Have you been dreaming of volunteering in South America until you realize you don’t speak a word of Spanish? There’s no need to bury those dreams because we have the perfect solution. Volunteer World has volunteer programs in Latin America that offer Spanish lessons alongside volunteer programs. Learn the second most spoken language in the world as you discover some of the most coveted destinations on our planet. Start connecting with Spanish speaking communities as you grasp the language and contribute to something meaningful. Exotic paradisal destinations like Costa Rica, Guatemala, Cuba, Ecuador, and Peru are just a click away.

We believe that anyone who wants to volunteer should be able to do so. Whether you can speak Spanish or not, we’re convinced the will to contribute overcomes the most difficult communication barriers. Several volunteer organizations in Central and South America agree with us on this and are accepting volunteers without any prior Spanish knowledge. These volunteer programs have paired up with Spanish immersion schools giving volunteers the opportunity to learn Spanish during the volunteer program. Talk about the best of both worlds!

The title reveals it for the most part. When you volunteer for a program which includes Spanish lessons, you will get the opportunity to learn Spanish alongside your volunteer activities. Volunteering in South America usually requires a basic level of Spanish. This is important to be able to communicate with the local community and in many cases, even the staff of the programs. Without any Spanish skills, you may miss out as you get lost in translation. That’s where Spanish lessons come to the rescue. Enjoy your Latin American volunteer adventure to the fullest as you learn one of the most widely spoken languages in the world!

The Pros and Cons of Volunteering with a Spanish Course

At Volunteer World, we offer such a wide array of volunteer programs that we believe everyone can find a volunteer project that suits them. If you’re wondering whether volunteering with Spanish lessons is for you, let’s start by taking a look at the pros and cons of this Spanish volunteer adventure:

Pros

• The opportunity to volunteer abroad and contribute to a meaningful cause by helping a community in need or preserving the environment.
• You will be learning a new language as you contribute to a meaningful project.
• This is the ideal opportunity to meet and connect with other like-minded individuals. Others that are also excited about volunteering and excited about learning a new language.

Cons

• You may have limited access to volunteer programs because not all programs in Central and South America offer the opportunity to learn Spanish.
• Learning a new language combined with volunteering can be a lot to take in for some people.

It’s always a good idea to get in touch with the organization of the program you are interested in, to get more details. They will be able to inform you about what to expect from the volunteer experience and what you will learn during Spanish lessons.

Why opt for volunteering and learning Spanish abroad?

Volunteer organizations are always in search of driven volunteers. Programs in Central and South America are aware of the language barrier and are eager to facilitate by offering a Spanish immersion program. This will provide volunteers who don’t have any Spanish skills with the necessary tools to make the most of their volunteer experience abroad. If you’ve always dreamed of exploring Central or South America, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and the way to connect with the local community.

Will you be making a difference?
Whether you’re fluent in a language or not, we’re convinced that the intention to help and contribute is key. It’s incredible to see how people who don’t speak the same language manage to communicate and understand each other. Even if your Spanish skills aren’t up to par, we strongly encourage you to continue your volunteer adventure in Central and South America. Join a Spanish immersion program and you’ll be surprised at how quickly you pick it up!

What kind of Spanish Course Projects are there?

There are several opportunities for Spanish course volunteer projects. It essentially comes down to what you as a volunteer would like to do. Take into account your passions and perhaps your educational background. If you’re looking to hit two birds with one stone, do a Spanish immersion program during your volunteer project. Let’s take a closer look at the different possibilities:

Culture Immersion

Have you always wanted to understand the Latino culture? Do you want to feel it with every ounce of your being? Immerse yourself in the culture. Learn how to move your hips to the upbeat tempo of the music and adapt to the laidback lifestyle. Tour around the region and admire the various cultural gems. Take this unique opportunity to learn Spanish and uncover the hidden treasures of Cuba, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Peru.

Environmental Conservation

If you’re excited about learning one of the most spoken languages in the world and contributing to the environment, we have the perfect volunteer programs in store for you. Surfers can ride the waves off the coast of Ecuador as they help clear the ocean and beaches of plastic. Volunteers who prefer a drier approach to the environment can join a sustainable farming project in Costa Rica and learn all the ins and outs of sustainable agriculture.

Revel in the beauty of these lush destinations and help maintain their pristine nature for many more years to come. Learn Spanish during your environmental activities and start connecting with the local community.

Education

Volunteers with a background in education can share their experience by volunteering at a school in Central or South America. Even if you don’t have any Spanish skills, we can assure you that’s not a problem. You’ll get the opportunity to learn Spanish during the volunteer program. This will gradually increase your ability to communicate with the students and connect with them on a more profound level. Most educational projects are focused on teaching English. Teach a language as you learn a language!

Internships

Students that want to combine volunteering with their field of study with learning a new language are in for a treat. There are internships in topics like NGO management and Human Rights that are welcoming motivated volunteers and offer Spanish immersion courses on the side. Volunteers who don’t have any Spanish skills need not fear and can continue to follow their dream of gaining international work experience in one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. Do an internship in South America and learn things no school can ever teach you.

Animals

If you have a heart for animals, Central and South America will not disappoint. As one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, the hearts of true animal lovers will burst. Whether you’re drawn to marine life conservation, longing to help injured or abandoned animals at a shelter or are keen to take care of animals in the zoo, you’ll find a program offering what you’re looking for. Those fond of our equine friends will also find inspiring projects focused on natural horsemanship.

Volunteers uncertain about their knowledge of the Spanish language will get the chance to brush up as all projects have teamed up with a Spanish immersion school.

Childcare

Volunteers with experience in childcare can work with children in Latin American childcare centers. Learn Spanish as you provide disadvantaged children with the attention they deserve. Make a difference in their lives and rest assured it will also make a difference in yours. Learning Spanish will help you communicate with both the children and the staff.

There are countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the culture and the Spanish language while you work toward making a meaningful impact on the environment and local communities of Central and South America. Give back to the community of the country you’re volunteering in and gain an asset you will have forever. Learn the second most spoken language in the world.

How to choose the right Spanish Course Volunteering Program?

The most important aspect of choosing a great program is that you do enough research on the different volunteer organizations and try to answer the following questions:

1. What does the organization stand for?
2. What is their objective and how are they trying to achieve it?
3. How are the funds they receive spent?
4. How do you think you will contribute?
5. What do you think the effect of your volunteer work would be?

Read up on the organization, read reviews and ask previous volunteers about their experience with the organization. There are wonderful organizations that are doing very responsible work which you can be a part of. Take a look at the different volunteer projects on our website.

Be especially careful when you volunteer with children. Do your due diligence prior to signing up. There are organizations out there that are doing more harm than good by taking advantage of the volunteer industry and exploiting local families and young children. We have attempted to screen these organizations but you make the final call. Choose wisely and you will be in for an incredible experience as you support a meaningful cause.

The best places for Spanish course volunteer programs are located in Central and South America, in countries where Spanish is the main language. Explore some of the most breathtaking locations as you get to know the warm nature of its people. These are some of the wonderful destinations a Spanish immersion program will take you to:

Costa Rica, Guatemala, and El Salvador

Few destinations are as lush and green as Costa Rica, Guatemala, and El Salvador. As one of the most biodiverse destinations on the planet, this is the place to be for nature lovers. Sweat out the stress in the tropical rainforest and allow yourself to be in awe of your magnificent surroundings.

Argentina

No country says South America like Argentina does. If you’re looking for a location that offers culture as well as heartstopping scenery, don’t pass up this opportunity!

Peru

As one of the touristic hotspots of the world, Peru has earned its place not only through its UNESCO world heritage site Machu Picchu but also because of its unique traditions that are still maintained to this day.

Ecuador

One of the smaller destinations of the continent that seems to offer everything is definitely Ecuador. Cities with astonishing architecture, dramatic landscapes and a coast offering some of the most biodiverse marine life.

Caribbean

Volunteers seeking the warm temperatures and the laid back vibe of Caribbean islands will feel right at home in Cuba or the Dominican Republic. Discover the culture of this infamous island group as you delve into its complicated past.

Whether you’re traveling to Costa Rica, Guatemala or Argentina, every country is special in their own way and has something unique to offer. Take a good look at the individual programs to decide where you want to go.

Not many drawbacks come to mind when you think of volunteering abroad. It’s almost always associated with feelings of positivity. A volunteer project allows you to escape your usual environment and open up to new experiences. As with all travel, it’s important to keep your safety in mind. Traveling to Central and South America is never without risk. Besides this, however, we can only recommend volunteering abroad. Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of volunteering for a Spanish immersion program:

1. Valuable Learning Opportunities

   
   Choosing to volunteer abroad will open up a world you barely knew existed. By learning Spanish, you will better understand the country and culture and be able to interact with the local community. This will allow a deeper understanding of the people and their situation. Learn new skills and witness the opportunities that will unfold because of this international experience. Attending a Spanish immersion school during your volunteer project will lead to a skill you will enjoy for the rest of your life.

2. Meet new people

   
   You will meet other volunteers and travelers who share your interests. You’ll connect with like-minded fellow volunteers and locals. This is a wonderful opportunity to build meaningful relationships and allow cultural interchange to unfold. Have fun and learn Spanish together.

3. New Experiences

   
   Volunteering abroad is a brilliant way to expand your perspective on life. Issues that seemed like huge problems before, may seem trivial after your volunteer experience in Central or South America. New life experiences make you stronger and will empower you for the future. Rest assured that future study and job opportunities will take into account this practical international work experience.

4. Health Improvements

   
   Traveling and volunteering are two ingredients that practically guarantee happiness. Research has proven that traveling is beneficial because it puts you in a completely different environment forcing you to use different parts of the brain. On top of that, supporting a meaningful cause will give you a sense a purpose which is a major happiness influencer. Volunteer and learn Spanish and see what benefits it has in store for you!

5. Travel

   
   This is your chance to explore some of the most interesting places the world has to offer. Discover breathtaking nature and unique culture. This is your chance to travel and contribute to a meaningful cause. What are you waiting for? Get out your luggage and start packing for this international adventure abroad!

How do I get started with a Spanish Course Volunteer Program?

You’ve decided you want to do a Spanish immersion volunteering project but you’re not quite sure where to start? First of all, have a look at the different programs across the globe, and pick a few that catch your attention. Students can take into account their studies or future ambitions. Rest assured that speaking an extra language is a wonderful asset.

Once you’ve done that, let’s take a look at the first 3 steps which will send you on your way to volunteering abroad:

1. Check whether there’s a match between you and the project by looking at their requirements.
2. Look up the location of the project and decide whether it would be a country you are excited to go to.
3. Get in touch with the organization and see whether your expectations and schedules match up.

Once this is sorted, let’s take a look at the practical steps:

Insurance (Health & travel)

We recommend getting both health and travel insurance. In fact, this is a requirement for all volunteer programs abroad. Get in touch with your program contact person to find out if an insurance plan is already in place for volunteers.

Visa, Passport, and Documentation

Once you know your destination, take the following 3 steps before setting off on your life-changing adventure!

1. Look into the visa requirements for the country you will volunteer in
2. Make sure everyone has valid passports considering the requirements of the host country
3. Make sure you prepare the correct documents to fulfill the visa application for the country you’re traveling to

That’s it! You’re ready for volunteering in Central and South America! Get ready for a life-changing international experience that will have an incredible impact on both your destination and yourself. Discover gems like Costa Rica, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Peru as you learn a new language!