Community Development Project in Barcelona

Frequently asked questions

FAQ's Application and Program Details

When should I apply for the volunteer programs in Spain? expand_more

It is advised to apply for the projects once the volunteering/ traveling dates are decided as there are limited spots available. The application fee is valid for one full year and can be sent earlier than the desired year of volunteering for timely confirmation of the seat. As soon as you decide the travel dates, we suggest you apply for the program and hold your spot. We work on the basis of the first come first serve policy.

How long will it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted? expand_more

Usually, it takes around 10-12 working days for the application to be processed and placement to be confirmed. After we review your CV and documents, your booking is confirmed and the booking confirmation is updated in your ‘My Account’ and you can view the information in your account. The application acceptance depends on the availability of seats in the project as well as the eligibility criteria of the program (Age, skills and experience etc.).

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Spain Volunteer Programs? expand_more

Below are the necessary requirements to participate in the Spain Volunteer Projects:
Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the beginning of the program.
Intermediate level of Spanish for projects with children.
Mandatory swimming knowledge for Marine Conservation Project.
Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.
The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.
The participant must be in good health.

Can I volunteer as part of a group? expand_more

Yes, you are welcome to take part in Spain Volunteer Programs as part of a group. We welcome families, friends, high school students, college/university and corporate groups to volunteer together in the Spain Programs.

I haven’t traveled or volunteered abroad before. Can I still be a part of VolSol Programs? expand_more

Yes, most definitely you can as we believe every participant brings something new to the project. If you do not have previous experience, we offer you the opportunity to have a great start with us. We make international volunteering easy – not only are our Volunteer Abroad opportunities rooted in offering you extensive support, but they are also very affordable.

Does VolSol provide with a reference or a certificate after program completion? expand_more

Yes, we will provide you with the Certificate after successful completion of your program. The certificate is provided on request.
 

What are the Program Locations in Spain? expand_more

We offer programs in Spain in two locations, Barcelona and Bilbao. The Community Development Program is located in Barcelona and the Beach Cleaning Program is located in Bilbao.

When do I need to arrive in Spain for my program? What will happen once I arrive in Spain? expand_more

There are two project locations in Spain - Barcelona, and Bilbao. Volunteers joining the project in Barcelona are picked from Barcelona Airport (BCN). Volunteers joining the Beach Cleaning Program in Bilbao are picked up from Bilbao Airport. Volunteers are picked up from the airport by the local coordinator or representative and taken to the respective accommodations. Volunteers should arrive on the given program start/arrival date of the program.

For how many hours do I have to volunteer in a day? expand_more

Volunteers usually work for 4 to 6 hours a day depending on their program. You will have weekends off, so you can travel on weekends. However, volunteers need to be flexible, open-minded and understand that work requirements can change as well on certain occasions. 

Flights and Visa

Does Volunteering Solutions help with Visa? expand_more

Participants (most nationalities) require a Tourist Visa to travel to Spain. Volunteering Solutions strongly recommends all volunteers to apply and get a Tourist Visa before departing for Spain. Consult the Spanish Embassy in your country for more details. If needed, Volunteering Solutions can provide with written documents that would help volunteers in getting the Visa.

What are the recommended airlines to fly to Spain? expand_more

Spain’s Airport is very well connected with the rest of the world and majority of the airlines fly to Spain. Some of the recommended airlines that fly to Barcelona and Bilbao are - British Airways, Ryanair, KLM, Lufthansa, Aeroflot, Easyjet etc.

Health and Safety

What immunizations/vaccinations will I need? expand_more

All participants are recommended to consult their physician or travel doctor before traveling to Spain.To view the general list of vaccinations recommended for your travel to Spain, click here.

Do I need to buy health insurance? expand_more

Yes, for all participants, it is mandatory to have a valid travel medical insurance for their trip. Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions.  To provide the best option to our participants, we offer comprehensive insurance coverage in collaboration with a leading insurance provider.

If you already have a valid Travel and Medical insurance, you can email us a copy of the same. It is also advised to bring along the Insurance documents during your trip.

How safe is Spain in general? expand_more

Spain is one of the safest European countries to visit. Spain welcomes tourists and discerning travelers with open arms. To our volunteers, we recommend to go out and eat out after consulting their in-country coordinators. We also recommend that volunteers try to move out in a group and go for sightseeing together. You will be given safety precautions and instructions by the local coordinator team during the orientation as well as in your Pre-departure handbook after you become an enrolled participant. 

Connect with Past Volunteers

How can I connect with past Volunteering Solutions Spain alumni as well as other former and current volunteers? expand_more

We encourage volunteers to get in touch with former Volunteering Solutions Spain program participants and also other program participants joining our projects. You are recommended to join the Volunteering Solutions Facebook Page or Facebook Group to communicate with other participants.

To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit the Meet a Volunteer page on our website. 

Accommodation and Living

How do I get to the program location? expand_more

Your program coordinator or a member of the local coordinating team will take you to your placement and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program, its surroundings and other facilities around the location. Both the program destinations are modern cities and have multiple options to commute from the project to the placement.Most preferred modes of transport are buses, taxis, and metro. The projects are located in Valencia and Denia.

Can I know more about accommodation and food arrangements? expand_more

Accommodation is provided from your start date to the end of the program. Accommodation will be according to the volunteer project you have selected. Participants in both Bilbao and Barcelona are offered accommodation in apartments. All the accommodation options are a great opportunity to interact with local and foreign people, learning about different cultures and making new friends from all around the world. In Barcelona all vegetarian meals are also provided to the volunteers.

What if I have my own accommodation? Can I still volunteer for the project? expand_more

Unfortunately, the entire volunteering experience is as much about volunteering on your project, as it is about the cross-cultural exchange and community building. A lot of that happens through the accommodation that we have set up, where one can enjoy by being with like-minded people. Additionally, for safety reasons, all volunteers must live in the allotted accommodation.

Can vegetarians be accommodated? expand_more

Yes, however, you must inform us in advance and also mention about any dietary requirement in your application form.

Would I have free time during my program? Can I do sightseeing during my program? expand_more

Depending on your project placement, you will get evenings and the weekends free,  to travel and explore the places.In the evenings, volunteers usually get together and go out for social gatherings. Weekends are free for the volunteers and you can go for short weekend trips. In Spain, you’ll see a magnitude of interesting sights. Visit the artistic Barcelona, the grandiose Royal Palace in Madrid, the imposing Catedral de la Almudena, the golden triangle of museums, Mezquita of Cordoba Ancient streets and many Renaissance, Baroque, Gothic or Romanesque monuments. Trust us, you will not get enough of the Spanish cities!
Also, go for a football match which is a must when in Spain.

Are there more expenses once I arrive in Spain? expand_more

Your program fee does not cover your personal expenses. You will need to provide for yourself your personal expenses, such as bottled water, local transport, telephone, shopping, sightseeing etc. You also need to cover for meals, that aren’t included in the program. However, you should carry around Euros 75–80 per week for your basic personal expenses. This amount can vary and you would need a higher amount if you choose to go on weekend trips out of town.