Affordable Volunteer Programs in Portugal from US$375

I had a truly amazing experience with IVHQ and I can't wait for the opportunity to volunteer with them again. As part of my gap year I knew I wanted to explore the world while also assisting a community in need. Ultimately, I decided that Lisbon, Portugal was where I wanted to do this. From the moment I arrived, and throughout my five week stay, the IVHQ team in Portugal made me feel right at home. The accommodations and food were beyond my expectations and everyone was very friendly/ helpful. As far as my volunteer placement went, it was a very educational experience. It was fascinating to work amongst people of various backgrounds and cultures, all of whom shared a common goal. At my project, food rescue, I was able to see who I was helping which definitely made my efforts more worthwhile. Additionally, my placement only lasted a few hours each day which allowed all of the volunteers an excellent chance to explore Lisbon and its surrounding cities. This was a great way to bond with them and I will cherish the memories and friendships made throughout my time there. I highly recommend this program to anyone who is considering traveling with IVHQ. Thank you again for an unforgettable trip!

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.

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

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

I came for the wolves conservation program. When I first left home, my family was worried. It was the first time for be to be in Europe, and I am all alone by myself.
I came for an experience. It made me both worried and excited. I worried about not knowing anyone, not be loved, and not doing a great job.
When I first came to Portugal, I was welcomed by the impactrip team. I felt so much safer and better when I saw them in the airport. Next day, they bring us for a tour. Portugal is such a beautiful country, and it is now my second favorite country (my favorite country is my home, China lol). I got to know many people around the world, and that was the best thing about the trip.
For wolves conservation program, we have to go to a different site, with really beautiful and cool wood houses. We have to cook by ourselves. Volunteers from different association lived together. To be honest I was worried, for not getting along with other people.
However, since everyone lived together, we started to talk a lot, about life goals and ourselves. I got to taste so many different kind of home cooked food --- French food, Dutch food, and Spanish food. They became my friends. Since we lack of internet, we got a lot of time to connect with each other.
During the weekend we went to Lisbon and Sintra. That was one of my best memories. We are still friend when the program was done. I went to Spain to find my Spanish friend I got to know from this program, and she and her friend gave me an awesome tour.
I wouldn't gain this friendship without this program,.
One more thing. I never cook at home, but I learned how to cook by this program. I never climb mountain and go hiking, but I became a nature lover because of this program.
For those of you who want to know what we do for this program:
1. We feed wolves twice a week. That was the best, you can see how wolves eat, and they were really cute (like a huge dog)
2. We give them water using pipes. Some of the wolves love water.
3. We have other projects depending on the season. What we did was painting the house (one more skill I gained)
It was really fun! I learned a lot of skills, and I gained friendship.

If Portugal taught me anything it was to not trust google translate. When I was writing my thank you note to the placement because I had such an incredible time, I found myself saying "parking lots of love" and calling my supervisors "lions" by accident! But why did I feel the need to write them a note, you ask...

Although there were hills everywhere and the walk to placement was like a trek up Kilimanjaro everyday, making a difference to the community made it all worthwhile. I had never worked with babies before but by the end of my two weeks all of them knew me! The biggest achievement was getting a baby who cried all day everyday to stop crying and actually start to smile at me; this placement taught me that sometimes it's the smaller things in life that make it all worthwhile.

The trip was organised by the local team fantastically - there was always something going on, including the scheduled trips every week which aims to bring volunteers together. The local team were great at providing help and support to whenever it was needed - they made a real effort with every single person.

Lisbon also has a great social scene and there is always somewhere to go/something to do. It is very cheap to eat and drink out, as well as buying food. It is easily commutable to Porto and the Algarve by train, Cabo de Roca (the most western point of Europe) by bus and has a good metro in the city centre. You have to be prepared to walk when you're not in the city centre area.

Lisbon and Portugal have a very special place in my heart and I will be back.

To be honest, when i first signed up for volunteering in Portugal i did not know what to expect. but let me brief you on why this trip was truly memorable for me. When i first arrived(with my best friend who came with me) to portugal from lebanon i saw diogo and rita waiting for us at the aiport. In the car ride we got to know them, they were pretty cool and we felt like we've known them for a while! Our home was beautiful and well secured(the finger print system was very practical). What I liked the most is the flexibility of Diogo and RIta; if one did not like placement they'd willingly let him change, they'd take us on interesting outings, the trip to setubal was mesmerizing! overall, being with these really cool volunteers from all over the globe, being able to help a country with such renowned organisations definitely transcends an ordinary experience. cheers to new volunteering at experiences!

Throughout my time in Lisbon, one thing that will stick with me forever is that each night after everyone was back at the hostel, we would all sit outside on the balcony and talk, enjoy the beautiful view, and have fun. It is not necessarily a story, but definitely my favorite memory when looking back. It is an incredible feeling to be in a foreign country where I knew nobody, yet here I was sitting outside with my new family.

The staff Rita and Diogo were very helpful in greeting me initially when I arrived at the airport and getting me to my accommodation. I spoke absolutely no Portuguese so I was worried if I would have trouble getting around in the country. They made me feel extremely comfortable and answered any questions that I might have had during my stay putting my mind at ease. The project I was working on was food distribution. The staff who were at the ReFood center were very nice and caring individuals passionate about what they did! It was a pleasure to be have been able to work among such friendly locals! We were also able to have enough time to take many wonderful day trips around the city. The program coordinators went above and beyond to show us the loveliest, most interesting parts around town and explain the history behind them. Was the perfect balance of volunteering at the project site, and still getting to be a tourist in the wonderful city of Lisbon. It is a very vibrant city with something to do for everyone. Getting to work with the other volunteers, meet with locals, and immerse in Portuguese culture was truly invaluable. An experience I will not soon forget and would recommend to anyone thinking of trying it.

For starters, this was my first time in Europe and Portugal was a perfect first experience! I had always wanted to do a volunteer program so my friend from school and I decided to start searching online for one, when we came along IVHQ we were thrilled by all the choices and the most affordable costs. We ended up picking Portugal because it was what our families agreed on. In our program the kids didn't necessarily NEED us like in third world countries, but they definitely enjoyed our presence instead of just being with the people in charge all the time. They loved having people to look up to. You could show up to your placement as you pleased, it was good to go most of the time but if you had a day trip planned or something during your time at placement you could always let them know and they had no problem with you missing a day. I would not trade my experience, I had a blast with the kids at SKILLZ, and in Portugal in general. I would definitely suggest Portugal as a stepping stone for those first time travelers or volunteers. I suggest going in open minded when volunteering!