Involvement Volunteers International COMING SOON...
WHY we need you in Spain
-
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?
- People of all skills and experiences are welcome on this project
- Take part in beach cleanups, biodiversity monitoring and citizen science projects
- Get stuck in and hands dirty, restoring mangrove plantations
- Contribute to this ongoing project and have a real impact on the lives of the local people
WHAT you can do?
- Join real conservation efforts led by marine biologists and environmental professionals
- Support environmental education events for schools and community groups
- Embrace living a coastal lifestyle on the Mediterranean
- Help create a sustainable environment for the future generation and get involved in the local way of life
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: ENVIRONMENTAL MARINE CONSERVATION
LOCATION: VALENCIA
START DATES: STARTS EVERY SUNDAY
ACCOMMODATION: HOMESTAY
MIN DURATION: 1 WEEK
MIN AGE: 18+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required
Overview
Make the Mediterranean your classroom as you explore Valencia through hands-on marine conservation and coastal living.
Over two weeks, you will work alongside local biologists and environmental teams contributing to real conservation efforts, data collection and education. From fieldwork to cultural experiences, this program offers a balanced and meaningful way to connect with both community and environment.
This marine conservation program in Valencia connects you with local environmental initiatives focused on protecting coastal ecosystems and raising community awareness. Working alongside biologists, marine scientists, educators and volunteers, you will gain insight into how conservation efforts are managed at a local level.
Your involvement may include beach and coastal cleanups, sorting and recording collected waste, identifying local marine species, assisting with biodiversity surveys and contributing to data collection for ongoing research. You may support educational workshops by helping prepare materials, engaging with school groups or assisting during awareness events. In some cases, you may also take part in shoreline monitoring, habitat restoration activities or citizen science projects led by the local team. All tasks are supervised and designed to ensure responsible participation while respecting the natural environment.
For participants who have their diving certification, you will have the opportunity to dive as part of the data collection and research.
Beyond your placement, you will experience daily life in Valencia through cultural activities, local interactions and time spent exploring the city and surrounding coastline. Living with a host family offers a deeper connection to Valencian culture, food and traditions, creating a well-rounded and immersive experience
Program Highlights:
● Join real conservation efforts led by marine biologists and environmental professionals
● Take part in beach cleanups, biodiversity monitoring and citizen science projects
● Support environmental education events for schools and community groups
● Experience Valencia’s culture through homestay living, tapas dinners and city tours
● Enjoy optional excursions to surrounding towns and natural areas
● Embrace living a coastal lifestyle on the Mediterranean
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.
FAQ
A: If you are someone who loves being hands on and has a passion for environmental conservation, 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 the planet.
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 tasks, but will consist of activities described above in program description.
Typical Daily Schedule
Morning:
• Meet coordinators
• Join beach cleanup or biodiversity monitoring • Sort and categorize waste
• Submit data and observations
Afternoon:
• Cultural activity such as a walking tour or language exchange • Optional workshop or community event
Evening:
• Dinner with host family
• Free time or social gathering with fellow participants
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