Location
  • Portugal
    • Lisbon
Length
1 to 12 weeks

Program Details

Language
English
Timeframe
Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Guesthouse Hostel
Travel Type
Budget Family Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price
615
Price Details
Fully hosted experience from only $615 for 1 week - this includes accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, orientation and 24/7 in-country support.
What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Airport Transfers Meals
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance Visa
May 01, 2024
Apr 10, 2024
84 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Trusted by 136,000+ volunteers, IVHQ offers the world's #1 rated volunteer programs in Portugal and 50+ destinations worldwide.

For the past 6 years, we've won the "Top Volunteer Abroad Provider Award" from GoOverseas, so you can trust that you're in the safest hands with IVHQ in Portugal.

Our affordable projects start from $50/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement and local support. Projects run year-round, with durations from 1-12 weeks. Choose from 8 life-enriching projects, ranging from Food Rescue in the treasure trove that is the capital city, Lisbon, to Wildlife Conservation in an ecological park in Miranda do Corvo. Plus, you’ll stay with other like-minded, impact-focused travelers from around the world (private room options available).

With IVHQ’s superior pre-departure support services, you’ll gain exclusive access to your own Volunteer Travel Specialist, comprehensive preparation tools and volunteer training before you leave home.

Consider your impact: Volunteering abroad can be a rewarding experience for both volunteers and local communities, and at Go Overseas, we believe all volunteers should have the resources to make informed decisions about the type of volunteer project they want to partake in. However, despite best intentions, some organizations offering placements in orphanages may unknowingly place children in danger. You can read about the potential dangers of orphanage volunteering here. Learn more about how International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ is promoting ethical volunteering.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Cheapest volunteer programs from $50/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement & local support.
  • Volunteer for 1-12 weeks, year round start dates most Mondays
  • 15+ years experience & only B Corp certified volunteer travel organization
  • Get free changes up to 14 days before you start with our flexible booking policy
  • Affordable way to earn college credit - gain 5 credits for only US$500!

Popular Programs

Wolf conservation in Portugal with IVHQ

As a Wolf Conservation Volunteer with IVHQ, you'll assist at centers that house wolves rescued from zoos, illegal trapping or human captivity. In a forested valley in Mafra, wolves live outdoors in large enclosures with the aim of providing them a life as similar as possible to what they would experience in their natural habitat.

divers in wetsuits standing on a dinghy

Reducing marine pollution and conserving marine life is an overlooked issue in Portugal. Volunteers on this project have the opportunity to help with underwater clean-up efforts focused on the protection of the marine ecosystem in Cascais. Tasks include cleaning rubbish on the sea floor, learning more about the marine ecosystem and how to protect it, observing and identifying fish, collecting data on fish numbers and more.

volunteers working in a kitchen

Homeless people in Portugal face inequality and poverty every day. This project aims to reduce these inequalities and support people to a place where they are proud of their situation and their place in society. Volunteers work in a homeless center with people from different backgrounds, though there is a specific focus on those with addictions who don’t have any social or family support.

student and teacher at chalkboard

There are many underfunded organizations within Lisbon that aim to provide youth with a safe place to go after school, where they can come together, interact and take part in various activities. Many of the youth in this project come from underprivileged backgrounds and a key role for volunteers is to simply spend time with them, being a positive role model and having an interest in them and their future as this is something that many of them have never experienced before.

Wildlife Conservation Volunteer Project in Portugal - Miranda do Corvo

Want to help protect a variety of endangered wildlife - from lynx, eagles, wolves, brown bears and other animals? IVHQ’s Wildlife Conservation project is a unique and exciting opportunity for volunteers to directly contribute to wild animal conservation in the countryside of Portugal. You’ll also be supporting a park that has a positive environmental impact and strong social inclusion mission.

Program Reviews

4.96 Rating
based on 48 reviews
  • 5 rating 95.83%
  • 4 rating 4.17%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.75
  • Support 4.9
  • Fun 4.95
  • Value 4.85
  • Safety 4.95
Showing 33 - 40 of 48 reviews
Default avatar
Daniel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great experience volunteering with IVHQ

I really enjoyed my volunteering experience with IVHQ. I volunteered on the wolf conservation project in Portugal and I loved the experience. IVHQ was very helpful in making me feel prepared for the experience, from an easy to follow list of steps to take when you apply and on-going support when you arrive at your destination, I would recommend IVHQ to all future volunteers. IVHQ also has great partners in the countries you choose to volunteer in that help when you arrive. There partner in Portugal was very helpful and made sure it was easy to get in contact with them if you needed any help or had any questions.

45 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Daniel - I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed your time on the Wolf Conservation project! It's great to hear you found the pre-departure experience easy to follow and that you felt supported while in country. Your contribution was much appreciated! ^Kaila - IVHQ Portugal Program Manager

Default avatar
Caroline
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Portugal experience

My time volunteering in Portugal was the most amazing experience. It gave me the comfort and growth to travel and experience new adventures on my own. The staff, locals and coordinators always ensured I was okay and had everything I needed! They were entertaining and spent some time with us on our days off and showed us around or pointed out some hot spots! I would choose this program again in a heartbeat and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone

47 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Caroline - it's awesome to hear your experience was awesome and that you would visit again in a heartbeat! Your contribution to the program was much appreciated and we hope to see you again in the future! ^Kaila - IVHQ Portugal Program Manager

Default avatar
A
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A great and worthwhile project in Portugal

This was my first IVHQ project and I had an incredible time! I went to Portugal to help out with a Youth Support project and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience! I was placed at an after school centre for children of all ages where I would help them with their homework, teach English, play games and help with arts and crafts activities. The IVHQ program manager and the local team were so helpful throughout the process. My fellow volunteers were so nice and now I have friends from all over the world. I hope to go on another IVHQ project soon! My advice for future volunteers is to go into the project open-minded and to remember that your help will be having a positive impact on the local community.

47 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Amy - it's awesome to hear you enjoyed your experience in Portugal, and I'm so glad to hear you were able to make new friends from all over the world. I wish you all the best and hope to have you join IVHQ again soon! ^Kaila - IVHQ Portugal Program Manager

Default avatar
Mackenzie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Food Rescue

I did the Re-Food in Lisbon, the Capitol of Portugal. The city is rich in culture, & ambiance! Lisbon is a gem. The people are kind and the cost is very low compared to the rest of Europe. I will return in the summer months one day. The program itself was awesome and rewarding. Every volunteer was kind and helpful and the food we packed looked and smelled delicious. I think that they eat better then I do at home! Team Impact really does make a positive impact on the community.

There is so much to do that I don’t even feel in my 8 days there That i was able to accomplish everything!

The staff was amazing and helpful, the Mum of th house made the most epic delicious meals and all
The volunteers were kind and fun!

50 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Rodrigo
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

ENRICHING EXPERIENCE IN A MAGICAL COUNTRY

Olá! Portugal, Portugal, Portugal! No words for this magical country...
One of the most beautiful countries in the world, especially it's vivid capital Lisbon. A small corner full of vibrant colors, energy and life that will make you want to stay there forever! (no joke) My experience with IVHQ was really enriching, not only the place was to dream for, but the people I met every step of the way! From the volunteers to the kids, to the lovely cook (Inés), from every Portuguese making me feel like I was one of them. I believe it has been one of the greatest experiences I have ever been a part of in my life. After traveling to 15 countries, Lisbon was my last destination and definitely my absolute favorite. I felt like at home somehow, from walking down to Praça do Comercio to visiting the mesmerizing roads of Sintra, eating pasteis de nata and speaking the beautiful language. I think I left a part of me there and for sure I will go back to retake that glimpse of fulfillment and happiness that Portugal treasured in my heart. My advice is to do it, don't hesitate or even think about it, IVHQ is a great company that will guide you along the way, introducing you to an experience that might guide your heart and inspire your soul to do more for others out there. Become Portuguese for 2,3,4 weeks, whatever is needed, you will be surprised at who you become once you get back home! I will forever be grateful for my time in Portugal, I have memories of pure pure joy! Quantas saudades de ti Lisboa, muito obrigado!

What would you improve about this program?
Maybe the communication between the placements and the team has to be reinforced a bit, besides that everything is great.
50 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Rodrigo - I'm so glad to hear you had an enriching and exciting experience while on the Portugal Program! We loved reading your review and I know it will be helpful for future IVHQ Portugal volunteers as well. We hope to have you visit us again soon!
Kaila - IVHQ Portugal Program Manager

Default avatar
Paul
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Youth support in Portugal - fantastic experience and team

Just returned from the Youth Support Porgramme in Portugal. The whole experience was fantastic. The local team were excellent and really welcoming. The placement was great - the local children being really keen, interesting and engaging. and the other volunteers where great company and sociable.
Its also worth allowing time to explore Lison and Portugal as both are beautiful (and cheap by European standards), and if you are travelling from further afield, the airport is close by and a great lauchpad into other parts of Europe.

53 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Paul, We are so pleased to hear that you had a fantastic experience on the Youth Support project in Portugal. Thanks for being an IVHQer!
Kaila - IVHQ Portugal Program Manager

Default avatar
Margarida
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Portuguese experience

My experience in Portugal as a volunteer in the Youth Support program was amazing. Although I applied only for one week, every second of this adventure was beneficial and unforgettable. Since I was the only portuguese volunteer in the program, I had the opportunity to meet volunteers from all over the world, communicating with them in a foreign language, exchange experiences, backgrounds and points of view in many topics, which helped me to have a better vision from the outside world. Regarding the program itself, me alongside the others volunteers, we made a key role in playing with children, teach them a few English words and, most importantly, give our joy and happiness. Finally, I want to thank not only all those volunteers who helped me in this journey, but also the entire team who received us and made everything possible, as well as IVHQ.

49 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Margarida, We are so glad that you had an amazing time on the Portugal program! Being Portuguese, you would have been such an asset and we thank you for seeing the value in providing joy and happiness – we agree that this can be the most important aspect of the project. Thanks for being a great IVHQ volunteer and we would love to welcome you onto another program in the future.
Kaila – IVHQ Portugal Program Manager

Default avatar
Anastasiya
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Portugal Is A Hidden Gem

I absolutely loved my time in Portugal with IVHQ! My placement was at the Food Rescue Program in Lisbon where I played a key role in the distribution of food for the less fortunate by packaging the collected meals for individual families. The location of the placement was close to my accommodation and was an easy train ride and walk away. I think the part that touched my heart the most was meeting two young girls who come with their parents to pick up their daily meals. They were so sweet and full of life and even though we couldn't understand each other we formed a bond and would be very happy to see each other when they came. The local team in Portugal were extremely welcoming and helpful every step of the way. Not only did they ensure that I was comfortable in my placement, they went out of their way to organize trips and activities that showcased the local Portuguese culture. In addition, the other volunteers I met on my trip were absolutely wonderful and it added to an incredible experience overall.

54 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Anastasiya, Thanks for your great review! We are stoked to hear that you loved you time in Portugal and experienced meaningful volunteer work with local families, friendly local staff support, and met other wonderful volunteers. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and we would love to have you join us again in the future.
Kaila – IVHQ Portugal Program Manager

Questions & Answers