Involvement Volunteers International WHY we need you in Portugal
- Poverty Rate: According to recent statistics, Portugal's poverty rate stands at around 21.6%, indicating a significant portion of the population struggling to meet their basic needs.
- Homelessness Increase: Over the past decade, Portugal has experienced a notable increase in homelessness, with reports suggesting a rise of approximately 34% between 2008 and 2019.
- Early School Leaving: Portugal struggles with high rates of early school leaving, with approximately 10% of students dropping out of school before completing compulsory education. This trend disproportionately affects students from low-income families and marginalized communities.
- Housing Affordability: Housing affordability remains a pressing issue in Portugal, with a substantial portion of the population spending more than 40% of their income on housing expenses, exacerbating the risk of homelessness.
WHAT does the culture and community program involve?
- Discover the captivating city of Lisbon and immerse yourself in its rich culture
- Explore local sights and take part in nature and cultural activities
- Volunteer on community focused programs and help give back!
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Org & Charity with 35+ Years Experience
- Impactful Projects to Choose From in Portugal
- Social Experiences - Sharing with International Volunteers
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: 2 WEEK COMMUNITY & CULTURE
LOCATION: LISBON, PORTUGAL
START DATES: 1st MONDAY, EACH MONTH
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE (SHARED ROOMS)
MIN DURATION: 2 WEEKS
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required, Schengen Visa Required
Overview
Embark on a transformative 14-day journey in the vibrant Lisbon area, where cultural immersion meets impactful community engagement. This unique program seamlessly blends volunteering with exploration, offering a chance to make a difference while discovering the beauty of Portugal.
Engage with local communities, contribute to meaningful projects, and experience Portuguese traditions firsthand. From the charm of Lisbon’s historic streets to the stunning landscapes of Sintra and Cabo da Roca, each day promises new and exciting discoveries.
Whether you’re admiring Lisbon’s iconic landmarks, listening to soulful Fado music, or indulging in the world-famous Pastéis de Belém, this program provides the perfect balance of giving back and exploring Portugal’s rich heritage.
This experience is ideal for travellers looking to make a positive impact, connect with local culture, and embrace Portugal’s breathtaking landscapes and deep-rooted history.
Program Highlights
Community Engagement: Contribute to meaningful initiatives supporting education and sustainability, leaving a lasting impact on local communities.
Historical Exploration: Discover Portugal’s rich history through visits to landmarks like Belém Tower, Sintra’s National Palace, and the picturesque Cascais coastline.
Cultural Immersion: Stroll through Lisbon’s charming neighborhoods, including Alfama and Baixa, while engaging in local traditions and storytelling.
Culinary Adventures: Savour authentic Portuguese cuisine, including the beloved Pastéis de Belém, for a true taste of Lisbon.
Natural Beauty: Relax on Lisbon’s stunning beaches or take in breathtaking views from iconic spots like the Park and National Palace of Pena.
Guided Experiences: Enjoy expert-led tours, interactive sessions, and hands-on activities that deepen your understanding of Lisbon’s heritage and vibrant community life.
Discover Portugal in a way that goes beyond sightseeing—immerse yourself, contribute, and create unforgettable memories.
*** Please be aware that the minimum number of participants required for a given start date is 5. If there are fewer than 5 participants, the program will be canceled. Kindly inquire one month prior to the start date to confirm the number of participants.***
Location
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively culture. Nestled along the Tagus River, it boasts picturesque streets lined with colorful buildings, historic trams, and breathtaking viewpoints. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks like the Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and São Jorge Castle, or wander through charming neighborhoods such as Alfama and Bairro Alto. The city is also famous for its delicious cuisine, including pastéis de nata (custard tarts) and fresh seafood dishes.
Project Tasks
The main goal our program is the desire to provide our participants with a transformative journey that goes beyond typical tourism. Our main goal is to create meaningful connections between travelers and the local community, fostering cultural exchange and making a positive impact. Through our community engagement initiatives, we aim to support local projects, empower individuals, and leave a lasting legacy.
Food & Accommodation
You will be accommodated in a local hostel in Lisbon. Rooms are shared dorm rooms, with 4-10 people per room. Accommodation includes wifi, air-con, laundry at an extra fee, bed linen, and hot showers. You can find anything you require such as ATMs, supermarkets, pharmacies, etc. close to the accommodation at a walking distance.
You will receive 3 meals a day on weekdays and just breakfast on weekends. The meals are traditional meals served unique to the area. You can also eat out at any of the local restaurants.
*Accommodation may be in our local centre or in close proximity, depending on availability and time of year.
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Airport Pickup
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Local Transportation
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1 Day Orientation
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24/7 In-Country Support
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Project Materials & Equipment
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
- Application fee is one off per person (unlimited placements)
- Click Here to convert the below prices to your local currency
- Discounts may apply if travelling in a pair or group!
- All credit card /international fees included in below pricing! 🙂
FAQ
For those who wish to travel, as well as volunteer, this is a great way to do it all in one, without worrying about organising your own travel and activities yourself. Make friends, see the sights, and help out the local community at the same time!
Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day weekdays / only breakfast on weekends
- Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
- Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
- 1 day orientation
- Daily transportation to project
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
On the Monday at the start of your program, you will recive an orientation to the local area.
- Welcome to Portugal! Arrival orientation and introduction to Portuguese traditions and culture, house rules, and code of conduct
- Basic Portuguese Lesson
- Walking tour around local interest spots
- Dinner
Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.
A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Lisbon International Airport (LIS). You must arrive between the hours 06:30 – 24:00 on Sunday.
If arriving outside the pickup times, we charge an additional fee for any extra night’s accommodation and for a private transfer.
Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).
Day 1: Sunday – Arrival and Orientation
- Arrival at Lisboa Airport and transfer to accommodation.
- Orientation session: introduction to the program, house rules, health, safety, and cultural tips.
- Relax and prepare for the journey ahead.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Monday – Introduction, Community Engagement & Language Lessons
- Introduction to projects and team members.
- Community engagement activities.
- Walking tour of the local area and visit to Cascais.
- Portuguese language lessons in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Tuesday – Community Engagement & Belém Exploration
- Morning: Continue community projects.
- Afternoon: Visit Belém and taste Pastéis de Belém.
- Evening: Portuguese language lessons.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Wednesday – Community Engagement & Beach Time
- Full day dedicated to community projects.
- Relax at a local beach in the afternoon.
- Free evening to explore at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Thursday – Community Engagement & Cabo da Roca
- Morning: Community engagement activities.
- Afternoon: Excursion to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Friday – Community Engagement & Beach Time
- Morning: Community projects.
- Afternoon: Relax at the beach.
- Free evening for personal exploration.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Saturday – Lisbon Exploration Day
- Ride a classic yellow tram.
- Explore the flea market and historical neighborhoods.
- Visit São Jorge Castle and Lisbon Cathedral.
- End the day at Praça do Comércio by the Tagus River.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Sunday – Sintra UNESCO Heritage Excursion
- Visit the Park and National Palace of Pena.
- Explore Sintra’s historic town center and gardens.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Monday – Community Engagement & Free Evening
- Morning and afternoon: Community projects.
- Free evening to relax or explore Lisbon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Tuesday – Community Engagement & Cultural Exploration
- Morning: Continue community activities.
- Afternoon: Visit the Portuguese Music Museum and explore Estoril.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Wednesday – Community Engagement & Free Evening
- Morning and afternoon: Community projects.
- Evening: Free time for personal exploration.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Thursday – Community Engagement, Historical Tour & Fado Night
- Morning: Community engagement.
- Afternoon: Historical walking tour of Lisbon.
- Evening: Dinner with live Fado music in Bairro Alto.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Friday – Farewell & Leisure Time
- Morning: Farewell with the community team.
- Afternoon: Souvenir shopping or optional visit to Cascais.
- Evening: Final group dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Saturday – Departure
- Transfer to Lisbon Airport for your flight home.
- Take with you cherished memories and the impact made.
Meals: Breakfast
***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***
Places to see in Portugal:
Explore the historic neighbourhoods of Lisbon, such as Alfama and Bairro Alto, and visit iconic landmarks like São Jorge Castle and Belém Tower.
Discover the enchanting beauty of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its fairytale palaces and lush gardens.
Wander through the picturesque vineyards of the Douro Valley and enjoy wine tastings at local wineries.
Relax on the golden beaches of the Algarve, known for their stunning cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
Embark on a culinary journey through Portugal, sampling traditional dishes like bacalhau, pastéis de nata, and grilled sardines.
In or Near Cascais:
Visit the Cascais Citadel, a historic fortress overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and explore its maritime museum.
Take a leisurely stroll along the Cascais Promenade, lined with palm trees and offering breathtaking views of the coastline.
Spend a day at Guincho Beach, known for its strong winds and excellent conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Explore the charming village of Sintra, just a short drive from Cascais, and marvel at its palaces, gardens, and winding streets.
Play a round of golf at one of Cascais’ world-class golf courses, such as Oitavos Dunes or Quinta da Marinha.
Discover the Boca do Inferno, a dramatic cliff formation where the waves crash against the rocks, creating a spectacular natural phenomenon.
Take a day trip to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, and enjoy stunning views of the rugged coastline.
The Schengen visa is intended for short stays of up to 90 days in each 180 days and can be granted for the purposes of tourism, family visit, business, seasonal work, transit, among others.
Additional Equipment
- Hiking shoes
- Swimwear
- Beach slippers
- Sleeping bag
- Clothes for outside work
For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link: PT – Holidays – All Programs
Portugal, situated on the western edge of Europe, boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. From its ancient cities steeped in maritime heritage to its golden beaches along the Atlantic coastline, Portugal offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors to explore. The country’s warm Mediterranean climate, renowned cuisine, and friendly locals create an inviting atmosphere for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the Portuguese way of life. With its centuries-old monuments, charming villages, and vibrant festivals, Portugal captivates the imagination and leaves a lasting impression on all who have the pleasure of experiencing its wonders.
Furthermore, Portugal has emerged as a modern and progressive nation, known for its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and social progress. In recent years, Portugal has made significant strides in areas such as renewable energy, environmental conservation, and social welfare, earning accolades and recognition on the global stage. As a member of the European Union, Portugal actively participates in international cooperation efforts, fostering partnerships and initiatives to address shared challenges and promote peace and prosperity. With its blend of tradition and modernity, Portugal stands as a beacon of resilience and optimism, inviting visitors to discover the boundless possibilities that await in this captivating country.
Portugal enjoys a diverse climate that varies across its regions due to its geographical location and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Along the coastline, particularly in the southern and western regions, Portugal experiences a Mediterranean climate characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The summer months typically span from June to September, with temperatures often reaching highs in the mid to upper 20s Celsius (70s to 80s Fahrenheit). Winters, on the other hand, generally occur from December to February, with temperatures cooling down and occasional rainfall.
Inland areas, such as the interior regions and mountainous areas, have a more continental climate with hotter summers and colder winters. The northern regions tend to be cooler and wetter throughout the year, experiencing more rainfall than the southern areas. Overall, Portugal’s climate is generally temperate, offering pleasant weather for much of the year and making it a popular destination for tourists seeking sunshine, outdoor activities, and relaxation along its beautiful beaches.
Portugal’s culture is a vibrant mosaic of traditions, history, and creativity. From the haunting melodies of fado to the mouthwatering flavours of traditional cuisine, every aspect reflects the nation’s rich heritage. Festivals and celebrations dot the calendar, filling the streets with music, dance, and joyous revelry. Visitors are welcomed with open arms, invited to immerse themselves in a culture that is both timeless and ever-evolving.
At the heart of Portuguese culture lies a deep sense of community and hospitality. Whether exploring historic landmarks, dining at local taverns, or simply strolling through charming villages, visitors are greeted with warmth and genuine hospitality at every turn. The Portuguese people take pride in sharing their traditions and customs, inviting travellers to experience the unique charm and beauty of their homeland.
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