The main goal for this project is providing assistance to the staff so they can provide adequate care and attention to their students, who are usually disregarded in the rush towards development of the center. Volunteers will be working among 3 schools in Santa Cruz, for the hearing and seeing impaired, and individuals with Down syndrome. By having volunteers available at these schools, students are able to receive more individual care, allowing them to learn and progress more rapidly.

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Where will I be volunteering?

You will be volunteering in Santa Cruz, a safe city and a perfect base for exploring the local attractions. It’s a beautiful city, and is famous for its nightlife. With an assortment of attractions like the Beach Boardwalk, majestic redwood forest, arts and culture events one can never get tired of the Santa Cruz lifestyle.

Project Testimonial: Kari Bacher, USA

Deaf students tend to be underrepresented when it comes to volunteer programs so I was grateful when I found the uVolunteer project. I was excited to be able to help out in the classroom and teach using Sign Language. Read My Full Testimonial »

What will I be doing?

You will be assisting the teachers with their daily duties and class lessons. There are opportunities to become involved in numerous after school activities and sports. If you have medical training or a background in therapy or psychology, you can dedicate your time towards collaborating with local professionals and swapping working practices or even educating them about updated methods of diagnostics and treatment.

What is required to volunteer on this project?

  • Language Requirement: Intermediate Spanish
  • Must be 18 years or older (If working with Down syndrome children, must be 20 years or older)

What will my schedule be like?

uVolunteer believes that you should have a well balanced work and play schedule. This means you will only be required to work 4 days per week (Monday to Thursday) for a maximum of 6 hours per day. For the remainder of your time, you will be free to enjoy the vacationing aspects of your trip.

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Will I be able to communicate with family and friends?

There are numerous internet cafes in Santa Cruz that give you the opportunity to communicate with your friends and family back home. You will also find pay phones dispersed throughout the town which you can use to make local or international calls with a calling card.

What can I do in my free time?

uVolunteer anticipates and encourages your desire for travel and adventure. Your time away from volunteering is open for you to decide your activities. You may decide to take advantage of the local culture and spend time within the community over the weekend. Otherwise, there is ample opportunity to explore Bolivia and all it has to offer.

Great weekend trips include:

  • Explore the local scenery
  • Explore the vibrant night life in the restaurants, bars, and discos
  • Go horseback riding
  • Visit nearby waterfalls and beaches
  • Discover the lakes and rivers in the area through water sports, diving, and fishing
  • Program Name: Volunteer Bolivia
  • Project Name: Volunteer in a Special Needs Center in Bolivia
  • Project Category: Care and Community
  • Project Location: Santa Cruz
  • Program Fee: A 2 week experience starts from $850; add $185 for each additional week
  • Program fees include:
    • Airport Pickup Service
    • Welcome Orientation and debriefing
    • Accommodation
    • Meals
    • Program Activities
    • In-country coordination support
    • 24/7 emergency hot line
    • Letter of Recommendation
    • Certificate
    • Travel Insurance Coverage: Read Full Policy Details
  • Items not included: Flights, travel insurance, visa costs, in-country transportation and any other expense not listed above

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  • Project Transport Arrangements: Local transportation: walk, bus, or taxi
  • Suggested transportation budget: Approximately $25 per week (does not include weekend travel expenses)
  • Working Schedule: Monday through Thursday; 4-6 hours per day
  • Project Closed Dates:
    • Easter Week
    • First two weeks of July
    • Mid December to February
      • Plus local national holidays as shown in your Volunteer Handbook
  • Language Requirement: Intermediate Spanish
  • Accommodation Type: Home Stay - Dorm
  • Meals: 3 Meals Daily
  • Start dates: Fortnightly, on Fridays
  • Volunteer Gender: Male & Female
  • Minimum age: 18
  • Minimum project length: 2 Weeks
  • Maximum project length: 52 Weeks
  • Maximum number of volunteers: 10
  • Resume or CV required: No

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