Spotlight on: Colombia

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)

Embark on a transformative volunteer journey in Medellín, Colombia with IVHQ, renowned for its affordable and impactful programs. Choose from diverse projects with costs starting at $345 for one week. The fees include airport pickup, accommodation, meals, and 24/7 support. Open to volunteers 18+, it’s an opportunity to immerse in local culture and contribute to sustainable community impacts.

Here are a few ways you can volunteer in Colombia with IVHQ:

• Childcare & Youth Support: Work with a local organization in Medellín that provides safe spaces for children and youth whose basic rights have been violated. Volunteers help by teaching, guiding, and supporting these young individuals, enhancing their access to education and opportunities for growth. 
• Elderly Care: Support a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the well-being of the elderly in Colombia. This project involves providing companionship and basic care, significantly enhancing the health and happiness of the elderly community.
  

• Environmental Conservation: Participate in creating and maintaining community gardens in Medellín. Volunteers engage in gardening, landscaping, and assisting with environmental education workshops. This project not only beautifies the city but also supports local sustainability efforts.
  
• Special Needs Support: Assist in a project that provides life skills training to intellectually disabled individuals. This work empowers them to live more independent and fulfilled lives, improving their overall well-being.
  

International Service Learning (ISL)

Volunteering with International Service Learning (ISL) in Colombia offers a profound journey into the heart of its rural coffee plantation regions, particularly around Chinchiná in the State of Caldas. Known as the “Eje Cafetero,” this area is celebrated for its lush landscapes and small farming villages.

ISL’s initiatives focus on providing essential services to these underserved communities, emphasizing healthcare, education, and development support to improve quality of life. Volunteers might find themselves engaged in various capacities, from health education to supporting local healthcare efforts in partnership with local NGOs, government bodies, and other organizations.

Volunteers arrive via the Matecaña International Airport and travel to ISL’s Base Camp at the Minga House Foundation in Chinchiná. The immersive experience includes daily travel to project sites by jeep and accommodation in local guest houses or homestays, providing a deep cultural immersion into the Colombian community lifestyle. 

Adventure Volunteer

Adventure Volunteer offers enriching volunteer programs in Colombia. Volunteers can contribute in various ways, such as enhancing the living conditions of low-income families in Cartagena by transforming their backyards into productive vegetable gardens, or by engaging in school reinforcement activities to improve the education of local children and teenagers. These programs operate within communities where basic necessities and services are often lacking, providing volunteers with a meaningful opportunity to make a tangible difference.

The organization provides full support, including accommodation, meals, orientation, and local transport, ensuring a comprehensive and impactful volunteer experience. 

Connections English Institute

This established teaching volunteer program, which has been active for over a decade, offers participants the opportunity to teach English as a Second Language (ESL). Over the years, they have collaborated with approximately 100 volunteers from various countries. Participants in this program benefit from inclusive perks such as Spanish lessons, accommodation, meals, and outdoor activities.

A program fee is required to facilitate the applicant’s placement, provide pick-up from the airport or bus terminal, and cover essential costs such as salaries for local staff, administrative expenses, program supervision, placement, orientation, and teacher training, alongside all the benefits mentioned above. Emergency support is available 24/7 to assist volunteers as needed.

International Partnership for Service-Learning (IPSL)

The International Partnership for Service-Learning (IPSL) offers an enriching volunteer experience in Colombia, particularly in the vibrant city of Chinchiná, situated in the scenic coffee-growing highlands.

Participants in IPSL’s programs in Colombia can delve into the local culture and community needs through various service activities. These include healthcare education in clinics, assistance in daycare facilities for sex workers’ children, support at a residential facility for young women, and involvement in environmental conservation projects like migratory bird habitats. 

Additionally, IPSL offers intensive study courses in Afro-Caribbean culture in Cartagena and socio-historical perspectives in Medellín, enhancing the educational aspect of the service experience.

Volunteers can expect to live in communal homes or homestays, fully immersing themselves in local life while contributing positively to the communities they serve. This model not only benefits the host communities but also provides profound personal and academic growth for the volunteers.

Fun Facts About Colombia

• Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world.
• It has over 60 national parks.
• The national flower is the orchid.
• The national bird is the Andean condor.
• Colombia celebrates its independence day on July 20th.

Your Adventure Awaits in South America’s Gem

Colombia is a country full of surprises, from its bustling cities to its serene natural landscapes.

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, adventure, or relaxation, Colombia has something to offer. Start planning your trip today and discover why Colombia is one of the world’s top travel destinations. Safe travels!