For my NVW placement, I was a school language assistant in the North of Spain. The experience exceeded my expectations. Everything from the pre-trip planning, training, and placement support was fantastic and well-organised. This is thanks to the great NVW team, who were simply wonderful at supporting us throughout the whole experience. My host family went above and beyond, and I am incredibly grateful for their hospitality and kindness. We still keep in contact and I have visited them since my placement ended!
This experience is a great way to learn a new language and culture while gaining valuable work skills. Working as a volunteer gave me a sense of what I wanted to do career-wise when I returned home to New Zealand. In between the work, you’ll have ample opportunities to travel to beautiful places around Spain/Europe, and opportunities to meet new people and create lasting friendships.
Overall, an incredible experience I can 100% recommend. Do it!!!!!
When I arrived in Spain for my language volunteer position in January 2020, I had know idea what I would be in for. I had originally hoped that living in Spain would help me to improve my Spanish. However, I was placed small town in the Basque Country where everyone spoke Basque (a language unlike anything I had ever heard). While I was a little disappointed at first, I ended up absolutely loving the town, the gorgeous scenery, and all of the people I met.
After about two months of volunteering in the local school and getting to know my host family, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, putting Spain into a lockdown. Although the world was chaotic, there was never a time that I felt unsafe during my placement due to the wonderful staff at NVW the amazing family that offered to host me. While some volunteers chose to head home at that time, I chose to wait to see if things would settle enough to return to my volunteer position in the school. Unfortunately I was never able to return to the school for the extent of my placement. However, the experience brought me extremely close to my host family. I would not trade that for anything. 5years later and we are still in close contact. My Basque family have come to visit me in Canada and I have taken my family to visit them back in Spain. I am forever grateful for my volunteering experience and the connections I made. Eskerrik asko
I volunteered at a school in the Valรจncia region of Spain. It was an incredible experience, and I am walking away with so many lasting memories. New Ventures Worldwide helped every step of the way as I lived out my dream of living abroad short term. They ensured I stayed safe but more importantly that I had the experience I wanted. Thankful for the opportunity!
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.
โIโm more independent and more thankful for the things I have. Professionally, I still want to be a teacher. It has confirmed it for me.โ
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. ยกHasta 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 costsย
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 โฌ350 Euros. The Spanish government charges an additional โฌ200 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. Youโll need to send us your travel insurance policy details before starting a program.
Being on a volunteering placement means youโll 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.
