teaching volunteering in Barcelona with IVHQ?
As a Teaching volunteer in Spain, you’ll support a community while building skills you can point to on a resume or a teaching application. On this project, you’ll:
- Support education for youth and adults at risk of social exclusion
- Help improve language and communication skills across the local community
- Build your own teaching, communication and leadership skills
- Gain experience in educational outreach and social inclusion programs
- Live among Spanish speakers and immerse yourself in everyday Spanish life
- Explore Catalonia, from Gaudí’s architecture to the Mediterranean coast
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers must be 18 years or older to participate in this program. If you are under 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad to explore these options.
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.
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.
Spain photo gallery
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Teaching project
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 creditRecommended online TEFL course
Recommended online TEFL course
We encourage volunteers on IVHQ’s Teaching and Childcare projects to come prepared by completing some relevant training, such as a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. Although formal teaching qualifications are not required on these projects as volunteers are supported by local staff, taking a TEFL course enables you to gain more from the experience. Visit our Online TEFL Course page to learn how to gain an internationally recognized TEFL certification at a discounted rate.
Get TEFL certified onlineLocation
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 car transfer or taxi 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. 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, afternoon or evening shift at your placement and will work for approximately 3 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. |
| 1:30 - 3:30 PM | Volunteers usually have lunch around this time. Please remember that you will need to purchase your own lunch from a local restaurant or supermarket. |
| 2:30 - 3:30 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 | Dinner at the volunteer accommodation. |
Please note that the schedule may occasionally change due to weather, public or school holidays, or other unforeseen events that could affect your placement. We recommend checking in advance whether your intended travel dates coincide with any public or school holidays.
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.
Looking for more ideas of things to do in Spain? Check out our Spain Tours & Experiences!
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers in Barcelona stay in a modern and comfortable hostel just outside the city center, offering the perfect balance of convenience and relaxation. The hostel is a 45-minute trip from central Barcelona and only a 10-minute walk from the nearest metro station, with supermarkets, cafés, ATMs, and pharmacies nearby.
Accommodation is in shared dormitory-style rooms with up to six same-gender volunteers per room. Each room is equipped with an ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, reading lamps, and personal lockers for secure storage.
The hostel features spacious communal areas, including a cozy lounge, a dining area, an outdoor terrace, and a seasonal swimming pool—perfect for unwinding after a day of volunteering. Free WiFi is available throughout the property, and bike rentals make it easy to explore the surrounding area. Towels are provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own.
Please note that the hostel accommodates both independent travelers and groups. This offers a fantastic opportunity to meet people from around the world and exchange travel experiences!
Meals
Volunteers are provided with breakfast and dinner every day.
Breakfast is self-serve at the volunteer accommodation, typically offering fruit, bread, jam, cereal, milk, tea, and coffee.
Lunch is not included in your program fee, so you will need to purchase it independently. You can expect to budget approximately $11 to $23 per lunch, though prices will vary. Alternatively, you may opt to have lunch at the volunteer accommodation for an additional fee.
Dinner is served at the volunteer accommodation’s restaurant on a fixed menu, which typically includes pasta, rice, meat, seafood, vegetables, and salads.
Tap water is safe to drink in Barcelona; however, if you prefer bottled water, it is readily available. Volunteers should budget approximately $5 to $8 per week if they plan to consume about two liters of bottled water per day.
If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when submitting your application so we can make appropriate arrangements. While living and volunteering abroad may differ from your usual routine at home, our local team will do everything possible to ensure you are well taken care of.
Volunteer social area
Typical volunteer bedroom
Accommodation outdoor area
Typical volunteer bedroom
Volunteer dining area
Typical volunteer meals
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
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 | $790 Equivalent to $113/day |
| 2 weeks | $1,250 Equivalent to $89/day |
| 3 weeks | $1,710 Equivalent to $81/day |
| 4 weeks | $2,170 Equivalent to $78/day |
| 5 weeks | $2,630 Equivalent to $75/day |
| 6 weeks | $3,090 Equivalent to $74/day |
| 8 weeks | $4,010 Equivalent to $72/day |
| 10 weeks | $4,930 Equivalent to $70/day |
| 12 weeks | $5,850 Equivalent to $70/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 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
- Lunch
- US$10 per night for the Barcelona City Tax, paid directly to the accommodation upon arrival.
- 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 Barcelona
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 Barcelona program.
Barcelona Food Tour
Try authentic Spanish Tapas and meet fellow foodies in the Catalan capital
$95
Barcelona Walking Tour
Enjoy an Immersive Tour of Barcelona’s Must-See Sites
$25
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Paddle along Barcelona’s stunning coastline and soak up epic Mediterranean views!
$40
Check what's required to visit Spain
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 | 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.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
AW
Ashley Wiedow
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Andrew Weston
Look into it and go for it, I made lots of new friends, learned a lot about myself and a new country. I took everyday and made the most of them all, the place I volunteer at was amazing, I met some amazing people who worked hard everyday to make the place safe and comfortable for cats that ended up there because they were strays, I went to Barcelona and it was so beautiful, there's so much to do.
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HA
Hannah Austin
I feel as though I was given a once in a lifetime opportunity to broaden my understanding of a unique demographic, I met the coolest people on the other side of the world and still talk about my time volunteering 2 years later! I couldn't of asked for a better experience and the kids I where involved with have truly altered the way I go about my day to day life!
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GW
Gin Wallace
My Program Manager answered all my questions and the transfer to the local team was seamless. The local team were very easy to work with and I appreciated all their support. Orientation was really helpful, for both the program and the transportation. I loved this experience, working with young adult migrants and helping them improve their conversational English skills. It opened my eyes to the commitment and sacrifices these folks have made in hopes of having a better future. I was glad to work with the NGO that provides housing and surrounds them with help and opportunities to be successful. As an older and solo volunteer, I really appreciated the support from the local team. On a personal level, I stretched myself out of my comfort zone with this trip and I'm already starting to plan my next one!
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
FAQs
You support local educators in Barcelona by planning and leading English and Spanish lessons for youth and adults at risk of social exclusion. Lessons mix vocabulary, conversation and interactive activities like games, storytelling and homework help.
The Teaching project runs in Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. You’ll be placed with NGOs and community schools across the city that work with youth, migrants and adults in lower-income neighborhoods.
No. English-only volunteers are welcome and focus on English language classes. Volunteers with intermediate Spanish can also support Spanish classes for migrant community programs.
Volunteers must be 18 or over. There is no upper age limit.
Programs start from 1 week and can be extended in weekly blocks. Most volunteers stay 2 to 4 weeks.
It suits first-time volunteers, gap year travelers, college students, qualified teachers and Spanish-speaking volunteers who want classroom experience in Europe. Independent and solo travelers are welcome.
Your program fee covers airport pickup, hostel accommodation in Barcelona, in-country support from your IVHQ Program Manager, orientation and 24/7 emergency support.
Program start dates run year-round. Your IVHQ Program Manager will confirm availability for your preferred dates after you apply.
You’ll stay in a hostel located in a charming neighborhood just outside the bustling heart of Barcelona alongside other IVHQ volunteers. The hostel is your base for the program and is close to public transport for getting to your placement.
