Volunteer Programs in La Paz, Bolivia

Bolivia’s third largest city is magnificent on many levels. Located in west central Bolivia, La Paz is set deep in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River, engulfed by the rugged peaks of the Altiplano Mountains. The streets feel like a carnival: busy locals weave in and out of honking minivans, vendors grab the attention of tourists, and dancers perform in the city squares daily. It is a city of reinvention, with endless opportunities for volunteers. If you’re hoping to make a difference to a beautifully stimulating community, look no further than volunteering abroad in La Paz!

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2 Volunteer Programs in La Paz, Bolivia

Child Family Health International

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Global Health in La Paz, Bolivia

Students have the chance to explore and become immersed in the local language and vibrant culture of Bolivia, with this health development opportunity. Volunteers will spend time working with children and their families, concerning wellness. They will observe clinical rotations and offer support in medical and conversational Spanish classes. Accommodations are arranged with local host families so that the students experience an authentic homestay. This is a great way to embrace the cultural differences of the host country and practice Spanish language skills. La Paz, Bolivia is an ideal destination for this type of service, as malnutrition, poverty, and sanitation are all areas presenting concerns within the region. Though it is one of the poorest countries in South America, La Paz is a developing and culturally rich city with a great vibrancy in the atmosphere. Students will meet with the medical director and local coordinator on a weekly basis, practicing clinical rounds five days a week.

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Volunteer World

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Best Volunteer Projects in Bolivia

Extending from the Central Andes to the Amazon, the geography of Bolivia is extremely varied with one of the greatest biodiversity levels in the world. Interested in experiencing tropical rainforests, dry valleys and a tropical savanna? Bolivia has them all! You could trek the Andes, or maybe you would like to visit volcanoes or salt lakes? One of South America's poorest nations, Bolivia has a real need for volunteers, whether for local community projects, environmental protection or wildlife conservation. What are you waiting for? Get ready for your next volunteer opportunity in Bolivia!

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A Guide to Volunteering Abroad in La Paz

Popular Ways to Volunteer in La Paz

Bolivia is rich in culture and natural beauty, but it is also considered one of the poorest countries in South America because of the overwhelming poverty. What better city to volunteer abroad in Bolivia than in the country’s educational and political capital! Whether you want to spend a year teaching English, or a few weeks practicing social activism, there are endless causes to consider for volunteering in La Paz.

Popular causes in La Paz. La Paz is a city of renewal, seeking constant change and improvement. Community development is one of the most popular volunteer placements in La Paz, whether you are helping out in local orphanages and childcare centers, or on environmental projects throughout the city. Others can find teaching placements, or even run extracurricular programs after school. Animal lovers can volunteer in veterinary medicine, joining projects in local zoos while working with indigenous Bolivian wildlife.

Short-term volunteer programs in La Paz. If you’re looking to balance a fulfilling career break with adventure, try a short-term volunteer placement in La Paz. While longer placements are always encouraged to maximize results, La Paz offers volunteer placements of one or two weeks for those who are short on time. Join a community project in mural painting to beautify the poor communities and attract tourists to boost the economy, or help out in a wildlife center to love on some rescued animals.

Long-term volunteer programs in La Paz. Those who have the time to make a greater impact can make a new home while volunteering in La Paz, as many volunteer abroad programs offer long-term placements. Volunteers can rent apartments in this cheap destination with assistance from their program providers. You can even balance your long-term volunteer project with studies for a semester or a year!

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Latest Program Reviews

Best time of my life

November 22, 2019by: Maya Sahtout - United StatesProgram: Global Health in La Paz, Bolivia

In August 2019, I participated in the Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine Program in La Paz, Bolivia. It was the best trip of my entire life. I was able to shadow many different doctors and nurses, make new friends, try new foods, and travel to amazing places in Bolivia. I grew as a person. My career choices were narrowed down as well. Before going on this trip, I was unsure about if I wanted to be a doctor and go to medical school. While shadowing the doctors in the hospitals, I realized how much joy it brings me to help alleviate the pain of others. I also realized that I want to be involved in global health and continue outreach work. Before departing for Bolivia, CFHI made sure I was well informed on my accommodations, health, safety, and exactly what to expect. My homestay was amazing and each day for lunch and breakfast we had the best Bolivian food. The program directors in La Paz are very nice, available at all times, and super accommodating. La Paz itself is a beautiful and unique city that I miss so much. I grew very close to the girls who were also staying in my homestay. On the weekends, I would travel around Bolivia to amazing places such as Isla del Sol and Salar de Uyuni.

Great experience for global health

August 03, 2015by: Chrissa - Santa CruzProgram: Global Health in La Paz, Bolivia

I participated in the Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine program in La Pax, Bolivia this past June 2015, and it was an extremely beautiful and illuminating experience. My time spent working with doctors and nurses in varying specialties was invaluable in giving me a chance to learn more about the health care field, as well as about intercultural medicine. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who wants more exposure to the medical field, or to those who aren't sure if this career is right for them. As for me, as a result of this program I have decided to continue along my path into medicine. CFHI does a great job finding inspiring and intelligent doctors to shadow during our time at the program. Before I left, they were extremely helpful, accommodating, and answered all questions and concernsi I had about my trip. They also provide many resources to fundraise for the program. During the program itself, we are connected with a coordinator who lives in the country, in my case the kind and wonderful Gonzalo Claire. He was available for us whenever we needed him, and worked with us to give us each experience we desired. With his help I was able to shadow a doctor in a women and children's clinic that no other student had worked in before. Overall, I would recommend this program, and CFHI specifically, for anyone who desires to expose themselves to global medicine.