ImpacTrip

I had an amazing time in Barcelona and met some lovely people both through the volunteering and the organisation of the trip! The communication beforehand was really great and I felt comfortable and welcomed before I’d even arrived; it has definitely changed the way I look at my future😁 Best wishes to everybody on the team and those who are looking to take part as well, I would recommend this experience to anyone, it can be a scary thought at first but is such a confidence booster!! Thank you❤️

I had an amazing time in Barcelona and met some lovely people both through the volunteering and the organisation of the trip! The communication beforehand was really great and I felt comfortable and welcomed before I’d even arrived; it has definitely changed the way I look at my future😁 Best wishes to everybody on the team and those who are looking to take part as well, I would recommend this experience to anyone, it can be a scary thought at first but is such a confidence booster!! Thank you❤️

I spent 6 weeks working at Assis through ImpacTrip and it was well worth the time. My Spanish speaking abilities were lackluster, but I was still received very well by the locals. Overall, the work kept me busy, the people made it fun, and the location was peak. Thanks Clara, Buse, Davide, Alex, Amalia, and everyone else I met!

I volunteered three weeks in Barcelona and it was truly an eye opening experience. I got to step outside of my comfort zone and experience day to day life with other volunteers and I got to meet incredible people in both of the places that I volunteered. I was two weeks volunteering at the communal showers and another week in the communal cafeteria where I got to talk to really cool and inspiring individuals. The only downside that I saw was that since the hostel is quite far away it took me a while to get to the center of the city and it was inconvenient at times. Other than that the coordinators were incredible and super understanding and I learned a lot from them too!

I had a great time food waste voulenteering in Barcelona. The team at ImpacTrip were all super friendly and very helpful every step of the way. My friend and I felt really involved with the team at Fundacion Tochete and we're very hands on from day 1. I'll definitely look to volunteer with ImpacTrip again!

While I only stayed for one week, I had an amazing time in Barcelona. The coordinators are extremely helpful and always contactable, and make sure you’re set up well at the hostel and with public transport in the first couple days. Looking after the cats each day was an amazing experience, no matter how what task I was given. Would definitely come back!

I volunteered with ImpacTrip in Barcelona in the Community Support / Homeless Program, and overall, it was a really meaningful and positive experience. I loved meeting volunteers from so many different countries — the atmosphere was super open, friendly, and international. The coordinators were always supportive, kind, and well-organized, which made everything run smoothly. The volunteering itself was eye-opening and felt impactful, especially the daily interactions with the people we supported. The only downside for me was the accommodation: the hostel we stayed in was quite far from the city center, which sometimes made it a bit inconvenient. Still, the overall experience was definitely worth it, and I’m glad I chose this program. I learned a lot, met amazing people, and would recommend ImpacTrip to anyone looking for a meaningful way to volunteer abroad.

I ended up staying in the program for a week. I loved working with the cats and the people there, who were all really sweet. The program coordinator makes sure you get there the first day and is always responsive to and questions you have. Overall, I would 100% go back!

This nine-week trip was an incredible opportunity to discover the flora and fauna of the Mediterranean Sea. We had amazing instructors who, over the course of the weeks, trained us at different levels and in different activities (deep diving, night diving, etc.). The ImpactTrip team was also incredibly kind and supportive, whether it was helping us upon arrival, giving us advice, assisting us, or organizing games during our weekly meetings. The atmosphere in Barcelona is exceptional, with many beautiful monuments and activities to enjoy. In short, it was an incredible program that I highly recommend.

Volunteering is a powerful way to give back to society, and my recent two-week experience in community service taught me the true value of teamwork, compassion, and responsibility. I joined a local organization that supports underprivileged families by providing food, tutoring children, and organizing recreational activities. During the first week, I helped distribute groceries to elderly residents who struggled with mobility. Seeing their gratitude reminded me how small actions can make a big difference. The second week, I assisted in a study program for primary school students. Many lacked access to proper learning resources, so helping them with homework and encouraging their curiosity was incredibly rewarding. Beyond practical help, this experience strengthened my connection to the community. I realized that collective effort is essential for solving social issues. Volunteering not only benefits those in need but also enriches the volunteer’s life with purpose and joy. I hope more people will participate in such initiatives to build a stronger, kinder society.

This was a wonderful experience. Our scuba instructors were very knowledgeable&funny. Learning about the efforts to clean the Mediterranean and then being able to help was life changing. The underwater world was both magical and challenging. I saw lots of fish, an octopus, and sea urchins. Learning to scuba dive was hard but worth it! I needed a couple of days to adjust to city living but by the 3rd or 4th day I was a pro at using public transportation and finding new places in the city. Discovering local cafes, meeting new people, and exploring the city filled my free time. Getting to know the other volunteers and learning about other cultures opened my eyes to the bigger world around me. I will definitely do this again!

It was only two weeks (definitely could have stayed longer); after finishing SSI coursework and closed water dives for skills, I was able to complete eight open water dives and do the job of removing garbage from the ocean. The instructors were clear, encouraging, and kind making learning a breeze.

For two weeks in May 2024 i volunteered on the youth support programme in gorgeous Barcelona! Elian and Clara (my local coordinators) were great- super responsive to any questions before and during my stay, always going the extra mile to check in on us whenever needed. I enjoyed my time at the school and this felt very rewarding. The staff at the school were good, however at times i felt my days were unclear or I needed clearer communication from the team at the school. I also feel i should have been told before hand that some of my time there fell on school holidays- i now feel as though i have paid for 9 days volunteering and only received half.

I loved my experience at Escola Pere Villa! I had a great time interacting with the kids at lunch time and then at recess! They all made my day everyday and are all so cute! The staff were generally nice and helped me learn the ropes of the school and how lunch time works… Overall I had a wonderful time learning Spanish, working with the kids, and being immersed in a new culture!

This stay in Barcelona was amazing. To be able to discover a city and to work at the same time is a great thing for me. I worked in a cat shelter for 2 months and I felt so welcomed. Every morning, I was excited to go to work. Moreover, the staff is always there for you. I never felt alone. I can't wait to go on another trip with Impactrip.

I can honestly not think of anything bad about this program! I am so glad I chose to volunteer here and I am grateful to everyone at Impact Travel for making the experience as brilliant as it was and being so helpful, supportive and friendly. The work was so rewarding and I met so many wonderful animals and people while there. I will never forget it and would highly recommend!

I'd highly recommend this program if you're looking for a responsible way to travel and be in a new culture. My roommates and I had a blast despite our different backgrounds and the local team was so supportive and helpful. I came away feeling I had been blessed more than I was able to give in return.

I had the best time doing the special needs assignment in split. The ladies in charge of impact trip are the best super helpful super informative I felt safe always. The assignment was lovely as well, kind of sad they did not have as many kids as I’d like but that is due to the summer time a lot of kids go on vacation so understandable. I would love to do the program again it taught me so much and being in Croatia was a dream come true !

I spent five weeks at the food rescue program in Barcelona, Spain. Words could not describe the amount of respect and admiration I have for the coordinators, fellow volunteers and the local volunteers is astronomical . Each day was filled with so much purpose and excitement. I spent my time in an air conditioned, food safe facility that provided roughly 4,000 meals/week to various people. The relationships I built with the people inside the kitchen are lifelong friendships I will always cherish. The coordinators in Barcelona were incredibly friendly, professional, and supportive. I can only recommend this program, but more importantly Barcelona. The metro is incredibly easy to use, it’s a clean and fairly safe country to be alone in. This entire trip was a dream.

Overall a very disappointing experience. I did one week of youth support in Lisbon. My main issue is with the cost and ImpacTrip’s refund policy. The program is already quite costly but I thought it would be worth it due to a week of free accommodation and food plus the opportunity to volunteer which I had never done before. The cost includes an airport pickup if you arrive on the Sunday prior to your week starting. I was initially meant to arrive on Sunday but had last minute itinerary changes due to severe weather that meant I had to change my flight to a different date. My issue was not that I could not get the airport pick up. My issue was that they refused to refund me for a service I never ended up using due to circumstances out of my control. I have emailed and texted ImpacTrip several times asking for a refund or at least an explanation as to where my money is going to go. They responded once saying it is not a part of their policy and could not provide an explanation as to where my money is now going. This is about £45 and as a young backpacker this is a lot of money to me. I think it is unethical and unfair that a volunteering organisation to whom I have given my money and time is happy to keep money for a service I never used. I find it incredibly rude that they can’t even give me an explanation as to where this money has now gone nor an apology. Secondly, not an issue as such but more advice. It is advertised that volunteers have to speak English. At the after school care, neither staff or kids spoke much English. Language classes are offered during your week of volunteering. However, I had already spent £550 for this week and this was out of my price range. Also, as I thought English was the required language I did not think this would be necessary. It is also advertised that you can offer to teach English in an informal way to the kids. However, the afternoons are already organised by the teachers weeks prior. I understand the necessity for this having worked in after school care myself at home. However, it just really limited my opportunity to interact with the kids. In addition to the language barrier I really felt like an outsider. I am not blaming anyone for the language barrier or trying to suggest the school should know English. I know we are volunteering in disadvantaged areas which makes this really hard. I just wish someone had told me before that this program would be better suited to people who know Portuguese or are trying to learn Portuguese. In fact, interacting with young kids would be a great way if you are a beginner Portuguese learner ? Another frustrating experience was transporting to volunteering. I know the website states you should be expected to travel to your volunteering venue. However, I thought this would be within walking distance or a short bus/train ride. I had to take 1.5hrs worth of public transport each way and also pay for this myself. This ended up being 50€ for the week. Again, while I understand this is advertised, it was more expensive than I thought. Also, while Lisbon is safe city, it is always worries me to have to travel so far on my own as a solo female traveller at night. Some volunteers were younger than 18 and raised this with ImpacTrip who simply stated that they should have known they had to travel to and from volunteering on their own. I think that’s quite a harsh explanation to someone who’s literally a child on their own in a foreign city. Finally, the staff at the hostel were rude and unaccommodating. I did not feel welcome and was made to feel like everything was such a chore for them to do. This is with the exemption of the cleaners who do a very thorough job. The hostel is really clean which is always nice. The linen is clean and there are fresh towels for volunteers which is a bonus. In terms of food, it is advertised in the program that the food is prepared on site which it isn’t. It’s prepared in another kitchen and brought to the hostel you stay at. This doesn’t apply to me, but there were several people with severe food allergies such as coeliac disease who were often not accommodated. The hostel staff would tell them their food was prepared with the other food and that it was still fine to eat. Some days there were no GF or allergy-friendly options available and they were told to find their own meals for the day even though food is part of the cost. As said, it is a shame that this was overall a disappointing experience. I think there is a lot of potential for this to be a lot better and the positive volunteering experience people are looking for.

I had a great time before, during & after the program. I enjoyed every moment of everyday spent in Barcelona & immersed in the daily & routine activities of Sinia Centre from 8.45 first taxi drop off to 2pm assisting with meal preparation & feeding regime. Group activities consisted of short walks either to the sports centre, the rooftop garden & to a gallery, using technology to communicate to family, writing stories, drawing & painting, sending emails, researching foods for the monthly menu, learning about people at the centre & much, much more. I went on a staff excursion one Saturday to Sant Curgat to collect leaves, & branch sticks to decorate the main room of the centre like a forest, scattered leaves, birds sounds in background, a fireplace with the sticks & coloured paper to look like fire & a tent in the far corner. What a great idea & experience for the service users. Volunteers, staff, coordinators, Sinia Centre, Pere Tarres staff, everyone during my time away were ALL awesome people! Thank you & Much appreciated.

Omiš is the loveliest town in such a beautiful place. The hostel is nice and has a beautiful view. I had never dived before so I was quite nervous but the team made me feel comfortable and I never felt scared underwater. By the third day I got a chance to pick up the rubbish from the sea bed and I gained level 1 scuba diver. I had the best time on my first trip by myself and I wished I could’ve stayed for longer!

I've stayed in Omis (Split) for two months, and has been definetely one of the best choices I've ever made in my entire life. At the beggining you may feel a bit lost with the program organization, and quite disconnected from everyone. Or at least that's how I felt. But I would have never knew I'd meet my second family and home there. Maybe in the websites they don't explain quite well the things you're getting into. But fortunately you'll catch up with the program which consists basically in cleaning the ocean while diving, and recycling that garbage. If you agree on it, you can get your diving certification. But in my case was different, I got my diving certification, plus multiple specializations and an advanced title. The whole crew was filled with amazing people with such intelligence and experience that was admirable, and have so much passion for what they do. Before this program I had never done anything like this in my life (diving as the program consists), and now I'm proud to say I've become an expert of it. Even I want to practice it as a profession. And all thanks to the crew. But not only the crew in Omis. But also the coordinators in Split and the hostel manager, can make you feel safe with all of their organization and introduction to the whole country. They are your firsts guides into this program, and quickly you can rely on them for anything you need. With both teams, I felt so bonded and comfortable with each, and had a great time together. Although I'm not with them anymore, these people are the reason I need to come back! Croatia is an amazing country as well, it is rich in culture, and very safe for locals and turists. So after two weeks there, you can call Omis your home! Even if it's a tiny place, it is very cozy, and the people very friendly. I strongly agree that this program is a great option if you're starting in the volunteering world. If you want to meet amazing people, adquire new skills, help the environment, and have a great time. This is for you.

This was an all around excellent experience. Mornings spent volunteering and afternoons spent exploring. The local coordinators were awesome and so helpful and friendly! The volunteer placement was friendly and flexible with hours. What an amazing experience!

My volunteer experience was amazing and one that I will never forget. I made new friends and enjoyed spending time with them. I liked volunteering at the cat shelter in the morning because of the heat, and then I had afternoons free. It was super hot so it worked out well. Everyone was super welcoming and Eli and Clara made sure everything was ok! The hostel was okay. The food wasn’t great. There weren’t many breakfast items to choose from and I was still hungry after the dinner portions. The room was clean for the most part, except the bathroom/shower started to smell because it hadn’t been cleaned in a week. The location is alright. It’s near the bus stop and a shopping mall which is fantastic and very convenient, but the closest metro station is a 10 minute walk, and it’s still far from the center of Barcelona/beach/and volunteering assignment. However, I had a great time and really recommend doing a program through impact trip. It’s good to push yourself out of your comfort zone and explore new cultures!

I call this three perfectly spent weeks! Thanks to Impact rip, I had a lot of fun while doing something helpful. The staff was amazing and I could ask as many questions as I wanted. I really recommend this program to everyone and would love to do it again sometime!

I am a 17n years old girl and I did the marine conservation program in omis. The program is just amazing. The local team is adorable and really friendly ( big up to julian triana gabi tino and nathalia). You gonna spend your days on the boat and dive 1/2 by day to collect trash from the bottom of ocean. The diving monitor are lovely; they take care of you and are really careful about security! Other wise the food is good and the accommodation and pretty nice. The best part is meeting new people with different cultures and backgrounds which is really impacting. One last word thank you

This project was so inspiring and incredible! In a short time the children and all the staff made you feel more at home than you could ever believe. I certainly learnt Spanish (Catalan) after a while but what is indelible in my heart are the smiles and all the little gestures that don't need too much explanation. I will always be grateful for this wonderful experience!!!

It was an incredible experience in a beautiful place where I was able to meet many people and could collect a lot of waste at the bottom of the sea. The atmosphere in the boat with the diving instructor and the assistant was just incredible. It's just too bad that there was no coordinator all the time with us at the place.

I decided to travel instead of going to uni straight away, I thought volunteering would be a good way to travel and also give back to communities. I loved every minute of this program. The dogs are gorgeous too?

I’m so glad I chose to volunteer abroad. This experience truly made me reflect on the importance of giving back to the community you tour. The passion of the individuals at the animal shelter is so apparent and I was very fortunate to have observed the care they give, and help them in their day to day experiences of animal care. It has encouraged me to consider how I can continue to give back to local animal shelters and through travel.

What an incredible 2 weeks in Barcelona living like a local and getting to dive 5 days a week. The best parts of this trip were the people I got to meet from my program to other volunteers and more. Having previous experience scuba diving (PADI AOW 34 dives) allowed me to fine tune my skills. Regardless of the impact I had there locally being able to document my work and share with friends and family I feel made the greatest impact. Wish I could’ve been there longer.

I had a fabulous time on the marine conservation project in Split. Although the coordination was often quite disorganised, the programme was great fun and I successfully learnt how to scuba dive. Additionally, on the last day I was able to do some marine conservation, including sorting the litter and collecting litter during a final dive. Overall, this was an unforgettable experience and I have made many international friends, whom I plan on keeping in touch with.

I really enjoyed my time at the special needs center. The orientation provided by the local team was informative and the staff were very supportive. Suggestions for improvement: I knew the living arrangements would be co-Ed dorm style, however, I did not love that the hostel had non-volunteers staying there. I would have preferred female only or volunteer only accommodations. The other suggestion is that summer volunteers should be made aware that children would not be present at the facility. I still enjoyed my time, but it was a little different than what I expected. The meals were fantastic and the restaurant and staff were so friendly. Triana and Clara were very responsive and professional. They stepped into the new role without hesitation and did an amazing job. The staff and people at the center were so warm and welcoming. It was amazing to be part of the community and be immersed in the culture. I would love to visit again and have already recommended this program to others!

This experience was by far the most memorable and amazing that I’ve ever had before. People in Barcelona got my heart forever. The school where I did my program was so full of life. I truly enjoyed getting to know the students and they have a spot in my heart forever.

Volunteering with the special needs support group was an absolutely amazing experience. Every day I woke up excited to go and volunteer. Everyone there is so welcoming and treats you like family. It means a lot to know you are helping people and putting smiles on their faces.

At first I was nervous to be in a new country with new people. The first week was stressful but I grew a lot as a person. As I met more people, I had a really great time. We were always going out for drinks, getting lunch/dinner, seeing different sights, etc. My instructors in marine conservation were some of the nicest and most helpful people I’ve ever met. They were very patient whenever I would mess something up and they would show me the correct way to handle it. They always made sure your safety was a priority. I went into this program thinking I’d never be able to understand all the gear and how to use it, but within just 2 days I was able to set up my gear on my own!

From the moment I arrived at Barcelona, it was evident that the organization had meticulously planned and coordinated every aspect of our volunteering trip. The warm welcome and orientation provided a comprehensive understanding of the local culture, community needs, and the projects we would be involved in. This level of preparation gave me confidence and reassurance, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure. Clara was very helpful and took care of every need immediately. She was available to answer questions anytime and made sure all the volunteers are well taken care of. This volunteering trip was an incredible and transformative experience. It allowed me to connect with remarkable individuals, and witness the profound impact of collective action. I wholeheartedly recommend embarking on a volunteering trip to anyone seeking personal growth, cultural immersion, and the opportunity to create positive change. It is a journey that will forever inspire and empower you. Cheers!

I had the most amazing time in Barcelona. I genuinely will never ever forget this experience! My placement was at a school in a great location 1 minute from Las Ramblas and I mostly helped out during lunch service and played with the children during recess. I would absolutely recommend having a strong/almost fluent knowledge of Spanish and even Catalan to make the most of this program. I learned so much, and I feel like I got to make a difference and see another side to Barcelona, which you wouldn’t normally get to do on your typical vacation. I also met some amazing people here who I can see myself being friends with for the rest of my life. The social life here is really excellent and you don’t need to worry about what you’ll do during your free time! And of course I have to mention Clara, the program coordinator, she was just incredible throughout my entire trip, she made me feel so welcome as soon as I arrived and was always there to help or answer any questions. Overall, If you’re looking for an experience you will never forget, this is it!

I stayed 12 weeks in Barcelona, it was overall a very enriching experience, I met a lot of new people from different parts of the world and different walks of life both on the programme and in the hostel, I never dived before arriving, and left with several qualifications, I met a lot of people on the programme, the people at Saita Diving, Axel and Isaac were brilliant, the marine Jan the marine biologist is very knowledgeeable and very nice A number of volunteers came and went in my time here and my advice is ultimately if you laready have an open water diving qualification stay for at least 4 weeks as that is the minimum to complete a second star training The hostel was very basic, three meals a day, a bed in a shared room with a single drawer, the bed was comfortable enough and the drawer was very secure, I did find it difficult to fit my suitcase in it but other than that I can't complain. The staff were also generally friendly to me and very helpful with a good knowledge of where the best places were to see things in the city The Coordinator Clara was also very knowledgeable and friendly and helpful with anything that arose Overall I found it to be an enjoyeable experience where I learnt a lot about living on my own and living abroad in a country with a different language and culture

I really recommend this experience especially with impactrip. Joana and Clara were amazing. The pre-departure, and the on-site organization was excellent. They were always available for any of our needs. Speaking about the placement it was a mix of fun and excitement, 4h per day. Children always give you pure emotions, i like It. The rest of a day I discovered the beauties of Barcelona with the fantastic group I found. Again, great experience! Try it ;)

How did it all begin… “I’m so busy… should I sign up for another project… without even being paid for it…” – this was going on in my mind when I was deciding to go or not to go… well I decide to go. And it was the BEST EXPERIENCE ever! July 11, 2022, I arrived in Rome for my two weeks of volunteering in the Creative Technology Program with Impactrip. I was a bit anxious. The last day before my departure I asked myself – Why, please, remind me again? Instead of enjoying your summer vacation (I’m a secondary school teacher and I have two-month summer vacation) you decided to go to a new place, in a hot Italian city, where you don’t know anybody, to do who knows what with who knows who… This is so out of your comfort zone… Why are you doing it? I was anxious about the camping place I’ll be at, the roommate, the job location, even the language. Arriving… Arriving at the airport I was greeted by a big smile. This was Mortez - a volunteer himself, who was at the airport specially for me. He walked me to the parking, and there another volunteer – Juliana – drove me to the campsite. It’s like I’m a VIP. ☺ The camp was a luxurious one, with a pool and restaurant. It was clean and spacious with a shower, toilet and AC in each room and only two people per room. Next day came the orientation. Nice icebreaking games, a lot of new information, lunch and walk around the city. It is a bit hot, but hey – this is Rome in July! I still didn’t know who I’ll be working for and what I’ll be doing. Third day was the “dive in” one – I met with my “boss” - the “engine” of the organization Dario Dongo. He is one of the moving forces behind the social movement in Rome and Italy in general for variety of projects with a high social impact and definitely one of the most inspiring people I ever met in my life. From this meeting I learned about the situation of the people with disabilities and specifically of those with motor disabilities in Rome. Over the next few days I’ll be meeting with different people in their homes and making videos about their personal stories. Living with disability – what are the architectural barriers they need to overcome in their daily life. I’ll be also working on another mini documentary for the accessibility of the Rome’s metro…. And so it began… The result… The result of my work, as well as the links to some of the videos you can see in the egalite website. There is a mini documentary, that we produced with some of the other volunteers and you can find it in youtube. Besides making the videos… I was going to peoples’ homes and I was listening to their stories. Talking to me, they were going back in time and they were reliving their accidents or reflecting on their lives… I got to know people that went through incredible hardship and adversity. Some had the family at their side, some didn’t; some had multiple years-long debilitating diseases, some had one life changing accident. And instead of whining, instead of blaming destiny, instead of being defensive and bitter, they found the strength and the resilience to keep going and to build a new productive life for themselves. They connected with others and stood up for themselves, they work for the common good and keep giving to the society and inspire the people around them. What does it mean for me… I felt connected with that network of amazing role models and I felt I can help a bit to have impact on the community they live in. I realized how fortunate I am and it made me grateful for what I have. I felt appreciated for what I did. My knowledge in video editing and my experience in filmmaking were applied for a society needed project. I felt respected and valued for my volunteer work. I made new friends among the other volunteers too. We were visiting historic places and tourist attractions, we were attending concerts and singing in karaoke bars. We travelled to Naples, swimming in the pool, and having fun together. The volunteer coordinator - Paule Yao was one of the most fun loving and supporting people. She is a perpetual mobile communicator – interconnecting business with volunteers, helping on each site, accompanying young lost souls, boosting the energy when the heat melts volunteer motivation, transmitting of ideas, joining people and ideas, and leading and inspiring all of us – the visitors of the old city. She was texting/informing/calling/meeting until midnight and from 6 a.m. I’ve know what does it mean to be busy, with three jobs, two kids and volunteer work, but Paule raises the bar for sure ☺. In brief – I’m looking forward having more fulfilling activities and adventures with all those amazing, like-minded people that I met during these two week. In conclusion… We, as human beings are all hard wired to be connected to each other and being helpful, being appreciated, delivered to me immense pleasure. I was happy to have this experience. I feel grateful for all that have and blessed to live the live. ☺ P.P. If you want to see more of my stay in Italy – visit my blog.

To work in the animal care programm in Barcelona was one of the greatest Times i ever had. The work with the locals there and trying to communicate with them is a really nice experience. It would be a bit easier if atleast someone could speak English, but with phones this is half of on problem. The impact you have while working there isn't exactly really big. The shift Times were 2-3hrs. A day which is a little less than I thought. But it was really fun to work there and the people are very nice and friendly even if you're struggling to communicate. The coordinators Joana and Clara, are really trying their Bests to give us the Best possible experience there. They are always in contact with us throughout the whole Trip, and try to handle every Problem that might appears. Also they are always in reach and you can really feel that they care for what they and we are doing here. About the living Situation, there Has been many problems. From trash in the bathroom to insects in the room, to dripping air conditionors. Atleast half of the volunteers that lived in alberg pere Tarrés became a cough and a Bad throat at about 1 week living there, because the ac and the room were so dusty. The Service doesnt seem to know what they are talking about and they Overall didnt seem to care about Our complaints, even if Joana or Clara tried to talk to them. They always said they will fix stuff, but then nothing happend and you had to ask several Times before something actual happend. The food there is okay.

The trip was fantastic. I loved volunteering in two wonderful youth centres. The site seeing is phenominal and the friendships made with other volunteers will last a lifetime! Clara & Joana help us learn about the culture, have tips for places to visit and socialise. They were so supportive and approachable. The social life and night life in Barcelona is fantastic! To anyone wishing to be immersed in a new culture, make amazing new friends, and engage in social action overseas; I 100% recommend this programme.

I was part of the marine conservation project in Barcelona for 5 weeks. While I felt that the volunteer project itself at times wasn’t as impactful as I was hoping (workload was variable & changed often), I made lifelong friends and learned so much. I gained independence through becoming proficient in Google maps & using public transportation, earning more advanced diving certifications and increasing my comfort underwater, and learning to adapt to different group environments, languages, and weather/living conditions. I had great program leaders, made lifelong friends, and completely fell in love with Barcelona. I can’t wait to (hopefully) move there someday and reconnect with people I met.

I had the most amazing 2 weeks on this programme. From Clara and Joanna being so kind and welcoming, to the volunteering being incredible and the staff being so fun! I met the most amazing people from all parts of the world. I would do it all again in a heartbeat, and would recommend it to anyone! I will be back!

One of the best experiences of my life. It would be worth while just for the people i met on the way. I really cherish this trip in my heart and the volunteering itself was really interesting. Since i go to Barcelona regularly i definitely will be dropping by the dive club just to hang with the amazing people there.

Volunteering abroad in Barcelona was such an awesome experience! I truly loved meeting everyone from all the volunteers to the locals at my placement. The program was overall very well organized. The local team was excellent with making everyone feel safe, happy, and providing us additional group opportunities/activities. I would stayed longer than a week if I could’ve. Barcelona itself is so beautiful and I can’t wait to visit again in the future!

Definitely one of the best 4 weeks of my life! Not only was the program itself amazing but the ImpacTrip co-ordinators Joana and Clara were excellent and offered support whenever needed! The diving itself was unbelievable and the instructors were both patient and helpful- (I had no previous diving experience and did not struggle at all to complete my qualifications. I would definitely recommend to anyone who is considering and would 100% come again!!

I went to Barcelona for two weeks this summer. I was picked up from the airport by the local team and introduced to the program, the city, and the local team the next day. We had a PowerPoint presentation with the new volunteers and then a tour of the city from a local. The local team (Joana and Clara) was amazing. They helped us get a lay of the land and were very helpful with things I should expect and how to explore the country. I, unfortunately, lost my phone and Clara went to the local police station to file a report with me and be my translator. I cannot thank them enough. The school I volunteered at was in the heart of the city and I have never had a better experience in my life. The kids were wonderful and the immersion into the culture was something I would not have gotten as any other tourist. All around a great experience and a beautiful city that I hope to soon return to!

I had a wonderful time with this program, the two coordinators Clara and Joana were amazing and really made the trip! The minute I touched down in Barcelona Clara was there to pick me up and show me around and I knew I was in good hands. The program itself was very rewarding and special being able to help clean up the ocean! The instructors at Saita Diving club were extremely welcoming and fun to hangout with. My only regret is that I didn’t stay in the program longer

I had such an amazing time volunteering with Impactrip! I was there only for a time way too short, but I got to know so many people, all the Project Coordinators, the Impact mums and of course all the other volunteers, and at the project site the dive instructors, who were so lovely and it felt like I'd known them for a lot longer than just a week. Beeing able to go diving, to collect trash underwater and still have a lot of time to explore beautiful Lisbon and its surroundings has just been a perfect mix. I came home with so many new memories, new friends and renewed love for the ocean and the environment!

I spent three weeks (was supposed to be two weeks) at the ImpactHouse; at first I did not know what to expect, as I was in a house with around 30 other volunteers from all over the world, but I quickly realized this would be one of my best trips yet. The amazing staff at ImpactHouse, from the cooks to the front desk staff, were welcoming, kind, and all around great people to be surrounded by. It was amazing to see people from all different backgrounds get along so well in the hostel sharing countless meals and stories of each others adventures. This was my first time staying in a hostel, so I do not have anything to really compare it to, but ImpactHouse set the standards very high. I felt like it was more of a community rather than solely an accommodation. The cooking staff were very welcoming and considerate; they took extra time to make sure you had a meal in case you were out in-town or at a volunteer project and the traditional Portuguese cuisine was fantastic! ranging from fresh fish, salads, meats, potatoes, and many other wholesome ingredients. The front desk staff were very accommodating and fun; they would often hangout with the group outside of working hours and always had the best recommendations in terms of restaurants, beaches, and other adventures. They made the hostel truly unified and welcoming to people from all facets of life. I want to thank each and every person at the ImpactHouse for an unforgettable experience, as I will remember this trip for the rest of my life. -Spencer

The experience was amazing, I couldn't ask for more. I started to look at life from a different prospective: there are people less fortunate than me and I am lad I could be a part of this process to help them even if it was not that big. After this, I want to take part in more of these projects.

This was potentially the maddest experience I have had so far! Volunteering abroad is truly the best way to explore and enrich yourself in a new culture - the cliché is true. In this case, not only are you deep into the city living amongst true Portuguese people, but you are constantly in contact with them, eating their food and functioning as a local. This experience allows for a more immersive volunteering process, in which you are not only helping locals but become to operate as one. Equally, through this you are constantly supported by the diverse team in Impact House - from your impact mum to the staff, help is never far away! Living in the hostel gives you constant opportunity to communicate, socialise and meet a new variety of equally positively minded individuals. The opportunities are endless. The placements are varied, interesting and there is ample opportunity to positively impact the communities there. Youth Support was an amazing opportunity, showing how young Portuguese children speak English better than a native! All jokes aside, the experience was invaluable helping and seeing grass roots community programs with seriously positive benefits. Bairro Alto and Pink Street are pretty fun too. Thanks for a wavy time, Noah

Loved the people on my program and the staff. The other volunteers made the program successful and I enjoyed getting to know people from across the world. The staff support was friendly and fun to be around.

I loved getting to know the staff at ImpactTrip as well as the other volunteers. The hostel and food was very nice. It was great to get to know the Portuguese through volunteering and my project was amazing. I learned so much about it’s operation and hope to spread it.

My experience with ImpacTrip in Portugal was everything I could have hoped for and more. The people, living arrangement, food, activities and volunteer placement were amazing. I would recommend this program to anyone who is looking to volunteer and travel abroad and truly have the opportunity to be immersed in the culture.

Even though I unfortunately only got to take part in this program for one week, I loved everything about this trip and wish I could stay for months. The accommodation is beautiful, the food is fresh, and the company is as nice as you could imagine. I’m so glad I got to have this rewarding experience (the volunteering and travel aspects) and hope to return some day.

This was my first time traveling completely by myself, and I was nervous beyond belief. I had no idea what to expect going into it. From the moment I was picked up at the airport though, I felt completely comfortable and that is due in large part to the amazing staff at Impact House. I never once felt like I didn't belong there, they make you feel like family. They are so helpful, and they genuinely want to make sure you have the best experience you possibly can during your time there. The hostel itself is very bright and clean, and it is definitely one of the nicest hostels I've ever stayed at. I know it sounds like I'm hyping this place and the people up, but trust me, everything is as good as I'm saying it is! I specifically worked on the food waste program and it was great! The volunteers from Lisbon that I worked with were incredible and I genuinely looked forward to going to placement every day. I would highly recommend choosing this program because it deals with such a prevalent issue everywhere in the world and goes about it in a way that keeps the focus on the issue of people going hungry while there's food waste instead of the politics of it all. Working with these people everyday for six weeks really made it easy to believe that there were good people still in this world. As cliche as it is to say, this was a life changing trip for me. I learned so much about myself and what I'm capable of, and that wouldn't have been possible if I didn't have such a great environment to do it in. Its such a unique experience getting to volunteer abroad rather than just traveling abroad because you get to have an impact, however small, on the city that you're exploring. I would recommend ImpacTrip a thousands times over for anyone looking into volunteering abroad. So if you're reading this review wondering if you should do it or not, absolutely do it. You will not regret it.

I participated in the Refood program and the experience was amazing. I love the concept that no food goes to waste. Even if the food was not good for human consumption, they still go to the farm animals. I like the concept that we get to see the people that we pack the food for and deliver the food to. The amount of food that we get from donors is endless (that involves lots and lots of bread). Looking at these leftovers, I just appreciate this program because it eliminates and helps reduce world hunger. Helping low-income and homeless people to survive through another day. There are definitely high and lows throughout each day but overall, I will use the gained experience to help me with my future practice as a Registered Dietitian in the U.S. Thank you so much for a once in a life time experience.

It was a pleasure to learn how to dive. Cascais dive is an incredible company that works with impact trip with a diverse staff community. I would recommend people to take the course! The coordinators were friendly and made the stay enjoyable. The food at the hostel in general was outstanding!

This project was one of the best experiences I’ve had. It was amazing working with people who had the same goals of cleaning up our ocean. It was also great learning about the other volunteer programs. The hostel and the team are all the nicest people always willing to give a helping hand. Definitely plan on going back!

This summer I decided to volunteer in Portugal with ImpacTrip and I can confidently say that it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Not only were the living conditions clean and safe, but the Impact House was absolutely beautiful. I am from Canada, but I met people from all over the globe, such as Australia, Switzerland, Hong Kong, etc. Living with the other volunteers gave me the chance to truly get to know them and make long lasting friendships. Diogo and Rita, the creators of ImpacTrip, were very receptive and accommodating. They are passionate about their sustainability mission and it is inspiring to see them achieve that with this organization. I volunteered with the youth support program for three weeks, and it was incredible! The kids were extremely well behaved and sweet. I am so happy I chose to volunteer in Portugal because it is a beautiful country with so much to offer. Although volunteering abroad may seem intimidating, do it! Specifically, do it with a safe, honest company like ImpacTrip.

I volunteered with Impactrip on three different projects during my 4 weeks stay. Starting with accommodation, I loved their efforts regarding sustainability. At the hostel, there are numerous initiatives and cleaver ways where they reduce the footprint of the organisation and to see that as a guest really inspired me. Food was excellent and the chefs really cared. All three projects were genuine and with a local organisation in Lisbon. I think Impactrip really serves its purpose as a bridge, connecting travelers to meaningful projects. What I always recommend to travelers reading positive reviews though, is to still manage your expectations. Volunteer projects all around the world are different and flexibility is key to enjoy any experience similar to this. My time in Lisbon was fantastic and I definitely recommend the projects!

I had a truly amazing experience with IVHQ and I can't wait for the opportunity to volunteer with them again. As part of my gap year I knew I wanted to explore the world while also assisting a community in need. Ultimately, I decided that Lisbon, Portugal was where I wanted to do this. From the moment I arrived, and throughout my five week stay, the IVHQ team in Portugal made me feel right at home. The accommodations and food were beyond my expectations and everyone was very friendly/ helpful. As far as my volunteer placement went, it was a very educational experience. It was fascinating to work amongst people of various backgrounds and cultures, all of whom shared a common goal. At my project, food rescue, I was able to see who I was helping which definitely made my efforts more worthwhile. Additionally, my placement only lasted a few hours each day which allowed all of the volunteers an excellent chance to explore Lisbon and its surrounding cities. This was a great way to bond with them and I will cherish the memories and friendships made throughout my time there. I highly recommend this program to anyone who is considering traveling with IVHQ. Thank you again for an unforgettable trip!

This was an amazing experience! Re-Food is helping feed the poor with the help Of local stores and restaurants, it truly is an amazing program with an amazing team to help support you! The Food, Culture and ambiance of the city is truly amazing. The people are kind and thof cost is inexpensive compared to the rest of Europe. I never felt unsafe anywhere I went and well walking around Lisbon you are bound to lose weight because of the hills!

I stayed in this program for about a week. I was able to help a local food redistribution center during my time which did feel like I was doing some good for the locals in Lisbon. Part of that meant helping package up and storing/distributing food as well as going to collect food from the different restaurants involved with the program. Apart from the volunteering aspect, there were some local excursions offered and also plenty of free time to go explore the city. I would recommend this program to anyone who wants to help people and who wants to learn about a great city.

I stayed with ImpactTrip/IVHQ for three weeks to work in the Construction and Renovation group and can say that every day I was working there felt like I was actually making an impact that would last for a long time. Besides that everyone I met (both in the accomodations and in the placement) were amazing and down to earth people that have the same intention to help and get to know the people of Portugal. I wholeheartedly recommend this volunteering group.

This program was one of the most enriching experiences Ive ever had. This was my first time volunteering and definitely not the last one! Being part of such a great project helped me fulfill everything I was expecting. Exciting on a personal level too, I met people Im still in touch with. Meeting people from all over the world serving the same cause was one of the greatest opportunities Ive ever had!

My experience with the Youth Support program offered by ImpacTrip in Lisbon was fantastic. The students were so wonderful to work with, and the ImpacTrip leaders ensured that I was comfortable and happy with my placement. There is no shortage of places to visit and things to do in Lisbon, and ImpacTrip goes out of their way to offer day trips and other activities for volunteers during their free time. I would absolutely do this again!

My volunteer experience in Portugal, delivered and facilitated by local social startup ImpacTrip, was incredbily positive - and indeed left a real impact on me too. The projects were meaningful and real, meaning they were truly geared towards addressing social problems present in the areas, and thus made us feel we were making a real contribution towards something. In particular, my involvement with Re-food initiative addressing Food waste in the city, left me very inspired and uplifted! The program had a good balance between meaningful volunteer experience, and a natural good fun along the way. After the programs, you can go and explore the city that has so much to offer, or conisder additional activites (like surfing or scuba-diving) that bring further benefit to local SMEs business and people! I would wholeheartedly recommend this program, and know you wont be disappointed if you decide to come! Boa sorte :) Radek

3 weeks of meaningful work, new friendships, new culture, and lasting memories. I knew I wanted my first solo traveling experience to be different and ImapcTrip whom I was introduced to through IVHQ was the perfect fit for this. To me, being able to travel while creating an impact is like having the best of both worlds. My volunteer program, “Re-Food,” in Lisbon was created to help eliminate food waste and hunger. Instead of throwing a perfectly edible food from restaurants and cafes to waste, Re-Food staff who are passionate local volunteers would collect the food, package it, and redistribute it to the needy in the community. Having the chance to be part of this initiative was absolutely rewarding. Getting lost in the beautiful city of Lisbon was yet another satisfying experience. From the creativity and art in every corner to the simplicity of the locals, everything about this small country was special. This life experience would not have been the same, however, without the amazing coordinators and the other volunteers I met along the way who made my journey worthwhile. Muito Obrigada! Rand

I have met Lisbon, beautiful city like sümeyra, curved leaf, which stays there by the ocean on its very own way, humble and elegant, between 2-16 July. She fell into my dreams because of my favourite writer Saramago and also because of a festival film that had a story about things happening to the dead body of a Salazar supporter in a village. The film had a nice black humour and magnificient but simple views of the country. So following the words of dear Saramago and the scenes of a beautiful movie, I was there. I wished for not being a tourist that's why I chose to be there as a volunteer and Impactrip was the address to realise my dream. It was my luck to come across Impactrip on the net. Because Rita takes you from the airport to the Tower of Babel, but ta ta ta taam :) here although nearly everyone is from a different land, they are all eager to share beauties. You stay in a place where Natalia is nearly always around cleaning and talking Portugese as if she is sure that one day or the other we shall understand :) Martim was there to help and reply my endless questions about the political events and history of the country, obrigada Martim. Diogo was the key for the urgent help whenever you are in need, obrigada Diogo. And our dearest cook Ines was there to prepare those tasty dishes. Rita is the joyfull leader of this great organisation, you should hear her while she is talking proudly about her country and 1974, that stance gave me ideas and hope for my country too, obrigada linda Rita. I worked as a volunteer within Refood programme, so had a chance to smell most of the food in the city, talk to the local ladies and two youngsters and dear Mikas, our mentor in the place. Community building is now beyond being only a fashionable word being used in project writing for me after this experience. People of a neighbourhood spend organised time to share the food collected from volunteering restaurants and supermarkets with the people in need. This can be the shortest description of the work done in Refood. I am really fascinated by all the stuff done there. While getting to know the soul of the city with the help of the local people, I started to realise how vast was the common things with my country considering political events and how people reacted. It is a loong story but when I found myself in front of the Aljube Museum, Resistance and Freedom Museum, Lisbon conqured my heart deeply once more. I discovered the city, streets full of buildings covered by colourful, different tiles, small vivid squares with musicians, lovely breaks with Pastel de nata and coffee, museums, River Tejo by the city that waves hand from below to the upper hill-like street parts as a surprise. You get lost while following the charming sounds of the city, really, but within the first day you meet Tram 28 the savior, that touches and knits all the city and find your way following the rails. I can write about Lisbon and Sintra, Cascais... pages and pages but as I am trying to write from my phone, I have to keep it short. So that was one of the best journeys I had, and a very good start for volunteering. Hope you get the chance to try. Obrigada obrigada Lisbon, beijinhos :)

Nothing but great things to say about this experience! The coordinators, the placement, my fellow volunteers were all such amazing people. As this was my first international travel experience I was a littler nervous but by the time I had landed in Lisbon and met the coordinators all of my nerves subsided. They were so helpful with finding things to do and were always just a message away if we needed assistance! They were all such fantastic and kind people and made the hostel so bright just with their personalities! The program itself was great, it was so incredible to be able to spend time with the kids and really get to know the culture and customs. I couldn't be happier with my experience and have been recommending this program to anyone who is looking into their first solo travel experience! Although you may have arrived alone you will never actually be alone in Portugal.

I volunteered for a brief, but great week in Lisbon on the Food Rescue Project! The local staff did a wonderful job of addressing all of my needs from housing and food to transportation and safety. My week was a good balance between volunteering at one of the local Food Rescue sites and visiting the local tourist sites, eating great food, and experiencing the city.

I was in Lisbon for 3 months and the whole ImpacTrip team made the experience so amazing! The organisation was so good and the placement allowed us to interact with locals and improve my Portuguese! The team were so so friendly and welcoming, Diogo, Rita, Martim and Sara; they made us feel like family as soon as our plane landed :) I definitely recommend this program to anyone wanting to not only experience a colourful and beautiful city but also work directly with those in the community. Lisbon is so underrated and I hope anyone who goes has as good an experience as I did! Muito obrigada, beijinhos!

I took part in the Youth Support program, which we went to a local school and played with the kids in the afternoons/mornings everyday. Overall, I had an amazing experience, the directors and helpers of the program were extremely nice, caring, attentive and quickly took into account any issues I had during my time there. I felt extremely comfortable texting or communicating with them for any reason at all, which made my trip a lot easier. Lisbon was beautiful and the balance between volunteering and traveling/exploring Portugal was perfect. I would definitely recommend this to high school/college students and people in general wanting to volunteer and travel at the same time!

I did Youth Support with Impact Trip for 3 weeks starting in the beginning of July 2017. I was a little scared in the beginning because I never been to Europe before, and it was also my first time doing a volunteer travel. But this proved to be such a great experience! In regards to the safety of the country, the availability of sights to see, and the way people extend their welcome and kindness, I couldn't have asked for more. I was placed in the Youth Support program after my arrival. I was placed at a hostel-like house that was a 3-story building close to my volunteer work. The "house" was in the heart of Lisbon where many sight-to-see were available in walking distance or by bus/metro. Portugal is rated to be number 5 in the world in terms of safety. I felt safe indeed walking by myself around Lisbon. My volunteer work consisted of taking care of the babies and accompanying the teenage mothers in their excursions and activities. The institution was focused on helping teenage mothers to be more autonomous in both becoming good mothers (having workshops of feeding the baby to making their own video clip for other single mothers on "how to be prepared as single mothers") and also being self-sufficient. They would have classes for learning computer skills or other life skills that could open doors for jobs later. The activities I got to participate in really varied depending on the needs of the institution. I would sometimes be watching the babies. Sometimes, I would join them on excursions (because I went during their "Summer break" they had more field trips in the program). I signed up for Youth Support, but the types of programs that are available vary also. Some volunteers who signed up for Youth Support were placed in institutions, organizing games for younger children while some spent time with older children. The needs varied, and therefore, the required help. It is important to have an open mind regarding the volunteering experience as it is the "needs" that demands the "help". Most of the volunteers that I got to know during my stay were very positive and getting to know them was another great thing. Last, but not least, this program would not have been possible without the caring minds of the administrators of the Impact Trip. They went out of their ways to make sure that you can get to the placement, get settled, etc. And, by "out of their ways", I mean they did much more than they really needed to (in my opinion, based on my other traveling experiences). They are human and they would do their best. So, this is another reason to experience volunteer with these guys because I could really tell that they not only care about the social change in Portugal, but also, your experience in the "making of" or "being part of" it all. If you do decide to go, I would highly, highly encourage you to do so. This was my first experience in Europe (along with other countries I visited during my stay). It indeed was a great introduction to what Europe has to offer and the societal changes happening in Portugal.

The first time you dive in the ocean is un unforgettable, exciting moment. In just one week I learned to dive, I saw underwater caves and I got the Open water course, which normally takes months. Doing it in the beautiful Cascais, with an amazing team of people that make you feel at home since day one, and giving my contribution to the conservation of the marine ecosystem is even more valuable.

I was in Lisbon for 3 weeks volunteering and it was great! The staff at ImpacTrip were so supportive and replied to queries and concerns very quickly. They were so accommodating. The place we stayed was nice sometimes a bit crowded but it was the summertime. Lisbon itself was beautiful and there was lots to do and being a volunteer you felt you could become more immersed with the culture. The project itself was good and challenging. With the language barrier and different ages of children you really had to plan what to do. However, it was a rewarding experience that I would recommend to anyone!

This volunteer trip was one of my favorites. It was a lot of work intensive labor, but definitely well worth it. The work that was being done varied from working in a field to clear overgrown vegetation, cutting up meat and feeding the wolves, and even just watching the wolves to make sure nothing out of the ordinary was happening. I would recommend bringing clothes for both hot and cold weather, as the day and night had varying temperatures. Work gloves that will not get punctured by thorns are a must. Work boots are recommended. On the weekends, you have the opportunity to travel around the country. Lisbon and Porto are great cities to see, but there is enough that I would recommend getting to Portugal a few days early, staying in a hostel, and exploring one of the cities of your choice. I went about three days early and I wish I went even earlier. Overall, it was an amazing program, a lot of work, but well worth it!

My 15 year old son and I signed up for a week to work at the Food Bank in Lisbon. RIta and Diogo were excellent hosts. Friendly, knowledgeable, and spoke perfect English. The two locations both in Cascais and Lisbon were terrific. It was great meeting and socializing with people from different parts of the world. They both went out of their way to make sure we were taken care of and enjoying ourselves. It was terrific to be able to enjoy the city while at the same time doing something for the community. Also, it was a great way for my son to get community credit for school. Thank you Rita and Diogo! Linda and Ian Los Angeles, CA

This was an amazing experience. In terms of the volunteering, ReFood is such a well-oiled volunteer machine, its revolutionary concept and administration will have you wondering why this program hasn't been implemented globally. In terms of the tourism, Impactrip is the best! The Impactrip leaders were so down-to-earth, and very helpful. They are always there to answer any questions, and help you see and experience the best of Portugal. The accommodations are wonderful, right in the heart of Estrela - and the food is always fresh and available. Overall, I would recommend this trip with this organization to anyone and everyone! The people, the food, the culture,

I had an incredible time with ImpactTrip! It was wonderful working with the children at the program and getting to know the other volunteers. Rita and Diogo are very welcoming and created such a lovely and warm atmosphere. If you are thinking about volunteering, just do it! You won’t be disappointed!

I spent 4 weeks volunteering with Impactrip and my time flew by! I was volunteering in the youth support programme where I was allowed to help volunteer with the children throughout the week from the morning till after lunch time leaving my afternoons free to go to the beach or go exploring. The city of Lisbon is very easy to travel around using the trains which do not cost a lot when you purchase the travel card! I stayed in a volunteer house with up to 11 other volunteers and I was able to share a room with other volunteers of the same gender who were luckily around a similar age. Most of the volunteers were between 18-24 years old so it's great for young people to make some friends from all around the world! Compared to other volunteer programmes the Impactrip team are very friendly and helpful with all your needs! I would recommend this organisation as they do their very best to make you feel welcome in their country and will help you in any way they can! I loved my time there and hopefully others will go and see how fulfilling this experience truly is!

Off the plane and into a city filled of wonders. The staff Rita and Diogo were very helpful in greeting me initially when I arrived at the airport and getting me to my accommodation. I spoke absolutely no Portuguese so I was worried if I would have trouble getting around in the country. They made me feel extremely comfortable and answered any questions that I might have had during my stay putting my mind at ease. The project I was working on was food distribution. The staff who were at the ReFood center were very nice and caring individuals passionate about what they did! It was a pleasure to be have been able to work among such friendly locals! We were also able to have enough time to take many wonderful day trips around the city. The program coordinators went above and beyond to show us the loveliest, most interesting parts around town and explain the history behind them. Was the perfect balance of volunteering at the project site, and still getting to be a tourist in the wonderful city of Lisbon. It is a very vibrant city with something to do for everyone. Getting to work with the other volunteers, meet with locals, and immerse in Portuguese culture was truly invaluable. An experience I will not soon forget and would recommend to anyone thinking of trying it.

I have never traveled without my family before this experience so I was quite scared even though I was bursting with excitement. When the IMPACT team met me at the airport all my fear evaporated. They were just so friendly and welcoming! They were there to help every step of the way. All the other volunteers were extremely nice and it was easy to make friends. I had a blast and I wish I could have stayed longer. It is an amazing feeling to be working with a group of people to help others and to try to make a change. Lisbon is a gorgeous city full of culture and history. It is a perfect choice for volunteering abroad. I can't wait for the opportunity to visit again!

I volunteered in Portugal for a week last summer with my sisters working on the food rescue project in Lisbon. This was such an eye opening experience for me and I loved being a part of the amazing project that the local community has committed themselves to. The tasks that you assist with during your volunteer hours include organizing bags of food for families in need, handing out the bags to the families, washing dishes, and sometimes making trips to the grocery store to pick up food that would otherwise be thrown away (Which by the way was an unbelievable amount of food! SO grateful for all of the people who dedicate their time to this!). The organizer coordinators, Rita and Diogo were very accommodating and are so much fun to be around. You two are doing an amazing job and my sisters and I are so thankful for everything that you continually do for the volunteers! Anybody looking into volunteering in Lisbon with ImpacTrip do not forget to check out the day trip/tour adventures that Rita and Diogo offer (Beaches, Wineries, Castles)! Portugal is so beautiful and they provide ways for you to see much more of it than you normally would on your own time. We will definitely be seeing you two back in Portugal! Thank you ImpacTrip for the entire experience.

I spent two weeks with Impactrip and Cascais Dive volunteering in Portugal. To say that I had a wonderful time would be an understatement! Impactrip was extremely organized and thorough. They were not only a wonderful and approachable team of amazing people, but went out of their way to make the stay as cultured and fun as possible. From organizing cultural and sightseeing tours to assisting with travel to throwing a full out BBQ for the volunteers, they certainly made their volunteers their priority. My awareness and marine conservation volunteer work was extremely stimulating and it was an absolute joy to show up at Cascais Dive everyday. The shop team and instructors were not only focused on safety and helping shape me to be the best aware diver possible, but they became my friends; lovely people that I shared many meals, stories and laughs with throughout my time there. I cleaned up a huge amount of marine rubbish, both in the marina and off the ocean floor out in the Atlantic. Having the opportunity to dive with a wide range of divers, ranging from professional marine biologists to folks on holiday from other counties, was a wonderful way to spread Awareness about the volunteer program and the issue with rubbish in our seas. It was rewarding to have these conversations on board the dive boat and then see non-volunteers proudly bringing foreign objects from the water to the boat after their dives. Cascais dive is the perfect shop for the volunteer project; organized, emphasis on skills and safety, top of the line equipment and a group of the finest divers I have met. Overall, this experience was absolutely amazing and I would absolutely return in a heartbeat!! Congrats to Impactrip for organizing such a wonderful program.

I did food rescue project with my boyfriend. We did job in the morning, and explored the city in the afternoon. The job is not hard, but you need to be more patient. People there are really nice, and they gave us a lot advice about travelling Lisbon. Rita and Diogo provided volunteers with some interesting activities, which helped us know more about the city. That is really a good experience!

Great experience, incredible life changing impact working with special needs clients!! The people I met were amazing both in the program and working at the client. Rita and Diogo did a great job organizing it and providing activities!

I had the most amazing time in Portugal. Volunteering at the food rescue project made me realize how little things can make a difference. People were very warm and welcoming, and it was a very fruitful experience. It also allowed me to grow on a personal level. I would do it again and encourage everyone not to miss such an experience.

From the moment I arrived in Lisbon I was warmly greeted by both Diogo and Rita. That first interaction allowed me to know that I was in great hands. I was volunteering in the neighborhood called Estrela which is an amazing part of the city with great food and beautiful jardims (gardens/parks) around every corner. The project I was working on was the food rescue at a food bank very close to the accommodation. The day I began I knew I was in for an amazing experience where I would truly make an impact in the community. Even though the first week was a little difficult to adapt to, it quickly became natural. I would help with various task from, organizing bags of food for people, handing out the food to the people when they arrive, washing dishes and even making deliveries to people who cannot access the bank. It was absolutely amazing to see the gratification and appreciation of the people who received the food. There were definitely some interesting characters. As for the staff they were simply delightful, many of the locals who volunteered there quickly became great friends. I even began to pick up some Portuguese. Ultimately, I highly recommend working with Impactrip to create a unique and meaningful experience not only for yourself but for others as well. Rita and Diogo are amazing people and more so amazing friends! They are highly hospitable and do everything they can to make sure your are enjoying your time in Portugal. Thank you so much to the both of you! See you next time! Ate proxima!!

I've been to Lisbon this summer for the refood program and was excited to be the first Chinese volunteer in Lisbon. Hope in the future more Chinese people will join this program. At the moment you arrive there you will find that you are so welcomed by a lovely girl Rita and a optimistic gentlemen Diogo This is a meaningful program. People like us never experience starvation, and what troubles us everyday is which kind of bags I would buy or which restaurant I would go tonight. However, there are lots of people in this world have no food in their life. Therefore we should stand out and help those people get out of it. The work itself is not busy, I was working the morning shift and it usually finished at 2:00 pm. Therefore you are free for the rest of your day and can travel around and experience different culture. Trust me you will definitely have a memorable experience here.

Current people in their easy going life be like: i need this and still need that , i want to buy these and those,... However they don't see that not very far from them, human beings are trying to survive because they don't have even water do drink, or food to eat and mostly they don't even complain about it. They are just waiting for someone to help them, to give them the right of being alive and being healthy, they are waiting for humanity to save them. So ,as humans we should reply their simple request, and give them what they actually need :food. That's when great people reunited and created the Refood project, located in Lisbon. Their idea is so easy that everyone could do that: they take food from the supermarket which is still good for the consumers from the day before (that without this NGO this food would go to trash) and give it to needy people. It was an honour being part of this project, for giving me an amazing opportunity to help the neediest directly, and meeting at the same time extraordinary people. When you see people saying to you (« obrigado » which means « thank you » in portuguese) or just smiling to you, this is an unbelievable feeling that I will never forget. Hope the next volunteers will enjoy this project as I did, and Bom dia for everyone !!:)

Had a great experience with Impactrip this past March. Loved lending a hand to have an impact on the place I was visiting. Met a lot of locals, and learned some essential skills that I used when I got home. Quite the experience!!!

From the moment I made enquiries about the possibility of volunteer work in Porto, I felt I was supported to pursue my dream. I was contacted by Rita Marques from ImpacTrip and immediately felt comfortable. They organized a program suitable for my needs and constantly kept in touch with me. I arrived in Porto to the smiles of Rita and Diogo Areosa. They took me to my new home for the next 10 days and showed me a short presentation of the work that ImpacTrip do. I was then taken to meet Sarah from Vencer Autismo, where I would be doing some volunteer work. More smiles. Then after a quick supermarket shop for some basic groceries, I was driven back to my flat and left to settle in. The days that followed were exciting, emotional, educational and fun. On my first day, I enjoyed an amazing full day tour around the Douro Valley. Our lovely tour guide told us about all the history around this breathtaking area as we soaked in the magnificent views. The scenery and the friendly welcome at each winery was beautiful. I also enjoyed an Eco friendly Tuk-Tuk ride around old Porto City. The history and architecture explained to me as we stopped off to walk around and have a closer look. In between my tours, I was welcomed each day to take part in some volunteer hours with Vencer Autismo. I may only have worked with the lovely staff and children for a few days, but I left feeling I had made some beautiful new friends to take back home with me to Scotland. I would definitely recommend a wee adventure with the friendly help from ImpacTrip. They will talk through all your options and support you all the way. Thank you to Rita, Diogo, Sara and all the lovely staff and children from Vencer Autismo. I left feeling so much a part of this beautiful community. Muito Obrigada Sandra :-)