Volunteer in Colombia with Abroad Escape
Join supported volunteer and cultural programs in Cartagena, Colombia. Choose from teaching, kindergarten support, STEM education, construction and renovation, Spanish lessons, or a culture week, with accommodation, meals, airport pickup, orientation, and local coordination included where listed.
Is Colombia Right for You?
Colombia is a strong choice if you want a supported volunteer abroad experience with a mix of culture, teaching, kindergarten support, STEM education, construction, renovation, Spanish lessons, and Caribbean city life.
The Colombia programs are based in Cartagena, a historic coastal city where you can build a week-by-week schedule depending on your preferred project type, travel dates, background, and availability.
Colombia works especially well for first-time volunteers, solo travellers, students, gap year travellers, education-focused volunteers, Spanish learners, practical helpers, and people who want a structured program with local support while experiencing Colombian culture.
Choose a Recommended Colombia Path
You do not need to choose from every Colombia project alone. Start with one of these simple paths, or tell us your dates, interests, background, and budget, and we’ll help you build a realistic Colombia schedule around you.
Culture & Cartagena Path
Choose this path if you want a supported first-time Colombia start with Culture Week in Cartagena before moving into teaching, STEM, construction, renovation, or Spanish lessons depending on your dates and availability.
Teaching & STEM Path
Choose this path if your main interest is education. You can focus on Teaching Experience, Kindergarten Teaching, or STEM Education depending on your background, confidence, and local availability.
Construction, Renovation & Spanish Path
Choose this path if you want a more practical or language-focused schedule. You can include Construction and Renovation, Spanish Language Lessons, or a combination where your dates and proposal allow.
Important: These paths are examples to make Colombia easier to compare. Tell us your travel month, duration, interests, background, and budget, and we’ll recommend the most realistic Cartagena schedule before you apply.
Example Colombia Volunteer Schedules
These are examples to make the Colombia options easier to understand. The programs are based in Cartagena, so you can usually build a simple week-by-week schedule without changing location. Tell us your travel dates, interests, background, and budget, and we’ll recommend a realistic Colombia schedule around your preferred project type.
2-Week Cartagena First-Time Volunteer Example
Week 1: Culture Week in Cartagena, including orientation, Colombian culture, local customs, practical guidance, and settling into the accommodation.
Week 2: Teaching Experience, Kindergarten Teaching, STEM Education, Construction and Renovation, or Spanish Language Lessons depending on your interests and availability.
3-Week Education Support Example
Week 1: Culture Week or arrival, orientation, and project preparation in Cartagena.
Week 2: Teaching Experience, Kindergarten Teaching, or STEM Education depending on your background, confidence, and local availability.
Week 3: Continue your education project for consistency, or switch to another available Cartagena option if it fits your dates and local availability.
3-Week Practical and Language Example
Week 1: Culture Week or arrival and orientation in Cartagena.
Week 2: Construction and Renovation, depending on local project needs and availability.
Week 3: Spanish Language Lessons, or continue Construction and Renovation if you prefer a more hands-on schedule.
4-Week Mixed Cartagena Example
Week 1: Culture Week in Cartagena.
Week 2: Teaching Experience or Kindergarten Teaching.
Week 3: STEM Education or Spanish Language Lessons.
Week 4: Construction and Renovation, or continue your main education project for consistency.
These are examples. Your exact Colombia schedule depends on your dates, duration, project choice, background, and local availability. Tell us your dates and interests, and we’ll help build a realistic Cartagena volunteer plan before you apply.
Project Options You Can Include in Your Colombia Schedule
Colombia gives you several ways to build your volunteer schedule in Cartagena. You can keep things simple with one project, start with Culture Week, add Spanish Language Lessons, or ask us to help compare project types depending on your dates, interests, background, and budget.
Use the cards below as a quick overview. The full project details, weekly schedules, requirements, arrival information, accommodation, meals, and support details are included further down the page.
Cartagena Projects
Best for first-time volunteers, education projects, Spanish learning, construction, renovation, cultural orientation, and a supported Colombia base on the Caribbean coast.
Culture Week
Start in Cartagena with Colombian culture, local orientation, customs, language exposure, city life, and practical preparation before moving into your volunteer project.
Teaching Experience
Support students with English learning, classroom activities, conversation practice, creative lessons, and confidence-building alongside local staff.
Kindergarten Teaching
Support young children through simple English, play, songs, games, creative activities, classroom routines, and encouragement under local supervision.
STEM Education Program
Help support science, technology, engineering, and maths-style learning activities where available, using creative and practical educational support.
Construction & Renovation
Support local improvement work through painting, plastering, renovation, repairs, construction support, and practical community tasks where needed.
Spanish Language Lessons
Add Spanish lessons to your Colombia stay to build confidence with everyday communication, local interaction, and cultural immersion in Cartagena.
Important: These options are based in Cartagena. Exact project availability, weekly combinations, and schedules depend on your dates, background, local needs, and confirmed proposal.
Not Sure Which Colombia Project Fits You?
Tell us your travel month, duration, interests, background, and budget. We’ll help you choose the most realistic Colombia project and build a simple Cartagena schedule around you.
Ask Us to Build Your Colombia ScheduleMore Details About Each Colombia Project
Already know what interests you? Open the sections below for more detail about each Colombia option. If you are unsure, start with the recommended paths above or request a free Colombia proposal and we will help you choose.
Culture Week in Cartagena
Culture Week in Cartagena is a supported introduction to Colombia before your volunteer project begins. You will be based in Cartagena, a historic Caribbean coastal city with a strong mix of culture, food, colour, history, and local life.
This week is especially useful if it is your first time in Colombia. It helps you settle in, understand local customs, meet the team, and feel more confident before starting your project placement.
Quick Facts
- Location: Cartagena
- Focus: Colombian culture, orientation, local life, and preparation
- Supervision: Led by local coordinators and cultural guides
- Requirements: Open mind, cultural interest, and willingness to explore
- Supplement: Culture Week has an additional weekly fee
What You May Experience
- Join orientation and meet the local team
- Learn about Colombian culture and local customs
- Receive health, safety, and practical guidance
- Explore Cartagena and the surrounding local area
- Prepare for your next volunteer project week
- Meet other participants and settle into the accommodation
Good For
- First-time volunteers
- Solo travellers
- People new to Colombia
- Volunteers who want cultural confidence before starting project work
The Culture Week schedule can vary depending on local conditions, weather, opening times, transport, and local coordinator planning. Your proposal will confirm the most realistic schedule for your dates.
Teaching Experience in Cartagena
The Teaching Experience in Cartagena lets you support local education through English practice, classroom activities, conversation, and confidence-building. You work alongside local staff and support students with interactive learning.
The focus is practical support, cultural exchange, and helping students gain more confidence with English and communication.
Quick Facts
- Location: Cartagena
- Focus: English teaching and classroom support
- Supervision: Local teachers, coordinators, and project staff
- Requirements: Clear communication, patience, creativity, and willingness to follow local guidance
What You May Help With
- Support English lessons and classroom activities
- Help students practise speaking and listening
- Use games, creative activities, conversation, and simple lesson ideas
- Assist local teachers and project staff
- Prepare basic learning materials where needed
- Share cultural knowledge in an age-appropriate way
Good For
- Aspiring teachers
- Education students
- Confident communicators
- Volunteers who enjoy classroom support
Requirements and Notes
- You work under local staff supervision.
- You support local teachers; you do not replace them.
- A criminal background check or two reference letters may be required.
- You need to be able to speak and understand at least basic English.
Teaching schedules can vary depending on school timetables, holidays, student attendance, local needs, and unforeseen circumstances.
Kindergarten Teaching in Cartagena
Kindergarten Teaching in Cartagena is suited to volunteers who enjoy working with young children. You support local staff with basic learning, play, songs, games, simple English exposure, creative activities, and daily classroom routines.
Your role is to give extra support and encouragement while following local guidance. Patience, energy, and a warm attitude are important.
Quick Facts
- Location: Cartagena
- Focus: Early years support and interactive learning
- Supervision: Local teachers, coordinators, and childcare staff
- Requirements: Patience, energy, care with children, and willingness to follow local routines
What You May Help With
- Support local staff with daily routines
- Use songs, games, stories, play, and creative activities
- Introduce simple English in a playful way where appropriate
- Help prepare classroom materials
- Encourage children through positive interaction
- Assist with general classroom support under supervision
Good For
- Childcare interest
- Patient volunteers
- Creative travellers
- Students interested in education or early childhood support
Requirements and Notes
- You work under local staff supervision.
- You support local teachers and caregivers; you do not replace them.
- A criminal background check or two reference letters may be required.
- You need to be able to speak and understand at least basic English.
Activities can vary depending on classroom routines, local needs, holidays, child attendance, and unforeseen circumstances.
STEM Education Program in Cartagena
The STEM Education Program in Cartagena is designed for volunteers interested in science, technology, engineering, maths, and practical educational support. You may help with creative learning activities that make STEM subjects more engaging and accessible.
This project is a good fit if you enjoy explaining ideas clearly, supporting students, and helping with practical learning activities.
Quick Facts
- Location: Cartagena
- Focus: STEM education and practical learning support
- Supervision: Local teachers, coordinators, and project staff
- Requirements: Interest in STEM, creativity, patience, and clear communication
- Supplement: STEM has an additional weekly fee
What You May Help With
- Support STEM-related classroom activities
- Help students understand practical learning tasks
- Assist local staff with simple educational activities
- Use creative examples, demonstrations, or learning games where appropriate
- Encourage confidence and participation
- Support lesson preparation where needed
Good For
- STEM students
- Education-focused volunteers
- Confident communicators
- People who enjoy practical learning and problem-solving
Requirements and Notes
- You work under local staff supervision.
- You support local teachers and project staff; you do not replace them.
- A criminal background check or two reference letters may be required.
- You need to be able to speak and understand at least basic English.
STEM activities can vary depending on school needs, available materials, staff planning, student level, holidays, and unforeseen circumstances.
Construction and Renovation in Cartagena
Construction and Renovation in Cartagena is a hands-on project for volunteers who want practical work. You may help with painting, plastering, repairs, renovation, construction support, and improvement tasks where local projects need help.
No previous construction experience is required, but you should be physically able, ready to work outdoors, and willing to follow local safety guidance.
Quick Facts
- Location: Cartagena
- Focus: Construction, renovation, repair, and practical improvement work
- Supervision: Local coordinators and project staff
- Requirements: Physical fitness, teamwork, and willingness to work outdoors
- Supplement: Construction has an additional weekly fee
What You May Help With
- Paint walls, classrooms, or local spaces
- Support plastering, renovation, or repair tasks
- Help improve community or project facilities
- Assist with practical building or maintenance tasks under supervision
- Work with other volunteers and local coordinators
- Support safe and organised use of materials and tools
Good For
- Hands-on volunteers
- Practical helpers
- People comfortable with physical work
- Team projects
- Volunteers who prefer visible, practical tasks
Tasks vary depending on local project needs, weather, materials, safety requirements, site access, and coordinator instructions.
Spanish Language Lessons in Cartagena
Spanish Language Lessons in Cartagena can help you build confidence with everyday communication during your Colombia stay. This option is useful if you want more local interaction and a stronger cultural experience.
You can use Spanish lessons as a focus week or combine them with volunteering where your proposal confirms this is realistic for your dates.
Quick Facts
- Location: Cartagena
- Focus: Spanish language learning and cultural confidence
- Supervision: Local language support and coordinators
- Requirements: Willingness to practise and learn
What You May Learn
- Everyday Spanish phrases
- Useful vocabulary for local life
- Basic conversation confidence
- Pronunciation and listening practice
- Spanish for markets, transport, food, and simple interactions
- More confidence connecting with local people
Good For
- Spanish learners
- First-time Colombia travellers
- Volunteers who want stronger local confidence
- People interested in culture and communication
Lesson format, schedule, and availability can vary by date and local arrangements. Your proposal will confirm what is realistic for your stay.
Arrival, Cartagena, Accommodation and Meals
Arrival and Airport Pickup
Airport pickup is arranged on Sunday at Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena. Full arrival and contact details are provided after your place is confirmed, so please wait to book flights until your program is confirmed.
The local team will meet you and transfer you to the accommodation, where you can settle in and meet other volunteers.
Where You Will Be Based
You will be based in Cartagena, also known as Cartagena de Indias, on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. The accommodation is in the Los Corales area around Cartagena, with access to local services, attractions, and project transport options by public transport or local taxi.
Orientation
Orientation takes place on Monday. It introduces your program, accommodation, local customs, Colombian do’s and don’ts, health and safety advice, project expectations, and practical information for your stay.
Accommodation
Accommodation is included from Sunday night to Saturday morning of your final week. You stay in shared volunteer accommodation with other participants, usually in single-gender dorm-style rooms.
Single rooms may be available at an additional cost, subject to limited availability. Ask in advance if you want this option checked.
Accommodation Facilities and Local Area
- Shared single-gender dorm-style rooms
- Shared volunteer accommodation with other participants
- Supermarket around 5 minutes walking distance from the accommodation
- ATM around 5 minutes walking distance from the accommodation
- Laundry available at nearby shops at low cost
- Shops and markets around the area
- Restaurants and local food options nearby
- Hospital, pharmacy, and spas around 5 to 10 minutes walking distance from the accommodation
Meals
Meals are included during the program: three meals per day from Monday to Friday and two meals per day on weekends.
Meals are usually provided at the accommodation. The current source information states that breakfast is around 8:00, lunch around 12:00, and dinner around 18:00 on weekdays. On weekends, brunch is around 10:00 and dinner around 18:00.
Food is mainly traditional Colombian-style food and local dishes. Vegetarian meals can be arranged if you tell us in advance. Other dietary needs should be checked before booking.
What Is Included
- Volunteer program placement
- Pre-departure guidance
- Airport pickup on the scheduled Sunday arrival day
- In-country program orientation
- Volunteer accommodation
- Meals: three per day Monday to Friday and two per day on weekends
- In-country support and project supervision
What Is Not Included
- Flights to and from Colombia
- Travel insurance
- Visa costs where required
- Vaccinations or medical checks where required
- Criminal background check or reference letters where required
- Return airport transfer
- Personal spending money
- Optional activities
- Single room supplement if requested and available
Requirements to Join
- Participants usually need to be minimum 18 years old
- Participants under 16 need to join with a parent or guardian
- Participants aged 16 to 18 need parental consent
- Travel insurance is mandatory
- Criminal background check or two character reference letters may be required
- You need to be able to speak and understand at least basic English
Accommodation, meals, local arrangements, project logistics, and schedules can vary by date, project, availability, local conditions, and confirmed proposal details. Final details are confirmed before you book flights.
Colombia Volunteer Program Prices
One clear total price. No separate registration fee. Your total program price includes Abroad Escape guidance, your project placement, and the listed local support, accommodation, meals, airport pickup, and orientation for Colombia.
To reserve your place, you pay a €200 / £175 / $250 deposit. Your deposit is deducted from your total program price. It is not an extra fee.
| Duration | EUR | GBP | USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Weeks | €1370 | £1225 | $1640 |
| 3 Weeks | €1745 | £1550 | $2090 |
| 4 Weeks | €2120 | £1875 | $2525 |
| Each Additional Week | €395 | £370 | $495 |
Project supplements: Culture Week, STEM, and Construction have an additional fee of €120 / £115 / $145 per week.
Secure Your Place With a €200 / £175 / $250 Deposit
You do not need to pay the full amount immediately. Your deposit is deducted from your total program price. It is not an extra fee.
Flexible Changes
You can request a free change of date, destination, or program up to 30 days before your start date, subject to local partner availability and any price difference.
Balance Payments
Your remaining balance is due 45 days before your program start date, unless your proposal states otherwise.
What Is Included
Your project placement, airport pickup on the scheduled arrival day, local orientation, shared volunteer housing, meals, local coordinator support, project supervision, and pre-departure guidance.
What Is Not Included
Flights, travel insurance, visa costs if required, vaccinations, criminal background check or reference letters where required, return airport transfer, optional activities, single room supplement if requested and available, and personal spending.
Requirements to Join
Minimum age: 18
Insurance: Travel insurance is mandatory
Background: Criminal background check or two reference letters may be required
Language: You need to be able to speak and understand at least basic English
Start With a Free Colombia Volunteer Proposal
No payment. No commitment. Tell us your travel month, duration, interests, background, and rough budget. We’ll recommend a realistic Colombia volunteer plan before you apply.
- Get help choosing the right Cartagena project
- See a suggested week-by-week schedule
- Receive the total price, inclusions, and next steps
- Useful if you need to share details with a parent, school, or university
Ready to compare your options?
Use the proposal form and we’ll help you choose the most realistic Colombia program for your dates and goals.
Get My Free Colombia Proposal You can ask questions first. You do not need to apply before you are ready.Colombia Volunteer Program FAQs
Where are the Colombia programs based?
Colombia programs are based in Cartagena. The best project depends on your interests, travel dates, background, budget, and preferred style of experience.
Which airport should I fly into?
You should fly into Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena. Please wait for confirmation before booking flights.
When should I arrive?
Arrival is normally on Sunday, with your program beginning on Monday. Your exact arrival details will be confirmed before you book flights.
When do Colombia programs start?
Colombia programs generally start on Mondays. Your best start date will be confirmed in your proposal before you book flights.
How long can I volunteer in Colombia?
Colombia programs are available from 2 to 12 weeks, depending on your chosen project, dates, and availability.
What projects are available in Colombia?
Colombia project options include Culture Week in Cartagena, Teaching Experience, Kindergarten Teaching, STEM Education Program, Construction and Renovation, and Spanish Language Lessons.
Which Colombia project should I choose?
Culture Week is a good first step if you are new to Colombia. Teaching Experience, Kindergarten Teaching, and STEM Education are best for education-focused volunteers. Construction and Renovation is best for hands-on practical work. Spanish Language Lessons are useful if you want more confidence with everyday communication.
Do I need experience?
Most Colombia volunteer projects do not require formal experience. You should be reliable, respectful, open-minded, and ready to follow local guidance. Projects involving children may require a background check or reference letters.
Is Colombia suitable for first-time volunteers?
Yes. Colombia can work well for first-time volunteers, especially if you start with Culture Week or choose a supported project with local coordinator guidance.
What is included in the price?
Your Colombia program price includes Abroad Escape guidance, project placement, airport pickup on the scheduled arrival day, local orientation, shared volunteer accommodation, meals, local coordinator support, project supervision, and pre-departure guidance.
What is not included?
Flights, travel insurance, visa costs if required, vaccinations or medical checks, background checks where required, return airport transfer, optional activities, single room upgrades where available, and personal spending money are not included.
Where will I stay?
You will stay in shared volunteer accommodation with other participants in the Los Corales area around Cartagena. Accommodation is included from Sunday night to Saturday morning of your final week. Final details are confirmed before you travel.
Are meals included?
Yes. Meals are included during the program. Colombia programs include three meals per day Monday to Friday and two meals per day on weekends.
Can I travel alone?
Yes. Many participants travel alone. You will stay in shared accommodation with other volunteers and have local coordinator support during your program.
Can families or groups join?
Yes. Families and groups may be able to join depending on the project, dates, ages, and local availability. Contact us with your group size, ages, travel dates, and interests so we can check the most realistic option.
Can parents contact Abroad Escape?
Yes. Parents or guardians can contact Abroad Escape with questions before booking. We can also provide a clear proposal by email with the program, price, inclusions, exclusions, and next steps.
How do I choose the right Colombia project?
Send us your travel month, duration, interests, background, and rough budget. We will recommend the most realistic Colombia option and help build a simple Cartagena schedule around you.
How does the deposit work?
To reserve your place, you pay a €200 / £175 / $250 deposit. This deposit is deducted from your total program price. It is not an extra fee.
When is the remaining balance due?
Your remaining balance is normally due 45 days before your program start date, unless your proposal states otherwise.
Can I change my date, destination, or program?
You can request a free change of date, destination, or program up to 30 days before your start date, subject to local partner availability and any price difference.
Are Culture Week, STEM, and Construction included in the standard price?
No. Culture Week, STEM, and Construction have an additional weekly supplement of €120 / £115 / $145.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
No. You do not need to speak Spanish before joining, but you need to be able to speak and understand at least basic English. Spanish Language Lessons are available if you want more confidence communicating locally.
What happens after I request a proposal?
We review your dates, interests, budget, and background, then send you a suggested Colombia plan with the total price, what is included, what is not included, and the next steps.
Still Not Sure Which Colombia Program Fits You?
Message us on WhatsApp before you apply. Tell us your travel month, duration, interests, background, and rough budget, and we’ll help you choose the most realistic Colombia schedule.
We can help you compare Culture Week, Teaching Experience, Kindergarten Teaching, STEM Education, Construction and Renovation, Spanish Language Lessons, and week-by-week Cartagena schedule options before you book.
WhatsApp Us About ColombiaWe are Loved ♥️ by our Trusted Customers
I volunteered in with Abroad Escape, which was definitely the best trip and the best experience of my life!
The program was a great experience for me. The kids I taught were very smart and happy. They were very willing to learn which was amazing.
I had an amazing time in volunteering. I was happy with the whole experience and would love to go back in the future!
Last updated: May 2026