BOLIVIA

Ancient World Deep Dive into 36 Indigenous Cultures
 

The lack of modernity and landlocked topography contribute to the country’s unassuming charm and appeal. While there are no sandy beaches, Bolivia does have its share of breathtaking natural wonders and historic landmarks in

Lake Titicaca, The White City (Sucre), the many salt flats, and lush Amazon jungle—and without the bustling tourists.

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Because Bolivians love to celebrate, festivals and parades are an almost daily spectacle. It is these distinctions that make Bolivia the ideal host country if you’re searching for a one of a kind immersive experience.

Choose from TEN (10) community-based projects in and near Sucre.

2-12 Week Volunteer Placements

Volunteer Placement Options Include:

Orphanage

This project serves as a space to shelter, feed, support, and mentor children up to age 6, who were abandoned or come from dysfunctional homes. Here are some possible volunteer responsibilities:

  • Organize play activities
  • Help feed, clothe, and diaper
  • Conduct hygiene lessons
  • Assist with homework
NOTE:​ Intermediate Spanish level (B2) required. Minimum 2-week commitment



Daycare Center

This project supports children from working families and single mother households. Help mentor and provide other supportive care to young children between ages 1 to 6 years old. Here are some possible volunteer responsibilities:

  • Help the educators to maintain an orderly environment
  • Help to provide supportive care – e.g. feeding and diapering
  • Provide lessons about hygiene
  • Organize and participate in games and activities with the children
NOTE: Intermediate Spanish level (B2) required. Minimum 2-week commitment.



Refuge for Girls

This project provides shelter, meals, and mentoring support to young and teenage girls. While some girls come from the countryside and others from surburban areas, they usually lack family support. They live on their own or they come from families with limited resources Here are some possible volunteer responsibilities:

  • Help with homework
  • Organize recreational activities
  • Help in the kitchen
  • Help the girls sell baked goods
  • Teach music, dance, yoga, arts and crafts, or similar activities
NOTE: Intermediate Spanish level (B2) required. Minimum 3-week commitment. Female volunteers only.



Kindergarten

We work with two kindergarten programs, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, to provide educational and recreational enrichment programming for children ages 4 to 6 years. Here are some possible volunteer responsibilities:

  • Help teachers maintain an orderly environment
  • Help provide supportive care – e.g. feeding
  • Conduct hygiene lessons
  • Organize and participate in games and activities with the children
NOTE: Intermediate Spanish level (B2) required. Minimum 2-week commitment.



Psychopedagogical Institute

Support and mentor children and teenagers with special needs. This project provides physiotherapy to patients. Food and shelter are also provided for the children who were abandoned. Here are some volunteer responsibilities:

  • Help children and teenagers with their homework.
  • Accompany them on walks.
  • Organize games, recreational, and sports activities.
  • Help in the physiotherapy area (licensed physiotherapists).
  • More substantive responsibilities may be assigned at the project supervisor’s discretion.
NOTE: Intermediate Spanish level (B2) required. Minimum 3-week commitment. Must be a medical student or licensed medical professional: medicine, psychiatry, psychology, nursing, pedagogy or social work areas.



Psychiatric Institute

Supportive care and medical services are provided to adults living with mental health diseases. Here are some possible volunteer responsibilities:

  • Accompany patients on walks.
  • Provide meals and conversation.
  • Assist in the bakery.
  • Assist with facility maintenance and upkeep.
  • More substantive responsibilities may be assigned at the project supervisor’s discretion.
​​​ NOTE: Intermediate Spanish level (B2) required. Minimum 3-week commitment. Must be a medical student or licensed medical professional: medicine, psychiatry, psychology, nursing, pedagogy or social work areas.



ETI

Children, teens, and adults with disabilities who live in the countryside, lack the proper care and services that they need for daily living. This project provides the medical and therapeutic care, and other supportive services that the patients need. There is an occupational area for women who do embroidery, painting, knitting, crocheting, and other activities. There is also a nursery for the children, an elementary school, and a bakery on site. Here are some possible volunteer responsibilities:

  • Help children and teenagers with their homework, handicrafts, and other activities.
  • Organize recreational sport activities and escort the patients on walks.
  • Assist with feedings in the nursery and play activities.
  • Assist the bakery staff.
  • Physiotherapists may help in the therapy area.
  • More substantive responsibilities may be assigned at the project supervisor’s discretion.
​ NOTE: Intermediate Spanish level (B2) required. Minimum 3-week commitment. Must be a medical student or licensed medical professional: medicine, psychiatry, psychology, nursing, pedagogy or social work areas.



Elderly Care Center

This project provides supportive care and medical services to elderly adults. The patients, some who were abandoned, reside at the center. Here are some possible volunteer responsibilities: .

  • Accompany residents on daily walks.
  • Assist the staff: cleaning, cooking, gardening, and other tasks.
  • More substantive responsibilities may be assigned at the project supervisor’s discretion.
NOTE: Intermediate Spanish level (B2) required. Minimum 3-week commitment. Must be a medical student or licensed medical professional: medicine, psychiatry, psychology, nursing, pedagogy ,or social work areas.



San Miguel Del Bala Community

The San Miguel Del Bala indigenous community, with the help of some international organizations, built an amazing eco-lodge to help achieve a better standard of living. Tours are operated by community residents. In this setting, volunteers can experience the tranquil rain forest environment, the rich Tacana culture, and incredible wildlife. Here are some possible volunteer responsibilities:

  • Teach English to children and teenagers
  • Teach English to village tour guides
  • Assist with preparing meals
  • Translate for the guides when large tour groups arrive (most common languages: English, French, German, and Danish)
  • Path maintenance
  • Agricultural work on native farmland
  • Signage maintenance and repair
  • Cabin construction and maintenance
  • Painting boats
NOTE: Advanced Spanish level required. Minimum 4-week commitment. Must be open-minded and able to live without technology for an extended period of time. Be respectful of the culture and environment.

San Miguel Del Bala Community Project is in the Amazonian jungle (Rurrenbaque-Beni)

MORE INFORMATION

Arrival

You arrive at Aeropuerto Alcantari on Sunday and begin volunteering on Monday. Orientation is provided onsite, at the language school in Sucre.

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Note: Alternate start dates can be accommodated.

Orientation

On the first day of classes, in-country staff conduct new volunteer orientation wthat covers information about Spanish classes, activities, excursions, and general information about Bolivia. A separate orientation addresses safety tips.

Accomodations

Host family and student residence are available housing options.

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NOTE:

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Program fees listed are for host family stay options only. Please contact AMPED Abroad for program fee information that includes an alternative housing option.

WEEKENDS & TRAVEL

 

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Weekends and evenings are usually designated free time to explore the city and country. 

THE PROGRAM INCLUDES:

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  • Registration/application fee

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  • Airport pick-up

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  • Orientation

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  • Host family accommodations and 2 meals/day

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  • Spanish lessons (20 hours/week)

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  • Laundry service

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  • 24/7 emergency in-country support

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Longer stays can be accommodated for an additional fee.

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:

 

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  • Must be at least 18 years of age.

 

  • Additionally, participants must provide an official "Certificate of Good Conduct " or official proof of "Lack of a Criminal Record". This documentation (with an official seal and signature) can be obtained for a nominal fee from the local police department, county district clerk's office, or equivalent law enforcement or governmental body. Background checks conducted through online services are not  accepted.

 

  • Depending on the project, a high-basic or intermediate Spanish level is required.

 

Availability: Most placements are available year-round. We strongly encourage you to contact us before submitting an application to confirm availability.

PROGRAM FEES

APPLY NOW