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Great 4.47rating (117)
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Community Assistant & Spanish learner

location
1 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 14 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Disconnect from screens and reconnect with people, nature, and real-life experiences
  • Learn Spanish in the classroom and practise it every afternoon in authentic situations
  • Create with your hands through ceramics, cooking, crafts, and creative challenges

Highlights

  • Disconnect from screens and reconnect with people, nature, and real-life experiences
  • Learn Spanish in the classroom and practise it every afternoon in authentic situations
  • Create with your hands through ceramics, cooking, crafts, and creative challenges
  • Help migrants overcome language barriers, build confidence, and gain the skills to study and live independently. ❤️ Make Human Connections
  • Make Human Connections Share meaningful moments with elderly people, bring warmth to their day, and help combat loneliness while practising your Spanish.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 14+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+
    Wheel Chairs

    About the program

    A conscious digital detox through Spanish, culture, nature, creativity & community. People who want to step away from their screens and reconnect with real life.

     Disconnect to Reconnect is a unique volunteer and cultural experience designed for people who want to learn Spanish while consciously disconnecting from excessive screen time and reconnecting with people, nature, creativity and the local community. Participants attend Spanish classes every morning ...

    About the program

     Disconnect to Reconnect is a unique volunteer and cultural experience designed for people who want to learn Spanish while consciously disconnecting from excessive screen time and reconnecting with people, nature, creativity and the local community. Participants attend Spanish classes every morning from Monday to Friday and then take part in meaningful, hands-on activities in the afternoons.

    The programme combines Spanish immersion, solidarity, environmental action, creativity, culture and teamwork. 

    Each week also includes a cultural and team-based activity to discover Bilbao in an engaging way. The programme is designed around the philosophy “Less screen, more life”, encouraging participants to put their phones aside during selected activities and be fully present.

    Alongside the volunteering programme, participants can enjoy the cultural and social activities organised by Instituto Hemingway, creating a complete international experience combining language learning, personal development, social impact and cultural discovery.


    Typical day

    Monday to Friday, participants start the day with Spanish classes from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, focusing on practical communication and language immersion. After a lunch break, the afternoon from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm is dedicated to volunteering, outdoor activities, creative workshops, solidarity and ...

    Typical day

    Monday to Friday, participants start the day with Spanish classes from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, focusing on practical communication and language immersion. After a lunch break, the afternoon from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm is dedicated to volunteering, outdoor activities, creative workshops, solidarity and cultural experiences. 

    Make a Difference. Discover Your Purpose. Live Spanish Beyond the Classroom.

    Teach, support, and empower. Help migrants who face literacy challenges or language barriers gain confidence, develop essential skills, and build the independence they need to study and thrive. With patience, kindness, and encouragement, you can help open doors to new opportunities.

    ¡Share time, care, and connection. Spend meaningful moments with elderly people who need companionship and affection. Help brighten their days, ease loneliness, and discover how powerful a simple human connection can be—all while improving your Spanish along the way.

     Create, express, and heal. Get hands-on with creative and wellbeing activities where art becomes a powerful tool for self-expression, connection, and emotional healing. Discover the therapeutic potential of creativity, with ceramics playing an essential role in the experience.

    Supported every step of the way. A dedicated supervisor will guide you throughout your volunteering experience, ensuring you feel supported, confident, and ready to make a real difference.

    Make it your own adventure. Combine your volunteering with the school's cultural experiences, local discoveries, and outdoor activities. Practise your Spanish, connect with the community, and experience the culture in a truly meaningful way.

    Give your time. Share your heart. Grow through every experience.

    Because learning a language is about more than words—it's about people, purpose, and the connections that stay with you.



    Free-time activities

    During their free time, participants can enjoy the wide range of cultural and social activities organised by Instituto Hemingway. These activities provide an excellent opportunity to practise Spanish in real-life situations, meet other international students and discover Bilbao and Spanish culture.

    De

    Free-time activities

    During their free time, participants can enjoy the wide range of cultural and social activities organised by Instituto Hemingway. These activities provide an excellent opportunity to practise Spanish in real-life situations, meet other international students and discover Bilbao and Spanish culture.

    Depending on the programme and availability, activities may include guided visits around Bilbao, cultural excursions, gastronomy, museums, local traditions, social events, outdoor activities and visits to nearby places of interest.

    Participants also have free time to explore Bilbao independently, practise their Spanish with local people, enjoy the city, or discover nearby towns and cities during the weekends.

    The philosophy is simple: learn Spanish in class, experience Spanish  culture outside the classroom, and use your free time to connect with the city and the people around you.

    Discover Bilbao. Meet people. Speak Spanish. Live the culture.

    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.

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    The most important skills are an open mind, a willingness to change, and a positive attitude. Participants should be motivated to make a positive change in their own lives while also contributing positively to the local community. Curiosity, empathy, teamwork, adaptability and a willingness to step outside their comfort zone are highly valued. No previous volunteering experience is required — the desire to learn, disconnect from excessive screen time, connect with others and make a difference.

    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

    On-site Services

    Our programme is designed as a complete experience, so participants can focus on learning, volunteering and enjoying Bilbao without having to worry about the practical details.

    The programme includes:

    • ✈️ Airport pick-up on arrival in Bilbao.
    • 🇪🇸 20 hours of Spanish classes per week, Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm.
    • 🤝 Volunteering activities with supervision and support throughout the programme.
    • 🏠 Shared apartment accommodation with a shared room is incl.  If you prefer a private room, homestay accommodation or a student residence, these options are also available for an additional fee.
    • 🎭 Cultural and social activities organised by Instituto Hemingway.
    • 📜 Certificates confirming your Spanish course and volunteering experience.
    • 🎁 A commemorative gift from Instituto Hemingway at the end of the programme.
    • 🌿 Access to a programme designed around conscious digital disconnection, personal development, community involvement and cultural immersion.

    And, of course, much more: the support of our team throughout your stay, the opportunity to meet international students, practise Spanish in real-life situations and discover Bilbao 

    Airport Pickup at Bilbao Airport

    Airport pick-up from Bilbao Airport is included in the programme. We work with a trusted taxi company that has been providing transfers for our students and volunteers for a long time.

    A professional driver will meet the participant at the airport and take them directly to their accommodation, making the arrival as easy and comfortable as possible.

    Our team will also be available to provide support and make sure everything is ready for a smooth arrival in Bilbao.

    Accommodation

    Accommodation is included in a shared apartment, with a shared room with another participant of the same gender. The apartment is located approximately 15 minutes’ walk from the school, in a convenient area close to restaurants, supermarkets, shops, public transport and other everyday services.

    Bilbao is a compact, safe and very comfortable city, so most places can easily be reached on foot or by public transport. This makes it easy for participants to enjoy the city, attend classes and take part in volunteering and cultural activities without long daily commutes.

    If you prefer a private room, homestay accommodation or a student residence, these options are also available for an additional fee.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
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    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


    Our volunteering programme offers the flexibility to create an experience that fits your schedule, interests, and personal goals. Whether you are planning a short stay, a gap year experience, or a meaningful addition to your studies, you can join us at a time that suits you and discover Spain through language, culture, and community engagement.

    Start Any Week of the Year

     You can join our programme any week of the year, subject to availability, making it easy to plan your experience around your studies, holidays, or other commitments.

    Students generally arrive on Sunday and depart on Saturday, allowing them to settle in before the start of their programme and make the most of their stay.

    Spanish Classes Start on Monday

    Your Spanish language journey begins on Monday morning, with classes starting at 9:30 a.m. This gives you time to arrive, settle into your accommodation, and get ready for the week ahead.

    Before travelling to Spain, you will take a Spanish level assessment so we can evaluate your current language skills and better understand your learning needs. This helps us identify your starting level and ensure that your language-learning experience is as rewarding as possible.

    Whether you are a complete beginner or already speak Spanish with confidence, you will have opportunities to practise the language in real-life situations throughout your stay. From the classroom to volunteering activities and everyday interactions, you will develop your communication skills while gaining a deeper understanding of Spanish life and culture.

    Stay for as Long as You Wish

    Every volunteer has different goals and time commitments. That's why you can choose the duration of your stay according to your availability and the experience you are looking for.

    Whether you can dedicate a couple of weeks or wish to stay for several months, we will help you plan an experience that suits your schedule, subject to programme availability.

    A longer stay can offer even more opportunities to build relationships within the local community, improve your Spanish, and become more involved in your chosen activities.

    Comfortable Accommodation Included

    Feel at home while making a difference.

    Accommodation is included in comfortable, fully equipped apartments located an average of just 15 minutes from the school. With good transport connections and easy access to local amenities, you can enjoy a convenient and comfortable stay while exploring the city.

    The apartments provide a welcoming base where you can relax, meet other international students, and share your experience with people from different backgrounds.

    Would you prefer something different? Alternative accommodation options and upgrades are also available for an additional fee, allowing you to choose the type of stay that best suits your preferences and budget.

    What Happens When You Arrive?

    From the moment you arrive, our aim is to help you feel welcome, comfortable, and ready to get involved.

    You will receive guidance to help you understand your volunteering role, become familiar with the activities, and contribute positively to the local community. A dedicated supervisor will guide and support you throughout your programme, answer your questions, and help you make the most of your experience.

    Depending on your schedule and interests, your volunteering activities may include supporting migrants who face language or literacy barriers, spending meaningful time with elderly people, or participating in creative and wellbeing activities involving art and ceramics.

    You can also combine your volunteering with Spanish classes, cultural experiences organised by the school, and outdoor activities, creating a rewarding balance between learning, discovery, and community engagement.

    Make Your Experience Count

    Volunteering is not only about the time you give; it is also about the skills you develop, the people you meet, and the perspective you gain along the way.

    Throughout your stay, you will have opportunities to practise Spanish, develop intercultural communication skills, strengthen your confidence, and gain valuable experience supporting your local community.

    At the end of your programme, you will receive a certificate of participation recognising your volunteering experience. You can also request a letter of reference acknowledging your involvement and contribution, subject to your participation and the programme's reference policy.

    These documents can be valuable additions to your CV, university applications, or future academic and professional opportunities.

    A Flexible Experience, Designed Around You

    We believe that meaningful volunteering should be accessible, flexible, and rewarding. Volunteers can join any time throughout the year

    From your first Spanish lesson on Monday morning to the connections you make through volunteering, every part of your journey is an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a difference.

    Choose your dates. Find your purpose. Discover Spain. Make a difference.


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

    Program Fees

    $852 per week 1 - 50 weeks Age 14 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 50 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.5
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    •
    2026
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    Sara Curatolo

    Art Therapy Counsellor

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    2025
    Last year, I took part in an inspiring art therapy volunteer program that completely changed the way I see creativity and healing. The ...
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    Art Therapy Counsellor

    Location


    Meet your project coordinator

    Jose
    117
    reviews
    4.47
    Great
    1999
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: Spanish, English
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