Bolivia Volunteers is an independent non-governmental provider of low-cost, tailor-made placements for international travelers of all ages in a wide range of settings in Cochabamba, Bolivia. We pride ourselves on being able to offer placements that are not only realistically priced, but are also totally flexible in terms of start date and duration, to suit the availability and individual requirements of our volunteers.

All our projects are carefully researched and selected taking into account the experience, interests and preferences of our volunteers. One advantage of choosing Bolivia Volunteers is that you will be helped at every stage of your placement - from your initial enquiry to your departure from Cochabamba - by the people who will be looking after you whilst you are with us.

The location of your accommodation will depend on the project you choose to join and will be in the home of a local family within easy reach of your project and local amenities. (Internet, bars & cafés, supermarket, clinic, pharmacy, bank / ATM etc.). We do not use bed & breakfast, hostel or dorm accommodation, and the time spent with your hosts will give you the chance to experience and play an active part in traditional family and community life.

SOCIAL CARE

Volunteer assistance is desperately needed in a variety of locations caring for the needs of children and adults who are socially, physically and mentally challenged, or have been diagnosed with other disabilities. Each project location needs help in different ways and all welcome both lay volunteers and trained specialists.

ANIMAL WELFARE

If you love animals, the Bolivia Volunteers Animal Welfare placement will give you the opportunity to gain hands-on practical experience in the care, protection and rehabilitation of domestic and street animals that have been rescued because of injury, cruelty or captivity. In addition to cats and dogs, the centres we support often care for small birds, reptiles & mammals.

TEACHING

A working knowledge of the English language is seen by many to be essential in achieving success at school, university and in later life, and the teaching project gives you the opportunity to support a number of schools that are often severely understaffed and rely on donations, small tuition payments from parents, and the assistance of volunteers for their survival.

SPORTS COACHING

The project is designed to encourage and nurture an interest in sports and physical activities amongst children between the ages of 5 and 18 from deprived backgrounds, who would otherwise not have the opportunity to become involved. Many children you will be helping come from the orphanages and children´s homes in the neighbourhood, and the project is their alternative to a life of crime, drug and alcohol abuse.

CULTURE & PERFORMING ARTS

The programme offers you a chance to use your experience and skills to assist local professionals, and enthusiasts, as they work with all sectors of society in a wide variety of settings promoting awareness and support for local cultures and the performing arts.

JOURNALISM

Besides gaining valuable experience whilst enhancing your skills, developing your techniques and observing alternative working methods and standards at first hand, joining the Journalism Project will give you a real insight into the lives, traditions and cultures of the community in which you are based. Your role will vary depending on your previous experience, skills and abilities, and on the publication you are assigned to assist. However, whether you are assigned to a small independent publication or a larger newspaper, your work will be varied and each day will be different.

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Working with the Cochabamba Tourist Authority the project offers an ideal opportunity for volunteers to assist in promoting travel and tourism, whilst learning more about the fascinating and diverse city of Cochabamba and the surrounding areas. Volunteers make a direct and meaningful contribution to the local communities who rely heavily on the funds generated by visiting tourists. The project offers a wide variety of tasks which are allocated taking into account the interests and experience of the volunteer.

VOLUNTEER INTERNSHIPS

If you are a student, have recently graduated or are preparing for a career overseas, now is the best time to join one of our Volunteer Internship Placements. Bolivia Volunteers is the leading provider of internships in Cochabamba, arranging personalized professional volunteer placements in a variety of locations.

LEARN SPANISH

All our volunteer placements can be combined with Spanish Language classes arranged at a time to suit you and structured to complement your knowledge of Spanish. Intensive Immersion Courses that do not involve a volunteer placement are also available. Please use the secure contact form below.