In the morning, the local staff lead an interactive session (at the volunteer accommodation) that includes some ice-breaker activities and a presentation that covers a lot of useful information including: an introduction to Portugal and it's culture, the volunteer experience (setting expectations), an overview of our programs, practical information for getting around the city and beyond, and safety guidelines. In the afternoon, the volunteers are escorted into the city center for a special tour. They are also able to buy bus tickets, local sim cards and exchange money if necessary, all with a local staff member for support.

Below is what a typical day as a volunteer is like:

07:00 - 10:00 Breakfast at the volunteer’s accommodation

10:00 - 13:30 You can either travel to the project to join local placement staff and begin work on your volunteer project or (2), explore the city, relax, attend Portuguese language lessons or enroll in other activities if you have an afternoon project

13:30 - 14:30 Lunch is served at the accommodation. In the morning you can grab a “packed lunch” to have in the city or at your placement.

14:30 - 19:30 You can either travel to the project to join local placement staff and begin work on your volunteer project or (2), explore the city, relax, attend Portuguese language lessons or enroll in other activities if you have a morning project.

20:00 - 22:00 Dinner at the accommodation. After dinner, you will have the remainder of the evening free to relax and use as you wish.

- Accommodation
- Three meals a day, everyday: breakfast, lunch and dinner (Local style. Vegetarian, gluten-free and meals for lactose-intolerant are also available upon request)
- Pick-up at the airport (On the Saturday or Sunday prior to an Introduction Day)
- Responsible guided city tour (2 hours)
- Allocation to a non-profit and placement coordination on the first day of volunteering
- Materials for the volunteer activities
- Free maps, city guides and the best tips to discover the city!
- Support 24/7 (365 days a year at anytime)

Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.

Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.

Our projects range from 1 week up to approx. 30 weeks. Projects have a specified minimum stay, then it’s up to you how long you can commit. In our experience the longer you stay the more you will gain, as your understanding of the project broadens and you take on more responsibilities. Every volunteer will be given a certificate of appreciation at the end of their stay as a symbol of volunteering stay.