What It’s Like to Volunteer in Colombia - Volunteer Overseas with IVI

Volunteering in Colombia, particularly in Cartagena, offers an amazing opportunity to engage with diverse communities, immerse in rich cultural traditions, and contribute meaningfully to various development projects.

Culture

Colombia’s vibrant culture is shaped by indigenous heritage, African influences, and Spanish colonial legacy. This fusion manifests in its music, dance, festivals, art, and cuisine. Traditional rhythms like cumbia and vallenato echo the nation’s diverse roots, while festivals such as the Barranquilla Carnival showcase its celebratory spirit.

Colombian cuisine reflects this diversity, featuring dishes like arepas, bandeja paisa, and sancocho, often accompanied by tropical fruits and freshly brewed coffee. Family and community are central to Colombian society, fostering a warm and welcoming environment for visitors and volunteers alike.

Safety in Colombia and Tips for Volunteers

Colombia has made significant progress in improving safety over the past two decades, especially in major cities and popular tourist areas like Cartagena. While the country still contends with some security challenges, particularly in remote or border regions, urban centres that host international volunteers are generally considered safe for travellers. Cartagena, being a major coastal city and tourist hub, has a visible police presence and a strong focus on maintaining public safety.

For volunteers, staying safe in Colombia largely comes down to being informed and taking common-sense precautions. It’s important to stay in well-populated areas, especially after dark, and avoid neighbourhoods known for higher crime rates. Volunteers should keep valuables out of sight, use reputable transportation options like registered taxis or rideshare apps, and always carry a copy of their passport rather than the original. Being cautious with personal belongings in busy areas and staying alert to surroundings helps prevent petty theft, which is the most common issue.

Participating in the Cultural Orientation Week offered by IVI is also a great way to get local safety tips, learn how to navigate the city confidently, and understand local customs that can help you blend in more easily. By staying aware, respecting local laws and norms, and following the guidance of local coordinators, volunteers can enjoy a safe and rewarding experience in Colombia.

Climate

Colombia’s geographical diversity results in a range of climatic zones.

Tierra Caliente (Hot Land): Below 900 meters in elevation, characterized by tropical climates ideal for crops like sugarcane and cacao.
Tierra Templada (Temperate Land): Between 900 and 1,980 meters, with moderate temperatures suitable for coffee and maize cultivation.
Tierra Fría (Cold Land): Ranging from 1,980 to 3,500 meters, where cooler temperatures support wheat and potato farming.

This climatic variation influences local lifestyles, agricultural practices, and biodiversity across the country.

Poverty in Colombia

Colombia has made strides in reducing poverty, with the national poverty rate decreasing from 42.5% in 2020 to 39.3% in 2021. However, challenges persist, particularly in rural areas where poverty rates increased from 42.9% to 44.6% during the same period. Approximately 13.8% of Colombians, around 6.9 million people, live on less than $2.15 a day, facing daily struggles for basic necessities. Economic inequality remains a significant issue, with factors such as geographic disparities, educational inequities, and labour market challenges contributing to limited social mobility.

Cartagena

Cartagena is one of Colombia’s most iconic and picturesque cities—a vibrant blend of colonial history, Caribbean charm, and modern energy. Known officially as Cartagena de Indias, the city sits along Colombia’s northern coast, facing the Caribbean Sea. It’s famous for its beautifully preserved walled Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, lively plazas, and centuries-old churches. The city’s architecture reflects its long history as a strategic port for Spanish colonialists, and walking through the historic centre feels like stepping back in time.

But beyond its postcard-perfect facade, Cartagena is a city of contrasts. While the tourist zones are well-developed and bustling, many local communities still face poverty, inequality, and limited access to education and healthcare. This is where much of the volunteer work takes place—helping to bridge gaps in access and opportunity through hands-on support and cultural exchange.

Volunteer in Colombia

IVI offer a range of programs in Cartagena, allowing volunteers to contribute to community development while experiencing the city’s vibrant culture.

Teaching and Education in Cartagena, Colombia

This program places volunteers in local schools to assist with teaching English and other subjects. By enhancing students’ language skills, volunteers help improve their future educational and employment prospects. Responsibilities include lesson planning, conducting classes, and organizing extracurricular activities. This role fosters cross-cultural exchange and allows volunteers to develop teaching skills in a dynamic environment.

Kindergarten Teaching in Cartagena, Colombia

Focusing on early childhood education, volunteers support teachers in kindergartens by engaging young children through educational games, songs, and creative activities. This program aims to create a nurturing environment that promotes cognitive and social development. Volunteers gain insights into early education practices and the importance of play in learning.

STEM Education in Cartagena, Colombia

Volunteers with a background or interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) can inspire and educate students by introducing them to these fields. Activities may include conducting experiments, facilitating interactive projects, and mentoring students. This program seeks to ignite curiosity and critical thinking, equipping students with skills relevant to the modern world.

Cultural Orientation Week in Cartagena, Colombia

Designed to immerse volunteers in Colombian culture, this orientation week includes language lessons, cooking classes, dance workshops, and city tours. Participants gain a deeper understanding of local customs, history, and societal norms, which enhances their effectiveness and integration into subsequent volunteer projects.

Construction and Renovation in Cartagena, Colombia

This hands-on program involves volunteers in building and renovating community infrastructure such as schools, community centres, and homes. Tasks may include painting, carpentry, and masonry. By improving physical environments, volunteers contribute to creating safer and more functional spaces for community activities and services.

Spanish Lessons in Cartagena, Colombia

To facilitate better communication and cultural immersion, volunteers can enrol in Spanish language classes. Improving language skills enables more meaningful interactions with locals and a deeper appreciation of Colombian culture. Classes cater to various proficiency levels and focus on practical language use in everyday situations.

Conclusion

Volunteering in Cartagena offers an incredible experience that combines cultural immersion with meaningful community engagement. Understanding Colombia’s diverse culture, climate variations, and socio-economic challenges provides valuable context for volunteers, enhancing their contributions and personal growth. Through various programs, volunteers can make a tangible impact while developing skills, broadening perspectives, and forming lasting connections within the community.