from 1,090€

Fantastic 4.5rating (86)

Beach and Mountain Cleaning Supporter

location
2 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 14 - 50+

rating  Fantastic 4.5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Moderate response rate

Complete your reservation as soon as possible. This project fills up quickly and is already booked on certain dates.


Highlights

  • Take action to safeguard our oceans and coastlines from the harmful effects of trash and toxins. Be a part of the solution!
  • Show your concern for the planet's wellbeing by actively participating in efforts to combat marine pollution.
  • Be concerned about the environmental impact of our actions
  • Improve your Spanish skills while making a meaningful contribution. Embrace a unique opportunity to grow personally and environmentally!
  • Be the change that marine life needs. Contribute to the health of oceans and mountains, enriching the lives of countless creatures.

Especially suitable

Age 14+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

Since many beaches and mountains are not yet adequately protected from an environmental point of view, the support of volunteers is required.

The Issue

In countless coastal and mountainous regions, the fragile balance of our environment remains at risk due to insufficient protection. That's where volunteers come in, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the sustainability of these precious natural habitats. 

By joining our dedicated team, you ...

About the program

The Issue

In countless coastal and mountainous regions, the fragile balance of our environment remains at risk due to insufficient protection. That's where volunteers come in, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the sustainability of these precious natural habitats. 

By joining our dedicated team, you become a driving force behind the preservation of our environment, marine ecosystems, and oceanic life. Your contribution isn't just valuable - it's indispensable. 

We don't just offer volunteering opportunities. We empower you to make a difference and learning Spanish at the same time. Engage in hands-on volunteer projects, from community development to environmental conservation, and see the immediate impact of your efforts while improving your language skills.

The Goal

The core focus of this program is to engage in informational, awareness-raising, and educational efforts aimed at inspiring individuals to proactively participate in driving change. We aim to elevate collective consciousness regarding the actions each of us can take to make a meaningful contribution, with the ultimate goal of addressing and reducing our environmental impact.


What you'll be doing 

You might expect to work in the following fields:

Beach Cleanup

Picture pristine beaches, free from the blight of litter and waste. With your help, we're on a mission to remove kilos of trash, restoring these picturesque shorelines to their natural beauty. Together, we'll create inviting sanctuaries for both humans and wildlife alike. Beyond the visible transformation, your efforts contribute to a hidden gem—the quality of sea water. By removing trash and waste from these environments, we're taking significant steps toward purer, healthier oceans. Cleaner waters mean thriving marine life and a brighter future for generations to come.

Some of the specific tasks volunteers will be asked to do include collecting rubbish with gloves and tools provided. There is also the task of separating the waste according to whether it is plastic, organic, or glass. Afterwards it is important to carry out a report and keep logs of the projects and activities carried out each day. Collection of evidence via photos and videos to publish on social media and further social awareness is also key, as well as the specific separation of lids/caps from bottles and containers are also necessary, in order to support solidary causes and prevent mixing with other incompatible plastics.


Once we are in the meeting point  we split into pairs, materials are distributed and we begin to collect rubbish. The coordinator will give information about the area and explore to find where the greatest accumulation of rubbish and waste is, as well as designating an objective in terms of quantity of rubbish or bags filled to reach during the excursion. Once collected, the rubbish is examined and separated while one of the volunteers creates the report. The programme, including travel, takes roughly 4 hours per day.  You will make a significant impact on environment 


Mountain Conservation

The mountains are nature's guardians, but they need our help too. Join us in clearing the mountains of debris, ensuring these elevated ecosystems remain pristine havens for countless species. By doing so, you're helping maintain the delicate balance of nature

Education

Enlighten individuals about pollution and empower them with knowledge about the actions they can take to enhance and eliminate pollution through their own efforts.

Spanish Courses

Our Bilbao intensive Spanish courses (2 weeks, 20 hours per week from 9.3'0 to 1.30 pm Mon-Fri) focus on the core elements of language acquisition: oral comprehension and communication, reading, and writing. You'll gain well-rounded proficiency. Forget dry textbooks! Our lessons come alive with lively discussions, engaging projects, role-playing, and stimulating homework. Learning Spanish in Bilbao has never been this dynamic and fun! Our seasoned teachers are your dedicated mentors, here to support you every step of the way on your Spanish learning journey. With their expertise, you'll fully embrace Bilbao and all it has to offer.

What to bring

To ensure you're fully prepared for your upcoming adventure, we highly recommend bringing along some essential gear and materials. These items will not only enhance your comfort but also contribute to the overall success of your experience: 

  • Raincoats

Clothes must be casual and comfortable.

For participation in the programme it is of vital importance to be committed, punctual, flexible for different tasks, and above all to have a proactive work attitude. We recommend the use of comfortable, worn shoes, as they are likely to get dirty and wet, as well as a raincoat and comfy, old clothes, for the same reasons.



Typical day

This could be a typical day within your first two weeks that include spanish classes. 

  • 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM - Spanish classes during the first 2 weeks 
  • 4 PM - Team meeting
  • 4:15 PM - Travel to the beaches/mountains
  • 5 PM to 7 PM - Work on the beaches/mountains, sectors of the beach and mountains are ...

Typical day

This could be a typical day within your first two weeks that include spanish classes. 

  • 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM - Spanish classes during the first 2 weeks 
  • 4 PM - Team meeting
  • 4:15 PM - Travel to the beaches/mountains
  • 5 PM to 7 PM - Work on the beaches/mountains, sectors of the beach and mountains are cleaned in specific bags for recycling
  • 7:30 PM - Collect materials and return trip
  • 8 PM - End of the day and free time
We also offer program cultural activities during the week such as excursions, salsa lessons, tapas tours etc and you can join us for free. 

You work 20 hours a week maximum and the metro ride is not included (around 10€ per week).






Free-time activities

During weekdays we organize free leisure and cultural activities such as 

  • salsa lessons
  • wine tasting
  • excursions
  • tapas tours or 
  • visits to museums

All of the above are free of charge for our volunteers. 

At weekends students can also enjoy their passions such as hiking, surfing or going to a winery. The ...

Free-time activities

During weekdays we organize free leisure and cultural activities such as 

  • salsa lessons
  • wine tasting
  • excursions
  • tapas tours or 
  • visits to museums

All of the above are free of charge for our volunteers. 

At weekends students can also enjoy their passions such as hiking, surfing or going to a winery. The area is full of potential activities to enjoy beaches and mountains.  You can also enjoy the astonishing areas where some of the chapters of game of thrones was played. Be sure that Saint James walk is also going through Bilbao. To sum up, a place where you can not get bored.



Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 14 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 14 years old on the program start date.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (intermediate level) or Spanish (basic level)

Required Documents

CV

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

Any relevant experience working with hands is appreciated.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 15:00 - 19:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Instituto Hemingway

Program fees include:
  • Spanish course 20 hours per week
  • Accommodation dorm room
  • Equipment
  • Free leisure and cultural activities during weekdays
  • Supervisor and regular evaluation meetings during your program 
  • Support 24 hours and 7 days a week from our associated local staff
  • Certificate of volunteering at the end as well as the Spanish course with the level achieved
  • Center Accredited by the Cervantes Institute 
  • Volunteering 20 hours per week 

Airport Pickup at Bilbao Airport

Airport pick-up from Bilbao airport included.

Accommodation

We provide dorm rooms in shared apartment with all facilities. 

  • Wifi
  • cleaner once per week
  • kitchen
  • bathrooms etc are included

The apartment is in walking distance to our school. In case you want single room please ask for a price difference

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Food & Beverages

Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Bilbao Airport (BIO) in Bilbao. We assist you to find cheap flights to Spain. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Spain provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Spain you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Spain. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

At Instituto Hemmingway, the doors to meaningful experiences are wide open, and your journey can begin on any given Monday, every week of the year. We understand that life has its own rhythm, and flexibility is key to ensuring everyone can embark on this transformative adventure.

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 1,090€
4 weeks 1,600€
5 weeks 1,800€
9 weeks 2,655€
17 weeks 5,500€
50 weeks (max. stay) 15,100€
Average fees 423€/week

Program fees

423€ per week 2 - 50 weeks Age 14 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

2 - 50 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Instituto Hemingway during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Instituto Hemingway

Fantastic 4.5 rating (86 reviews)

Agency - founded in 1999

Verified by Volunteer World

  Moderate response rate

Coordinated by

Jose

Spoken languages: Spanish, English

About the project

Instituto Hemingway is a worker-run service cooperative that works the local network of NGOs, associations and social enterprises with international volunteers.

Meet your organization


Our vision is to promote international volunteerism, local associations and social enterprises by strategically matching international volunteer with local talents and creative thinking. Our goal is to function as a hub of innovative ideas and projects that can have a positive impact on Bilbao and the surrounding region. To that purpose we are constructing a community of social innovators - an international network that combines the energy and passion of volunteers from all over the world with the knowledge and skills of local NGOs, associations and social enterprises.

Volunteers work with the International Bilbao Network to support the causes of many Bilbao associations, NGOs, and public schools. Our local partners are committed to fostering social inclusion – in particular with regard to children at risk and migrants – as well as promoting local cultural heritage, English language,  animal care and environmental protection. The different organisations are committed to fostering social inclusion – in particular with regard to children at risk, migrants and homeless – as well as promoting local cultural heritage, English language, and environmental protection.

We are located in downtown Bilbao, just a few meters from  Gran Via in the historical centre. Instituto Hemingway is hosted in a 19th-century building across two floors and a rooftop terrace with a panoramic view.



86 reviews · rating4.5

Alfredo Orive rating5

2023 at Beach and Mountain Cleaning Supporter

It was great to help the environment and also the community. We also participated in mountains cleaning. Amazing landscape and lovely atmosphere. Fantastic activities organized by ...
Daniel Brown rating4.8

2023 at Beach and Mountain Cleaning Supporter

I was satisfied witht he project and combination of language courses and leisure a cultural activities make perfect combo. ...
Andrea Rossi rating4

2023 at Beach and Mountain Cleaning Supporter

My experience was great because I focused on learning Spanish (very professional teachers) while doing something significant for the environment but accommodation was in bank ...
Estefania Quiros rating4.8

2023 at Beach and Mountain Cleaning Supporter

Staff was very supportive and things were demanded by us (volunteers) were done inmediately. I enjoyed so much the city (beach, mountains, architecture, gastronomy etc..) and also Spanish ...
Mia Greiger rating4.6

2023 at Beach and Mountain Cleaning Supporter

My experience was great because I met many young people from all over the world and I can be sure that I made a signficant impact on environment. Apartment was great but cosmopolitan neighbourhood. My Spanish improved. ..
Razziel O'Duffy rating5

2022 at Beach and Mountain Cleaning Supporter

I highly recommend Institute Hemmingway to any parent who wishes to give their child the chance to stand on their own two feet and experience independent living for a while. The Institute provides structure but also the chance to explore beautiful Bilbao, and enjoy the rich heritage and culture. ...

Location


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