Volunteering in Spain was an experience of a lifetime. Every aspect, from the family, the school, the community, and the location was perfect for me. I volunteered in a school just north of Valencia, in a small town called Alboraya, and from the very first moment they welcomed my friends and I like family.
I made countless new friendships, and every day was a new adventure in this school, surrounded by the most amazing people. Having joined the program as a 17-year-old, I found my time in Spain especially transformative to who I am. It is incredibly difficult to put into words, however on the other side of it now, it gives you a new definition of the word home, having found a second family, and a second community on the other side of the world.
I will never forget my time there, and I am incredibly grateful to all the people who helped make it into what it was. My biggest advice to people joining the program is that you get out what you put in, and when you give all your energy and love, it will forever change who you are.
Thank you.
Volunteering as a language assistant in Spain is an incredibly rewarding experience. I had the opportunity to work with students of all ages, from elementary school to high school, helping them improve their English language skills.
The teachers and staff at the school were welcoming and supportive, and I felt like a valued member of the team from day one. I was given the freedom to design my own activities, allowing me to tailor my teaching to the specific needs and interests of the students.
One of the highlights of my experience was being able to immerse myself in Spanish culture and language outside of the classroom. I had the chance to explore the vibrant city of Valencia and Vitoria, try delicious local cuisine, and make lifelong friends with fellow volunteers and locals.
Overall, volunteering as a language assistant in Spain is a truly enriching experience that allowed me to make a positive impact on the lives of students while also gaining valuable teaching experience and cultural insights. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to broaden their horizons and make a difference in the world.
I was placed in a small town in the Castilla y Léon, called Faramontanos de Tábara, and it is a community dynamic that I don’t believe exists anywhere in the world. Not many people in my town and surroundings speak English so it was a full immersion into the Spanish language as well as lifestyle.
I wouldn’t trade my time in Spain for anything. The schools are wonderful to work with and there’s nothing quite like getting to experience the family and tight knit community atmosphere in Spain. Overall the most rewarding experience of my life thus far and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity provided to me by NVW. I will forever think of the town as “my town” and have made lifelong connections.
Clara describes her role at the primary school, assisting English classes for children aged 5-11. Her duties include helping with various activities like reading books and conversations and tailoring lessons for events like Christmas and Diwali. Initially uncertain, Clara grew confident, finding her place in the classroom.
“I’m more independent and more thankful for the things I have. Professionally, I still want to be a teacher. It has confirmed it for me.”
The Spain Programme Manager, Josh, prepares volunteers for their placements and provides ongoing support.
Originally from London, Josh has worked in Education in Spain for over 30 years, and is passionate about helping young people live their dreams and explore the world. He wishes he had the chance to do a gap year! Josh knows all the placements personally, and is always available to support volunteers during the application and placement period. ¡Hasta Pronto, amigos!
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
Support acquiring a sponsored visa, 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, a visa, and travel insurance, usually costing around $2,500 USD (depending on the departure destination). If you wish to continue your placement after the agreed finish date, NVW can extend your visa by six months for €350 Euros. The Spanish government charges an additional €200 Euros.
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.
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.
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.
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.
