Summer Volunteer Programs in Spain

My internship at the Salesian Institute Youth Projects pushed me far beyond what I expected, taking me from supporting program logistics to independently running counseling sessions and managing my own client caseload within just a few months. I was trusted with real responsibility early on, from leading a group of 45 adult learners on my own to adapting a therapeutic intervention on short notice for an urgent client referral, and that trust taught me more about clinical work and resilience than I could have learned in a classroom. This experience confirmed that clinical psychology, particularly cross-cultural and community-based care, is exactly the path I want to pursue.

Connect-123 made my experience in Ireland truly incredible. From the beginning, they did an amazing job matching me with a company that fit my personality, interests, and career goals. I couldn’t have asked for a better internship experience. They also did a great job planning weekend trips around Ireland, giving me the opportunity to explore different parts of the country and make unforgettable memories along the way. Overall, Connect-123 made my time in Ireland an amazing experience both professionally and personally.

My internship has been the best experience I could have ever asked for. My co-workers are what made my time there so memorable. Connect-123 made the entire process smooth and easy, especially Antonella and Xena. They were both so kind, supportive, and helpful every step of the way. I’m so grateful I got to meet my program group, it was truly an amazing experience!

Coming to Barcelona with Connect 123 was one of the best decisions I've made. They were incredibly helpful in helping find me an internship I felt comfortable and confident in and always very communicative. The housing they provided was amazing, and in a great location. Barcelona is now one of my favorite cities

As my time in Ireland comes to a close, I want to thank Connect-123 for partnering with Bucknell University to provide students like me with an opportunity like this. As an undergraduate, it can often feel stressful trying to gain relevant work experience while preparing for your future career. Thanks to Connect-123, I was placed with a company in a field aligned with my career goals, allowing me to grow professionally while exploring a new part of the world. This experience has given me valuable workplace experience, unforgettable memories, and a greater appreciation for living and working abroad. Thank you for making it possible!

This experience has been nothing short of incredible. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity. My internship could not have been a more perfect match. I have gained not only new skills but also a new perspective as well. Outside of the internship, exploring this beautiful city has been so fun. Carla, the program coordinator, is one of the most amazing people I have ever had the privilege of meeting. She planned the most fun activities for our group and was truly invested in our well-being!

Following this program was a unique experience that I will never forget. I thought it gave a great balance of working at my internship, meeting new people, and exploring the new country. The opportunities each weekend gave great insights and experiences to explore outside of where we were staying and i highly recommend going to each one.

I had an amazing time in Barcelona and met some lovely people both through the volunteering and the organisation of the trip! The communication beforehand was really great and I felt comfortable and welcomed before I’d even arrived; it has definitely changed the way I look at my future😁 Best wishes to everybody on the team and those who are looking to take part as well, I would recommend this experience to anyone, it can be a scary thought at first but is such a confidence booster!! Thank you❤️

I had an amazing time in Barcelona and met some lovely people both through the volunteering and the organisation of the trip! The communication beforehand was really great and I felt comfortable and welcomed before I’d even arrived; it has definitely changed the way I look at my future😁 Best wishes to everybody on the team and those who are looking to take part as well, I would recommend this experience to anyone, it can be a scary thought at first but is such a confidence booster!! Thank you❤️

My internship in Barcelona and experience with Connect-123 has been amazing! They helped place me into a biomedical research lab studying liver transplantation outcomes and I had amazing coworkers and a lovely time working there. I have gained many valuable skills here-from co-authoring a review paper to learning various types of histological and immunological analyses, which will assist me in future research I pursue. Connect-123 has been supportive and helpful every step of the way in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. These past few months have taught me important professional and personal skills, especially regarding cultural humility and adjusting to life in a new country. Overall, my experience in the research lab has strengthened my desire to pursue a career in medical and clinical research while also expanding both my academic and personal horizons. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and would highly recommend it to anyone seeking meaningful research and cultural experiences abroad.

Volunteering in beach cleaning with Instituto Hemingway was a truly rewarding experience. The program was well organized, combining meaningful environmental work with cultural exchange. Each day, we helped remove plastic and waste from beautiful coastal areas, seeing immediate results from our efforts. The staff was supportive and friendly, making everyone feel welcome. It was also a great opportunity to meet people from different countries and work together for a common cause. Overall, it was inspiring, impactful, and unforgettable.

My volunteering experience with Instituto Hemingway was truly enriching and memorable. From the very beginning, the organization provided a welcoming and supportive environment that made it easy to adapt and feel part of the team. I had the opportunity to collaborate with people from different cultural backgrounds, which helped me improve my communication skills and broaden my perspective. During my time there, I participated in various activities, including community support and environmental initiatives. The coordinators were well-organized and always ready to guide volunteers, ensuring that everyone understood their roles and responsibilities. I also appreciated how the institute combined volunteering with cultural learning, allowing me to experience the local culture more deeply. In my opinion, Instituto Hemingway is an excellent choice for anyone looking to volunteer abroad. It not only offers meaningful opportunities to contribute to society but also creates a space for personal growth and intercultural exchange. I would definitely recommend this experience to others who want to make a positive impact while learning and developing new skills.

This experience was truly unforgettable. The beach clean-up volunteering had a real environmental impact and an amazing vibe—sometimes we were even singing while collecting trash and protecting nature. Activities like these help communities care for the environment and work together for a cleaner coastline. The accommodation in the city center was fantastic, comfortable and fully equipped. Spanish classes nearby were fun, relaxed and focused on speaking. With cultural activities and a young, inclusive atmosphere, it felt like a small family—an immersive and unique way to practice Spanish every day.

I spent 6 weeks working at Assis through ImpacTrip and it was well worth the time. My Spanish speaking abilities were lackluster, but I was still received very well by the locals. Overall, the work kept me busy, the people made it fun, and the location was peak. Thanks Clara, Buse, Davide, Alex, Amalia, and everyone else I met!

Volunteering in Spain in permaculture is an incredible experience. You learn sustainable farming, connect with nature, and immerse yourself in local culture. It’s rewarding to contribute to eco-projects, meet like-minded people, and gain hands-on skills while exploring beautiful Spanish landscapes.

Volunteering in the Art Therapy program at Instituto Hemingway was one of the most meaningful experiences of my time in Spain. From the very beginning, I felt welcomed into a supportive, professional environment where creativity was truly valued as a tool for connection and healing. The program allowed me to work alongside dedicated coordinators and inspiring participants from diverse backgrounds. Each session offered a safe space for self-expression through painting, drawing, and creative activities. It was incredible to see how art helped people communicate emotions they couldn’t always put into words. Even simple exercises often led to powerful moments of reflection, laughter, and personal growth. What I appreciated most was the human side of the project. The focus was not on artistic skill, but on the process itself — exploring feelings, building confidence, and strengthening social bonds. I learned how art therapy can support emotional wellbeing, reduce stress, and encourage mindfulness in a natural, accessible way. Every participant was respected, listened to, and encouraged at their own pace. The team provided clear guidance while also giving volunteers space to contribute ideas and interact directly with participants. This balance made the experience both educational and empowering. I developed new communication skills, deepened my empathy, and gained practical insight into how creative therapies are used in real community settings. Beyond the sessions themselves, the volunteering experience helped me connect with local culture and people in a very authentic way. It was deeply rewarding to feel useful, to share time with others, and to witness small but meaningful changes week after week. Each day reminded me that creativity can be a bridge between people, cultures, and emotions. I would highly recommend this Art Therapy volunteering program to anyone looking for a purposeful experience abroad. It combines learning, service, and personal growth in a unique way. I left with unforgettable memories, valuable skills, and a renewed appreciation for the power of art to heal, inspire, and bring people together.

I volunteered three weeks in Barcelona and it was truly an eye opening experience. I got to step outside of my comfort zone and experience day to day life with other volunteers and I got to meet incredible people in both of the places that I volunteered. I was two weeks volunteering at the communal showers and another week in the communal cafeteria where I got to talk to really cool and inspiring individuals. The only downside that I saw was that since the hostel is quite far away it took me a while to get to the center of the city and it was inconvenient at times. Other than that the coordinators were incredible and super understanding and I learned a lot from them too!

Claudia's Mum here! I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone at Oyster and your team in Spain for looking after Claudia so well. She adored her time there and in the cat shelter, she hasn't stopped chatting about it. I will definitely recommend your services for D of E.

I had a great time food waste voulenteering in Barcelona. The team at ImpacTrip were all super friendly and very helpful every step of the way. My friend and I felt really involved with the team at Fundacion Tochete and we're very hands on from day 1. I'll definitely look to volunteer with ImpacTrip again!

I enjoyed some of the activites , but not others. The rivre walk and the walk to the koppies was 10/10. No intrenet was challenging , so 7/10. Jane , Precious , Patrick and Lucas were 10/10. I woul recommend this project to anyone who needs a detox from Social media.