It’s a life changing experience. I won’t look at my life in the same way again, even though, compared to most of the young volunteers I feel like I got my life all figured out! Jump in because you’ll meet great, giving, and fun loving like minded volunteers, regardless of your age and your learning curve will be super steep, I promise! You never walk alone.
Migrant and Refugee Support Volunteer Program in Spain - Barcelona
This project is currently not accepting applications.
Purpose
Help refugees & migrants integrate into society
Start dates
Programs start every second and fourth Monday of the month
Duration
Choose from 1-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 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:
Sociable and compassionate volunteers who enjoy cooking. Being able to speak some Spanish is a huge advantage, as this will be the main way to communicate with the refugees and migrants.
Project details
Want to help refugees and migrants settle into their new lives in Spain? International Volunteer HQ’s Refugee & Migrant Support project is based in a host center in Barcelona that provides a safe space for young adult refugees and migrants to live, socialize, learn new skills, cook, and eat together. By volunteering with refugees and migrants in Spain, you’ll help young people learn English, connect with different cultures, and gain new perspectives and experiences.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
In recent years, Spain has received thousands of immigrants seeking protection from dangerous situations or fleeing from poverty-stricken countries in Northern Africa. These newcomers, whether they are refugees or humanitarian immigrants, face huge challenges when they arrive in Spain, as they lack the skills needed to be able to integrate into the local community.
In the city of Barcelona, there are organizations focused on the process of integrating these immigrants into Catalan society through different projects that offer opportunities to create a social network, language classes, weekly leisure or training activities. The goal is to foster their empowerment, autonomy, and wellbeing.
As a volunteer, you will go to the local host center of the migrants and refugees and engage with them in an informal way. This specific program seeks the socialization of this group of people through a common interest with the volunteers: cooking, eating, and the English language!
Volunteers will join and support the local host center in its daily tasks in the afternoon, mainly preparing, cooking, and distributing meals for the guests. You will sit and eat with them, chat with them in Spanish and teach them some English language skills — as this is an important skill for their future!
Why do Migrant and Refugee Support volunteering in Barcelona with IVHQ?
When you volunteer on the Migrant and Refugee Support project in Spain you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Learning about how host centers operate
- Directly helping young refugees and migrants learn new skills and build bonds
- Developing your communication skills
- Practicing your Spanish language skills
- Immersing yourself in Catalan culture
- Exploring Barcelona’s fabulous buildings, culture, and history
Volunteer requirements
-
Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate in this program. If you are under the age of 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad page to learn more.
-
All volunteers are required to speak fluent English, have adequate volunteer travel insurance and provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
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 Animal Care project
IVHQ Youth Support project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Creative Technologies project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Refugee Support project
IVHQ Special Needs Support project
IVHQ Youth Support project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Refugee Support project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Special Needs Support project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Refugee Support project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Creative Technologies project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Refugee Support project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Special Needs Support project
IVHQ Youth Support project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Refugee Support project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Special Needs Support project
IVHQ Refugee Support project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Marine Conservation project
Exploring Barcelona during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Barcelona during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Barcelona during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Barcelona during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Barcelona during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Barcelona during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Barcelona during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Barcelona during an IVHQ weekend
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
AK
Ako Kitamura
02 Aug 2024
...
GW
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!
...
SB
Steven Blalock
19 Mar 2024
I think our group gained a real-life and important view of the challenges people face even in a high-profile tourist center that is Barcelona. We were provided a glimpse of the realities of homeless people and the challenges they face on a daily basis. We were also provided a glimpse of how organizations assist folks with accessing basic needs like clothing, food, and showers. An added complexity to this was that many of the homeless and housing insecure folks we worked with were also immigrants or refugees and had the extra obstacles of transitioning to a new country, language, and culture.
...
HE
Haya El Ghossein
04 Mar 2024
I loved volunteering. I had so much fun with the immigrants as well as the other volunteers. I would say to future volunteers to have an open mind about your experience and enjoy every minute of it.
...
JE
Jennifer Evans
05 Sep 2023
I was able to learn about many different cultures and life as a immigrant in Barcelona. I would encourage someone to be flexible and open minded. I really enjoyed my volunteer experience and would volunteer though IVHQ again.
...
YV
Yulisa Vega
25 Aug 2023
It was a great experience sharing my knowledge, meeting new people and impacting others.
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
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
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 Metro and bus 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 and a basic Spanish language lesson. 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. |
| 1:00 - 3:00 PM | Lunch at the volunteer accommodation. |
| 2:30 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 | Volunteers usually have dinner around this time. Please remember that you will need to purchase your own dinner from a local restaurant or supermarket. |
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.
Accommodation and WiFi
Prepare for an exciting stay just a short distance from Barcelona’s bustling city center! Volunteers will be accommodated in a vibrant dormitory-style hostel, offering a lively atmosphere and the chance to meet other volunteers and travelers. Each room accommodates up to eight individuals of the same gender, providing a comfortable and sociable environment.
Expect modern conveniences like shared ensuite bathrooms with hot showers, cozy bedding, reading lamps and individual sockets next to each bed, and air conditioning. Each volunteer will have their own, complete with a provided lock. While towels are not provided, they can be rented from the hostel reception for a small fee, approximately US$3 (approximately CA$4) - US$4 (approximately CA$6), or you’re welcome to bring your own towel from home.
The hostel features communal spaces including a welcoming living room, dining area, fully-equipped kitchen, and a spacious outdoor terrace, perfect for socializing and enjoying meals together.
WiFi is available in the hostel, free of charge, and can also be accessed from many cafes and restaurants in the area. If you would like to keep connected during your stay, it’s recommended to bring an unlocked mobile phone and purchase a local SIM card once you arrive in Spain.
Private room upgrades with shared or private bathrooms can be arranged upon request for an additional cost, subject to availability.
Meals
Volunteers are provided with breakfast and lunch everyday.
Breakfast is self-serve at the volunteer accommodation and typically consists of fruit, bread, jam, cereal, milk, tea, and coffee.
Lunch is provided at the volunteer accommodation’s restaurant, according to a fixed menu. Meals typically include pasta, rice, meat, seafood, vegetable and salad dishes.
Dinner is not included in the program and you will need to purchase this yourself. You can expect to budget around US$13 (approximately CA$19) - US$23 (approximately CA$34) for dinner, however; prices will vary depending on what type of establishment you choose to purchase your dinner from.
Tap water is safe to drink in Barcelona but if you would prefer to drink bottled water, it is readily available and volunteers should budget approximately US$5 (approximately CA$7)- US$8 (approximately CA$12) per week for two liters of water per day.
If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when submitting your application so we can make arrangements for you. As you will be living and volunteering abroad, you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home; however, the local team will do their best to ensure you are well taken care of.
Volunteer social area
Volunteer social area
Volunteer internet wifi zone
Volunteer social area
Typical volunteer bathroom
Volunteer social area
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical upgraded volunteer bedroom
Volunteer dining room
Volunteer dining room
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately CA$452), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately CA$452) 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 FeeDue 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$299 (approximately CA$452) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Spain generally find US$100 to be sufficient for weekly expenses including dinner, transportation and miscellaneous spending.
- Any changes or cancellations within 14 days of your start date are subject to a US$200 late change/cancellation fee.
- Breakfast and lunch
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country 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
- Discounts on language lessons
- 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
- Dinner
- 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 add-ons & experiences in Barcelona
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 Barcelona program.
Airport Pick-up
Arriving outside the airport pick-up times? Book this add on now!
CA$84
Extra Night of Accommodation
Arriving early or departing a few days after your program has finished? Book your extra nights of accommodation.
From CA$86
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 CA$496
Check what's required to visit Spain
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.
