Discover the delights of Spain with GoEco. Choose from a range of meaningful volunteer programs covering teaching, sustainable farming, and marine conservation. As you develop new skills, you can discover travel highlights such as the Sagrada Familia, the Alhambra, and artworks of Pablo Picasso. España is a playful country, and there’s no better way to join in the fun than with a volunteering program. In a nutshell:
- Choose from six diverse programs with measurable impacts
- Strong ethical values give you peace of mind
- Trustworthy programs with excellent volunteer reviews and multiple awards
- Program fees include volunteer accommodation, most meals, airport transfers, and 24/7 support
- Experience Spanish culture and lifestyle
Why volunteer in Spain? Life in Spain is always a fiesta. Whether you’re discovering new flavors as you dine on tapas in a neighborhood restaurant, tapping your feet at a live flamenco show, or gazing at the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada, your time spent in Spain will be vibrant with sensory experiences. On top of this, you’ll have the chance to learn practical skills while contributing to initiatives with long-lasting impacts. Spain is a great location for learning more about teaching, hospitality, and wildlife protection. As such, choosing to volunteer in Spain can help you reach personal and professional goals. Volunteering in Spain is also an excellent opportunity to learn Spanish. GoEco can arrange language lessons for you, no matter what your level. You’ll be able to put what you learn into practice with local staff members and in the community where you work. What to know before you go Spanish is the official language of Spain, and there are four other co-official languages – Galician, Catalan, Basque, and Aranese. It’s useful to know at least a few phrases in Spanish and if you learn any Catalan it will be well received in Barcelona. Spain is one of the most affordable countries to visit in Western Europe, but traveling in the bigger cities can still be expensive. Most of your major costs, such as accommodation, airport transfers, and meals, are usually included in the volunteer program fees. To save money when dining out or traveling in your free time, make the most of the budget-friendly set menus (menu del dia), avoid restaurants in touristy areas such as Las Ramblas, and plan visits to museums or art galleries in advance – they are often free on certain days/nights of each month. Volunteer accommodation is typically in a house or apartment shared with other volunteers. If the option is available, it’s a great idea to look into a homestay as well. Living with a local family is a fabulous way of honing your language skills and getting to see how Spanish daily life unfolds. Locations Spain’s incredible geographical diversity means each of GoEco’s programs has a unique setting with different highlights in the surrounding region. Valencia – Bordered by the Mediterranean sea and surrounded by protected parks, it makes sense that Valencia is a center for ecological and conservation-based projects. It’s also the ideal location for exploring Spain’s natural beauty through mountain treks and walks through wetlands. Barcelona – The grand city of Barcelona has proud traditions. Catalan is widely spoken, making human pyramids is a city-wide sport, and every year at La Merce festival people run through the streets letting off fireworks. Add in some storybook architecture and outstanding cuisine and you have a must-see list that will keep you busy for weeks. Denia – Denia is one of the most beautiful port towns in Spain. The town’s historic castle and Roman artifacts hold plenty of intrigue for visitors, but the main attraction is the stretch of glittering water that unfolds in front of Denia. This is a great place to try various watersports, and the proximity to the sea means it’s also a center for marine conservation. Programs GoEco’s programs address current social and environmental issues in Spain. For example, there is a demand for environmentally conscious volunteers in Spain. The delicate coastal and marine ecosystems along the Mediterranean are under threat. Volunteer activities such as cleaning up beaches, helping to restore forests, or collecting data on local flora and fauna are all crucial to preserving and revitalizing precious natural habitats. Education is another area where volunteers are always welcome, particularly in schools or learning centers where English classes take place. You could assist in primary or high school classes and tutor children from lower-income backgrounds. You could also combine volunteering with the opportunity to become TEFL certified, which could put you on a path to paid teaching jobs around the world. Spain has a thriving travelers community, with youth hostels scattered throughout the country. Choosing an internship at a hostel in Barcelona is a great way to learn more about the international hospitality industry. For more information or help with enrolling in a program, get in touch with us today.
