This program was really so good. Because I like the perfect support of everything always from the local team. The local volunteers at the site were extremely helpful everytime. I miss you all!
Upcycling For Social Good Volunteer Project in Portugal - Porto
Purpose
Support Community Development
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 1-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 4 hours of per day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+
Accommodation
Volunteer 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:
Ideal for practical, hands-on volunteers who want to make a positive social and environmental impact through a unique upcycling project.
Project details
Join IVHQ’s Upcycling for Social Good project in Porto and contribute to a creative initiative that combines environmental sustainability with positive social impact. Volunteers support NGOs working to give discarded and surplus materials a new purpose, helping reduce waste while creating useful resources that benefit the community.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
This is a practical, creative project where you’ll help give unwanted materials a second life while contributing to social and environmental initiatives in Porto. Depending on the needs of the project, your tasks may include:
- Furniture Upcycling: Restore and transform used furniture, giving old pieces a new purpose and hopefully a new home.
- Upcycling Workshops: Support hands-on workshops that teach participants how to creatively reuse materials and make new items.
- Social and Environmental Projects: Get involved in initiatives that promote sustainability and create a positive impact within the local community.
- Project Promotion: Help showcase upcycling and community projects through social media and other promotional activities.
- Community Atelier: Work collaboratively to create upcycled items that can be distributed to people in need.
Why do Upcycling For Social Good volunteering in Porto with IVHQ?
As an Upcycling volunteer in Porto you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Combating waste and pollution while creating social impact.
- Developing practical skills while learning about sustainability.
- Getting creative and hands-on.
- Immersing in the local culture and connecting with the community beyond the usual tourist experience.
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers need to 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.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
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.
Portugal photo gallery
IVHQ Upcycling For Social Good project
IVHQ Upcycling For Social Good project
IVHQ Upcycling For Social Good project
IVHQ Upcycling For Social Good project
IVHQ Upcycling For Social Good project
IVHQ Upcycling For Social Good project
IVHQ Upcycling For Social Good project
IVHQ Upcycling For Social Good project
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 9am and 9pm, your pick-up will incur an extra cost of £68. 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
First Day
You will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working alongside.
Weekdays
During the week, you will have a morning or afternoon shift, which will last approximately 2-4 hours. Note that start times and daily workload will depend on your specific placement.
A typical day on the Upcycling volunteer project is as follows:
| 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Breakfast 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 a local restaurant near the volunteer accommodation |
| 2:00 PM | Volunteers with afternoon shifts travel to placement and begin work on their project |
| 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Work typically ends and volunteers travel back to their accommodation |
| 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Dinner is served at a local restaurant near 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:
Volunteers can travel and explore the eclectic city of Porto, Portugal. From visiting one of the oldest libraries in the world, catching a futebol match, or trying out a local francesinha, you can create an itinerary by yourself or with your fellow volunteers!
Volunteers staying in Portugal longer or who wish to travel before or after their program can visit areas further afield in Portugal, including Lisbon, the Azores, the Algarve, and many other places. With the advice and guidance of our expert local team, you can make travel arrangements once you arrive in Porto.
Looking for more ideas of things to do in Portugal? Check out our Portugal Tours & Experiences!
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) or private double rooms (with a private bathroom) are available for an extra charge. These rooms can be booked through your MyIVHQ account after registering for the Portugal program, subject to availability.
From this central location, volunteers can conveniently travel to their placements by public transport or on foot.
During the summer months, volunteers may be accommodated in the local team’s secondary hostel in Parede, a quiet residential area. Daily shuttle transfers are provided between Parede and the main volunteer hostel, including a morning transfer and an evening transfer before dinner. Breakfast is provided at the accommodation.
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 US$10 (approximately £7) 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 £258), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately £258) 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 | $1,310 Equivalent to $94/day |
| 3 weeks | $1,830 Equivalent to $87/day |
| 4 weeks | $2,350 Equivalent to $84/day |
| 5 weeks | $2,870 Equivalent to $82/day |
| 6 weeks | $3,390 Equivalent to $81/day |
| 8 weeks | $4,430 Equivalent to $79/day |
| 10 weeks | $5,470 Equivalent to $78/day |
| 12 weeks | $6,510 Equivalent to $78/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately £258) 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
- Personalised 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 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 Porto
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 Porto program.
7 Day - Highlights of Portugal!
Take in the highlights of sun-kissed Portugal on a seven-day sightseeing adventure from Porto to Lisbon.
From £1974
Porto Bridge Climb
This is an exciting and unique experience where you can climb the iconic Arrábida Bridge!
£29
Private Surf Lessons
These surf lessons are an unforgettable experience that offers an exhilarating way to experience the waves of Porto’s beautiful coastline.
From £68
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
MR
Michael Rehder
...
SR
Shivani Rajkumar Kandiah
I feel like I achieved exactly what I went to Porto for which was helping in all ways that I could. But I also feel that I was fortunate to leave with much more than I expected.
Being proactive is a large component of the volunteering process, which is usually not in my nature. The volunteer experience convinced me to make the extra effort to not only teach the children new skills but to also connect on a deeper level with the moms which I could have never predicted would be possible with the language barrier.
Now, I am grateful to be leaving Porto knowing I exercised my best efforts to comfort and foster new connection, which was successfully achieved. Additionally, I met a lot of friends both part of the program and in the accommodation which I can say will be life long relationships.
I would tell anyone considering volunteering to be as proactive as can be and to use who you are as an advantage when trying to make a difference. You are more similar to others than you think.
...
CA
Clariza Adao
I enjoyed volunteering for the Young Moms project. Within the week, me and some of the moms that I met, we learned from one another and empowered each other. Women need to support each other and continue to be kind to one another. I hope all goes well with these moms and want nothing for the best for them.
The local coordinator is amazing at keeping everyone well informed and checking in on the volunteers. It was a pleasure volunteering alongside another fellow female volunteer and share this experience together.
...
IK
Itay Krasnovsky
I met so many people from different backgrounds and learned so much about the world and humanity. The people of Portugal were so welcoming and just lovely!
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
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