In a changing world, socioeconomic issues have developed in Portugal that have led to an increased need for volunteers and international aid.

For example, affordable housing is often an issue for low-income Portuguese families, because the recent global recession has left so many families unemployed or living below the poverty line. Housing conditions have also declined with the economy, so there is a great need for home improvement projects. Improved housing conditions, or completely new homes, not only allow people to live more decently, home projects also help progress communities as a whole.

As Portugal is a nation focused on agriculture, other volunteer initiatives provide the opportunity for individuals to volunteer on farms, where they can learn a great deal about the landscape, subsistence farming, and growing methods use by local Portuguese farmers.

Environmental and marine conservation efforts are in place to help protect the stunning natural landscape both inland, coastal, and offshore in Portugal. Conservation volunteers will have the chance to help impact the growing visibility of conservation issues across the globe and protect the nation’s threatened species.

Growing globalization has also brought about a need for native English speakers to teach English in rural schools, or among highly impoverished populations. As the world becomes increasingly more interconnected, English language fluency is becoming more and more important; English language skills help youth and adults alike increase their employability in local tourism and hospitality sectors and open up many more opportunities.

While some volunteer work in Portugal does not require you to speak Portuguese, many programs will include pre-arranged Portuguese lessons along with volunteer placement services. Community-based volunteer programs in Portugal are most often set up this way, as volunteers will be heavily interacting with local community members.