Youth Support Volunteer Program in Portugal

Overview

Being a part of the Youth Support Program in Portugal, you will be able to assist different non-profit organisations in supporting children in need by giving them the opportunity to experience extracurricular activities and helping them to discover and follow their dreams. If you are keen to travel and volunteer abroad and serve society by doing something worthy, and help the community for sustainable growth, then this is your chance. Not just that, but volunteering abroad is a great opportunity to acquire new skills, meet new people from different cultures, and grow as an individual. Volunteering Solutions aims to provide you with a wide variety of volunteer programs that focus on immersing into the culture of another country and helping the local communities directly.

As we all know, education is a fundamental human right that every child in the world should have. However, there are various factors like poverty, lack of facilities, inadequate support from the family, etc., that take away the right to education from millions of children, all across the globe. Even in a developed country like Portugal, there are many who had to drop out of school and couldn't continue with their education due to lack of support. This is your chance to help them chase their dreams and make the life that they deserve.

Volunteers in the Youth Support Program collaborate with nonprofit organizations that offer daycare services or after-school programs, focusing on homework assistance, tutoring, and providing meaningful recreational activities.

The primary aim of this program is to enhance the daily lives of children and young people who are at risk of social exclusion due to their diverse backgrounds and cultures.

The program seeks to provide positive role models who inspire personal growth, self-awareness, and an open-minded view of the world.

Why in Portugal ?

Although Portugal is a developed country and most children have access to education, their classes are typically held only in the mornings. As the majority of parents work full-time, organisations that offer after-school programmes—such as homework assistance, tutoring, and recreational activities like sports and games—play a crucial role in supporting the development and well-being of these children.

We support a range of non-profit organisations, with our volunteers being assigned based on the current needs of these groups. The project targets two key beneficiary groups: children aged 6 to 16 and young mothers with their babies.

Volunteer Work Schedule

After the orientation day, volunteers will be assigned a morning, afternoon or evening shift at the project placement and will work for approximately 4-5 hours per day depending on the schedule of the project.

Typical schedule of volunteers in Porto is as outlined below

Please note this schedule can vary depending on the schedule of each specific project. It might be a morning or afternoon shift depending on the specific tasks to be performed, the season, or different priorities that the non-profit might have during your volunteer program period.

Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

Volunteer tasks in the project may vary depending on the general needs at the project from time to time. However, general tasks for the volunteers in the program include :

Teaching English and helping the children with their homework
Designing and implementing new extra-curricular activities
Providing support for the planned activities, or teaching them a new sport, culture, language, instrument, game, or crafts
Sharing cultural and traditional aspects of your home country as well as future goals and dreams
Supporting the organization’s team with all daily activities
Organising donations and supporting the logistics of events run by the NGO

Project Requirement

Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project. You need to have an open mind and a flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference. Participants must be fit and healthy at the time of joining the program. Participants should have no criminal convictions and should provide a clean criminal background check report.

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Living

Airport Transfer
You will be picked up on arrival at Porto airport and transferred to the volunteer accommodation. A driver will be waiting for you at the airport when you arrive and the coordinator is reachable 24/7, in case of any travel updates or troubles. For those participants who will already be in Porto beforehand just let us know and we will arrange your pick up from any location in Porto.

Orientation
On the first day of the program, all participants are given an introductory presentation with the group giving further details of the program along with a walking tour of Porto city center for approximately two hours.

Accommodation
Volunteers are housed in a dormitory-style hostel located along the picturesque Douro River in the heart of Porto—an ideal retreat for those working in the city. The accommodation is conveniently situated near the metro, just a short walk from São Bento train station and Torre dos Clérigos.

Rooms are equipped with air conditioning and bedding, along with thoughtful touches like reading lights, power outlets at each bed, and personal lockers for secure storage. The bathrooms feature en-suite showers and toilets for added comfort.

A fully equipped shared kitchen is available for volunteers to store food and prepare meals. Private room upgrades can be arranged for an additional fee.

Meals
Portuguese food is delicious and during your time in Portugal, you will be sure to receive some incredible treats.The meals will be served in a local restaurant next to the accommodation. Volunteers can taste the best of Portuguese gastronomy prepared with local fresh ingredients.

Volunteers are provided with breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Breakfast is served buffet-style at the volunteer accommodation, offering a variety of options. Lunch and dinner are served at a nearby restaurant that prepares delicious Portuguese dishes using fresh, local ingredients.

There is a communal area where volunteers can enjoy breakfast, as well as a cozy spot for relaxing and socialising throughout the day. For lunch and dinner, volunteers can choose from a menu that includes a main dish and a drink.

During your Free Time
The weekends are free for you to get to know Portugal in a better way. We can help you to book the trips that you want to go to any point in the country. Besides that, we have one or two day programs, where you will have unique experiences on your own or in a group.

Volunteers can also join Portuguese Lessons. The language lessons are available for all volunteers, regardless of their starting level. By taking these classes, you will be able and communicate more effectively during your stay!

The language lessons are tailored to each volunteer’s current Portuguese level and are taught by a professional Portuguese teacher. All the classes run from Monday to Friday, and the cost is very affordable.

During your free time and the weekends, you can enjoy our tours and activities, or simply be on your own, relaxing and exploring!

Some of the tours and experiences that you can enjoy during the freetime include :-

Douro, Port and Moscatel Tour – Visit the vineyards, taste the different wines and have a typical lunch with amazing views
Minho and Vinho Verde Alvarinho Tour – Visit beautiful Viana do Castelo, Melgaço, and Monção, taste the Vinho Verde and some of the best Portuguese cuisine
Aveiro and Bairrada Sparkling Wine Tour – Visit the beautiful city of Aveiro and get to know its wonders and traditions

Dates

November

December

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Available

Filling Fast

Booked Out

Costs

Duration	Program Fee	Choose your currency
1 Week	$952
2 Weeks	$1389
3 Weeks	$1826
4 Weeks	$2262
5 Weeks	$2699
6 Weeks	$3135
7 Weeks	$3572
8 Weeks	$4008
Extra Week	$500

Please Note: An application fee of is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

What are you Paying For?

Airport Pickup and Transfer to accommodation
Introduction session and Placement Orientation
Guided Porto City Center Walking Tour
Accommodation at a dormitory at a centrally located hostel in Porto
Three meals a day
Shared use of common spaces and free WiFi
Volunteer placement coordination
Suggestion of weekly activities with the other volunteers
In-country staff support 24/7 (and the best local tips to discover the city)
Pre Departure Info Booklet
Travel & Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost)
Certificate of Participation(On Request)

What's NOT Included?

Round-Trip Flights to Portugal
Return Airport Drop
Visa Fees
Vaccinations
Any personal expenses

FAQ's

Application and Program Details

Can I volunteer as part of a group?: 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.
I haven’t traveled or volunteered abroad before. Can I still be a part of VolSol?: 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.
What is the best time to apply for the volunteering project in Portugal?: 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.
Does VolSol provide with a reference or a certificate after program completion?: Yes, we will provide you with the Certificate after successful completion of your program. The certificate is provided on request.
How long will it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted ?: 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.
Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the programs?: Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the beginning of the program. The minimum age requirement for Food Waste Management program is 17 years. Participants under 18 need to provide signed parental consent prior to joining 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.
How do I get to the program location?: 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.
What are the program locations in Portugal?: The volunteering programs in Portugal are primarily located in and around Porto, the second largest city in Portugal. You can choose to be a part of the Food Waste Management Program in Porto, Youth Support Program in Porto, Hedgehog Conservation Program or Horse Patrolling and Environment Protection Project in Porto.

Health and Safety

What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?: 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, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/portugal"; target="_blank">click here.
Do I need to buy health insurance?: 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.
How safe is Portugal?: 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.

Accommodation and Living

Can I know more about accommodation and food arrangements?: Accommodation in Porto:

Volunteers in Porto are accommodated at a centrally located hostel.Located right at the city center, the hostel, provides a wide range of rooms, from dormitories to private rooms, a spacious and friendly lounge area where you can hang out, chill, listen to music, enjoy the atmosphere, play some games, and get to know other fellow travellers while enjoying a nice cold beer, a tasty cocktail or a glass of the famous Porto wine! The welcoming staff will always be there to make the guests experience to the fullest! All the guests can count on the best tips about the city, an endless energy and a welcoming smile!!

Portuguese food is delicious and during your time in Portugal, you will be sure to receive some incredible treats.The meals are prepared daily by a local non profit that promotes social integration of vulnerable people by assisting them with professional training. Volunteers are provided with three meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner).

Breakfast is self-serve at the accommodation and generally includes tea, coffee, bread, cheese, ham, spreads, cereal, yogurt and fruit.The non-profit will prepare lunch and dinner for you ! It is a 4 min walk from the hostel, where you can heat it, store it or eat it straight away. Besides, the hostel has a shared kitchen where you can store your food, cook or prepare your meals anytime you need.

Connect with Past Volunteers

How can I connect with past Volunteering Solutions alumni as well as other former and current 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 https://www.facebook.com/VolunteeringSolutions/"; target="_blank">Volunteering Solutions Facebook Page or https://www.facebook.com/groups/VolunteeringSolutions/"; target="_blank">Facebook Group to communicate with other participants.

To read alumni interviews from past participants, https://www.volunteeringsolutions.com/meet-a-volunteer"; target="_blank">visit the Meet a Volunteer page on our website.

Flights and Visa

Can I know more about flight details, visa and arrival information?: Lufthansa, Tap Portugal, Emirates, British Airways and Iberia 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.