Spain or Poland, and the UK

1,650

January for 10 months (flexible)

Embark on a transformative volunteering journey with our charity, offering a flexible split placement between either Spain or Poland and then the UK. We tailor the start date and length to suit your preferences, allowing you to immerse yourself in diverse cultures, gain invaluable experience, and make a lasting impact on young minds.

Spain – School Language Volunteer

In Spain, you will volunteer at a school to enhance the English proficiency of Spanish students. As a School Language Volunteer, you will assist with English lessons and manage activities like games and storytelling sessions. This role is perfect for aspiring educators and language enthusiasts and requires no prior experience. You will also help with the school’s daily operations.

Poland – School Language Volunteer

In Poland, you will volunteer at a school to run classroom activities and interactive language games. As a School Language Volunteer, you will present on your home country and culture, making a significant impact on students’ lives. No prior experience is required, though strong people skills are essential.

UK – Outdoor Camp Volunteer

Following your placement in Spain or Poland, you will spend around four months volunteering at an outdoor camp in the UK. Operated by Scouts, Guides, and YMCA, our camps deliver outdoor education programmes to young people. As an Outdoor Camp Volunteer, most of your time will be spent assisting and instructing in various outdoor activities such as archery, swimming, hiking, climbing, canoeing, and high ropes courses. In addiction, you will help daily operations, including maintenance and cleaning, which constitute about 20% of your duties. This role includes full training, with opportunities to obtain formal certifications.

Summary

This programme offers a rich blend of cultural immersion and skill development across two countries. Whether you choose to start in Spain or Poland, you will gain invaluable experience before moving on to an adventure-packed placement in the UK. Apply today to embark on this rewarding journey and make a positive impact on young lives across Europe.

Locations

  • Spain: The schools are located in small towns and cities across Spain.
  • Poland: Schools are based in urban locations in Kraków, Warsaw, Gdańsk, and Żywiec.
  • UK: Outdoor camps are in spacious rural areas in Buckinghamshire, West Midlands, Staffordshire, Hampshire, Norfolk, and Shropshire.

Work Schedule

  • Spain: Volunteers work 16 hours per week in the classroom and can get involved in other aspects of school life. With three-day weekends and school holidays, there will be ample time to explore and experience the local culture.
  • Poland: Volunteers work 20 hours per week, allowing plenty of free time to explore Poland and travel around Europe during holidays.
  • UK: The ethos of an outdoor camp is very much about lifestyle and not a 9-5pm Monday to Friday job. Volunteers should keep ‘work hard/play hard’ in mind.

Age Requirements

  • Spain & Poland: Visa requires volunteers to be at least 17 years old at the point of application.
  • UK: Visa requires volunteers to be at least 18 years old at the point of application.

Financial Information

  • Spain: Volunteers can earn additional income by providing English tuition, which is in high demand.
  • Poland: Volunteers receive an allowance of approximately $20 USD per week.
  • UK: Volunteers are reimbursed weekly towards their fees, flights, visa, and travel insurance during placement. The reimbursement amount varies.

Teamwork

Volunteering in all locations involves working closely with a diverse team of individuals of all ages. You’ll collaborate with local staff and other volunteers in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Food & Accommodation

  • Spain: Traditional Spanish meals and private accommodation with a host family are provided.
  • Poland: Traditional Polish meals and private accommodation with a host family are provided.
  • UK: Volunteers have access to a shared kitchen and receive a food allowance. Accommodation is onsite with a private room in a shared building.

Volunteer Case Studies

Spain | School Language Volunteer

“Do it. It helps in so many ways. Think about your expectations from the gap year. Do you want to have fun, or do you also want something practical that will help with your future?” Clara

Poland | School Language Volunteer

“A year abroad is a big milestone in my life. My dream job is as a language teacher, and this experience has confirmed that. I love working with kids and languages.” Rebecca

UK | Outdoor Camp Volunteer

“It’s lots of fun! I love working with children; there’s a new group each week. My team are great people. Although I came alone, I now have many friends and am part of a community.” Nicole

Fee Details

Why there’s a fee
New Ventures Worldwide is a UK-registered nonprofit charity. The fee contributes to our operating costs and allows us to continue our mission of arranging volunteering placements for our global network of nonprofit organisations. A financial report is published annually to the UK Charity Commission.

 

Included in the fee
A thoroughly vetted placement, an appropriate volunteer role based on age, experience and interests, a placement mentor, any necessary training, preparation guidance, ongoing support, accommodation and food.

 

Additional costs 
In addition to the placement fee, volunteers pay for flights, and travel insurance.

FAQs

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What is the enrolment process?

After completing the application form, our team will check if you are eligible for your chosen program before inviting you to a Welcome Video Call. The interview is where you get to know the New Ventures Worldwide team, ask questions and get matched to your perfect program. Various background checks are then conducted before you are officially enrolled in the program.

What are the benefits?

  • See the world while experiencing a new culture
  • Experience personal growth, becoming more confident and independent
  • Make an impact working with international non-profit organisations
  • It looks great on your CV
  • Learn new skills for life
  • Gain perspective and understand what life is all about

Do I need flights and travel insurance?

Yes, you will need to arrange your own flights and travel insurance. You’ll need to send us your travel insurance policy details before starting a program.

Can a friend and I enrol on the same placement?

Being on a volunteering placement means you’ll always have a network of people around you, including locals and other volunteers. Providing a readymade community with local knowledge to explore, share, and create incredible memories. However, if you want to travel with a friend from home, let us know, and we can usually arrange for you to be on the same placement.

What happens if there is a problem during the placement?

New Ventures Worldwide has a Ladder of Support so you can see who to contact if you need help. Your placement will assist you in almost all situations. However, we also offer background support, mainly if a more serious issue arises.

Application Form

The journey of a lifetime starts here!

Applicant Details

Our placements are for those aged 17-30-years-old
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Placement Details

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Requirements

Schools may consider volunteers who have a high level of English, if this is their second language.

Applicant Experience

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