Volunteer in Spain

A supported gap year volunteer programme in Spain for 18 to 30 year olds. Support pupils in local schools, pick up the language, and experience everyday life in Spain the way locals actually live it.

What Kind of Placement Will You Have in Spain?

Our Spain programme focuses on school placements, supporting pupils and classrooms day to day.

Support teachers in local Spanish schools, working with pupils in classrooms and school activities while gaining practical experience in an education setting abroad. A brilliant way to experience Spanish life from the inside while making a real difference to the children you work with.

Why Volunteer in Spain?

Volunteering in Spain offers a supported gap year experience, combining Spanish language immersion, cultural exchange, and meaningful school placements that help you build confidence while living like a local.

Spanish Language Immersion

No Spanish is required. English is used in schools, but living in Spain gives you plenty of chances to practise the language every day, from chatting with your host family to ordering coffee in the plaza.

Living With a Host Family

Live with a welcoming Spanish host family and experience daily life from the inside. It is your backstage pass to Spanish culture, home-cooked food, traditions, and conversation while settling into life in Spain.

Meaningful School Placements

Support fantastic local teachers and energetic pupils in Spanish schools while helping students practise English. You will gain real classroom experience, build confidence, and make a positive contribution to the school community.

Strong Support and Safeguarding

Carefully vetted school placements, clear guidance, and a dedicated support team mean you are never on your own. From orientation to ongoing help, there is always someone available throughout your time in Spain.

Ideal for Your First Gap Year

Enjoy the relaxed Spanish lifestyle while building friendships with fellow volunteers, host families, and locals. From tapas evenings to exploring cities like Barcelona or Valencia, there is always something new to experience.

What Your Gap Year in Spain Looks Like

A gap year in Spain combines structured volunteering with cultural immersion, helping you build confidence while living and volunteering within a local community.

Day-to-Day Life

Settle into a routine at a local Spanish school, supporting classroom activities and school life, with time to explore and experience everything Spain has to offer outside your placement hours.

Skills and Confidence

Gain practical experience, responsibility and confidence that can support your future study, career or volunteering ambitions.

Independence and Social Life

Live with a host family, experience daily life in Spain, and build friendships with other volunteers and the local people you meet along the way.

Support Throughout Your Placement

You are never on your own, with guidance before you start and support available throughout your time volunteering in Spain.

Meet Your Spain Programme Manager

Your safety and wellbeing during your gap year is our priority.

Josh Goldblatt

Programme Manager Spain

Originally from London, Josh has lived and worked in education in Spain for over 30 years and knows the placements and host schools personally. He is passionate about helping young people experience the world and will be the first to tell you he wishes he had done a gap year himself.

“I have seen so many young people arrive nervous and leave transformed. Spain does something special to people.”

What Volunteers Say About Their Time in Spain

Real feedback from young people who have completed a gap year volunteer programme in Spain.

Scout camp volunteer

June 9, 2025

I personally went from volunteering in schools in Spain to scout camps in the uk; from travelling alone in this world to forced to live with strangers

It’s been the greatest transition in my adventure of this world, I have loved every moment.

Scout camp volunteer has its high and lows but some of the best rewards, like strong work ethic, the closest friends you will ever make and strange but useful skill sets.

I can easily say the past year of working hard have taught and given me the best lesson and memories.

I am leaving my camp teary eyes with a full heart and full head of knowledge.

I would and will recommend this program and PACCAR to anyone willing and interested in hands on and big adventures

Thank you Paccar

Regan

My Experience in Valencia

May 20, 2025

Coming to Spain has been the best decision of my entire life. I’ve met some of my best friends that I’ll stay friends with for the rest of my life, had some of the best experiences and adventures I’ve ever had, I’ve been able to experience and live a culture so different to my own, all while trying to be a positive role model to my students.

After getting about 2 months into the program, I made the decision to extend my time here because I knew that I would continue to love what I’m doing.

I have already recommended this program to some of my friends back home in Australia, and will continue to recommend it to everyone because it has genuinely been the best year of my life.

Ellis Nunn

I Highly recommend the Spain program

May 20, 2025

I volunteered in Spain for 6 months as a language assistant and was placed in a small rural town called Faramontanos De Tábara. The community was small and so welcoming. My host family were very friendly and excited to have me in their house, they showed me many amazing things around Spain including Mallorca, Zamora and so much more. Living in such a small community gave me the opportunity to participate in events such as carnival where my group won the costume contest. The school I was placed at had 2 campuses but not many students being such a rural area, the 1st campuses had 11 students where the 2nd had no more then 100 students. The kids were always so eager to learn and improve their skills in the English language. Not only did I help these students learn but I learnt so much about myself and what I was capable of achieving when I put might mind to it.

Zara Bowen

Volunteer Story: School Placement in Spain

A first-hand account of what it is really like to volunteer in Spain as a School Language Volunteer.

Ready to Volunteer in Spain?

Find the gap year programme that is right for you.