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.
Volunteer in Spain
Explore International Volunteer HQ’s popular Spain volunteer abroad program. Choose from a wide range of trusted Spain volunteer projects, including Animal Care, Youth Support, Marine Conservation, Content Creator For Impact, Special Needs Support, and Community Support. Volunteer work in Spain is based in the iconic and captivating beachside city, Barcelona. With affordable Program Fees and top rated volunteer projects trusted by over 144,000 travellers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organisation in Spain.
Highlights:
- 8 meaningful project options available year-round
- Program Fees from AU$1278 for 1 week
- Includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, breakfast and lunch and 24/7 in-country support
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Accommodation in a dormitory-style hostel in Barcelona
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Affordable Spanish language lessons available in-country
Key information
Volunteer opportunities in Spain
Protects animals
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$1278
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every second and fourth Monday of the month
- Based in animal shelters
- Volunteers aged 18+
Assist a local animal shelter for cats, keeping the animals fed, clean and active so they have the best chance of being successfully re-homed.
Supports community development
2-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$2022
- Duration: 2 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every second and fourth Monday of the month
- Based with Barcelona nonprofits
- Volunteers aged 18+
Volunteer with nonprofits in Barcelona that help support those living in poverty and facing inequalities. Help marginalized communities by teaching them new skills, improving their access to services, or helping integrate them socially, such as through sports.
Supports community development
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$1278
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every second and fourth Monday of the month
- Based with local NGOs
- Volunteers aged 18+
Volunteer with a range of good community initiatives, using your experience to provide valuable assistance in web development, marketing material, film and photography.
Improves health & wellbeing
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$2022
- Duration: 2 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every second and fourth Monday of the month
- Local community initiatives
- Volunteers aged 18+
Help to redistribute unused food from local supermarkets to vulnerable communities throughout Barcelona.
Conserves the environment
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$1828
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every second and fourth Monday of the month
- Based at local diving clubs
- Volunteers aged 18+
Learn and improve your scuba diving skills to clean and research the marine environment off the coast of Barcelona, helping to remove rubbish and preserve the ecosystem for marine life.
Supports community development
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$1278
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every second and fourth Monday of the month
- Based in host centres
- Volunteers aged 18+
Cook for and socialise with young refugees and migrants at a host centre in Barcelona to help them learn English, connect with different cultures, and integrate into Spanish society.
Improves health & wellbeing
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$2022
- Duration: 2 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every second and fourth Monday of the month
- Based in centres for people with disabilities
- Volunteers aged 18+
Volunteer in centers for the disabled, assisting with activities, care, therapy, exercise and operational tasks.
Supports community development
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$2022
- Duration: 2 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every second and fourth Monday of the month
- Based in after-school centres
- Volunteers aged 18+
Volunteer in after school programs for underprivileged young people, enabling a safe environment for productive spare time, extra curricular activities and supplementary learning.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
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Ashley Wiedow
23 Jul 2024
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Andrew Weston
10 Jul 2024
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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Hannah Austin
26 Jun 2024
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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Gin Wallace
10 Jun 2024
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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Carmen Knie
28 May 2024
It was helpful to have this checklist and different advices before the trip started. I gained self development, I came out of my comfort zone and am more open minded about cultures and social backgrounds. I got to know so many interesting people and I already miss the children of the school there. I had a wonderful time.
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Yunzhu Wang
03 May 2024
The local team is very nice and helped to organize everything. The coaches in the diving club were very nice to work with as well, and the work was so meaningful. I'll definitely take part in more volunteer work like this in the future. Barcelona is a beautiful and historical city, it's definitely worth a visit.
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Spain
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Spain program.
Airport Pick-up
Arriving outside the airport pick-up times? Book this add on now!
AU$90
Extra Night of Accommodation
Arriving early or departing a few days after your program has finished? Book your extra nights of accommodation.
From AU$92
Spanish Language Lessons
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 AU$530
Airport Pick-up
Arriving outside the airport pick-up times? Book this add on now!
AU$90
Extra Night of Accommodation
Arriving early or departing a few days after your program has finished? Book your extra nights of accommodation.
From AU$92
Spanish Language Lessons
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 AU$530
