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IVHQ Volunteer Programs in Colombia

by: International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

4.67 (3)VerifiedSince 2007

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.

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.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Medellin, Colombia
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundDuration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 7-12 Months
  • 1-2 Years
Age Requirement: 18+
Types & Subjects
Adventure Types:
  • Heritage Tourism
  • Homestay
  • Student Tours
Fields:
  • Education
  • Psychology
  • Social Sciences
  • Social Work
  • Sociology
  • Sustainable Development
Causes:
  • Arts
  • Building & Construction Projects
  • Childcare & Children
  • Disaster Relief
  • Eco-Tourism
  • Education
  • English Teaching
  • Grassroots Organization
  • Health Care
  • Hospital
  • Human Rights
  • Nursing
  • Orphans
  • Public Health
  • Recreation
  • Refugee Relief
  • Senior Citizens
  • Social Work
  • Sports
  • Street Children
  • Teaching
  • Women
  • Youth
  • Youth Development
Types:
  • Volunteering
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: May 20, 2026

Awards

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 20252025 Finalist - Innovative Volunteer Abroad ProgramNotable Mention - GoAbroad Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Providers 2024Top Rated Provider 2023 - Volunteer AbroadTop Rated Volunteer Abroad Organization 2022Zero CarbonNotable Mention 2021 - Volunteer Abroad

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4.67

Total Reviews

3

Life changing

January 16, 2019by: Isabela Nizzola - Brazil
5

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.

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] logo
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] responded to this reviewFebruary 04, 2019

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.

Colombia

July 20, 2018by: anon - United States
4

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.

Colombia is the perfect place to volunteer!

September 08, 2016by: Joel - United States
5

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!

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] logo
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] responded to this reviewNovember 16, 2016

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.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Medellin, Colombia

Types and Subjects

  • Adventure Types
  • Heritage Tourism
  • Homestay
  • Student Tours
  • Fields
  • Education
  • Psychology
  • Social Sciences
  • Social Work
  • Sociology
  • Sustainable Development
  • Causes
  • Arts
  • Building & Construction Projects
  • Childcare & Children
  • Disaster Relief
  • Eco-Tourism
  • Education
  • English Teaching
  • Grassroots Organization
  • Health Care
  • Hospital
  • Human Rights
  • Nursing
  • Orphans
  • Public Health
  • Recreation
  • Refugee Relief
  • Senior Citizens
  • Social Work
  • Sports
  • Street Children
  • Teaching
  • Women
  • Youth
  • Youth Development
  • Types
  • Volunteering

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

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

Age Requirement

18+

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Families, Group

Program Cost Includes

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

Accommodation Options

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

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

    Application Procedures

    • Online Application

    Frequently Asked Questions

    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.

    International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

    International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

    4.67Verified

    Ready to Learn More?

    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, su...

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