Cultural Exchange Through Volunteering in Italy/Colombia
by: Sendas
Based in Colombia and Italy, our mission is to connect people from all around the world through volunteering (organizing free activities for children and the elderly, providing food to people in need). You'll get to know new ways of living, and the experience includes tours around the country. Get to know new people and cultures, contribute to creating a more open-minded world by traveling! Right now, we're active in Colombia (Marinilla, Rionegro, and the surrounding towns) and Italy (Milan). It's a life-changing experience and you'll get to know new ways of living because it includes tours around the country.
Based in Colombia and Italy, our mission is to connect people from all around the world through volunteering (organizing free activities for children and the elderly, providing food to people in need). You'll get to know new ways of living, and the experience includes tours around the country. Get to know new people and cultures, contribute to creating a more open-minded world by traveling! Right now, we're active in Colombia (Marinilla, Rionegro, and the surrounding towns) and Italy (Milan). It's a life-changing experience and you'll get to know new ways of living because it includes tours around the country.
Program Highlights
Get tours around the country where you'll be staying
Make a meaningful change by teaching what you know to children and organise activities for them together with our team
Make a meaningful change by making the elderly feel seen in activities made for them
Form connections and friendships with people from all around the world
Learn a new language (Italian or Spanish)
Quick Details
- Milan, Italy
- Rionegro, Colombia
- 1-2 Weeks
- 2-4 Weeks
- 3-6 Months
- 5-8 Weeks
- 9-12 Weeks
- Alternative Spring Break
- Summer
- Winter
- Childcare & Children
- Community Centers
- Community Development
- Culture
- Education
- English Teaching
- Environment
- Gender Issues
- Human Rights
- Recreation
- Social Work
- Sports
- Teaching
- Tourism
- Women
- Youth
- Youth Development
- All Nationalities
Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Awesome cultural integration!
June 29, 2026by: Diana Borro - LithuaniaI stayed with a family in Marinilla, eating local food and learning the local language. We went to schools in the countryside to teach children English and other subjects, spent time with older people and visited Medellin, Guatape, La Piedra de El Penol and more!
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Milan, Italy
- Rionegro, Colombia
Types and Subjects
- Causes
- Childcare & Children
- Community Centers
- Community Development
- Culture
- Education
- English Teaching
- Environment
- Gender Issues
- Human Rights
- Recreation
- Social Work
- Sports
- Teaching
- Tourism
- Women
- Youth
- Youth Development
Availability
Years Offered: Year Round
- 1-2 Weeks
- 2-4 Weeks
- 3-6 Months
- 5-8 Weeks
- 9-12 Weeks
- Alternative Spring Break
- Summer
- Winter
Age Requirement
14+
Guidelines
All Nationalities
This Program is also open to Couples, Families, Group
Starts At
- 1 week: $245
- 2 weeks: $490
- 1 month: $1,000
Program Cost Includes
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- All Program Activity Costs
- Wifi Costs
- Travel Insurance
- Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Group Meals
- Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
- Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
- In-Country Transportation To & From Project
- Required Equipment
- Guide / Chaperone(optional)
- On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
- Pre-Departure Orientation
- In-Country Orientation
- Training
- Laundry
- Use of Gym(optional)
- Language Lessons(optional)
- Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
Program Cost Excludes
- Visa Fees
- International Airfare
- Domestic Airfare
Refund Policy
Other
Accommodation Options
- Dormitory
- Group living
- Guest House
- Home-stays
- Other
Qualifications & Experience
- Italian
- Spanish
- English
Language Skills Required
- University Freshman (1st Year)
- University Sophomore (2nd Year)
- University Junior (3rd Year)
- University Senior (4th Year)
- University 5th Year or More
- High School Freshman (1st Year)
- High School Sophomore (2nd Year)
- High School Junior (3rd Year)
- High School Senior (4th Year)
- High School 5th Year or More
- No schooling completed
- Some high school, no diploma
- High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
- Some college credit, no degree
- Trade/technical/vocational training
- Associate degree
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Professional degree
- Doctorate degree
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Phone/Video Interview
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I contact you?
You're very welcome to DM us on our Instagram account or reach us out by clicking on the Inquire Here button. We will then have an online call to get to know each other, answer your questions and understand what you're looking for in this experience. You can also visit us in San Siro, Milan (Italy) or Marinilla (Colombia) if you live nearby, or write to us for more details.
What is the program about?
Intercultural exchange. In a time that sometimes promotes division and fear, connection among people around the world is crucial. It's hard to hate a place you've visited and loved, with people with whom you've formed strong connections and friendships. We promote this through volunteering and offering a full immersion in the country you'll choose to visit.
How do we offer a full cultural immersion?
You will have a main home and then stay with different families over the weekends or for some of the week-days. You will go on tours of the country you choose to visit (for example you'll be shown Rome, Florence, Venice etc. if you come to Milan and Medellín, Guatapé, Alejandría, contact with the indigenous communities etc. if you come to Colombia), depending on how long you'll be staying.
Is Colombia like in Narcos?
No. The place where you'll be staying if you choose to come to Colombia has been peaceful for over 20 years.
How will my days look like?
On average, you'll have 6 hours or less of volunteering per day, Monday through Friday, with activities with kids and the elderly, and, in Milan, cleaning the surrounding areas. The rest of the time is free, and you're welcome to spend it with the community there or go around the city. Included in the experience are tours around the country. The loggings in Milan have a gym that you can attend any time. In Colombia it's external, but very cheap.
Related Programs
Browse programs you might like