In the morning, the local staff lead an interactive session (at the volunteer accommodation) that includes some ice-breaker activities and a presentation that covers a lot of useful information including: an introduction to Portugal and it's culture, the volunteer experience (setting expectations), an overview of our programs, practical information for getting around the city and beyond, and safety guidelines. In the afternoon, the volunteers are escorted into the city center for a special tour. They are also able to buy bus tickets, local sim cards and exchange money if necessary, all with a local staff member for support.

After the initial orientation, you will join the afternoon or evening shift at your placement and will work for approximately 3 to 5 hours per day. Please note that the starting times and daily workload depend on the center that you are participating in.

A typical daily schedule for an evening shift will look as follows:

09:00 Travel to your project by public transportation and join the local staff to volunteer at the equestrian center

13:00 Have lunch at the project site

14:00 Explore the city and the surroundings and learn Portuguese during your free time

21:00 Dinner with other international volunteers and other other travelers at the accommodation

Please note that the actual schedule can change according to the season

- Accommodation
- Pick-up at the airport and transfer to the accommodation (On the Sunday prior to an Introduction Day)
- Three meals a day everyday: Breakfast, lunch and dinner (Local style. Vegetarian, gluten-free and meals for lactose-intolerant are also available upon request);
- Shared use of common spaces and free WIFI;
- Orientation event on arrival (including an introduction to Portugal and culture, volunteer experience, an overview of programs, practical information, safety guidelines);
- Guided city tour and the best tips to discover the city;
- Allocation and coordination of a work placement in a sustainable project and contact person in the project;
- Introduction on the first day of volunteering;
- Ongoing support throughout the stay;
- 24/7 emergency support by phone or personally

Criminal Background Check required - this document needs to be sent to the local team at least one week before arrival day

Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.

Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.

Our projects range from 1 week up to approx. 30 weeks. Projects have a specified minimum stay, then it’s up to you how long you can commit. In our experience the longer you stay the more you will gain, as your understanding of the project broadens and you take on more responsibilities. Every volunteer will be given a certificate of appreciation at the end of their stay as a symbol of volunteering stay.