Spain has a great demand for volunteers, and opportunities are varied and almost unlimited. You can do everything from working with whales and dolphins in the Mediterranean, to restoring a castle, protecting the environment by overseeing coastal fauna and even teaching English.
Best Volunteer Organisations in Spain
One of the most commonly sought after volunteer program in Spain is working in a Pueblo Ingles. These programs operate in different cities all over the country. The only requirement for volunteers is that they speak fluent English and are in the age range of 22 – 80 years. The volunteer’s day begins with breakfast and ends after dinner around 10:00 p.m., with a ninety minute break in between. Their job is to carry on conversations with individuals interested in improving English language skills. The conversations are conducted in low key settings like lunch or dinner or while performing any other activities like shopping, taking walks etc. In return the volunteers get to stay in fine locations and share traditional meals with the clients, free of cost.
Where You Can Help
Many programs are based in the city of Valencia. They include community development projects like educating adults, and helping immigrant communities. There are even possibilities of joining professional internships that provide volunteers with communication skills and allow them to enhance their resumes. Internships usually run between 2-4 weeks.
Some placements in Spain are located in the region of Castilla y Leon. The largest and most historic region in Spain, with 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Other popular cities include Barcelona and Madrid. For a lot of conservation projects the Spanish islands are where you’ll be based.
Placement roles
Help Women
Regardless of the fact that Spain is a developed country, it is still apparent that women hold a lower position in society than men. Volunteers fascinated with gender equality matters can volunteer in women’s shelter.
Language Coach
Language Coaching roles in Spain offer volunteers the freedom to develop imaginative lesson plans that encourage students to practice their English in a fun and supportive setting. The ability to adapt, think creatively and embrace a new culture will allow you to experience the wonderful traditions and customs that Spain has to offer.
Graduate Teaching Role
The role for Graduates as English teachers involves classes, sports and helping out with other activities on immersion programmes for children aged 10-14. English, outdoors and nature activities are combined, giving an opportunity to get immersed with the local staff and environments. All graduates are offered a training programme during the first week on placement to get you ready and set for an incredibly rewarding experience.
Teach English in Spain
Volunteers can be based at a variety of schools from primary to high school level. They will officially adopt the position of English language coaches, but will often be in the position of planning and taking charge of lessons. You will work alongside permanent teachers and help with a range of activities, using your English skills to assist both students and teachers. Volunteers may also become involved with additional activities in the school, such as music or drama classes or sport, and occasional extracurricular activities and outings.
Spain has traditionally lagged behind other EU countries as regards language skills and resources have been made available to improve language learning and create so-called “bilingual schools”, where English is made a priority, to the extent that some regular school subjects are sometimes given in English, such as science, art or Phys. Ed. However, the teaching staff are still some way behind and contact between students and native speakers is encouraged to provide the opportunity to practice.
As a fluent English speaker, you will primarily be responsible for teaching English up to 12-15 hours per week. Overall you are likely to work 3-5 hours per day, 4-5 days per week.
FAQ
Start dates
There is flexibility regarding start dates & durations for certain placements, so please ask.
Accommodation, food and allowance
Volunteers in Spain usually live with host families – the ultimate way to learn about culture, language, food and friendships from within. All volunteers will be given their own room and full board for the duration of their stay. Meals will likely be standard Spanish fare (amazing!), which is normally lunch at around 2pm, with a first course, second course and desert or fruit and the evening meal will be similar, at 8 or 9pm. Volunteers have to get used to this, as snacking during the day is much less common in Spain. Most Spanish families prepare food each day from fresh ingredients, with fish, meat, vegetables, pasta, rice and eggs.
Spanish families expect a degree of interaction most times, as they tend to be sociable and enjoy shared time in the evenings and meal times. With regards to practising English, volunteers should be expected to offer 3-5 hours English help per week with the kids at home, whether this be helping with homework, reading or playing games in English and it may also include helping other family members practice their English, although in a friendly and informal fashion. Host families will ALWAYS want to help our volunteers with their Spanish too, so reciprocal language learning is common.
Free time & travel
Volunteering in Spain offers the chance to explore the whole Iberian peninsular, it is famous for it’s cuisine and stunning Mediterranean beaches.
There are lots of historical sites, with UNESCO World Heritage sites in Salamanca, Leon, Burgos, Avila, Segovia and then larger urban centres, such as Bilbao or Madrid.
There are football, basketball and handball teams which all have local support, cinemas, live music and a variety of social and cultural events every weekend throughout the region. Dancing is very popular, with Sala, Zumba and similar classes available.
In the North, the beaches of Cantabria offer bracing weather and excellent surfing.
Feedback & Reviews
“Deciding to volunteer in Spain has been the best decision I have ever made. Not only have I been completely immersed in a fascinating and unfamiliar culture, but I have been presented with an opportunity for personal development; I know the leadership skills, independence and confidence I have developed will take me far. I couldn’t recommend volunteering in Spain enough; it really is a once in a lifetime opportunity.” Madeleine, Teacher Assistant