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INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER programs

"Small actions to change the world"

More than 22,515 volunteers since 2010

"Small actions to change the world"

What is international volunteering?

Typically, international volunteering programs aim to assist disadvantaged communities. Depending on the type of volunteering, the needs you’ll address during your volunteering experience may vary. These include education, healthcare, construction, sports, or workshops.

Furthermore, international volunteers often engage in activities ranging from teaching, medical assistance, building homes, and community development to sustainable development projects. It’s worth noting that the duration of these global volunteering programs can vary from a few weeks to several months or even years, depending on the project and organization.

Cooperating Volunteers is a social enterprise dedicated to community development through international volunteering experiences. We serve as a bridge for volunteers seeking cultural exchange and cooperation with communities in developing regions. Present in over 40 countries worldwide, we support projects in education, healthcare, childcare, construction, environmental initiatives, animal protection, and women’s professional training.

Cooperating Volunteers is a social enterprise dedicated to community development through international volunteer experiences. We serve as a bridge for volunteers seeking cultural exchange and cooperation with communities in developing regions. Present in over 40 countries worldwide, we support projects in education, healthcare, childcare, construction, environmental initiatives, animal protection, and women’s professional training.

We believe in volunteering as a means to positively impact vulnerable communities with small actions and as a transformative and personally enriching experience for all our volunteers. In September 2023, we launched our own NGO, Cooperating NGO, with the goal of connecting the humanitarian actions by volunteers and meeting the needs of the communities where we operate.

How can Cooperating Volunteers assist you in your international volunteering?

Cooperating Volunteers collaborates through its volunteer programs in educational, childcare, construction, environmental, and marine and terrestrial life protection projects. In each country we operate, we have our own local team to accompany volunteers at every stage of their experience.

TYPES OF INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERING

There are many types of international volunteer programs. Below, we outline the objectives of each of these programs:

Childcare

  • Supervise and take care of children in various settings, including orphanages, daycares, international NGOs, or disadvantaged communities.
  • Engage in recreational, educational, and playful activities to stimulate child development during your volunteering journey.
  • Provide emotional and affective support to children who may have experienced difficult situations.

Teaching

  • Give lessons in local schools, teaching subjects such as mathematics, science, languages, or arts.
  • Develop an academic curriculum, educational activities, and teaching resources in your volunteering program.
  • Collaborate with local teachers to improve your teaching methods in your international volunteering.

English Teaching

  • Teach English as a second language in schools, community centers, or specific groups in international volunteer programs.
  • Develop English programs tailored to different levels of language proficiency.
  • Facilitate language learning through games, conversations, and practical activities.

Medical

  • Provide basic healthcare in clinics, hospitals, or community health campaigns, such as nursing volunteering in Africa.
  • Assist in medication administration, medical check-ups, and education on preventive health.
  • Collaborate with local professionals during your international volunteer experience to enhance available medical services.

Workshops

  • Organize and lead workshops on specific skills such as sewing, crafts, computer literacy, or agriculture in your international volunteer experience.
  • Facilitate hands-on learning through interactive and creative activities.
  • Empower communities by teaching skills that can generate additional income.

Sports

  • Teach and organize sports activities for children, teenagers, or local communities.
  • Promote the importance of exercise, teamwork, and sport-associated values
  • Develop sports programs that encourage inclusion and community participation.

HOW TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER

MISSION

Cooperating Volunteers aims to foster solidarity and cooperation as driving forces for sustainable development in communities and individuals through volunteer work in various areas.

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VISION

  • To develop and share meaningful volunteer experiences.
  • To provide assistance and resources to vulnerable communities.
  • To foster interaction and connection among cultures and individuals, to promote meaningful learning, deep understanding, and respect among all those involved in the projects.
  • To generate a positive and transformative impact on all project participants.

VALUES

  • COOPERATION: We foster cultural exchanges that enrich and connect people from different backgrounds, creating lasting bonds of cooperation and mutual understanding.
  • INCLUSION: We seek to improve infrastructure to ensure a healthy and safe environment for everyone, promoting inclusion by ensuring that all members of the community have access to decent and adequate living conditions, regardless of their circumstances.
  • EDUCATION: We recognize the importance of inclusive education in the training of our employees, participants and collaborators; and we advocate for understanding and respect for diverse cultures through it.
  • EMPATHY: We support psycho-emotional health and personal development, respecting and appreciating the diversity of experiences and perspectives.
  • TRANSPARENCY: We act with honesty and responsibility in all our actions and relationships, guided by our principles and values.

Environmental volunteering

Family volunteering

University Internships

Social volunteering

Senior volunteering

Corporate Volunteering

With an international volunteer program, you help others and yourself

Participating in an international volunteer program offers a transformative experience that goes beyond simply helping a community in need. International volunteering not only allows you to contribute to meaningful causes, but also provides a number of unique personal and professional benefits.

First of all, international volunteering broadens your horizons by immersing you in a new culture. A summer volunteer offers you the opportunity to learn first-hand about the traditions, customs and lifestyles of a different community. Therefore, this cultural immersion challenges you to be more tolerant, understanding and respectful, enriching your perspective on the world and fostering a global mindset.

Additionally, international volunteering develops valuable skills. Working in diverse environments and facing unique challenges while volunteering outside Spain forces you to develop problem-solving, effective communication, and teamwork skills. The ability to adapt to constantly changing situations and work with people from diverse cultures becomes an invaluable skill in today’s globalized world.

Another significant benefit of international volunteer programs lies in personal growth. International volunteering challenges your limits, makes you leave your comfort zone and confronts you with different realities. This encourages self-confidence, empathy and gratitude as you appreciate life from a completely new perspective.

Additionally, this type of experience can have a notable professional impact. International volunteering shows your commitment to service, adaptability, and the ability to work in diverse environments, qualities that are often valued by employers in various fields. Additionally, volunteer trips can open doors to international job opportunities or global networks.

Ultimately, international volunteering goes beyond simply contributing to a cause, but rather offers a personal journey of growth, learning, and skill development that has a lasting impact on your life and the lives of those you help.

WHAT IS THE COOPERATING SEAL?

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The Cooperating Seal is an evaluation implemented at each of our destinations to ensure the highest quality standards in all services provided. It is a distinctive mark that highlights the dedication and passion with which we, at Cooperating Volunteers, work at each of our destinations.

The Cooperating Seal consists of 7 variables that determine the quality of both the service offered at the destination and the positive impact generated there. These variables include the quality of accommodation and food, coordination management and staff, program quality and project development, safety, problem-solving, and extracurricular activities.

Collaborators

FAQs

WHAT IS INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERING?

Volunteering in other countries, whether in Europe or any other continent worldwide, allows individuals from different countries to voluntarily offer their time and skills in projects around the globe. These experiences can last from a few weeks to several months and focus on areas such as education, health, workshops, or community development. Volunteering abroad for young people involves activities ranging from teaching to construction, providing assistance to disadvantaged communities while learning from new cultures and gaining enriching experiences.

International volunteer programs, also known as volunteering abroad for young people, are opportunities for individuals from different countries to offer their time and skills voluntarily in projects and organizations in various parts of the world. These international volunteering opportunities, usually organized by international NGOs or volunteering agencies, aim to assist disadvantaged communities. Finally, volunteers around the world can participate in activities such as teaching, healthcare, environmental conservation, and housing construction.

Another common question when considering international volunteering, is how to navigate the process. Here are some steps taken in European volunteering for adults, volunteering for teenagers, or any other international volunteering:

  • Program Selection: Research and choose a volunteering program that aligns with your interests, skills, and time availability.
  • Registration: Complete the online application process by providing personal information, motivations, skills, education, volunteer experience, etc.
  • Contact: After registration, we get in touch with you to provide all the information about the program you have joined and address any questions you may have.
  • Preparation: Receive orientations about the destination, project and local culture, as well as handling visas, insurance, and medical requirements if necessary.
  • Travel: Organize the trip to the destination country, ensuring a smooth arrival and reception at the place where you will be volunteering abroad.
  • Participation: Get involved in assigned activities according to the chosen program, which can range from education to healthcare or construction.
  • Integration: Adapt to the local community, learning about its customs, language, and ways of life.
  • Impact and Contribution: Complete assigned tasks in international volunteering to help the community or specific project, providing support and resources.
  • Evaluation and Reflection: Personally analyze the experience, lessons learned, and the impact generated both personally and within the community.
  • Return: Bid farewell to the local community and the organization, return home with a renewed perspective, and possibly share the experience and apply what you have learned in your daily life.

Now that you know how to volunteer, you may also wonder if you need specific qualities for volunteering outside of your home country. Here are some essential qualities you should have:

  • Interest and Motivation: Have a genuine interest in helping communities in need and be motivated to participate in international volunteering.
  • Research: Conduct thorough research on volunteering programs that align with your interests, skills, and time availability.
  • Skills and Experience: Identify the skills and experiences you can contribute to volunteering, whether in education, health, construction, or other areas.
  • Commitment and Flexibility: Be willing to commit to international volunteering and be flexible to adapt to new cultures and environments.
  • Financial Resources: Have the necessary financial resources to cover travel, accommodation, food, and a program participation fee. At
  • Cooperating Volunteers, you can find numerous affordable volunteer opportunities.
  • Documentation and Preparation: Ensure you have a valid passport, obtain required visas if necessary, and complete preparation requirements such as vaccinations or travel insurance.

Although you will likely need more elements for volunteering for two or more weeks, here are some things you need to volunteer abroad:

  • Documentation and Preparation: Ensure you have a valid passport and obtain any required visa for the destination country. It’s also essential to get the necessary vaccinations and have travel insurance.
  • Flexibility and Adaptability: Be open to new cultures, environments, and challenges. The ability to adapt to diverse situations is crucial if you want to volunteer in Europe over the summer or any other continent and time of the year.
  • Respect and Empathy: Show respect for the local culture, its traditions, and empathy toward the people you will be working with.
  • Teamwork Skills: The willingness to collaborate with other volunteers and community members in your volunteer travels is essential to achieving program goals.
  • Commitment and Responsibility: Commit to the assigned tasks and be responsible in fulfilling volunteer duties.
  • Open-mindedness and Learning: Be willing to learn from the experience, be open to new ideas and perspectives.
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