Education Volunteer Programs in South America

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 155,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back; it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Maximo Nivel is a locally based organization in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Volunteer abroad—get involved, make an impact, and learn to serve by working on local projects: - Working with Kids - Teaching English - Conservation - Construction - Animal Care - Eco-Agriculture - Medical and Healthcare To qualify: - Volunteers must be 18+ years of age or accompanied by a parent or guardian. - We require background checks from our volunteers. - Come with a great attitude and a willingness to pitch in. Since 2003, Maximo Nivel has been a leader in educational travel and study abroad. Our work-study-travel programs host more than 4,000 people per year. We are a professional, ethical, and hard-working organization that is completely dedicated to providing a great experience to every participant, student, traveler, and client! Every day, we strive to set ourselves apart and provide the best volunteer, education, and cultural experiences in Latin America, along with top-notch client service and great home-based facilities. Live it!

Spend a week getting to know the beautiful city of Quito, Ecuador! Partake in a week of touring and Spanish lessons. Travel highlights include a visit to the Equator and a salsa dance lesson. Volunteer work will take place in Puyo, where volunteers will be working at an animal shelter that has rescued injured wild animals. As a volunteer on this project, you will be involved in several hands-on tasks, such as helping to maintain the animals shelter as well as preparing fruit meals for the animals.

This project is part of a Galapagos Government Council project seeking to strengthen small, local entrepreneurs through social networks to generate a greater reach for their project or service. As a volunteer, you'll help local community members & their businesses get their products and message on social media or public by other means (flyers, brochures, etc.). Your responsibilities will depend on your skills and experience, as well as on the needs of IOI or the business you'll work with. Tasks may include generating footage (photo, film) and text that accurately and meaningfully capture the nature of IOI or the business and its product. You could also design a flyer or social media strategy. The possibilities will vary! IOI encourages long-term participation to optimize benefits for both locals and volunteers/interns by offering huge discounts for each additional week of stay. The minimum duration is two weeks. This program is ideal for those with: * Social media experience * An understanding of camera equipment * A passion to drive fundraising and engagement campaigns using the latest digital marketing techniques * The ability to work independently as well as in a team

Mente Argentina's International Volunteer Program in Buenos Aires has been thoughtfully designed to promote change in the communities of Buenos Aires as well as in the individuals who participant in the program. Throughout the course of the program, participants will be giving the opportunity to work on locally run projects, which will improve the environment and lifestyle of community. They will also have the chance to live like a local, build relationships with the people, and dive into the rich Argentinean culture. Marte Argentina has partnered with volunteer organizations and NGO's in order to give volunteers a variety of different opportunities. Among some of those opportunities are: working with children, education, HIV/AIDS counseling, and medical/health volunteering. No matter what program volunteers choose, they will have the opportunity to engage with the people and language of the beautiful country of Argentina and be changed by the experience.

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who knew we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills into the local communities where we operate. All of Love Volunteers partner organisations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of high quality. Choose from one or more of our 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries around the world. Every program has been personally visited by one of our dedicated staff members and is regularly audited to ensure it meets our high standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

Looking for an international internship that will set you apart—and give you the skills, experience, and confidence to thrive in your career? Connect-123 designs fully customized programs that match your background and goals, offering hands-on experience in some of the world’s most exciting cities: Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Dublin, and Sydney. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or experienced professional, our programs span dozens of fields including business, finance, medicine, public health, journalism, marketing, human rights, law, sustainability, education, and more. You’ll gain meaningful, career-related experience while also exploring life in a new culture. We take care of the details so you can focus on making the most of your time abroad. From the moment you apply, our team helps guide you through the process, secure your placement, and prepare you for your new adventure. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing internship begins on your schedule.

This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and build cross-cultural community service summer trips perfectly geared to your interests and curiosities. Whether you’re looking to contribute to authentic service projects, experience exhilarating adventure, or develop your language skills, GoBeyond will immerse you in a new culture where you can make a meaningful difference while on the journey of a lifetime. Our high school community service summer programs proudly serve in many under-resourced communities and environments throughout the world. Explore our journeys in the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Galapagos & Ecuador, Peru, Iceland, Spain, China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Beyond experiencing the adventure of a lifetime and creating lasting memories, we believe our community service summer trips enable lasting positive change in the world. For over forty years, we’ve been transforming communities, environments, and students’ lives through meaningful, collaborative adventures and service that develop skills and a more sophisticated worldly outlook—ultimately shaping the person you become.

Volunteering through Road2Argentina allows you to be more than a tourist, enabling you to interact with locals and practice your Spanish while giving back to the community. We offer placements in local organizations in Buenos Aires, where you will handle hands-on assignments that truly help those who need it most. Apart from volunteering activities, you can take intensive Spanish classes further to enhance your immersion in Argentine culture and language. Please become part of our unique community of local and international volunteers, interns, and other students. * Volunteer placements in Buenos Aires that require basic Spanish: - Community soup kitchen - Recreational activities for kids - Childcare - Teaching English to children or adults - Organizing fundraising events - Environmental sustainability * Volunteer placements in Buenos Aires that require intermediate Spanish: - Continuing education for children and adults - Community center communication - HIV-affected children - PR and marketing for an NGO

Lima, the capital of Peru, is located on the west coast of the Pacific along the Rímac River. This large, international city balances both modern and traditional influences, which evolved from Peru's history as the home of the Inca and numerous other civilized cultures dating back as far as 2000 BC. Opportunities vary from rehabilitating marine life to working with disabled or at-risk youth to creating environmental protection campaigns. By partnering with community-based organizations and following a structured, reflection-based curriculum, you will learn how local experts address these issues with available resources while developing intercultural and leadership skills in a real-world context. Each of our community-based organizations is unique, so visit our website to learn more about your options. Although all our programs are great, we especially recommend Lima for students who are interested in marine biology or human rights.

Peru Service is one of our most spectacular trips for teens finishing grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. It offers the opportunity to perform meaningful service helping the local communities of Misminay and Urubamba while exploring the most iconic sites of this South American gem! Your rewarding days of service will be spent on projects ranging from aiding in construction projects and farming to teaching English as a second language. The rest of your time will be nothing short of transformative as you experience the unique atmosphere of the Sacred Valley. Drink in the mountain culture of Cusco as you see the mix of Inca and Colonial architecture around the Plaza de Armas and the temple of Coricancha. You will also peruse vibrant handicraft markets and marvel at the mesmerizing Inca city of Machu Picchu. Service, culture, incredible sights, and adventure. What more could you ask for in a Peruvian summer?

Experience Argentine culture firsthand while volunteering alongside local grassroots organizations in Buenos Aires. Program participants will have the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to the people of Buenos Aires through their work on one of the many available projects. These include Childcare & Orphanage Assistance, Environmental Conservation, Sports Coaching, and Wildlife Conservation. During their spare time, volunteers will be able to explore and experience all that the city has to offer. Argentina’s capital is considered South America’s most European city, but oozes with Latin flair. Cosmopolitan Buenos Aires features 19th-century buildings and artistic neighborhoods. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, though exceptions to this age requirement may be made on a case-by-case basis. They must also be hardworking, flexible, and open to truly immersing themselves in the culture.

Spend a semester or academic year in the charismatic, sophisticated city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, with AIFS Abroad! You’ll earn up to 22 credits through either a Latin America Studies Program, an Immersion Program, or a Certificate in Latin America Studies Program at the University of Belgrano. Courses are taught in English and Spanish. You can opt to take a 4-week Intensive Spanish Language course before the start of the semester to help you get a head start in adjusting to the new language and culture and to prepare for the placement exam for the semester. Volunteering in Buenos Aires will add a new perspective to your study abroad experience as you give back to the local community. You’ll also enjoy cultural and social activities such as guided tours of Buenos Aires and the La Boca neighborhood, a tango night at a milonga, and a visit to a soccer stadium. A day trip to Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uruguay, is included. Optional excursions include a 3-day trip to the famous Iguazu Falls and a day trip to a traditional Argentinean gaucho ranch.

Students have the chance to explore and become immersed in the local language and vibrant culture of Bolivia, with this health development opportunity. Volunteers will spend time working with children and their families, concerning wellness. They will observe clinical rotations and offer support in medical and conversational Spanish classes. Accommodations are arranged with local host families so that the students experience an authentic homestay. This is a great way to embrace the cultural differences of the host country and practice Spanish language skills. La Paz, Bolivia is an ideal destination for this type of service, as malnutrition, poverty, and sanitation are all areas presenting concerns within the region. Though it is one of the poorest countries in South America, La Paz is a developing and culturally rich city with a great vibrancy in the atmosphere. Students will meet with the medical director and local coordinator on a weekly basis, practicing clinical rounds five days a week.

Inspire, Educate & Empower Communities Across the World Are you passionate about education and cross-cultural exchange? Do you dream of making a positive impact while traveling the world? With Volunteering Journeys’ English Teaching Programs Abroad, you can inspire young minds, build confidence, and open opportunities for children and adults across Peru, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and the Maldives. Whether you’re a student on a gap year, a certified teacher, or simply a fluent English speaker looking to make a difference, teaching abroad is one of the most rewarding ways to contribute to global education while immersing yourself in fascinating cultures. In many developing regions, English proficiency opens the door to education, employment, and better economic opportunities. However, limited resources and teacher shortages often leave students without access to quality English education. By joining Volunteering Journeys’ teaching programs, you’ll help bridge this gap. You’ll work in local schools, community centers, or after-school programs — improving English literacy, conversational confidence, and cultural awareness.

Discover the wonders of the "Paris of South America" while supporting grassroots organizations in Buenos Aires. This program is the perfect combination of two weeks of Spanish Immersion and two weeks of community service. Your engaging Spanish classes taught by local instructors will give you the language skills, confidence and cultural knowledge to excel in your community service placement. Volunteer placements include assisting with after-school programs for youth and working with community support groups such as soup kitchens. This program includes an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Colonia, Uruguay, spending a day with Argentine cowboys on a Gaucho Ranch, and fun tours of the most iconic neighborhoods of Buenos Aires including La Recoleta, La Boca, San Telmo, and Palermo. Immerse yourself in cultural activities including an Argentine cooking class, tango class, and tango performance. Contribute the local community, learn about yourself, and make connections to last a lifetime! This is a great program for high school students looking to complete their community service hours. A basic level of Spanish is recommended for this program.

Join this hands-on, personalized internship and help provide low-income Indigenous communities with greater opportunities through teaching English. THE CHALLENGE In rural Ecuador, limited resources lead to poor education: 1 in 10 are illiterate, and only 24% finish middle school. Few speak English. With 40% of the population in poverty, English can open opportunities such as tourism. We’ve seen strong demand for our weekly classes—some walk over an hour to attend—but a lasting solution must be more regular and accessible. THE SOLUTION We’re seeking interns eager to apply their English teaching, TEFL, or TESOL skills in five nearby communities. You’ll get support from our team to visit schools, meet teachers, design programs, and deliver engaging lessons mainly for children. Gain hands-on experience while making a real difference and creating a brighter future. OUR METHODOLOGY Our internships use Design Thinking to co-create solutions with local partners. You’ll learn to observe, ideate, and prototype in real contexts, building skills while driving sustainable change. During, before and after your stay—you can explore Ecuador, from the Amazon rainforest to the Galápagos Islands.

Planet Aid, in collaboration with Richmond Vale Academy (RVA), is seeking passionate and motivated individuals to join the People to People Volunteer Program. This unique 10-month program offers the chance to make a real impact by addressing global issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. Volunteers are trained to become effective change agents by working hand in hand with local communities to support sustainable development. Qualifications: • 18+ years old • Passionate about change: Ideal for individuals eager to contribute to global development, including poverty alleviation, gender equality, sustainable agriculture, and climate action. • Open to learning: Willingness to develop new skills, embrace diverse cultures, and navigate challenging environments. • Flexible and resilient: Ability to adapt to various circumstances and work within a diverse, international team. • No specific background required: Open to individuals from all fields who care deeply about global issues and community development.

Calling all ecologists and biologists! Here's a fantastic chance to obtain research experience, practice methods of environmental data collection, and even get work published. Venture to the Cocoa Coast in Bahia, Brazil, and monitor populations of the mangrove tree. You’ll monitor the regions. The local community of the quaint surf town, Iticaré, rely on fishing, ecotourism, and subsistence agriculture for their livelihood. You’ll work to create and maintain habitat maps, catalog species, and protect the area's distinctive flora and fauna. In this you will not only protect the rich biodiversity of the region, you’ll support the development of the community. You’ll also have the chance to participate in environmental education programs that aim to form a new generation of environmental leaders in the local community. On top of all this, you’ll live and work in an area of unparalleled natural beauty situated between the Mata Atlantica Rainforest and the Atlantic Ocean, and immerse yourself in the unique Afro-Brazilian, Bahian culture.