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?
- Promote ethical practice through observation and guided participation
- Support community health awareness initiatives
- Encourage reflection on personal growth and professional development in an international setting
- Support non-invasive tasks such as triage setup patient flow and basic documentation
WHAT you can do?
- Observe patient diagnostics, treatment planning, and procedural techniques across different departments
- Learn about hospital protocols, public health approaches, and resource management in a Spanish context
- Take notes, reflect on your learning, and compile insights that can inform your future studies or career
- Experience Valencia through cultural immersion homestay living and optional excursions
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: MEDICAL PROJECT
LOCATION: VALENCIA
START DATES: STARTS EVERY SUNDAY
ACCOMMODATION: HOMESTAY
MIN DURATION: 1 WEEK
MIN AGE: 18+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required, medical student/ qualified professional
Overview
Witness healthcare in action while learning from licensed professionals who bring compassion, structure and cultural context to every patient interaction.
Through observation and supervised tasks you will learn, respond and connect while becoming part of the city’s everyday rhythm. You will shadow doctors, nurses and therapists, assist with non-invasive tasks and contribute to community health programs while experiencing the culture and rhythm of daily life in Spain.
In this program you will learn through observation guided participation and structured mentorship. Your placement may involve clinics, hospitals, specialist centres or public health initiatives depending on availability and your background.
Participants may help with administrative preparation basic tasks during triage patient flow organisation health awareness campaigns and supervised non-invasive procedures depending on qualifications. Every activity is designed to be safe, ethical and aligned with local regulations.
Guided by licensed medical professionals who offer brief daily oversight and opportunities to ask questions. Outside this placement you will live with a Spanish host family and experience Mediterranean culture through local food, vibrant plazas, seaside sunsets and optional cultural excursions.
This program is ideal for students exploring medical careers, medical trainees seeking global exposure or healthcare professionals interested in understanding diverse approaches to care. It offers an educational immersive experience grounded in respect for learning and community connection.
Please Note: All medical activities must follow local licensing laws and hospital protocols. Participants must understand that tasks depend on experience, language ability and institutional approval. Observation is the core activity for most participants with supervised practical tasks possible only for eligible students and professionals.
Program Highlights:
● Shadow medical professionals in clinics hospitals and community health settings
● Observe day-to-day operations and multidisciplinary healthcare approaches
● Support non-invasive tasks such as triage setup patient flow and basic documentation
● Take part in health awareness programs or NGO-led community campaigns
● Learn about ethics consent communication and patient rights in a global context
● Gain professional insight through case discussions and mentorship sessions
● Experience Valencia through cultural immersion homestay living and optional excursions
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 in Medical support, are energetic and want to learn more about what healthcare looks like overseas, this program is for you.
- You should have a relevant medical background, such as studying on a pre-medical track, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, or occupational/physical therapy, or working in a related field.
- You are required to submit your relevant qualifications or certifications (e.g., medical study transcripts), CV/resume, and a copy of your passport to the local team via email at least two weeks before the program start date. These documents will be forwarded to the hospital for review.
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.
Typical Daily Schedule
7:30am Breakfast with your host family and preparation for the day 8:30am Travel to your medical placement
9:00am Shadow medical professionals such as doctors, nurses or therapists. Observe patient consultations, clinical procedures and department workflows within approved guidelines
11:00am Observe patient flow and assist with non-invasive support such as triage setup, preparation of materials or basic administrative tasks where appropriate
11:30am Continue observation and guided participation. Gain insight into communication between departments and patient care processes
1pm Lunch break and time to reset
2pm Continue observation or take part in discussions with staff where possible. In some placements this time may include case insights, health education activities or preparation for community outreach
3-4pm Return to accommodation or take part in optional cultural activities such as walking tours, language exchange or workshops
7pm Dinner with your host family and free time to explore the city.
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.
Equipment
● Stethoscope (optional for medical students)
● Notebook for observations
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.
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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