Volunteer in Northern Spain

Name: Volunteer in Northern Spain
Brand: Instituto Hemingway
SKU: 222247
Rating: 5 (17 reviews)

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5.00 Rating

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Location

Spain
- Bilbao

Length

1 to 52 weeks

Project Types

Agriculture Marketing Childcare Social Services Youth Conservation Environmental Conservation Wildlife Conservation Education ESL Disabled Care Journalism Refugee Relief Tourism Veterinary Service +5

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Program Details

Language

Spanish

Age Min.

Age Max

Timeframe

Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round

Housing

Apartment

Groups

Small Group (1-15)

Travel Type

Budget Family Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price

100

Price Details

Equal parts volunteer experience, language acquisition, and cultural immersion. We include:
Airport pickup
Contracted placement and Certificate upon completion
Volunteer placement max 20 hours a week (sustainable urban permaculture initiatives, art therapy, teaching English, Soccer community assistant, beach cleaning, social media, soccer assistant and community supporter and many more..)
Free leisure and cultural activities
Accommodation dorm room (4 people same gender max) In case you want single room or different type acommodation ask for price difference
24/7 local support network
Free leisure and cultural activities
2 weeks of Spanish lessons (ask for price difference in case you want to extend it)

What's Included

Accommodation Activities Equipment Wifi

What's Not Included

Airfare Equipment Meals Transportation Travel Insurance Visa

Last Updated: Mar 24, 2025

Last Reviewed: Dec 25, 2023

Wish List

36 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Dreaming of living and working in Spain, improving your Spanish, and making lasting friendships, all whilst making a difference? Then the Instituto Hemingway is the place for you. From animal welfare and conservation to football, teaching English,.. we have the perfect volunteer program for you.

We believe volunteering is one of the most rewarding experiences possible, especially when volunteering abroad: it gives you a chance to give back to the community you are visiting. We tailor our volunteering programs to your specific skill set, while also considering the needs of the community you are working with, to ensure your work is as fun and impact as possible.

By volunteering with the Instituto Hemingway, you can help the lively city of Bilbao and its biodiversity surroundings continue to thrive. In your downtime, why not explore our picturesque city and all that it has to offer!

Everyone is welcome, and at great prices for all budgets, this is not an opportunity to miss!

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Diversity & Inclusion 💙

LGBTQIA+ Support

There are LGBTQIA+ friends, colleagues, and allies throughout the world. However, cultural understanding of gender identity and sexuality does vary from country to country. Instituto Hemingway has compiled a lot of resources to help you through that learning process.

Accessibility Support

Instituto Hemingway is dedicated to working closely with students with disabilities to ensure the best study abroad experience possible. You may request reasonable accommodations after your initial application is complete. We routinely receive requests for scheduling, material, and environmental accommodations for the classroom setting, which may include assistive technology, scribes and readers, printed material, and interpretation.

Impact 🌎

Sustainability

Environmentally-conscious students choose Instituto Hemingway because many of our volunteer programs are held here in Bilbao, a sustainability accredited city. There are options to take volunteer programs in sustainability and the environment, as well as field trips and studies where students can leave a lasting impact on their host country

Learn More

Ethical Impact

Instituto Hemingway is a professional, ethical, and hardworking organization that is completely dedicated to providing a great experience to every student, participant, client, faculty leader, and partner who joins us.

Program Highlights

Stay in a shared apartment with all amenities covered, right in the centre of the city, for the duration of your stay.
Join us for our free cultural activities including trips, salsa lessons, cooking workshops and tapas tours.
Bilbao is a city that’s off the beaten tourist trail, so it’s the perfect place to truly practice your Spanish in day-to-day situations. Why not explore some of the many other cities in Spain while you’re here, thanks to Bilbao’s great transport networks!
Do something for the others with our volunteer program

Popular Programs

Animal Welfare Volunteering

Join our animal welfare volunteering program in northern Spain and enjoy a truly unique experience. Support meaningful projects while improving your Spanish through intensive classes. Take part in cultural activities, stay in local apartments or with host families, and explore breathtaking landscapes. Combine learning, solidarity, and adventure in an enriching environment. Make a difference while immersing yourself in Spanish language and culture! Max 20 hours per week

Coastal Conservation Project with the Instituto Hemingway

Beach Cleaning

The coast in Northern Spain is both stunning and unique. Unfortunately, it is not adequately protected, leaving many of its beautiful beaches at risk of pollution. Contribute to the health of the oceans and help save marine life by preserving these ecosystems through beach clean ups. You will also be raising awareness in the local community about the importance of protecting the coastline for future generations.

Social Entrepreneurship

Bilbao is a city much-loved by everyone that visits. It needs constant care to help maintain its splendour and minimise the adverse impact of tourism on both Bilbao and its surroundings. Our volunteers contribute to the welfare of the city and countryside in myriad ways: from maintaining walking trails and parks, journalism and photography to replanting initiatives, creating education campaigns, and developing recycling programs. However you hope to help, we know there’ll be something for you!

Art Therapy

Join a compassionate community who share your commitment to making the world a kinder, more inclusive place and helping people with disabilities through the art. Be a part of Disabled Care Volunteering Program to work in a school for mentally challenged students of different age groups ranging from children to adults in their thirties. The students have a variety of learning difficulties and special needs.

Football/Soccer Community Supporter

Join our football and community support volunteering program! Assist in training sessions, help coach young players, and use football as a tool to inspire and unite the local community. Through teamwork, sportsmanship, and mentorship, you’ll make a lasting impact while fostering personal growth in others. A perfect blend of sports and social change, this program allows you to share your passion for football while supporting community development.

Teaching English to Kids

Join our English teaching volunteer program in a small community and make a difference in the lives of children and teenagers. Help them improve their language skills through fun, interactive lessons, and build their confidence to open doors for future opportunities. Whether assisting in schools or community centers, your efforts will empower young learners while you immerse yourself in the local culture and create meaningful connections.

Sustainable Urban Permaculture Initiatives

Join our urban permaculture and gardening volunteer program! Learn sustainable techniques while cultivating fresh produce to donate to those in need. Help create green spaces, promote eco-friendly practices, and support food security in the community. This hands-on experience allows you to make a positive environmental and social impact while connecting with like-minded individuals and immersing yourself in local culture.

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating

based on 17 reviews

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Rating Spread Language Volunteer

5 rating 100%
4 rating 0%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Instruction 5
Support 5
Fun 5
Housing 5
Value 5

Impact 5
Support 5
Fun 5
Value 5
Safety 5

Good for Students, Solo Travelers, Under 18

Showing 9 - 16 of 17 reviews

Going to Spain I was able to immerse myself in things I had never done before. I love travelling and I would recommend this program to any teen who likes to adventure and wants to spice up their resume. Travelling alone was a smooth and breezy process and Instituto Hemingway helped me through every step of the way. I was so excited to meet people I spent the duration of my program with. Together, we were able to visit an animal shelter refugee. During weekdays, we would go to tourist attractions and we even went to the Plentzia beach. Rodrigo, the person we stayed with, was super nice and gave us access to the Wi-Fi and other small issues when we needed. I made friends in my accommodation that I will keep for the rest of my life and I am so happy that I spent my summer there!

P. S Food was excellent anywhere

Pros

valuable community work
cultural inmersion
fun excursions

Cons

Slightly long traveling hours.

The best decision I could make! My three months in Spain have been really great.My flatmates in the apartment were very nice and always willing to help if there was a problem. I also really liked my project and enjoyed the work and time with the pets in the animal sanctuary.The trips that I took part with the School were always very organized and full of new experiences. Since Spain has a lot to offer regarding it’s nature, cities and scenery I was always able to discover new and different parts of the country. I have met a lot of amazing people there and enjoyed my stay very much. Now I want to get a degree as a vet.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

A strong understanding and background of the Spanish language is needed. In addition, being an Undergraduate student studying a STEM major would be recommended.

I carefully researched volunteers programs abroad and I am so glad I chose Instituto Hemingway! They leave no stone unturned in preparing you for success. My program was absolutely perfect!

I had an enriching experience in Bilbao. I'd say plan for a minimum of two weeks to have some sort of impact on the dogs lives. The program could have benefited from some more structure and concrete objectives, but it was flexible to accommodate each volunteer's interest.

The accommodations were brand new and very nice. This program far exceeded my expectations. Bilbao is easy to settle into. I felt very safe in this incredible international city.

I would highly recommend Instituto Hemingway without any hesitation. I experienced numerous once in a lifetime moments and will forever have wonderful memories of Hemingway

What would you improve about this program?

The programme is a great - animals, the accommodation, Bilbao is a great town for those new to Bilbao. It's really safe, interesting, a great place for culture and people - full of great restaurants and shops. The programme could be improved by having more of a set curriculum for the volunteers to follow rather than having each volunteer create their own as it would improve consistency for the dogs. Maybe, they could also give the volunteers some pre-work to prepare before they reach Spain.

6 weeks in Spain as a high school student was a catalyst for much needed and life changing introspection and inspiration. Traveling in a country/culture so vastly different than my own pushed me into patience, acceptance, wonder, and gratitude. My heart grew, my determination blossomed, and I began to see that there is a place in the world for me with all my specific passions.
I look back so grateful for our instructors, who pushed us while supporting us. Who lead us both through meditation, and silly games to play with my roommates. I laugh when remembering trying to communicate with my teacher the time I showed off a whistling trick, and was eventually told it was disastrously bad luck.

I loved beach cleaning and doing something rewarding for nature and humankind. We were people from all over the world doing that experience, contributing to pick up thrash from oceans and friendships I made on that placement are definitely true and strong.

I cherish all these memories, the beautiful and the challenging; and embrace the confidence it's given me to keep searching for both beauty and challenge.

What would you improve about this program?

Recipes to take home! I would have liked to spend more time learning Spanish and taking more lessons. It is such a beautiful language!

The programme is a great - the placement, the accommodation, the cultural activities and the staff. Bilbao is a great town for those new to Spain. It's really safe, interesting, a great place for culture and people - full of great restaurants and shops. Instituto Hemingway organizes all professionally and with a touch of sense of humour that makes you feel welcome. The art therapy was super in just one word. I learned so much about people with disabilities and about ways to express themselves through art!

What would you improve about this program?

The programme could be improved by having more of a set curriculum for the volunteers to follow rather than having each volunteer create their own as it would improve consistency for the children. Maybe, Instituto could also give the volunteers some pre-work to prepare before they reach Spain. I am sure that most volunteers would be happy to do this and it would be easier than trying to prepare in Spain, specially if first time in Europe. Overall, a great programme.

My trip to Spain with these guys was one I will never forget, I am a teacher in the States and I really wanted to go out of the country and give back. I never could have imagined what I was walking in to.

If I were to describe this experience in only one word I would say it was mind-opening. It has helped me evolve from so many points of view. Not only did I learn to be more independent and choose for myself, but I also I got to know amazing hard-working people. I managed to do my project and build friendships with the other volunteers. I felt that I truly belonged to that world and I was devastated when I had to leave. The program was simply marvellous

What was your funniest moment?

I can say I got to live one of the best moments of my life when I encountered an octopus that gripped my hand. I have never felt something like that ever before. I think that this experience helped me grow a lot and made me understand how beautiful and unique the marine world really is. Furthermore, I managed to learn new things about a foreign culture and I loved exploring different parts of Bilbao on my own and with other volunteers. Even more, the staff was so kind and helpful that I almost felt part of their family. All in all, I find it incredible that even after a month I still think about those moments and me and the other volunteers are still keeping in touch. Now, all I want to do is embark in a similar adventure as soon as possible.

The months that I spent in Bilbao were amazing. The place and the entire staff are incredible, thank you to Rodrigo and Jose for always being willing to teach us so much about about conservation. Being able to help out at such an amazing place with such great people is just a super nice experience. I recommend Instituto Hemingway to anyone who is interested in animal welfare without a doubt.

Taking Spanish courses there as part of the program also helped me to build my Spanish skills as well. I liked that this program allowed me to see all parts of the country, the good and bad, allowing me to appreciate it much more. I was able to connect with locals and see aspects of the culture more than I would if I were just a tourist in the country.

What was your funniest moment?

My favorite part was that on my last day working with the community, they wrote a letter for me and took the time to translate it to English since my Spanish is not the best! I 10/10 would recommend this program to anyone looking for a life changing experience!

Amazing experience, well beyond my expectations. Bilbao is the best place to study and spend a beautiful holiday! I really enjoyed traveling around Spain, discovering wonderful places and rich history. I sincerely recommend Instituto Hemingway to all those looking for a fun and productive language holiday experience. I will definitely be back! Big thanks to all the friendly staff, Hasta pronto!

I don't have a unique story to tell but a lot of thrilling moments that I did experience in those 3 weeks; it is so to say a patchwork of images that are in my mind whenever I think of Bilbao; even though I knew before arriving, that city would not disappoint my expectations , I was really touched not only for its huge historical heritage but mainly because of the friendly and marvelous Basque people I met and knew, who made my stay unforgettable and made my last day so sad when I had to leave from there ... I will come back for sure

What would you improve about this program?

I would have liked more clear information about our programme in advance of our arrival, although everything came as a very pleasant surprise!

Questions & Answers

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Interview

What is your favorite travel memory?

My most memorable travel experience would have to be my trip to Egypt. My girlfriend and I decided that rather than planning the typical tourist holiday to visit Egypt, we would go about it in a more unorthodox way, to try to get the most authentic experience possible. The day we went to see the Pyramids, we left our hotel and went by metro, and then got on a bus to go the rest of the way. As soon as we arrived we were stunned - despite having seen pictures and films all our lives about these majestic structures, it couldn't compare to seeing them for the first time in person. We bought tickets to go see them up close as well as to go inside. Being there, face to face with these gargantuan objects, these huge one-tonne blocks, its impossible to imagine what they did to get one on top of the other. We entered the Pyramid and passed through tight corridors, less than one meter wide, going by galleries, fearing the the unimaginable weight right above our heads might collapse at any moment for its sheer mas. Inside we even saw the inscription, Scoperta da G. Belzoni 2 mar. 1818 left by the first explorer to re-enter the pyramid in the modern era.

But the most special moment of all was when we left the site, and walked for a distance, enough to see them from far away. We entered a bar, ordered some drinks and sat outside on a sofa where we looked at the Pyramids as night fell, and then we slept right there. The next day we made the trip back, and listened to Echoes by Pink Floyd, which was the most magical moment for us.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I started working for my company when I was 19 years old, and for me my work has been a fundamental part of my development. I had to learn to be responsible, to deal with sensitive issues and above all else I had to learn to listen to others.

At the same time, I have seen how all sorts of stereotypes are proven false, as when working with people from various different countries, social status, levels of education and ages, you realize that each person is their own world, with a personality that often doesn't match up with first impressions.

Generally speaking, my job has given me the opportunity to have a home in nearly every country in the world. It has given me a curiosity and desire to learn other languages like German, and has made me realize that English truly allows it to not matter where you are from, and that someone will always be able to understand you at some point.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

I met a student from the United States named Liam. He was here in Spain for nearly a year and afterwards he began to travel the world. One day he returned to Bilbao and told me incredible stories about going to some islands in Polynesia. It was so exotic and outside of everything I knew that it seemed fantastic, and he impressed me as well with his artwork, as he enjoyed sketching from time to time too.

After his time with us, he continued speaking Spanish in the United States and even went to see Ernest Hemingway's house. Nowadays, he works as a surf instructor and we are hoping he will return one day to tell us more about his life.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

Without a doubt I would choose our Beach/Mountain Cleaning Project. It seems really fun and I find particularly interesting the sheer quantity of hidden rubbish that is produced in our society. We are always in clean places, with bin containers close by our homes and we are led to believe that rubbish isn't a real problem However, going to the beaches and finding sofas, shoes, tennis balls, lighters, all sorts of bottles etc, and then returning the next day to find the same things back again, the only thought it brings to mind is that we are too many in this world and we don't do enough. Its like when you go inside a warehouse and see rows and rows of new products waiting to be used and you think that it wouldn't even matter if you took one, tomorrow there'll be another one just the same, and so on. Truthfully, collecting litter in the most unsuspecting places makes you reflect on the quantity of objects that we use and how irresponsible it is for us to throw them away improperly.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

I think that our company is unique in that we always try to do the best we can even if we aren't perfect. We are a small school, with few staff and a variety of projects, but when a problem arises we strive to find a solution. I'm proud of our team when we are able to fulfill our students wishes and make sure they have a good time, and when they confess to us afterwards how happy they are to have chosen Bilbao, even though it isn't the biggest or most famous city, because of their choice to study or volunteer with us. Overall, we are unique for the way in which we help people to learn and enjoy their stay while they forge relationships and have new experiences which give them a connection to here.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

I consider the key to our success to be our drive to constantly reinvent ourselves and look for new initiatives. It is a process of using our own motivation to bring new experiences to our students. On the others hand, our flexibility is perhaps what most characterize us, as while we may not follow the most standard protocols as a larger business might, due to us being a closer and more familiar company, we get to enjoy the chance to meet and get to know our students, sharing experiences and listening to their recommendations .

About Instituto Hemingway

Our Spanish School offers Spanish courses in Bilbao and other cities in Spain starting from one week on, Volunteer programs, jobs in hospitality management in Spain, Spanish intensive courses, unpaid internships and School trips to Spain for graduate and undergraduate students. Our teachers are energetic, bubbling over with enthusiasm, and...