Art Therapy

location
2 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+

rating  Fantastic 4.5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • Experience the Spanish way of life and enjoy siestas, participate in our free leisure and cultural activities
  • Gain Spanish fluency by taking Spanish courses with us for the first 2 weeks (You can extend it) and sharing daily life with the communities.
  • Become more passionate about your hobby and propel your career with international experience

Highlights

  • Experience the Spanish way of life and enjoy siestas, participate in our free leisure and cultural activities
  • Gain Spanish fluency by taking Spanish courses with us for the first 2 weeks (You can extend it) and sharing daily life with the communities.
  • Become more passionate about your hobby and propel your career with international experience
  • Make memories you will never forget during our excursions and tours with your fellow participants seeing our abundant natural resources and tourist attractions.
  • Give yourself the opportunity to experience creativity and learn art techniques while helping others in a rewarding volunteer experience


  • Especially good for

    Age 16+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+
    Wheel Chairs

    About the program

    Join a compassionate community who share your commitment to making the world a kinder, more inclusive place and helping people with disabilities through the arts 🎨.

    How you can help

    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.

    Communication in Spanish isn’t an ...

    About the program

    How you can help

    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.

    Communication in Spanish isn’t an absolute must, what’s important is being able to connect with the students in any way possible. The leaders of the organization also work in English, so no need to be worried about your language level.

    We don't just offer volunteering opportunities. We empower you to make a difference and learning Spanish at the same time. Engage in hands-on volunteer projects and see the immediate impact of your efforts while improving your language skills.

    The Location

    The project is located in an urban area of Bilbao. Working with those people will make you realize how valuable your role can be, in their lives. 

    It is a non profit organization that is committed to art as a path for the development of people. It is a space for artistic creation that offers a personal and professional development program for people with mental and/or intellectual disabilities. Hand painted fashion and accessories. There are around 12/15 patients on average

    The Tasks

    Volunteers in this program work as class assistants of different classes supporting the teachers in different activities during the mornings or afternoons. We include indoor games, art & craft activities to help students in their learning process.

    We work on artistic creation through painting, drawing, sculpture, image animation, graphic design, installation, etc..., using a wide range of different techniques, utensils and supports. Volunteers need to talk to patients and accompany them in their daily activities that have to do with art and expression. Patients donot speak English but supervisors do. Volunteers can not pick a specific field but supervisors are flexible and open to initiatives. The art expressions *Hand arts and fashion things are also sold through the organization.

    • Opportunity to volunteer for disabled people  
    • Work in a local school for mentally challenged  students
    • Responsibilities include teaching them, playing with them, organizing art and craft class, music sessions and more
    • Network with local artists and volunteer program staff
    • By joining this project, volunteers also contribute toward helping local communities with their own art donation.
    • Assisting the staff to take care of the students’ safety when they are taken for outdoor activities such as shopping, going to a park, going to the library

    Volunteers can expect to

    • Participate in a diverse range of community projects
    • Giving yourself the opportunity to experience creativity and learn art techniques
    • Design activities and learn more about art
    • assist the students in their daily lives, and help them to progress in life in spite of the disabilities they have
    Who can join?

    This is for volunteers who love to learn new things, meet new people, and more importantly, make a difference by using their knowledge and skills enriching others lives while enriching their own.  There is no dress code, just casual

    Spanish Course

    Our Bilbao Spanish courses focus on the core elements of language acquisition: oral comprehension and communication, reading, and writing. You'll gain well-rounded proficiency. Forget dry textbooks! Our lessons come alive with lively discussions, engaging projects, role-playing, and stimulating homework. Learning Spanish in Bilbao has never been this dynamic and fun! Our seasoned teachers are your dedicated mentors, here to support you every step of the way on your Spanish learning journey. With their expertise, you'll fully embrace Bilbao and all it has to offer



    Typical day

    There are 2 different shifts to choose: from 9,30 to 1,30 and 4 to 7 p.m

    Volunteers on this program can expect to work for around 3 - 4 hours per day, 4 or 5 days a week, typically Monday through Friday. There is always an specific mentor or coordinator in the program to guide the volunteers

    When not ...

    Typical day

    There are 2 different shifts to choose: from 9,30 to 1,30 and 4 to 7 p.m

    Volunteers on this program can expect to work for around 3 - 4 hours per day, 4 or 5 days a week, typically Monday through Friday. There is always an specific mentor or coordinator in the program to guide the volunteers

    When not volunteering participants are free to enjoy this incredible city! 

    Volunteer schedules depend on the needs at the time of placement but a typical day is likely to look something like this:

    • 4.00  Meeting with the program coordinator 
    • 4:15 pm VOLUNTEERING DUTIES START Placements will be tailored both to the volunteer's preferences, skills set and the needs of the community.
    • 6:45 pm VOLUNTEERING DUTIES END Exact finishing times will depend on the specific project 
    • 6:55 pm De-brief with the project coordinator 
    • Evenings, nights and weekends are free time to enjoy the sights, beaches sounds, vibes, cuisine and entertainment on offer in Bilbao.


    Free-time activities

    During weekdays we organize free leisure and cultural activities such as:

    • salsa lessons
    • wine tasting
    • excursions
    • tapas tours or
    • visits to museums. 
    All of the above are free of charge for our volunteers. 

    At weekends students can also enjoy their passions such as hiking, surfing or going to a winery. The ...

    Free-time activities

    During weekdays we organize free leisure and cultural activities such as:

    • salsa lessons
    • wine tasting
    • excursions
    • tapas tours or
    • visits to museums. 
    All of the above are free of charge for our volunteers. 

    At weekends students can also enjoy their passions such as hiking, surfing or going to a winery. The area is full of potential activities to enjoy beaches and mountains.  You can also enjoy the astonishing areas where some of the chapters of game of thrones was played. Be sure that Saint James walk is also going through Bilbao. To sum up, a place where you can not get bored.



    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 16 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level) or Spanish (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 16:00 - 19:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Instituto Hemingway

    Program fees include:

    • Spanish course 20 hours per week for the first 2 weeks
    • Accommodation dorm room
    • Equipment
    • Free leisure and cultural activities during weekdays
    • Supervisor and regular evaluation meetings during your program 
    • Support 24 hours and 7 days a week from our associated local staff.
    • Certificate of volunteering at the end as well as the Spanish course with the level achieved. 
    • Center Accredited by the Cervantes Institute 
    • Volunteering 20 hours per week max

    Airport Pickup at Bilbao Airport

    Airport pick-up from Bilbao airport included

    Accommodation

    We provide dorm room in shared apartment city centre. 
    • Wifi
    • cleaner once per week
    • kitchen
    • bathrooms etc in a walking distance to our School
    In case you want a single room ask for a price difference. 
    Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Food & Beverages

    Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Bilbao Airport (BIO) in Bilbao. We assist you to find cheap flights to Spain. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Spain provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Spain you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Spain. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    You can join us any Monday all year round. Totally flexible. Orientation and supervison included. Better to arrive to accommodation at weekends. At Instituto Hemingway, the doors to meaningful experiences are wide open, and your journey can begin on any given Monday, every week of the year. We understand that life has its own rhythm, and flexibility is key to ensuring everyone can embark on this transformative adventure. There is also an orientation on the first Monday.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 1,000€
    3 weeks 1,400€
    4 weeks 1,700€
    5 weeks 1,800€
    6 weeks 2,110€
    7 weeks 2,300€
    8 weeks 2,590€
    9 weeks 2,700€
    10 weeks 3,000€
    11 weeks 3,200€
    12 weeks 3,400€
    13 weeks 3,600€
    14 weeks 3,800€
    15 weeks 3,900€
    16 weeks 4,100€
    17 weeks 4,200€
    18 weeks 4,300€
    19 weeks 4,520€
    20 weeks 4,700€
    21 weeks 4,900€
    22 weeks 5,100€
    23 weeks 5,300€
    24 weeks 5,550€
    50 weeks (max. stay) 14,500€
    Average fees 395€/week

    Program fees

    395€ per week 2 - 50 weeks Age 16 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 50 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Instituto Hemingway during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Instituto Hemingway

    Fantastic 4.5 rating (92 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 1999

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Good response rate

    Coordinated by

    Jose

    Spoken languages: English, Spanish

    About the project

    Instituto Hemingway is a worker-run service cooperative that works the local network of NGOs, associations and social enterprises with international volunteers.

    Meet your organization


    Our vision is to promote international volunteerism, local associations and social enterprises by strategically matching international volunteer with local talents and creative thinking. Our goal is to function as a hub of innovative ideas and projects that can have a positive impact on Bilbao and the surrounding region. To that purpose we are constructing a community of social innovators - an international network that combines the energy and passion of volunteers from all over the world with the knowledge and skills of local NGOs, associations and social enterprises.

    Volunteers work with the International Bilbao Network to support the causes of many Bilbao associations, NGOs, and public schools. Our local partners are committed to fostering social inclusion – in particular with regard to children at risk and migrants – as well as promoting local cultural heritage, English language,  animal care and environmental protection. The different organisations are committed to fostering social inclusion – in particular with regard to children at risk, migrants and homeless – as well as promoting local cultural heritage, English language, and environmental protection.

    We are located in downtown Bilbao, just a few meters from  Gran Via in the historical centre. Instituto Hemingway is hosted in a 19th-century building across two floors and a rooftop terrace with a panoramic view.



    92 reviews · rating4.5

    Anthony Martins rating5

    2023 at Art Therapy

    The accommodation was great a good part of town and especially having roommates with different cultural backgrounds made the experience better, the project was enriching and the city vibrant. I speak fluent Spanish ...
    John Sanders rating4.8

    2023 at Art Therapy

    A lot to learn, explore and grow as a person, committed mentors making sure of giving the heart filled. ...
    Paula Ronda rating4.6

    2023 at Art Therapy

    It is a place of respect, harmony and constant empathy. ...
    Maria Sow rating4.6

    2023 at Art Therapy

    I very much enjoyed working at my project placement. Bilbao is a fantastic city with many things to do around. ...
    Julie Phillips rating4.4

    2023 at Art Therapy

    staff was welcome, nice and I could improve my Spanish while in the project. ...
    Sandra Pink rating4.4

    2023 at Art Therapy

    Absolute unforgettable experience I highly recommend giving this project a try. It is a lot more that can be put into words. ...

    Location


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    English, Spanish

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