1 - What kind of programmes are available?
You can get involved in care & orphanage, school students & medical projects.
2 - How long do volunteer placements last?
Projects with children and with school students last at least one month. Most volunteers stay for between two and three months. Community projects are more flexible; they can be arranged for a week, two weeks, etc. depending on your request. You determine for yourself how long you would like your placement to last.
3 - When can I start? When should I apply?
You choose when your placement starts and finishes. Placements run all year. During school holidays, we organize community projects. There are no strict deadlines for application. We generally need at least 3 weeks to comfortably process an application, but we like to receive your application as far in advance as possible - so please apply as soon as you've decided what you want to do. The longer the notice, the more effectively we can tailor a programme to your interests and needs. If you decide at the last minute, do give us a call to see how quickly we can arrange it for you - we sometimes only need a few weeks notice.
4 - Can I go with my friend/boyfriend/girlfriend?
Friends are most welcome and, if you like, we can arrange placements and accommodation for you to be together.
5 -What age are participants in these projects?
Volunteers are welcome between the ages of 16 and 75. Many of our volunteers are between 18 and 25 years old, but a rapidly increasing number of career breakers and retired people are now taking part too.
6 - What qualifications do I need?
No qualifications are necessary - just reasonable spoken English. No TEFL or teaching qualifications are needed for our projects with children and school students (although you are very welcome if you happen to have them).
7 - Do I need to speak the local language?
The requirement to join the volunteer programme is to take a minimum of one week of Spanish lessons, during which you will learn any technical vocabulary related to your placement. It is certainly to your advantage to learn basic phrases, but it is not necessary to be fluent. Fluency will develop during your volunteer activities.
8 - What do I gain from this programme?
The programme is an excellent opportunity to combine foreign travel with a worthy job. As well as gaining experience that looks impressive on your CV or résumé, you will improve important human relation skills such as team-working, presenting and communicating. Above all, this is an excellent opportunity to gain insight into a completely different culture and way of life.
9 - What support will I have during my volunteering time?
During your placement you will have a supervisor at your place of work. If you have difficulty in your class, want to gain extra experience in a certain area, or if you have any problems or requests, someone will be on hand to give you help and advice.
10 - Can I extend my stay while overseas?
Extending your stay depends on visa requirements and flight restrictions. We are flexible with our programmes. If you wish to extend your placement, just discuss your intentions with our staff.
11 - How much does the volunteering cost?
We do not charge for the volunteer programme itself. During your working time as a volunteer you should stay with one of our host families. You pay for accommodation, which includes three meals per day.
