Volunteer in South America

Take the amazing opportunity to give back in South America! Enrich your life and the lives of others by applying to join an inspirational volunteer project including working with people, communities, children, animals and the environment.

Best Volunteer Programs in South America

Why Volunteer in South America?

Everyone has their own motivations for choosing to volunteer abroad. For some, its an opportunity to help a charity or cause which is particularly close to their heart. Others may already be planning a gap year or similar, but want to come away with more than just impressive Instagram photos at the end of it. Many travellers have found that doing something meaningful with their time away helps them grow as a person as well as making for an all-round richer experience.

If you’re thinking of volunteering in South America but aren’t quite convinced yet, there are a whole host of other benefits to bear in mind. If you’re just out of uni or are at the beginning of your working life, think about the new skills you could gain – whether it’s picking up a new language, cooking or teaching, there are plenty of skills which will give your CV a boost. On the flip side, think about all the skills you can share with other people. Many people forget what a valuable skill it is to speak English, so why not share that with others?

We touched upon the fact that volunteering can help you grow as a person, but it’s difficult to realise just how much it can affect you. You’ll learn about world issues first hand, experience areas much less fortunate than your own and make a real difference in the local communities. It’s a humbling but rewarding experience, so its no wonder that millions of people choose to help each year.

Top Places to Volunteer in South America

These are some of the top destinations: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.

Other places you can also find volunteering opportunities which are slightly off the beaten track include: Venezuela, Paraguay, Uruguay, Guyana, Suriname, Falkland Islands and French Guiana.

Popular places to help include Rio de Janeiro, Cusco, Amazon Rainforest and Patagonia.

Popular Projects

Projects include working at community outreach centres, wildlife conservation, schools, construction work, and many more.

Wildlife Conservation
Participate in wildlife conservation projects to help preserve the natural habitats of the local area. Sample projects include sea turtle and bird conservation and marine conservation.

Environment/Ecology Conservation
Learn and practice nature conservation techniques. Work on a private nature reserve and crop experimentation site. Duties include restoring and improving the grounds, plantations, and facilities. Interact with local communities and expand your knowledge of the reasons, benefits, and ways to be more environmentally friendly.

Building/Construction Maintenance
Lend an extra hand at a multitude of labor-intensive jobs. A variety of projects need assistance with building, painting, gardening, and wiring. Experience and knowledge helpful, but not required.

Orphanage Assistance/Street Children
Work in local orphanage homes or shelters for abandoned children. All of these children have come from poor families and suffer from malnutrition and neglect. Assist the limited staff to care for these children. Organize recreational activities, educational activities, sports, arts & crafts, and be the nurturing heart and helping hand that can encourage the children and local staff.

Teach/Tutor
Inspire students by assisting the local teachers at public schools and community centers with their English classes and other subjects. Or, act as a role model for struggling teenagers and adults through informal education classes. Some students have dropped out of school, but want to examine alternate opportunities to continue their education.

Social Welfare Development
Work in facilities that help an area’s poor communities. Provide support to at-risk and at-need women and children. Help them learn the values, manners, and life skills to become self-sufficient and obtain a higher level of education. Past projects range from tutoring, cleaning, carpentry, program development, sewing, cooking, childcare, business skills training, and administrative duties.

Health/Medical Clinics
Work at community health and medical clinics. Be a friend to patients, assist medical staff, and organize health and nutrition classes. Knowledge of nutrition, health, and the medical field is preferred for these projects.

Highlights and Benefits

Volunteering in Latin America offers:

• An unforgettable experience helping and improving Latin American communities
• An opportunity to broaden your perspective and worldview
• An opportunity to participate in and learn local cultural activities (e.g.: language, crafts, dancing)
• Memorable travel experiences with the chance to see exotic sites you have always dreamed about
• The ability to make lifelong friends from around the globe
• A valuable work experience that strengthens your resume, exhibiting your diligence, independence, and intercultural experiences
• A great way to develop and support your self-confidence and interpersonal skills

Volunteering in South America FAQ

Do I need a visa?
No visa is required for British passport holders (and most European/North American passport holders) staying less than 90 days. Other nationalities should check online.

Language
Most projects include Spanish/Portuguese language and additional classes can be arranged before or during your volunteer placement.

Duration
You can find short and long-term volunteer placements throughout South America.

Requirements
• You must be at least 18 years of age. Or, if younger than 18, you must have parental or guardian consent.
• Dedication to the full term of commitment . Most projects’ duration is 2 weeks to 12 months.
• Some projects require Spanish language skills. Spanish lessons are included with most destinations, and additional classes can be organized.
• Enjoy providing a service and working with others in a challenging environment.
• Open to foreign cultures and living abroad
• High level of responsibility

What’s Included
Some organisations charge a fee which includes housing, board, insurance, pre-departure information, local support, transfers and training. Some projects are very cheap or free.

Accommodation
Volunteers can be placed in hotels, hostels or homestays.