Food Waste Management
- Porto
- |
- Community Development
Being a volunteer for the Food Waste Management Project would be a perfect choice for gap year travelers as well as college student groups, who...
- 1-12 Weeks
- |
- 17 years+
Volunteer in Portugal
Volunteer in Portugal with Volunteering Solutions and actively contribute towards making a difference. The programs in Portugal are located in Lisbon & Porto. You can choose to be a part of the Marine Conservation Program, Construction & Renovation Program or the Food Waste Management Program. For those who have a time crunch yet wish to volunteer & travel in Portugal can opt for the 2 Weeks Special Voluntour.
No matter whether you are a high school/ college student or a gap year traveler looking for a meaningful work experience abroad, the projects would surely help you to learn new things.
Portugal - Quick Facts
- Start Dates : All Year Round
- Duration : 1-12 Weeks
- Program Locations : Lisbon & Porto
- Minimum Age: 17 years+
- Certificate - Offered after Program completion
Key Features
- Currency Used : Euro
- Language : Portuguese
- Travel on Weekends to explore Torre de Belém, walk down the streets of Alfama District, conquer the bulwarks of St George’s Castle
- 5 Days Volunteer Work
- Meet other like-minded travelers
Marine Conservation
- Lisbon
- |
- Wildlife and Conservation
As a part of the Marine Conservation Program, you will have the opportunity to join a variety of conservation efforts focused on the protection of...
- 1-12 Weeks
- |
- 18 years+
There's so much to do in Portugal, that you might just fall short of time during your volunteering journey! Well, you can surely make your own checklist and plan what all you wish to explore. If you are in Lisbon, wonder at the Torre de Belém and go for a Tram 28 ride crossing the hair-pin alleys of Escolas Gerais. You can head off to the little Alfama District and explore the tile-fronted chapels. And not to miss out, packed with al fresco cafes and international restaurants, the Bairro Alto is also the Lisbon's top nightlife spot.
If you are in Porto, you must go for a wine tour and savor your taste-buds. Visit the museums or just chill on the beachside for a relaxing weekend.
Sintra – 
If you want to explore around, then pick the fairytale town of Sintra first because it feels full of mystery with its castles, palaces, and mighty estates among the trees and a quick 45-minute train ride away from Lisbon. The glistening Pena Palace is atop the hill while the old wall of another Moorish castle is a great spot to look at the valley that will be below you and the Quinta da Regaleira gardens are a remarkable place to explore.
Cascais – This place has the laid-back vibe of a soothing seaside town which is only 45 minutes from Lisbon and the perfect escape on a hot summer day. Its old city center is embellished with patterned black and white stones like in Lisbon, and its streets are lined with boutiques and restaurants. You can go further from here by renting bikes to Boca do Inferno and Casa de Santa Maria.
Braga – It is an old chap of a city near Porto, brimming with modernity and spiritual and historical surroundings. Overall, it is a youthful center with students from nearby universities to meet, socialize and share ideas, while you can enjoy seeing the famous Bom Jesus Sanctuary and the country’s oldest from a distance.
Aveiro – 
Nicknamed as the ‘Venice of Portugal’, Aveiro is actually a lot quieter than Venice and even more colorful. Some of Aveiro’s signature features are the painted boats and the vibrant buildings. It’s actually very easy to reach Aveiro from Porto, either via a drive, train or even a bus.
Guimarães – It is where Portugal’s origins began. Guimarães castle is was home to Portugal’s first king, and home to many more medieval structures. Because of the colorful streets, ancient churches and various natural landmarks, you will feel like you’re taking a walk from the history of Portugal to its present.
If you have anything else in your bucket list or planning to go & explore any of the above-mentioned places, you can simply get in touch with our Travel Experts, who can guide you better in planning your weekend tours. Drop us a mail at [email protected] mentioning your choice of weekend adventures, and we shall cater your needs.
Portugal FAQs
FAQ's Application and Program Details
As we have limited spots available in our programs and we serve on first come first basis, it is strongly recommended to apply for the program and reserve your spot in the program well in advance. You can book your spot in the program by filling an online form and pay the application fee.
Once you complete your application, your individual 'My Account' will be active in which you will receive your placement confirmation after which you can pay the program fees. You can pay the program fees later as well in installments, but 45 days before the program starts.
Once you complete your application, your individual 'My Account' will be active in which you will receive your placement confirmation after which you can pay the program fees. You can pay the program fees later as well in installments, but 45 days before the program starts.
After you complete your application, your personalized ‘My Account’ will be active. You will need to upload your CV/Resume along with your photo in the same. Our backend team and the placement site takes around 10-12 days to review your application. After we review your CV and documents, your booking is confirmed and booking confirmation is updated in your ‘My Account’. Some projects need a mandatory criminal background check and the same is mentioned in the project info of your program. Approval of your application depends on your qualification and eligibility criteria for each project.
- Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the beginning of the program.
- Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.
- The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.
- The participant must be in good health.
Yes, you are welcome to take part in the Programs in Portugal as part of a group. We welcome families, friends, high school students, college/university and corporate groups to volunteer together.
Yes, most definitely you can as we believe every participant brings something new to the project. If you do not have previous experience, we offer you the opportunity to have a great start with us. We make international volunteering easy – not only are our Volunteer Abroad opportunities rooted in offering you extensive support, but they are also very affordable.
Yes, we will provide you with the Certificate after successful completion of your program. The certificate is provided on request.
The Marine Conservation Program is located in the capital city of Lisbon. The Build A Future and Fighting Food Waste and Hunger Volunteering Programs are located in Porto. 2 Weeks Special Voluntour Program will let you work in both the destinations, a week in lisbon & a week in Porto!
Your program coordinator or a member of the local coordinating team will take you to your placement and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program, its surroundings and other facilities around the location.
Health and Safety
All participants are recommended to consult their physician or travel doctor before traveling to Portugal.To view the general list of vaccinations recommended for your travel to Portugal, click here.
Yes, for all participants, it is mandatory to have a valid travel medical insurance for their trip. Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To provide the best option to our participants, we offer comprehensive insurance coverage in collaboration with a leading insurance provider.
If you already have a valid Travel and Medical insurance, you can email us a copy of the same. It is also advised to bring along the Insurance documents during your trip.
If you already have a valid Travel and Medical insurance, you can email us a copy of the same. It is also advised to bring along the Insurance documents during your trip.
According to a study made by the Institute for Economics and Peace, The Global Peace Index 2018 says that Portugal is the 4th safest country in the world. That, we believe, solves all your doubts. For more information about safety, do take a look at the Pre-departure Guidebook.
Flights and Visa
Lufthansa, Jet Airways, Emirates, British Airways, and Aeroflot are the top airlines flying to Portugal. You would need a Schengen Visa to travel to Portugal, which should be applied at the respective embassy. No visa is necessary if you are a US Citizen and will be traveling to Portugal for up to 90 days. However, you will need a valid u.s. Passport for at least 3 months from the date of planned return or other travel document recognized by member states of the Schengen agreement. For more details regarding the Visa requirements, it'll be good if you can get in touch with our Program Advisor while applying.
Once you arrive at the airport, our in-country coordinator will be there to be in touch with you. You'll be taken to your accommodation where you can rest before kickstarting your amazing journey.
Once you arrive at the airport, our in-country coordinator will be there to be in touch with you. You'll be taken to your accommodation where you can rest before kickstarting your amazing journey.
Connect with Past Volunteers
We encourage volunteers to get in touch with former Volunteering Solutions program participants and also other program participants joining our projects. You are recommended to join the Volunteering Solutions Facebook Page or Facebook Group to communicate with other participants.
To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit the Meet a Volunteer page on our website.
Accommodation and Living
Accommodation in Porto:
Volunteers in Porto will be accommodated in a guest house that'll offer a comfortable stay. Located in Vila Nova de Gaia, just one kilometer from Porto city center, it is a dorm with 7 beds with basic furniture and natural light. All rooms have shared bathrooms. There is a fully equipped kitchen for use of all the guests where you can store and prepare food as they wish. There is free wifi in all the rooms. You may upgrade to a private room upon request and subject to availability (for an extra cost).
Accommodation in Lisbon:
The accommodation in Lisbon is provided at a hostel. The hostel is located at a traditional part of Lisbon, a short distance away from the Basilica of the Star. Volunteers will be required to share rooms with participants/ travelers of the same gender. The hostel can accommodate around 40 guests at one time. Wifi facilities will be provided at the hostel.
There are various common areas such as dining room, living room, fully-equipped kitchen, two balconies with sofas and hammocks and a big terrace to relax or participate in the different events taking place at the hostel.
Breakfast is generally self-made at the hostel with different supplies provided at the accommodation. Lunch and Dinner are also provided either at the placement or in the form of a packed meal.
Volunteers in Porto will be accommodated in a guest house that'll offer a comfortable stay. Located in Vila Nova de Gaia, just one kilometer from Porto city center, it is a dorm with 7 beds with basic furniture and natural light. All rooms have shared bathrooms. There is a fully equipped kitchen for use of all the guests where you can store and prepare food as they wish. There is free wifi in all the rooms. You may upgrade to a private room upon request and subject to availability (for an extra cost).
Accommodation in Lisbon:
The accommodation in Lisbon is provided at a hostel. The hostel is located at a traditional part of Lisbon, a short distance away from the Basilica of the Star. Volunteers will be required to share rooms with participants/ travelers of the same gender. The hostel can accommodate around 40 guests at one time. Wifi facilities will be provided at the hostel.
There are various common areas such as dining room, living room, fully-equipped kitchen, two balconies with sofas and hammocks and a big terrace to relax or participate in the different events taking place at the hostel.
Breakfast is generally self-made at the hostel with different supplies provided at the accommodation. Lunch and Dinner are also provided either at the placement or in the form of a packed meal.
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