GoAbroad
VerifiedProvider
4.7 / 5Overall Rating
3Reviews
2007Year established

Program Overview

Volunteers in Colombia with International Volunteer HQ support a range of community and environmental projects in and around Medellín. Volunteers can choose between individual programs focused on teaching English, youth development and childcare, support for people with special needs, environmental conservation, women’s empowerment initiatives, or providing care and companionship to older community members. Activities can include mentoring children, assisting in classrooms, maintaining community gardens, supporting individuals with disabilities, and offering companionship to elderly residents.

Many communities around Medellín face limited access to education, social exclusion, environmental pressures, and inequality. Volunteers help strengthen learning opportunities, promote inclusion, support sustainability, provide social support to older adults, and assist women through empowerment initiatives.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Programs run year-round for one to 24 weeks, with schedules of around four to seven hours per day. Accommodation is provided in hostels or homestays, and the program fee includes airport pick-up, meals, orientation, and 24/7 in-country support.

Ready to dive deeper into this program?

Jump to the full breakdown of dates, costs, eligibility, and more.

See program details

Program Highlights

Includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation (homestay or hostel in Medellín), meals and 24/7 in-country support.
Volunteer up to 6 hours per day in projects such as childcare & youth support, elderly care, environmental conservation, special needs support and women’s empowerment.
Opportunity to contribute to education, community wellbeing, environmental sustainability or social inclusion in Colombia while living in Medellín and experiencing local culture.
Programs start on the first and third Tuesday of each month.
Duration from 1 to 24 weeks.

What's Included

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
All Program Activity Costs
Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Medellin, Colombia

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Families, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Apartment/Flat
  • Dormitory
  • Group living
  • Home-stays

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18+

Duration

  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 7-12 Months
  • 1-2 Years
  • Short Term
  • After College
  • Post High School
  • During College
  • Career Break / Mid-Career

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

4.7
3 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
2
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Program Administration
5.0
Volunteer Placement
4.7
Living Situation
4.7
Community Engagement
4.7
Health & Safety
4.7
Day to Day Life
4.7

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-3 of 3 reviews

Isabela NizzolaBrazil · January 2019

Life changing

I spend 2 weeks in Cartagena and I was able to participate in different programs. Most of them, teaching English to children's. But they also have programs with elder care, cancer victims that need a moment of joy and kindergarten assistance. It was a immersive experience and we could connect with the communities and get to know the people who live there. For me, this was the top 1 reason why I loved this experience. The children's were kind and respectful, eager to learn. So the teaching was natural and easy. I felt home in our volunteer house. We had dinner together every day and spend weekends travelling together as well. I felt welcome by the city and by all the Colombians I met.

Response from provider

Hi Isabela - thank you for giving your time to a great program with IVHQ. We really appreciate your valuable contribution to the important work of the local team in Colombia. Acacia - IVHQ Program Manager.

anonUnited States · July 2018

Colombia

The volunteer trip I took to Bogota, Colombia was unforgettable. The coordinators there were always making sure you felt at home and provided you with anything you may have needed. The programs they had were under Emerging Voices. They have been making a difference with the people they helped everyday. The boys at Mama Yolanda love having company from the volunteers. All the experiences I had were eye opening. I would recommend this program to others.

JoelUnited States · September 2016

Colombia is the perfect place to volunteer!

I had an absolutely amazing experience volunteering in Colombia through IVHQ! The staff was professional, helpful and available to help with anything you needed. The local staff in Colombia was also amazing and made the volunteer and travel experience even better! I would highly recommend a volunteer vacation and would absolutely recommend using IVHQ!

Response from provider

Hi Joel, Thanks so much for your recommendation - we really appreciate it. It is awesome to hear that you had such an amazing experience in Colombia and found the support professional and helpful. We would love to have you join another IVHQ program in the future.

Inquire

Inquire about this program

Have a question? Send us a message and the program team will get back to you.

Step 1 of 4Timing

How long do you want to travel?

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ].

What volunteer programs can I join in Colombia with IVHQ?

IVHQ Colombia offers Childcare & Youth Support, Environmental Conservation, Special Needs Support, Elderly Care, Teaching English & Youth Development and Women’s Empowerment based in Medellín.

* Based in the city of Medellín.
* Six project options available year-round.
* Volunteer durations from 1-24 weeks.

How much does it cost to volunteer in Colombia with IVHQ?

Program fees for IVHQ Colombia start from US$380 for one week and include airport pickup, orientation, accommodation and breakfast.

* Fees start from US$380 for 1 week.
* Accommodation and breakfast included.
* Airport pickup and 24/7 in-country support provided.

What are the start dates and duration options for Colombia programs?

Programs in Colombia start on the first and third Tuesday of each month and volunteers can stay for between 1 and 24 weeks.

* Start dates on the first and third Tuesday.
* Duration options from 1–24 weeks.
* Volunteer hours vary by project.

What are the eligibility requirements to volunteer in Colombia?

Volunteers must be aged 18 or older and meet specific requirements for their chosen project such as Spanish level or background check.

* Minimum age: 18 years.
* Background check required for adult volunteers.
* Some projects require an intermediate Spanish level.

Where are IVHQ placements located and what should I expect?

Placements are in Medellín, a city in a valley of the Andes known for its spring-like climate and mix of urban culture and natural surroundings.

* Based in Medellín, Colombia.
* City surrounded by mountains and lush landscapes.
* Community-focused volunteer work in an urban environment.

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 2025
2025 Finalist - Innovative Volunteer Abroad Program
Notable Mention - GoAbroad Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Providers 2024
Top Rated Provider 2023 - Volunteer Abroad
Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Organization 2022
Zero Carbon
Notable Mention 2021 - Volunteer Abroad
Innovative New Program – Volunteer Abroad 2021 Finalist
Innovative Student Video 2020 Finalist
Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Organizations of 2020
Innovative New Program Volunteer Abroad 2020 Finalist
2019 Notable Mentions
Top Eco-Traveling Enthusiast of 2017 - Sustainable Voluntourism
Certified B Corporation
GoAbroad Top Volunteer Abroad Organization 2018

Related Programs

Browse programs you might like

Colombia Childcare volunteer IVHQ
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] logo

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

5

2 reviews

IVHQ Childcare & Youth Support in Medellín, Colombia

Volunteers on the Childcare and Youth Support program in Medellín work with local organizations supporting children and teens who have experience...

Deers Eating Feed Distributed by Volunteers
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] logo

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

No reviews yet

IVHQ Deer Conservation Program in La Ventanilla, Mexico

Join the Deer Conservation program in La Ventanilla, Mexico with International Volunteer HQ and help protect local wildlife while immersing yours...

Volunteers Standing Together on a Mountain
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] logo

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

No reviews yet

Horse Care and Village Support in San José, Mexico

Join the Horse Care and Village Support program in Manialtepec with International Volunteer HQ and support a rural community focused on eco touri...

Have more questions?

We're here to help!

The GoAbroad team is here to support you as you choose the best program for you, and International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] is also happy to answer any questions you have.

Trusted by millions of travelers worldwide since 1997