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Adelante Abroad

Internship Fields

Volunteer Abroad Programs

Volunteer Abroad Programs

Candidates in this sector typically aim to give back to the communities they are living in while abroad with us, or make a difference in those same communities. There are dozens of underfunded organizations run by passionate individuals looking to assist, typically a massively under-served population. Volunteers are always in demand.

Volunteers and local craftsmen standing around a table of woodworking tools outdoors

Make an impact, boost your resume, and volunteer abroad!

To Adelante Abroad, a “volunteer placement” is the same as an “internship placement,” but with a more socially conscious approach to the work being done. A volunteer works just as hard as an intern: their daily tasks might be with drug addicts or abused women or street children, whereas our interns’ daily tasks will be within a private sector corporation, sports team, or law firm, for example. Candidates who choose this sector want to make a difference while abroad as well as fully ramp up their language level and build up their resume. There are SO many options here… we offer this volunteer field in nearly all of our program cities; however, it is most developed in the Oaxaca, Mexico program.

In Ecuador, volunteers will work together with the teachers in all the subjects, but they can be of extra help and support in English and computers, for example. They will offer their knowledge and also will help a great deal with pronunciation and spelling in English, as most English teachers in Ecuadorian public schools don’t speak English.

Volunteer placements abroad!

Uruguay has a small but important sector of non-profits dedicated to serving where service is lacking, especially in public health. In a clinic or hospital setting, volunteers assist with community work in the OB/GYN sector; outreach to populations that might feel uncomfortable going to a hospital; pediatrics, and family events to educate, serve and assist both medically, psychologically, and administratively.

Another favorite in Montevideo is a group that helps unemployed locals find and then secure jobs. Volunteer within a Vocational Education Social Project, with a group that focuses on vocational training providing youth shelters, and creating school presentations for extremely poor areas around Montevideo. With this international internship centered around volunteer work, the goal is to find a career or job for everyone; be part of a grassroots, local community setting inside of this growing social project.

Destinations

Volunteer Abroad Locations

  • Latin America

    Volunteer in Punta del Este, Uruguay

    Small in size but big in character, Uruguay offers internship placements in Montevideo and Punta del Este in a country known for its progressive culture, welcoming people, and high quality of life.

  • Latin America

    Volunteer in Quito, Ecuador

    Quito is one of South America’s most historically significant cities and home to some of Adelante’s most hands-on placements. Programs here span a wide range of fields, from healthcare and social work to education and environmental conservation.

  • Latin America

    Volunteer in Oaxaca, Mexico

    Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s most culturally rich and artistically vibrant cities. Adelante’s Mexico program combines internship and volunteer opportunities in a destination that stays with you long after you leave.

Programs

Programs With Volunteer Abroad Placements

What’s included

Every Adelante Program Includes

  • Affordable Programs

    Both our Internship Abroad and Study Abroad Programs are among the most affordable you’ll find. Explore a new country and gain meaningful internship experience that makes a difference, without being limited by your budget.

  • Centralized Accommodations

    Enjoy your own private room in a shared city-center apartment, conveniently located near your placement, local life, and weekend adventures.

  • Guaranteed, Contracted Internship Placement

    You’ll receive a signed contract from your host organization before you arrive. We have placed 100% of our candidates in one of their requested fields and stand behind that with a guarantee.

  • Customized Program Building

    Your Adelante director builds your placement around your background, interests, Spanish proficiency level, and areas of interest. No cookie-cutter placements.

  • Guided Reflection Exercises

    We help you identify and articulate the skills you’ve built abroad, an essential step in translating impactful international work into language that resonates on your resume, in interviews, and on graduate school applications.

  • Academic Credit Support

    Nearly every Adelante intern who needed academic credit has received it. We provide full documentation and can work with your home institution to meet their requirements.

How to apply

How the Application Process Works

  1. Apply Online

    Fill out our simple online application. There is no fee to apply, and it takes only a few minutes to get started.

  2. Get on the Calendar

    Eligible candidates receive a link to schedule a free, first assessment interview by phone or Google Meet.

  3. Interview

    We’ll learn about your background, areas of interest, Spanish level, and goals so we can start building the right placement for you.

  4. Interview Results

    In real time or within 1–2 business days, you will receive your interview results by email. Successful candidates receive an acceptance letter with clear next steps.

  5. Confirmation

    Confirm your spot within one week of acceptance with a $325 confirmation fee. This means there is no tire-kicking, and you are committed to going abroad. A second interview and full placement details follow soon after.

  6. Pre-Departure

    Once confirmed, you will receive a comprehensive Pre-Departure Information Packet with everything you need to prepare for your time abroad, including visa guidance if required, along with cultural prep.

Reviews

Hear From Adelante Abroad Candidates

Read what past interns, students and volunteers say about their time abroad with Adelante.

Why Choose Adelante Abroad?

Adelante Abroad has earned the trust of thousands of candidates worldwide through 25 years of guaranteed placements and life-changing experiences. Since 1999, we’ve specialized in providing affordable, customized internship and study abroad programs across Spain, Latin America, and Scotland, and we’re not a large, impersonal agency. We’re a team of seasoned travelers and international education professionals who’ve lived abroad ourselves and know what it takes to make your experience a success.

Every program is built around you: your goals, your values, your background. With in-country directors operating full-time in every city where we have programs, you’re never on your own. No matter where in the world you are.

Start Your Free Application

Applying is free and takes a few minutes. We’ll follow up to book a call.