Volunteering in South America

How do I find a suitable volunteer project for me?

1. Get an overview of the projects offered on our website.
2. Narrow down your selection: think about what your strengths and interests are and in which project you can particularly use them.
3. Once you have found your top projects, make a note of them and read more about the process, the accommodation and the environment. Reports from volunteers who have already supported the project before you are particularly helpful and can thus give you a particularly good insight.
4. If you can't decide on a project, simply combine two programs!
5. Also take ours Advice by email or telephone claimed. We will be happy to answer all your questions and help you find the right project for you!
6. As soon as there are no more questions left, simply book your project (or your projects) via the online registration.
7. You can also find further details on project selection, travel preparation and the time during and after your stay abroad in our Volunteer Guide.

Where in South America can I volunteer?

You have the opportunity to take part in volunteer projects with Rainbow Garden Village in the following countries:

• Bolivia
• Chile
• Costa Rica
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• Peru

Who can participate in volunteer work in South America?

In many cases, participation in the RGV programs abroad is already possible from 16 years possible. Many of our participating volunteers have either just started with the Abitur successfully completed or already in progress in studies.

More and more people with life and work experience are coming to our programs, for example as part of a Sabbatical take time abroad from your job.

What accommodation will I stay in during my volunteer work in South America?

Depending on the project, our accommodations for the participants also differ. Most of the time you will live in one of our volunteer houses directly at the location. However, it can often be the case that you live with a host family that has been checked by us and that has already taken in many volunteers before you.

Some projects also have very special accommodations, such as the farmhouse on the Galápagos Islands or the covered tent in the Amazon.

Do I need to speak Spanish to volunteer in South America?

Knowledge of Spanish is definitely an advantage and will make your stay easier. Nevertheless, there are some projects where basic knowledge of Spanish and good knowledge of English are already sufficient and where you can even attend a Spanish course.

You can combine your volunteer work with a language course and also have the opportunity to use and deepen the language you have learned during your project work or excursions.

How long can I volunteer in Latin America?

At RGV we want to ensure that both you as a volunteer and those affected by your chosen project benefit as much as possible from your stay abroad.

Since it can take a while for you to get used to your work tasks and your environment, we think it makes the most sense to choose a minimum stay of four weeks. During this time you will have a lot of new experiences, meet new people, see new places and different ways of life.

Of course, the main thing about your commitment is your voluntary commitment. But also about the cultural exchange between you, the locals and other volunteers. This means that the longer you take the time for your volunteer project, the more beneficial it will be - for the project, for other people and for you.

Can I do volunteer work in Latin America with my partner or a friend?

At RGV we offer you the opportunity to travel as a couple. No matter whether with your partner, your best friend or your sister - traveling with someone you trust has a lot of advantages and is twice as much fun. Both of you register separately for the project and simply indicate your travel buddy when registering. We will accommodate you both in the same accommodation and in the same project.

Is it safe to travel in Latin America?

Your safety during your placement is our top priority. Our destinations in Latin America generally count as safe travel destinations. You are also in good hands in our projects and accommodations and you have contacts in your immediate environment.

If you are traveling alone in big cities, you still need to exercise some caution. This means that you should take care of your valuables, especially in very touristy places, and not obviously carry them around with you. You should also avoid certain areas after dark. As part of your travel preparations, we will familiarize you with our rules of conduct, which will give you further orientation on site.

What leisure activities can I do during my volunteer project in Latin America?

Your opportunities for leisure activities are as diverse as Latin America is as a continent. For example, Peru, Chile, Ecuador and Costa Rica offer you the best places to venture into surfing. You can also book horseback rides or kayak tours at many destinations and explore the area.

However, if you feel most comfortable on your own feet, you can of course also go on hikes with the other participants. For example, why not take a few days to hike Machu Picchu?

With Rainbow Garden Village we support a variety of projects in which you can get involved in different areas of activity. In Latin America we offer exciting projects in the following areas:

Volunteer work in the social sector

Due to social grievances, the gap between rich and poor is widening in many Latin American countries. Children in particular are affected by poverty and poor educational opportunities. Likewise, women are sometimes still disadvantaged by the classic image of women in Latin America.

To counteract this situation, you can, for example, get involved socially in daycare centers in Costa Rica and Chile or in a women's shelter in Peru.

Social projects in South America

Volunteer work in animal welfare

One of the biggest problems worldwide is perhaps the deforestation of rainforests. The Amazon is also hugely affected by deforestation, which means that numerous animal species are losing their natural habitat. As a result, the number of animal and plant genera on the Red List increases every year, and some of them disappear forever.

For this reason, the protection of endangered animal species is particularly important in many Latin American countries. In our animal protection projects you have the opportunity to nurture injured wild animals such as sloths, monkeys and birds.

Protecting animals in South America

Volunteer work in nature conservation

Pollution of the environment, especially the oceans, is also an issue that requires increased attention. Although many countries are increasingly avoiding plastic, packaging and plastic waste still have a significant impact on the environment. It's the same in agriculture. Pesticides and fertilizers not only affect the water quality, but also the soil.

Nature and environmental protection in South America

Volunteering in medicine

The healthcare system in South America usually has a strong urban-rural divide. This means that rural areas often lack sufficient medical care and staff. Poorer sections of the population often have more difficult access to medication. In addition, the care in private clinics is usually better, but also very expensive.

If you are interested in medicine or, ideally, are a medical student or have completed medical training, you can get involved in Latin America, for example in the Dominican Republic.

Anyone who has no work experience or medical training can work at a hospital as part of a medical internship or Nursing internship collaborate. The Internship is particularly suitable for career orientation and for compulsory internships during your studies.

Medicine and care in South America

It doesn't matter which area of ​​activity you choose - as an RGV volunteer you will support a local team consisting of permanent employees. When it comes to placement, we make sure that your commitment does not endanger local jobs.