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Community Development Project in Barcelona

Volunteers in the Community Development Program in Spain and work with an NGO dedicated to community building. Volunteers get involved in a variety of tasks such as workshops, training, working in food bank etc.

Spain

country

1-24 Weeks

duration

from $713

price

16 years+

min age

Highlights

Experience humanitarian actions related to community building
Connect with the local population of the most humble neighbourhoods of Barcelona
Gain first-hand international work experience while volunteering with a bunch of enthusiasts
Meet some committed people from different parts of the world
Get involved with a wide variety of tasks while volunteering in the humanitarian project
Improve your Spanish language skills by participating in the Spanish classes
Work on weekdays for the project, weekends are free to explore the beautiful city of Barcelona

Voluntrainees in the Community Development Program in Barcelona work with an NGO which is dedicated to community building, so we are looking for people who share the same values, who want to create solidarity networks of people and we want the participants to commit to carry out the program, who are interested in learning new tasks that in the future promote their social and labor insertion and/or or that of their peers. Proactivity and interest in the project is an extremely important characteristic to participate in the project. The beneficiaries must be responsible for the tasks they carry out and must comply with the times stipulated.

Participants work in an NGO located in one of the poorest neighborhoods of Barcelona.The main goal is to fight poverty through Community Building, this
means that the NGO is covering a large scale of social and environmental services as Food bank, elderly/children care, homeless care, sustainable development (permaculture, underwater conservation etc.)

There are different circles of interest in which the project works: administration, marketing, human resources, maintenance, workshops, work with children, art and customer service, all of which are made up of volunteers. Participating in each of them allows volunteers to develop new competencies and acquire skills that prepare them to enter the labor field with a base of experience in each of the trainings related to their volunteering.

Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

The main responsibility is to complete the daily tasks of the work schedule, be punctual and follow the rules of co-living.

Attend to and guide the local volunteers by assigning tasks to them and involving them in the activities
Participate in the food bank, different workshops and partnerships
Participate in all of the necessary training and workshops
To attend classes and workshops to fellow volunteers and people from the local neighborhood

Requirements & eligibility

Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project. Participants should have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.You should also be proactive and have the ability to take initiative All volunteers must provide a clean criminal background check report prior to joining the program. Participants are also required to pass an interview with the board member of the project.

Volunteer work schedule

A typical day

Between June 26th and September 1st the activities revolve around the summer school (called Casal de Verano) which we run in the center. The majority of the work during this time involves working with the kids so some of the workshops and training may be affected.

The volunteers will work 35 hours/week, this includes cleaning and maintenance of the living space. The working hours are Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm. The day starts with Morning Glory: a 30’ routine including 15’ of physical activity, this can be yoga, stretching, exercise, etc; 8’ of meditation and 7’ of positive writing.

Every day is planned around the necessary activities of the center:

Monday is check in day!
We welcome in the NGO the new voluntrainees to share community lunch at 1pm, Then we give to the newbies an orientation tour of the NGO. Then, they will have a training on the topic of the day until 17hs.
Then, they will go for a climbing workshop between 17:30 and 19:30.Then they will go to recollect donation of bread between 20hs and 21hs to bring to the food bank of the following day.

Tuesday:
Every Tuesday we start at 10am with the Morning Routine of well being.
The first thing in the morning is prepare the area and disinfect the floor, tables and fridges which will come in contact with the food; inventory control and separate the food that expires soon. The logistics are very important and everybody needs to work together in this! We distribute the food to the local families and once finished we disinfect everything a second time.
Once we end cleaning everything, we gather to attend the meditation workshop.

Wednesday are days in which the volunteers work on the morning with elderly people then on the afternoon they get a training on different projects in which they will have task to realize, for example: communication, administration, arts, maintenance and improvements, hygiene, marketing, etc. There is also six hours of training per week: cross cultural of volunteership, human resources, food regulation, NGO’s finance, etc.

Thursday and Friday: every week either Thursday or Friday we have a partnership with other NGOs in Barcelona. Every Thursday we go to our organic farm in the mountains close to the NGO to share community life and work together on the farm before sharing lunch together. Every second Friday we go to the city center of Barcelona with another NGO and to hand out food to the homeless in the area.

From Monday to Wednesday the days end with a workshop of either climbing, or yoga and meditation.

Friday afternoon we have a weekly meeting in order to plan the next week and also do some team building activities.

Weekends are off to enjoy Barcelona!

Gallery

Life on the programme

Living

Accommodation & meals

Airport Transfer
The project site is in Barcelona, Spain. When you land in Barcelona, a local representative will be waiting for you at the airport with a sign that says your name and will take you directly to your accommodation. Airport pickup is provided between 10am – 6pm on the program arrival date, which has to be Sunday.

Orientation
Participants are given an induction on arrival and welcome interview in the next few days to be able to plan the volunteering and the program.

Accommodation and Meals
Participants are accommodated in a sustainable hostel or a shared, same-gender apartment, depending on availability and length of stay. Private rooms may be available for an additional cost. All accommodations include shared kitchens and bathrooms.

Food is provided throughout the program. Volunteers collaborate to plan and prepare meals together, with lunch typically prepared and shared communally. Breakfast, dinner, and snacks are self-managed by participants using the ingredients supplied. The project covers basic, healthy, and nutritious food items, with additional support from a local food bank.

Local Transportation
Participants typically use the Barcelona Metro to travel between their accommodation and the project site. The metro system is reliable, affordable, and well-connected across the city.

During your Free Time
Barcelona is one of the world’s most vibrant and visited cities, offering a wide range of cultural and recreational activities. The local team can provide guidance on places to visit, eat, and explore. Volunteers are also encouraged to organize their own outings.

For weekend trips, the Costa Brava—just 1.5 hours from Barcelona—offers beautiful coastal towns such as Cadaqués, Platja d’Aro, and Tossa de Mar.

Volunteer work takes place in the Nou Barris district, an area known for its diverse immigrant community, where many residents face socio-economic challenges. This provides participants with an opportunity to make a meaningful local impact.

Dates

Start dates

Weekly start dates, year-round — pick any week across the next two years.

AvailableFilling fastFully booked

Costs

Program fees by duration Currency

A one-off application fee ($249 / £179 / €229 / AU$350) is charged in addition to the program fee — valid for one year, during which you may enrol in multiple programs. A 5% international banking fee applies to credit-card payments in USD or AUD.

Duration	Program fee
1 week	$713
2 weeks	$960
3 weeks	$1,230
4 weeks	$1,440
5 weeks	$1,655
6 weeks	$1,920
7 weeks	$2,160
8 weeks	$2,375
Each additional week	+$255 / week

Indicative conversion — your booking is charged in the currency you choose at checkout.

Note: A mid-season surcharge of $240/week applies to the programme fee in April, May and October. A high-season surcharge of $420/week applies from June to September.

✓ What you're paying for

Pre departure Information and Support
Airport pickup in Barcelona during scheduled hours
Accommodation in hostel or shared apartment
Meals
Orientation/Induction on arrival
Training in Community Building
Complete pedagogical material
Spanish classes
Workshop
NGO internal exam and certification process
In-country support
Project equipment and resources
Personal Coaching & Mentoring

Not included

Airfare
Local Transportation in the city
Touristic visits
Personal Expenses and items
Return Airport Drop

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Program Overview and Application Process

How do I apply for a program and when do I need to pay?

You can book your slot by filling the online application form and pay the application fee. You can pay your program fee later and also, in installments, however, the complete payment should be made 45 days prior the start of the program. If you are volunteering in a group, you can also fill a group application form. The initial application fee is refunded in the unlikely event that we’re not able to offer you a place on the program, and you have the flexibility to request a change of start date up until the 45 day payment deadline (this is subject to availability for other dates).

How long will it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted?

Usually, it takes around 10-12 working days for the application to be processed and placement to be confirmed. After we review your CV and documents, your booking is confirmed and the booking confirmation is updated in your ‘My Account’ and you can view the information in your account. The application acceptance depends on the availability of seats in the project as well as the eligibility criteria of the program (Age, skills and experience etc.).

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Spain Volunteer Programs?

Below are the necessary requirements to participate in the Spain Volunteer Projects:-

Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the beginning of the program
Intermediate level of Spanish for projects with children
Mandatory swimming knowledge for Marine Conservation Project
Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment
The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference
The participant must be in good health.

Can I volunteer as part of a group?

Yes, you are welcome to take part in Spain Volunteer Programs as part of a group. We welcome families, friends, high school students, college/university and corporate groups to volunteer together in the Spain Programs.

I haven’t traveled or volunteered abroad before. Can I still be a part of VolSol Programs?

Yes, most definitely you can as we believe every participant brings something new to the project. If you do not have previous experience, we offer you the opportunity to have a great start with us. We make international volunteering easy – not only are our Volunteer Abroad opportunities rooted in offering you extensive support, but they are also very affordable.

Does VolSol provide with a reference or a certificate after program completion?

Yes, we will provide you with the Certificate after successful completion of your program. The certificate is provided on request.

What are the program locations in Spain?

Our programs in Spain are based in Barcelona, working within a city that naturally inspires creativity and artistic exploration. Surrounded by historic streets, contemporary art spaces, and a strong local arts community, the studio benefits from Barcelona’s diverse cultural influences.

When do I need to arrive in Spain for my program? What will happen once I arrive in Spain?

Volunteers joining the project in Barcelona are picked from Barcelona Airport (BCN). Volunteers are picked up from the airport by the local representative and taken to the respective accommodations. Volunteers should arrive on the given program start/arrival date of the program.

A VolSol fornece carta de recomendação ou certificado após a conclusão do programa?

Sim, forneceremos o certificado após a conclusão bem-sucedida do programa. O certificado é fornecido mediante solicitação.

Accommodation, Meals and Daily Life

How do I get to the program location?

Your program coordinator or a member of the local coordinating team will take you to your placement and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program, its surroundings and other facilities around the location. Both the program destinations are modern cities and have multiple options to commute from the project to the placement.Most preferred modes of transport are buses, taxis, and metro. The projects are located in Valencia and Denia.

Can I know more about accommodation and food arrangements?

Accommodation is not included in the Barcelona program. However we can recommend you some suitable options regarding accommodation which can be booked by the participant themselves on own. If you would like us to arrange accommodation as well, it can be done at an additional charge.Lunch is provided to the participants in NGO from Mon - Fri.

What if I have my own accommodation? Can I still volunteer for the project?

Unfortunately, the entire volunteering experience is as much about volunteering on your project, as it is about the cross-cultural exchange and community building. A lot of that happens through the accommodation that we have set up, where one can enjoy by being with like-minded people. Additionally, for safety reasons, all volunteers must live in the allotted accommodation.
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Can vegetarians be accommodated?

Yes, however, you must inform us in advance and also mention about any dietary requirement in your application form.

Would I have free time during my program? Can I do sightseeing during my program?

Depending on your project placement, you will get evenings and the weekends free, to travel and explore the places.In the evenings, volunteers usually get together and go out for social gatherings. Weekends are free for the volunteers and you can go for short weekend trips. In Spain, you’ll see a magnitude of interesting sights. Visit the artistic Barcelona, the grandiose Royal Palace in Madrid, the imposing Catedral de la Almudena, the golden triangle of museums, Mezquita of Cordoba Ancient streets and many Renaissance, Baroque, Gothic or Romanesque monuments. Trust us, you will not get enough of the Spanish cities!
Also, go for a football match which is a must when in Spain.

Are there more expenses once I arrive in Spain?

Your program fee does not cover your personal expenses. You will need to provide for yourself your personal expenses, such as bottled water, local transport, telephone, shopping, sightseeing etc. You also need to cover for meals, that aren’t included in the program. However, you should carry around Euros 100-150 per week for your basic personal expenses. This amount can vary and you would need a higher amount if you choose to go on weekend trips out of town.

For how many hours do I have to volunteer in a day?

Volunteers usually work for 4 to 6 hours a day depending on their program. You will have weekends off, so you can travel on weekends. However, volunteers need to be flexible, open-minded and understand that work requirements can change as well on certain occasions.

Health, Safety and Support

Do I need to buy health insurance?

Yes, for all participants, it is mandatory to have a valid travel medical insurance for their trip. Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To provide the best option to our participants, we offer comprehensive insurance coverage in collaboration with a leading insurance provider.To view details of the insurance policy coverage, please click here

If you already have a valid Travel and Medical insurance, you can email us a copy of the same. It is also advised to bring along the Insurance documents during your .

How safe is Spain in general?

Spain is one of the safest European countries to visit. Spain welcomes tourists and discerning travelers with open arms. To our volunteers, we recommend to go out and eat out after consulting their in-country coordinators. We also recommend that volunteers try to move out in a group and go for sightseeing together. You will be given safety precautions and instructions by the local coordinator team during the orientation as well as in your Pre-departure handbook after you become an enrolled participant.

What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?

All participants are recommended to consult their physician or travel doctor before traveling to Spain.To view the general list of vaccinations recommended for your travel to Spain, click here.

Flights, Arrival and Visa Information

Does Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?

Participants (most nationalities) require a Tourist Visa to travel to Spain. Volunteering Solutions strongly recommends all volunteers to apply and get a Tourist Visa before departing for Spain. Consult the Spanish Embassy in your country for more details. If needed, Volunteering Solutions can provide with written documents that would help volunteers in getting the Visa.

What are the recommended airlines to fly to Spain?

Barcelona Airport is very well connected with the rest of the world and majority of the airlines fly to Spain. Some of the recommended airlines that fly to Barcelona and Bilbao are - British Airways, Ryanair, KLM, Lufthansa, Aeroflot, Easyjet etc.

Connect with Past Volunteers

How can I connect with past Volunteering Solutions Spain alumni as well as other former and current volunteers?

We encourage volunteers to get in touch with former Volunteering Solutions Spain program participants and also other program participants joining our projects. You are recommended to join the Volunteering Solutions Facebook Page or Facebook Group to communicate with other participants.
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To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit the Meet a Volunteer page on our website.

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