Volunteer in Spain

A: IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.  We accept volunteers from all over the world and place them in meaningful overseas missions.  At IVI, we offer:

– Affordable Volunteer Travel

A: Spain is a country of striking diversity where centuries of history mix with a relaxed Mediterranean rhythm. From the golden beaches of the Costa del Sol to the rugged cliffs of the northern coast and the sunbaked plains of Castilla-La Mancha Spain offers landscapes that shift with every region. Snow-capped mountains, volcanic islands, quiet olive groves, and lively seaside cities create a tapestry as varied as the cultures that live within its borders.

Its identity has been shaped by Celts Romans Visigoths and the profound influence of Moorish rule. You can feel this history in the architecture of Andalusia, the medieval streets of Toledo, the futuristic arts district of Valencia and the grand boulevards of Madrid. Each region feels like its own small world with traditions, festivals, and food that reflect deep local pride.

Spain is famously social. Plazas fill each evening with families, friends and laughter and conversations stretch well past sunset. Whether gathering for tapas exploring street markets or celebrating one of the country’s many festivals, the community is central to Spanish life. Flamenco in the south Basque traditions in the north and Catalonia’s creative spirit each add to the country’s cultural richness.

For visitors Spain offers far more than icons like La Sagrada Familia Alhambra or the Camino de Santiago. It offers a lifestyle shaped around food, friendship and a slower appreciation of everyday beauty. Whether you are wandering along the Mediterranean, exploring art museums, or simply enjoying a café con leche in a quiet square, Spain feels welcoming, warm and full of life.

A: Spain’s climate varies widely across the country but generally offers warm sunny weather for much of the year.

Along the Mediterranean coast where Valencia is located

• summers are hot and bright with temperatures between 28 and 34 °C
• winters stay mild at around 12 to 18 °C.

Across all regions Spain benefits from abundant sunshine and long outdoor seasons.

A: Spain’s culture is defined by strong regional identities, centuries of artistic influence and a deep appreciation for community.

The country is known for flamenco art traditions, folklore and a rhythm of life that values connection as much as productivity.

Daily life moves with intentional ease: long lunches, evening strolls known as paseos, and late-night gatherings reflect a lifestyle centered on people rather than schedules. Festivals bring whole communities to life, from Valencia’s Fallas to Pamplona’s Running of the Bulls and Andalusia’s Semana Santa processions.

Spanish people are warm, expressive and proud of their heritage. They take joy in sharing food stories, music and traditions. Wherever you go you will be welcomed into this sense of belonging.

A: Valencia  is a vibrant coastal city on Spain’s southeastern shore where Mediterranean sunshine meets a rich blend of history, culture and modern design. Located about 350 kilometers south of Barcelona and 360 kilometers east of Madrid it offers the perfect balance between big-city energy and relaxed seaside living.

The city is famous for its striking architecture from the medieval towers of the old town to the futuristic curves of the City of Arts and Sciences. Wandering through Valencia you will find narrow cobbled streets lined with orange trees, broad palm-filled plazas and long promenades that run beside the beach. Life here moves at an easy pace with locals gathering in cafés markets and sunny terraces throughout the day.

A: Participants in Valencia stay with carefully selected host families who offer a warm, safe and authentic home environment. These families are located throughout the city in well-connected neighborhoods that make it easy to reach your placement and explore daily life in Valencia.

Homestays are well located throughout Valencia, offering convenient access to the Euroace centre and the wider city. Most are within a 15-20 minute walk or a short public transport journey, with bus, metro or tram stops typically just a few minutes from the home, making daily travel simple and reliable.

Host families vary in style and background. Some are older women who enjoy hosting students full-time and providing a calm home environment. Others are younger families with children who bring a lively family atmosphere. Every household is welcoming, supportive and experienced in hosting international participants.

All families provide private bedrooms to ensure comfort and privacy. If you are traveling with a friend or prefer shared accommodation this can be requested in advance. Bedrooms are furnished with essentials such as wardrobes, shelves or drawers and lockable doors. Bathrooms are shared and equipped with hot showers Western toilets and clean modern fixtures.

A: Yes!

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided daily by your host family. Meals typically reflect Spanish home cooking with fresh vegetables, seafood, rice, local meats and seasonal produce. Portions are hearty and dietary needs can be accommodated with prior notice. Tap water in Valencia is safe to drink.

A: Yes.

On the Monday of your first week you will join our orientation to help you settle into Valencia and understand local customs. After orientation your program follows the regular weekly schedule.

Schedule includes:

• Introduction meeting, house rules and setting expectations
• Health and safety guidance
• Spanish culture lessons and basic language support
• Tour around the area to locate shops transport and SIM card options
• Lunch
• City sightseeing

A:  Valencia is an easy city to navigate and most participants find getting around simple and stress-free. From your homestay you can usually reach your program site within 15 to 30 minutes either on foot or by public transportation. Many neighborhoods are walkable and safe and about 65 percent of host families live less than a 20 minute walk from Euroace.

Public transport is reliable, fast and well connected. Around 85 percent of homestays have a bus stop or a metro or tram station less than a five minute walk from the front door offering direct routes to the city center and main hubs. Participants receive a transportation card for daily commuting making it easy to travel between home and placement.

Valencia’s metro bus and tram systems cover the entire city including the beach, university areas, main shopping districts and historic neighborhoods. They run frequently throughout the day and into the evening so participants can explore comfortably in their free time.

A: Yes, you sure do.  

On weekends you may choose to explore:

• Valencia city centre including the Cathedral Central Market and old town
• City of Arts and Sciences with its museums gardens and oceanarium
• Albufera Natural Park for sunset boat rides and traditional villages
• Nearby beaches such as Malvarrosa and Patacona

You may also enjoy cooking classes, flamenco evenings, tapas tours or day trips to other coastal towns.

A: Would you like to raise money in order to afford your trip abroad to volunteer?

Or perhaps you would like to set up a fundraiser to gain enough money to give as a donation to the local project? Crowd funding is a great way to do this. Read this article on Crowdfunding tips to find out how you can raise funds for your trip.