Involvement Volunteers International WHY we need you in Spain
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Approx 20–21% of the population is considered at risk of poverty or social exclusion (a common EU measure) - Youth unemployment has historically been high, especially after the 2008 Global Financial Crisis Many people are in temporary or low-paid work.
- Tourism is huge in Spain, especially in coastal areas, which creates plastic pollution can damage the marine ecosystem
HOW can you help?
- Help staff at special needs schools in Valencia
- Support children and adults with intellectual or physical disabilities in daily program
- Interact with the local staff and children, increasing their cultural awareness
- Bring along a caring nature, installing confidence in the children
WHAT can you do?
- Assist local staff in caring for children and adults with special needs, providing one to one care
- Help to feed, care, teach, play fun games, movement classes, physio, & speech therapy
- Teach and play through games, songs, art, sport, music, singing and dancing
- Help staff with administraion and general duties
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Organisation & Charity
- Over 35+ Years Expertise Globally
- Low Program Fees - From US$295
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: SPECIAL NEEDS
LOCATION: VALENCIA
START DATES: STARTS EVERY SUNDAY
ACCOMMODATION: HOMESTAY
MIN DURATION: 1 WEEK
MIN AGE: 18+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required
Overview
Become part of the supportive community where people with intellectual and physical disabilities are welcomed, encouraged and empowered.
Assist local professionals with daily activities, creative workshops, share in life skills sessions, physical exercise and social programs that help each person grow in confidence and independence. This is a meaningful way to connect with one of Spain’s most inclusive social care systems while experiencing the warmth and culture of Valencia.
Valencia has a long tradition of community inclusion and many local organisations provide care education and social support for children and adults with diverse needs. In this program you will work alongside trained professionals who guide activities that build communication movement creativity and autonomy. Your role is to support, not replace staff and to bring patience, positivity and a willingness to learn.
Depending on the location of your placement you may help with art sessions, gentle exercise daily routines, music therapy, games, computer-based activities or social skills workshops. Some centres also run programs focused on employment preparation, family support or life skills training. You will be welcomed into a structured environment where your presence helps create more one-on-one interaction, more encouragement and more moments of joy for participants.
Outside your volunteering hours you will live with a local host family and enjoy daily life in Valencia. From seaside walks and bustling plazas to museums traditions and Mediterranean food this program blends community impact with rich cultural immersion. The experience is hands-on, emotionally rewarding and deeply human.
Please Note: Special needs environments require maturity, compassion and cultural sensitivity. Your schedule may change depending on the needs of the organisation for special events or public holidays. You will always follow the guidance of local professionals. Personal boundaries and safeguarding rules must be followed at all times.
Program Highlights:
● Support children and adults with intellectual or physical disabilities in daily programs
● Assist with creative arts, games, sensory activities and simple life skills sessions
● Help professionals lead group activities that build confidence and inclusion
● Learn from dedicated staff and gain experience in a structured care environment
● Build patience empathy communication and teamwork skills
● Experience Valencian life with a welcoming host family
● Join optional cultural activities such as flamenco shows paella classes and walking tours
Location
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.
Food & Accommodation
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.
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.
Homes include living rooms, dining spaces and sometimes small balconies or courtyards where you can relax after your placement. Security is prioritized with lockable homes in safe residential areas. Wifi is available in all homestays and participants can drink tap water safely.
Meals: 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.
(Example meals)
- Breakfast: Toast with the following options: tomato, olive oil, ham, cheese, avocado, jam, butter or honey. Yogurt, cornflakes and biscuits. Tea, coffee with milk or hot chocolate.
- Lunch: Baked rice (Arroz al horno) with salad, or pasta or gnocchi with cherry tomatoes and eggplant, pesto or carbonara.
- Dinner: Vegetable cream soup with croutons and Spanish potato omelette (Tortilla de patatas), or roast chicken with ratatouille and basmati rice.
- Dessert: Seasonal fruit always after any meal or ice cream.
Standard
Projects
- Marine Conservation
- Special Needs Support
- Childcare
- Medical
- English Teaching
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1 Week - n/a
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2 Weeks - $1695
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3 Weeks - $2450
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1 Month - $3220
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2 Months - $6350
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3 Months - n/a
FAQ
A: If you love working with others in supporting inclusion through meaningful interactions and supportive assistance this program is for you.
We are looking for energetic individuals who want to expand their connection with others and make a positive impact on others lives.
A: As a part of your program, you will receive:
● Homestay accommodation with a carefully selected local family
● Three daily meals with consideration for basic dietary requirements
● Airport pickup from Valencia International Airport on the official arrival day
● Placement coordination with vetted schools and learning centres in Valencia
● Orientation covering introduction to the cultural and professional experience
● Daily support from coordinators and local school staff
● Basic teaching materials at the placement where available
● Help using the local transport to and from the school when required for the placement
● 24/7 emergency support
A: As a volunteer, it is your responsibility to organise:
● International flights to and from Spain
● Travel to Valencia if you arrive at a different airport or outside the official arrival window
● Personal travel insurance
● Visa fees, vaccinations and personal medical expenses
● Personal items, snacks, leisure activities and souvenirs
● Optional cultural activities and excursions not listed as included
● Local public transport
● Airport Drop Off at the end of the program
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.
For travel outside the city Valencia has excellent long-distance connections. High-speed trains link directly to Madrid and Barcelona and regional trains and buses connect to coastal towns and other nearby cities. The airport is just 10 kilometers from the city center and can be reached easily by metro bus or taxi.
Whether heading to your placement or exploring Valencia’s cultural highlights, transportation is convenient, safe and well-designed for everyday movement.
A: Placements run from Monday to Friday. Activities change depending the current nature of hospital tasks, but will consist of activities described above in program description.
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: Yes.
The following are further necessary in order for both the participants, local staff and everyone involved to have a meaningful, enjoyable and safe culture experience.
● Older participants or over 65 years are required to have a medical clearance as proof of their physical fitness as they may perform various activities.
● Due to the length and active nature of this program a decent level of fitness is required.
● You are advised to purchase medical and travel insurance before your arrival.
● Recommended vaccinations often include hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus and polio.
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.
Valencia is also the birthplace of paella and home to one of Spain’s most celebrated culinary scenes. Weekends often bring lively festivals, open-air concerts and art events reflecting the city’s creative spirit. Despite its size Valencia feels intimate and welcoming with most daily needs easily reached on foot or by tram. For those wanting to explore further the city has fast connections to Madrid Barcelona and charming coastal towns perfect for day trips.
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: 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.
Affordable Volunteer Travel
We’re not motivated by shareholder profits. Our fees are fully transparent to ensure maximum benefit where it is most needed.
Safe & Responsible Projects
All projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management team, operational & risk assessment & overseas support contact. All projects are personally inspected to ensure very high quality.
Work Experience & University Credits
We place thousands of Uni students and can assist you with course credits and in-field experience points. Many of our project coordinators are qualified practitioners in their respective fields allowing unique in-field supervision and Uni accreditation options
A: Check out this amazing blog with step by step info on how to raise funds for your overseas volunteer experience to help maximize your impact abroad. Guide to Fundraising