Social and environment entrepreneur

location
1 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 14 - 50+

rating  Fantastic 4.5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • Make positive impact by sharing your knowledge and time with organizations and contribute to their causes
  • Improve your spanish by working alonside locals
  • Become more passionate about your major or interest and propel your career with international experience

Highlights

  • Make positive impact by sharing your knowledge and time with organizations and contribute to their causes
  • Improve your spanish by working alonside locals
  • Become more passionate about your major or interest and propel your career with international experience
  • Bring home amazing memories from your experience and a fullfilled heart from helping others
  • Be concerned about the environmental impact of our actions


  • Especially good for

    Age 14+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+
    Wheel Chairs

    About the program

    Learn new skills and contribute to minimize the adverse environmental impact of tourism and get involved in important conservation and research programs.

    HOW YOU CAN HELP 

    The mission of this program is to protect the amazing environment of Bilbao in Northern Spain and allow its people to better thrive. Volunteers will assist in areas such as developing recycling and environmental programs, creating education campaigns, working directly ...

    About the program

    HOW YOU CAN HELP 

    The mission of this program is to protect the amazing environment of Bilbao in Northern Spain and allow its people to better thrive. Volunteers will assist in areas such as developing recycling and environmental programs, creating education campaigns, working directly with local community members and within garden and compost projects and generally helping to promote and educate on the importance of waste management.

    This project allows volunteers hands-on experience as well as the opportunity to help behind the scenes with administrative tasks including social media, fundraising and promotional efforts, sourcing new alliances and drafting maps.  

    Volunteers will be placed according to their personal interests, timeframe and profile. This promises to be a wonderful experience for volunteers to learn about the real Spain, spend time with its people and contribute to its future.

    Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake many of the following tasks:

    ·                                 Develop recycling programs and workshops

    ·                                 Assist with hands-on projects such as light photography work, gardening, journalism, nutrition and sorting recycled materials.

    • Maintaining urban gardens and offering mobility challenges to society
    • Conservation  prevention projects
    • Replanting initiatives 
    • Assisting to beautify and maintain parks and biking /walking trails

    ·                                 Help raise awareness of the project and its importance within Bilbao and beyond, making new alliances and finding ways to grow its impact

    ·                                 Interact with locals and share personal experiences and ways of life

    ·                                 Assist with administrative tasks

     

    Volunteers work to conserve, restore, rehabilitate and manage land using conservation tools and people power to improve conservation resources and to provide access for people to enjoy and appreciate nature. You will use social networks, crowdfunding etc  to report all information you get while doing your duties and missions every week

    Working in diverse locations from inner-city parks to scenic hilltops overlooking the Atlantic ocean and coastal reserves, volunteers will work on restoring biodiversity in the area, support species protection, help to strengthen community networks, and provide enhanced conservation land for the benefit of future generations



    Typical day

    The first 2 weeks students take Spanish courses in the mornings from 9.30 to 13.30 Monday to Friday. There is a break between 11.30 to 12. You take a placement test before coming

    Volunteers on this program can expect to work for around 3 - 5 hours per day, 4 or 5 days a week, typically Monday through ...

    Typical day

    The first 2 weeks students take Spanish courses in the mornings from 9.30 to 13.30 Monday to Friday. There is a break between 11.30 to 12. You take a placement test before coming

    Volunteers on this program can expect to work for around 3 - 5 hours per day, 4 or 5 days a week, typically Monday through Friday. 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:

    1:30 p.m Travel to the project site

    2:00 pm Pre-start meeting with the program coordinator

    2:15 pm VOLUNTEERING DUTIES START

    Placements will be tailored both to the volunteer's preferences and skill-set and the needs of the community.

    5:15pm VOLUNTEERING DUTIES END

    Exact finishing times will depend on the specific project

    5:30 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

    Bilbao is an enchanting seaside city with boundless culture, fabled architecture, sun-drenched beaches, and picturesque neighborhoods. Every month there's a different celebration or main event in the city. If you happen to be around, check the festivities calendar for that month! Also, Bilbao is ...

    Free-time activities

    Bilbao is an enchanting seaside city with boundless culture, fabled architecture, sun-drenched beaches, and picturesque neighborhoods. Every month there's a different celebration or main event in the city. If you happen to be around, check the festivities calendar for that month! Also, Bilbao is located in Northern Spain with amazing spots to discover, from paradisiac beaches to outstanding hiking trails and ancient villages. The transportation network in Spain is very complete which allows you to visit easily other cities in Spain like Madrid, Sevilla or Barcelona.

    The local team will give you the best tips to make the most out of your stay.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 14 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 14 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 14:00 - 17:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Instituto Hemingway

     We include;

    Pre-arrival support
    » Airport pick up
    » Accommodation in dorm room ,  city centre, walking distance to School. In case you want single room ask for a price difference
    » Spanish courses for the first 2 weeks (20 hours per week) as well as placement test and Certificate upon completion
    » Volunteer placement and coordination
    » Program orientation
    » 24/7 in-country support
    » Free leisure and cultural activities

    Airport Pickup at Bilbao Airport

    The free airport pick up is from Bilbao airport


    Our staff will pick you up at the airport and guide you by bus to the accommodation. It takes about 30 minutes from the airport to the accommodation.

    Accommodation

    You will stay accommodated in a dorm room with a meaningful social and environmental mission.  The apartment has the capacity to accommodate up to 8 conscious travelers who want to visit Bilbao in a responsible way.  In case you want a single room
    There are various common areas such as kitchen and bathrooms.
    The apartment is in a neighborhood where you can find everything you need: local coffee shops, supermarkets, ATMs, hospital, police and most utilities you will need just around the corner. The apartment is 10 minutes walking distance to our School and nearest metro stop. 

    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 our program throughout the year. We are totally flexible in terms of dates but better coming on weekends and start the program on Mondays.

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

    Program fees

    1 week (min. stay) 1,000€
    3 weeks 1,350€
    4 weeks 1,590€
    8 weeks 2,760€
    16 weeks 5,450€
    50 weeks (max. stay) 17,000€
    Average fees 670€/week

    Program fees

    670€ per week 1 - 50 weeks Age 14 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 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

    Sofie Elise Gloslie rating1.8

    2021 at Social and environment entrepreneur

    You should read this before deciding any project in Bilbao. I came to Bilbao for the environmental entrepenour project. In reality the project is solely what you make it yourself. You are on your own with no leader. For me, I was told the first day that I was the only one at the project, and I could ...
    Marco Gnos rating5

    2024 at Animal Welfare Helper

    Ich habe zwei Wochen im refugio de los sabios mitgeholfen. Das kleine Tierheim wird privat und liebevoll geführt. Da der Grossteil der Arbeiten am Morgen erledigt wird, gab es während meiner Anwesenheit am Nachmittag nur wenig Arbeit. Gerne hätte ich handwerklich mehr geleistet. Trotzdem konnte ...
    Paul TEILLET rating4.8

    2024 at Beach and Mountain Cleaning Supporter

    I gained a lot of knowledge in Spanish through the lessons and immersion. The teachers are all kind and respectful, offering plenty of vocabulary and grammar lessons. I completed 80 hours of lessons to get the most out of my Spanish experience, and it was very beneficial! I remained at the A1 level ...
    Linnea Löfveberg rating4.6

    2024 at Sustainable Urban Permaculture Initiatives

    I had a great time both at the school and at the volunteering program. I met lovely people and got to know Bilbao which is a beautiful city. Only downside was that due to rain, we had to cancel gardening a few times. But overall, a great ...
    Jonas Horn rating4.6

    2024 at Beach and Mountain Cleaning Supporter

    Für mich war die Reise unglaublich, da ich viele Menschen innig kennen lernte, selbstbewusster wurde, viel über mich und Spanien lernte und aus meiner Komfortzone kam. Das war mein Ziel. Ich empfehle es für jeden weiter. Außerdem habe ich nun viele Freunde in vielen Ländern der Welt, einfach ...
    Fraser Young rating4.6

    2024 at English Teacher assistant For Kids

    The volunteer work is done in a local church in the city centre. Each day is different but includes the same activities such as explaining rules of English and showing examples of how it’s used. Kids ages ranged from 9-20 and were all very grateful for the help with English language. Knowledge in ...

    Location


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