Volunteer Programs in Colombia

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

IMA offers an opportunity to enhance your medical and healthcare knowledge with International Medical Aid's Pre-Med and Health Fellowships. Crafted for pre-med undergraduates, medical students, and high school students, these fellowships offer a unique chance to engage deeply with global health care in East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. Shadow doctors in underserved communities, and immerse yourself in diverse healthcare systems through our extensive network of public and private hospitals. IMA, a nonprofit organization, is deeply invested in the communities we serve, focusing on sustainable health solutions and ethical care practices. You'll be involved in community medical clinics, public health education, and first responder training, addressing the root causes of disease and illness alongside local community leaders. Beyond clinical experience, explore the beauty of your host country through cultural excursions and adventure programs during your free time. Join IMA's fellowships developed at Johns Hopkins University and step into a role that transcends traditional healthcare learning, blending clinical excellence with meaningful community service.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

This Globalteer project in Colombia provides safe retreats for vulnerable children, protecting them from the many temptations of the city and providing them with free education and food. The children are provided with English classes, lessons in Spanish, arts, music, sports, and various vocational training. The project also supports a health program, psychologist, as well as providing all the nutritional needs of children.The project focuses on the young and vulnerable to assist them in finding a way out of the trap of poverty and to train them in vocational skills so that they can become contributing members to their families and society. The project supports children from two years to 16 years old. Volunteers assist the local staff with various tasks. The Colombia Kids project is based high in the Andes Mountain range in the vibrant city of Medellin.

Contribute to social missions in the fishing village of La Boquilla in Cartagena, Colombia. Join volunteer projects that address extreme poverty in local communities, choosing from the following areas: - Music workshops - Coconut and product manufacturing workshops - Community work - Animal shelters - Youth support - Food distribution - Academic support and education Connect with the community and immerse yourself in the local culture while supporting the project you are most passionate about. A coordinator will call to help you pick an area based on your skills, experience, interest, and Spanish level. Explore a village with Afro-Caribbean roots and discover another side of Cartagena apart from resorts and tourist areas. Enjoy its natural beauty and learn about the city’s fascinating history. Develop your sense of discipline, responsibility, and motivation. Broaden your perspective through this volunteer experience. Being hardworking, patient, flexible, and proactive are important qualities to ensure a positive impact.

Join a life-changing Volunteer Build Week with Global Impact Homes and help construct homes for those in need. We currently offer Impact Builds in several destinations, including Puducherry, India; Zihuatanejo, Mexico; Granada, Nicaragua; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As a volunteer, you’ll participate in or lead a one-week build. You’ll collaborate with local communities, providing essential housing. At the same time, enjoy cultural immersion activities and foster connections with like-minded individuals. This rewarding experience includes all on-the-ground expenses, such as meals and travel medical insurance, allowing you to focus on making a lasting impact. Your participation will help uplift disadvantaged families, providing a safe and stable environment for generations to come.

Colombia is a vibrant and culturally rich country in South America, known for its welcoming people and breathtaking diversity—from tropical rainforests and mountain ranges to historic cities and coastal towns. With over 50 million residents, it is a place of both modern energy and deep-rooted traditions. Despite significant strides in tourism and trade, Colombia still contends with social and economic challenges, particularly in rural areas. Volunteering here offers a chance to contribute meaningfully while gaining a deeper understanding of local life. Volunteer placements are based in Cartagena and offer a variety of focus areas: • Cultural Orientation Week • Teaching & Education • Kindergarten • STEM Education • Spanish Lessons • Construction Volunteers are supported with daily meals, accommodation, airport pickup, and 24/7 assistance. This experience offers both personal growth and the opportunity to make a tangible impact in local communities.

Join a 2-week volunteer program at our animal refuge, nestled in the lush landscapes of Colombia, where we rehabilitate animals for their return to the wild. Help make their stay in the refuge as comfortable as possible by cleaning enclosures, feeding them, and providing care and compassion. Experience close encounters with capuchin monkeys, capybaras, jaguars, macaws, and many other fascinating creatures native to Colombia’s wilderness. Daily Routine Monday - Saturday: 07:30 – Breakfast 08:00 – Work: cleaning cages, feeding animals, and helping out wherever needed 13:00 – Lunch and chill (long break to relax!) 15:00 – Back to work 17:00 – Free time to explore, hang out, or unwind Facilities & Support Accommodation in simple cabins within the reserve Shared showers and restrooms Three meals a day featuring traditional local flavors A dedicated team offering support throughout your stay Transport from the nearby town Join hands-on conservation efforts, including: Animal Care: Feed and support the rehabilitation of rescued wildlife Neonate Feeding: Help care for baby animals, ensuring proper nutrition Habitat Maintenance: Build and improve enclosures for better animal welfare

Through GCAC, volunteers are introduced to Teaching English as a Second Language, working alongside Cali's Colegio Americano faculty. This short-term program lasts only a few days, but the hours are packed with learning inside and outside the classroom. Children and youth from pre-kindergarten through high school hear from GCAC volunteers on a wide variety of subjects, including United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (a foundational aspect of all of our GCAC programs). When the final bell rings each day, the discoveries continue as some of those same English teachers become guides to the vibrant city of Cali. Delicious food, firsthand stories of cultural heritage, and natural wonders are all part of the itinerary for this all-inclusive, week-long experience.

Programa Simon is a part of Fundación Camino de Vida, a foundation dedicated to improving the lives of children in Colombia. Programa Simon is one of four programs the foundation offers, but is the only one in operation at this time due to lack of funding for the other programs. Programa Simon was started by Sandra and Luis in 2004 when they saw a need for a childcare center in their community. The childcare center addresses the community’s need for a safe place for children of sex workers to be cared for while their mothers may be working. The center addresses the kids’ health, social, and recreational needs as well as provides them shelter, food, recreational play, and transport for medical care if needed. It is the only center offering services to this specific population. The mission is to provide high-quality childcare services to children of sex workers in Chinchina, Colombia. Contribute to this program, which operates from Friday until Monday at noon. Our project is important because it provides a space for mothers to leave their children outside of school hours and during a time when mothers may be working.

Fall in love with a country brimming with passion, flair, color, music, and dance. Immerse yourself in one of the friendliest cultures on the planet. Join Kagumu’s ground-breaking Jaguar Program in Colombia to widen your knowledge of pressing global issues and learn how you can contribute to a more sustainable world. Program Overview What better place to learn about global issues and become inspired to make a positive difference in the world than South America’s hub of innovation? Once known as the most dangerous place on earth, Medellín now teems with social and environmental projects that have transformed communities and rejuvenated surrounding biodiversity. Engage with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals through dynamic and inspirational classes led by passionate local experts. Then, discover how locals work to solve these Global Goals by visiting and joining activities in these projects. Along with your desire to change the world for the better, develop the soft skills and knowledge to create your own impactful and sustainable project once you return to your country.

Volunteering with ICYE UK is a transformational experience with real impact. Our ethical programmes promote peace, intercultural awareness and equality of opportunity, encouraging young people from around the world to live, learn and work together. UK residents can apply now to join us on our six or 12-month placements starting in either January or August, and work with locally run NGOs in Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Europe on impactful projects that matter, such as: - Human rights projects - Women’s empowerment projects - Supporting people with compromised health and/or disabilities - Environmental and wildlife conservation - Sustainable agriculture projects - Providing education, care, and support for children from under-resourced communities - Sports, art, or cultural projects - Community development programmes - And many more Additionally, short-term placements of 3 to 5 months with flexible start dates are available in some of our partner countries. Whether you join us on our long-term or short-term programme, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and language, learn, grow, and make an impact! Get in touch to find out more!