Programa de Voluntariado para a Conservação do Ouriço em Portugal

As we have limited spots available in our programs and we serve on first come first basis, it is strongly recommended to apply for the program and reserve your spot in the program well in advance. You can book your spot in the program by filling an online form and pay the application fee. 

Once you complete your application, your individual 'My Account' will be active in which you will receive your placement confirmation after which you can pay the program fees. You can pay the program fees later as well in installments, but 45 days before the program starts.

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

After you complete your application, your personalized ‘My Account’ will be active. You will need to upload your CV/Resume along with your photo in the same. Our backend team and the placement site takes around 10-12 days to review your application. After we review your CV and documents, your booking is confirmed and booking confirmation is updated in your ‘My Account’. Some projects need a mandatory criminal background check and the same is mentioned in the project info of your program. Approval of your application depends on your qualification and eligibility criteria for each project.

• Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the beginning of the program. The minimum age requirement for Food Waste Management program is 17 years. Participants under 18 need to provide signed parental consent prior to joining the program.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.

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.

The volunteering programs in Portugal are primarily located in and around Porto, the second largest city in Portugal. You can choose to be a part of the Food Waste Management Program in Porto, Youth Support Program in Porto, Hedgehog Conservation Program or Horse Patrolling and Environment Protection Project in Porto.

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

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.

We encourage volunteers to get in touch with former Volunteering Solutions program participants and also other program participants joining our projects. You are recommended to join the https://www.facebook.com/VolunteeringSolutions/"; target="_blank">Volunteering Solutions Facebook Page or https://www.facebook.com/groups/VolunteeringSolutions/"; target="_blank">Facebook Group to communicate with other participants.



To read alumni interviews from past participants, https://www.volunteeringsolutions.com/meet-a-volunteer"; target="_blank">visit the Meet a Volunteer page on our website. 

Lufthansa, Tap Portugal, Emirates, British Airways and Iberia are the top airlines flying to Portugal. You would need a Schengen Visa to travel to Portugal, which should be applied at the respective embassy. No visa is necessary if you are a US Citizen and will be traveling to Portugal for up to 90 days. However, you will need a valid u.s. Passport for at least 3 months from the date of planned return or other travel document recognized by member states of the Schengen agreement. For more details regarding the Visa requirements, it'll be good if you can get in touch with our Program Advisor while applying.



Once you arrive at the airport, our in-country coordinator will be there to be in touch with you. You'll be taken to your accommodation where you can rest before kickstarting your amazing journey.

All participants are recommended to consult their physician or travel doctor before traveling to Portugal.To view the general list of vaccinations recommended for your travel to Portugal, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/portugal"; target="_blank">click here.

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.



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 trip.

According to a study made by the Institute for Economics and Peace, The Global Peace Index 2018 says that Portugal is the 4th safest country in the world. That, we believe, solves all your doubts. For more information about safety, do take a look at the Pre-departure Guidebook.

Accommodation in Porto:

Volunteers in Porto are accommodated at a centrally located hostel.Located right at the city center, the hostel, provides a wide range of rooms, from dormitories to private rooms, a spacious and friendly lounge area where you can hang out, chill, listen to music, enjoy the atmosphere, play some games, and get to know  other fellow travellers while enjoying a nice cold beer, a tasty cocktail or a glass of the famous Porto wine! The welcoming staff will always be there to make the guests experience to the fullest! All the guests can count on the best tips about the city, an endless energy and a welcoming smile!! 

Portuguese food is delicious and during your time in Portugal, you will be sure to receive some incredible treats.The meals are prepared daily by a local non profit that promotes social integration of vulnerable people by assisting them with professional training. Volunteers are provided with three meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner).

Breakfast is self-serve at the accommodation and generally includes tea, coffee, bread, cheese, ham, spreads, cereal, yogurt and fruit.The non-profit will prepare lunch and dinner for you ! It is a 4 min walk from the hostel, where you can heat it, store it or eat it straight away. Besides, the hostel has a shared kitchen where you can store your food, cook or prepare your meals anytime you need.