You want to get involved in a project that supports children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds? In Cochabamba, Bolivia, we arrange volunteering placements at various facilities dedicated to the well-being of children in difficult life conditions. Also supervised interships for students of social work, education and psychology are possible.
This placement is possible as a Remote / Remote internship from home! Tasks for Remote Interns: Planning and preparation of tasks related to social work and education, online marketing, fundraising, administrative tasks. Basic knowledge of Spanish is sufficient. The remote internship is 450 EUR for the first month and 100 EUR additionally for any additional month or part thereof. Just submit the inquiry/order form form and mention "Remote Internship"!
School, Afterschool Club and Youth Work
The Nuevo Conocer Education and Youth center is a school with afterschool club for about 200 children from disadvantaged families. There are formal school classes that provide a comprehensive education in all major school subjects. The centre also tries to support the children in their personality development and to convey Christian and ethical values.
In the mornings, you can be a co-teacher, supporting the local teachers in the classroom by looking after children who are having learning difficulties or who simply need a bit more support. There are some children with physical or mental disabilities who need your individual attention.
If you want, after a familiarization and orientation phase, you can also teach on your own, e.g. English, drawing/painting, sports or music. Volunteers can also teach sports or art groups.
In the afternoons, after an hour of lunch, until about 4 or 5 pm, you will help at the afterschool club, doing recreational activities with the children and youth such as games, singing, painting and sports. You also support the children with their homework. You can also plan and implement projects and events (for example children's camps, excursions or project work).
Outside of school hours, as a volunteer you can support the Christian-Protestant youth work of the organization if you are interested (not compulsory). Volunteers also help out with the cleanliness, maintenance and appearance of the rooms, equipment and playground and can, if interested, also support the school in administrations.
During the holidays from mid-December to the end of January, the centre is closed.
Possible activities for volunteers/interns:
In the mornings, you can be a co-teacher, supporting the local teachers in the classroom by looking after children who are having learning difficulties or who simply need a bit more support. There are some children with physical or mental disabilities who need your individual attention.
If you want, after a familiarization and orientation phase, you can also teach on your own, e.g. English, drawing/painting, sports or music. Volunteers can also teach sports or art groups.
In the afternoons, after an hour of lunch, until about 4 or 5 pm, you will help at the afterschool club, doing recreational activities with the children and youth such as games, singing, painting and sports. You also support the children with their homework. You can also plan and implement projects and events (for example children's camps, excursions or project work).
Outside of school hours, as a volunteer you can support the Christian-Protestant youth work of the organization if you are interested (not compulsory). Volunteers also help out with the cleanliness, maintenance and appearance of the rooms, equipment and playground and can, if interested, also support the school in administrations.
During the holidays from mid-December to the end of January, the centre is closed.
Possible activities for volunteers/interns:
- Co-teacher for formal school lessons or teaching on your own
- Providing educational support to individual children
- Homework support
- Conducting leisure activities such as games, singing, painting, sports
- If interested: administrative tasks, maintenance of rooms and playground equipment, religious work
Fundación Esperanza
At Fundación Esperanza, orphaned, abandoned and neglected children between 5 and 18 years are cared for, allowing them to grow up in a safe environment. We can arrange volunteering options in childcare and education with the organisation. In addition, supervised internships can be done in the fields of psychology and social work.
As a volunteer or intern you support the staff in the facility with the daily routine. In addition, you offer game and recreational opportunities for the children and teenagers.
In the mornings between 6.30 and 9.00 a.m., there is a lot of activity when the children and youth start their day. Bolivian schools have one morning and one afternoon shift: while some of the children and adolescents attend school in the morning, others stay at the centre and do not go to school until the afternoon.
As a volunteer or intern you play, make handicrafts, paint, read, listen to music, sing and do other activities with the younger children. In addition, you support the older kids and teens with their homework, with the leisure activities or just stand as for common time and talks available.
The centre has several staff, including a psychologist, a social worker and a cook. Volunteers and interns can be flexible about the working hours and discuss them with the local team. There is both the option of working full-time or part-time and in the second case, there is enough time, for instance, to join a language course (see Extras).
Possible activities for interns and volunteers:
- Assisting the children and youth with their daily tasks and routines
- Participation in daily tasks in the facility, such as food preparation and food distribution or cleaning up
- Child care
- Conduct games, crafts, painting, singing and other activities for children
- Performing creative and playful learning tasks
- Support the social worker or psychologist in their activities
Teaching and Day care for children whose parents are in prison
The "House of Friendship" provides education and day care for children and adolescents whose parents are in prison. Those children usually live in small groups with a foster mother, which is a supported government program. Volunteering is possible in the areas of education, leisure activities and care for the children and youth.
The House of Friendship is located in close proximity to the prisons for men and women in Cochabamba. Approximately 150 children and adolescents from 4-18 years of age are cared for from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm and get three regular meals a day. They are divided into different age groups: 4 to 6 years (about 20 children) get pre-school education which involves playtime and other development activities; 6 to 10 years (about 60 children) and the older children and adolescents, 10 to 16 years, who otherwise attend public schools, spend time in the mornings or afternoons at the facility to learn, do their homework and of course, play.
The facility, with about ten employees, was founded in 1994 and has the objective of enabling growth and healthy upbringing for the children and adolescents in their otherwise difficult life.
Possible activities for volunteers:
- Support in pre-school education; learning letters and numbers
- Learning support
- Help with homework
- Implementation of recreational activities such as playing games, singing, painting, sports, etc.
- Implementation of creative and playful learning tasks
- Integration of knowledge about health, hygiene and nutrition for volunteers who have professional experience in these areas
Supervised internships are not possible at this facility.
Education and Leisure Time Activities with disadvantaged children and youth
Bolivia Digna was founded in 2006 with the aim of promoting and supporting children and young people living in poverty and under social exclusion. Often, their parents are working many hours every day doing low-pay jobs, leaving their children unattended. These children can spend time at the safe environment of the two Community Centers of Bolivia Digna. In addition, the organisation has several outreach partnerships, which give volunteers the opportunity to teach at schools, to spend time with children whose parents are in jail, or with children who are hospitalized.
Volunteer Activities at the Community Center:
Bolivia Digna operates its own community centers in two disadvantaged communities on the outskirts of Cochabamba, offering a variety of activities for children and adolescents from Monday to Friday.
Preschool (kindergarten): As a volunteer at the preschool you support the staff in the care of 2-6-year-old children, play with them and getting involved in creative and educational activities (eg simple number games, reading stories, etc.).
Teaching English: The Community Centres offer English language classes twice a week. Bolivia Digna wants to facilitate a playful approach to learning a foreign language. As a volunteer, you can come up with creative English learning games and support the teachers in class.
Homework help: Every afternoon, children attend the Community Center to do their homework. As a volunteer you will motivate and assist the kids with their homework.
Sports: As a balance to sitting in classroom, Bolivia Digna offers sports activities for children and adolescentss everal times a week, e.g. Football. As a meaningful leisure activity, sports also convey important values such as team spirit, discipline, concentration and a sense of duty.
Creative projects: Children from disadvantaged backgrounds often do not have the opportunity to learn skills or develop talents that are not "directly usable". Bolivia Digna tries to fill this gap with projects that provide inspiration and foster the children's creative abilities. As a volunteer you can implement your own ideas here!
Health & Nutrition: Many of the children live in residential areas where there is no clean drinking water. Their diet is often poor and home hygiene standards are often low. Bolivia Digna tries to teach children and young people about personal health and hygiene.
Activities for Volunteers in the Outreach Community Programs:
In addition to its own projects, Bolivia Digna supports local partner projects in Cochabamba. At two schools in poorer neighborhoods, you can help teachers in the mornings in the classroom, looking after children who need a bit more individual guidance. Additionnally, you can spend time in the afternoons at a daycare center, where children whose parents are in prison do their homework and spend their spare time. Thirdly, you can visit children at a hospital in the mornings, playing, reading and distracting them from their illness. You can also do some fundraising for these children, to be able to purchase games, puzzles and books.
Volunteer Activities at the Community Center:
Bolivia Digna operates its own community centers in two disadvantaged communities on the outskirts of Cochabamba, offering a variety of activities for children and adolescents from Monday to Friday.
Preschool (kindergarten): As a volunteer at the preschool you support the staff in the care of 2-6-year-old children, play with them and getting involved in creative and educational activities (eg simple number games, reading stories, etc.).
Teaching English: The Community Centres offer English language classes twice a week. Bolivia Digna wants to facilitate a playful approach to learning a foreign language. As a volunteer, you can come up with creative English learning games and support the teachers in class.
Homework help: Every afternoon, children attend the Community Center to do their homework. As a volunteer you will motivate and assist the kids with their homework.
Sports: As a balance to sitting in classroom, Bolivia Digna offers sports activities for children and adolescentss everal times a week, e.g. Football. As a meaningful leisure activity, sports also convey important values such as team spirit, discipline, concentration and a sense of duty.
Creative projects: Children from disadvantaged backgrounds often do not have the opportunity to learn skills or develop talents that are not "directly usable". Bolivia Digna tries to fill this gap with projects that provide inspiration and foster the children's creative abilities. As a volunteer you can implement your own ideas here!
Health & Nutrition: Many of the children live in residential areas where there is no clean drinking water. Their diet is often poor and home hygiene standards are often low. Bolivia Digna tries to teach children and young people about personal health and hygiene.
Activities for Volunteers in the Outreach Community Programs:
In addition to its own projects, Bolivia Digna supports local partner projects in Cochabamba. At two schools in poorer neighborhoods, you can help teachers in the mornings in the classroom, looking after children who need a bit more individual guidance. Additionnally, you can spend time in the afternoons at a daycare center, where children whose parents are in prison do their homework and spend their spare time. Thirdly, you can visit children at a hospital in the mornings, playing, reading and distracting them from their illness. You can also do some fundraising for these children, to be able to purchase games, puzzles and books.
Info Box
Location: Cochabamba, Bolivia
Availability: All year, Start date flexible Minimum Duration: Nuevo Conocer: 4 weeks, Esperanza: 1 week; House of Friendship, Bolivia Digna: 1 month Maximum Duration: 6 months
Language Requirements: Nuevo Conocer: Intermediate Spanish, Volunteering with Esperanza: No Spanish required; Internship: Basic Spanish; House of Friendship; Bolivia Digna: Basic Spanish Accommodation: Shared Accommodation, Room with Host Family, Hostel |
Supervision Possible: Only at Fundación Esperanza
Qualification Of Supervisor: Social Worker, Psychologist Minimum Qualification Of Intern: Relevant studies or work experience Further Contribution To Project: None |
Volunteering Possible: Yes
Required Qualification For Volunteer: None Further Contribution To Project: none Expectations: Do you have the "right" attitude? |
I. World Unite! Service Package
Mobile/Cell Phone Users: If you don't see the rates for your desired duration of stay, hide other (shorter) durations of stay.
up to 31 Days | 32-60 Days | 61-90 Days | 91-120 Days | 5 Months or longer | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 Person
|
450 EUR | 600 EUR | 700 EUR | 750 EUR | 850 EUR | |
2-4 Persons
(Rate per Person) |
400 EUR | 500 EUR | 600 EUR | 650 EUR | 700 EUR |
Convert rates to USD, GBP, CAD, AUD and other currencies
The World Unite! Service Package includes:
- Individual Consultation and Preparation prior to your arrival
- Access to the World Unite! Online Resource Centre which has Preparation Materials including Intercultural Preparation, compiled particularly for your destination (PDFs, Videos)
- Preparation Session via Skype, together with further participants
- Assistance with visa extension in Bolivia or arrangement of visa (depending on duration of stay) and other official permits (if required), but not the official government fees for it/them
- Pick-up and Transfers from/to Cochabamba Airport (CBB) on arrival and departure
- Assistance with the booking of domestic connection flights within Bolivia if you arrive in La Paz or ViruViru
- Personal support staff at your location and at our international office
- Orientation and Introduction in Cochabamba
- Accompanying you to your placement on your first day
- 24 Hours emergency support by local support team
- 50 USD Contribution to your project
- Local SIM Card with 60 Bs. air time
- Issuance of Confirmations/Certificates for your university, scholarship, insurance, etc. and filling out/signing Internship Contracts for your university
- Costs for 10 seedlings of indigenous trees that we plant on the slopes of Kilimanjaro
The Rates do NOT include:
- Accommodation and Meals (see below)
- Travel to/from Bolivia (you book it on your own; we can assist you)
- Official fees for Visa (see below)
- Insurance (Travel Health Insurance, Liability Insurance, Travel Cancellation insurance; you book it on your own, we can assist you)
- Personal Expenses
- Vaccinations
- Local Transport (Estimated amounts see below)
- Please note that for supervised/mentored internships, some organizations charge further contributions. You find this information in the "Info Box" below the respective internship description.
II. Accommodation Costs
You can choose between the following options:
Mobile/Cell Phone Users: If you don't see the rates for your desired duration of stay, hide other (shorter) durations of stay.
Rates in US-Dollar! Convert Currency | Short-time stay (1-31 Days) | Long-time stay (32-365 Days) (You pay proportionally per day) | |
---|---|---|---|
Shared House or Hostel | |||
House shared with other participants |
1 Person (Single Room) |
8 USD/Day |
200-250 USD/Month |
2 Persons p.p. (Double/Twin Room) |
8 USD/Day |
120-140 USD/Month | |
Hostel at Plaza Colon, Dorm bed
|
per person | 8 USD/Day | 240 USD/Month |
Host Family |
|||
Host Family of Middle Standard on Full Board |
1 Person (Single Room) |
15 USD/Day | 15 USD/Day |
2 Persons p.p. (Double/Twin Room) |
15 USD/Day | 15 USD/Day |
For incomplete months you will pay the exact amount proportionally per day.
In case of 3-4 person: Same rate as in case of 2 Persons. 5 or more persons: Contact us for group rates.
In case of 3-4 person: Same rate as in case of 2 Persons. 5 or more persons: Contact us for group rates.
Overview of other costs:
- For most citizens except US Citizens, no Visa fee for a stay of a maximum of 90 days per calendar year. Any time you stay in excess of 90 days within a calendar year, 20 Bs. fee per day. US Citizens pay currentyl 135 USD Visa fee.
- If meals are not included: around 70-150 EUR /100-180 USD)/month
- Small local expenses (e.g. Internet, local transport): around 30-50 USD/Month (Estimate)
- Insurances around 30-50 USD/Month
How do I pay?
Once all your questions have been answered and you confirm that you want to participate, we will email you an invoice. You can pay it via bank transfer, credit card or via Paypal. You will pay a deposit of 200 EUR / 250 USD when the invoice is issued. One months prior to your arrival you will pay the remainder for your Service Package.
The payment modalities for rent and possible further costs (e.g. internship supervision fees, as stated in info box of the respective project description) depend on your host country and placement. We will inform you beforehand. In many cases these costs are paid on site, but for some countries and placements they need to be paid partially or fully in advance.
Other Projects That Might Interest You:
These projects are suggestions for alternatives that may interest you or those that could be chosen as COMBINATIONS. The combination of projects in different organizations is often possible and usually cheaper than two individual bookings. Please contact us to know more! Check out our other listings in the areas of "World Learner" and "Active Travel" at your travel destination to make your stay even more interesting.
Spanish language or indigenous language lessons
In Cochabamba, you can attend Spanish language lessons at a language school. The school has been teaching for more than 20 years, using the communicative method. The teaching is active and requires intensive participation. The language is taught at all levels, from beginner to advanced, with all intermediate stages.
The school also offers instruction in the indigenous languages, Quechua and Aymara. For volunteering and internships in rural areas of Bolivia with indigenous communities, knowledge of the respective language is of great advantage.
For 40 hours of private lessons: 330 EUR.
In the registration form, tick "Language Training Required" and the required number of hours (minimum 40 hours).
Travel Health Insurance
We recommend the following travel insurance that is meant specifically for participants of internships, volunteering, language study, working holiday, and courses abroad. It is available for travelers of all nationalities and usable for all countries, except your home country. You can also add a journey liability insurance.
Just click on the link, fill in the form and you will get a confirmation email.
With 700,000 inhabitants, Cochabamba is Bolivia's fourth largest city. Today, it merges in the west with Quillacollo, which itself has some 150,000 people. Both cities are nested in the densely populated Valley of Cochabamba, at an altitude of around 2560 meters (8700 feet) above sea level. The fertile valley has a flat bottom, expanding around 25x10 km (15x6 miles), while the framing mountains reach heights of some 5000 meters (16,400 feet). The Valley of Cochabamba enjoys a protected, sunny and moderate climate. The daytime maximums during the whole year are around 23-26 degrees C (73-79 degrees F), while the nighttime minimum oscillates between 13 degrees from October to March and 3 degrees in June and July. Rainy season is from December to March, whereas, there is almost no rain during the rest of the year.
Cochabamba is a city with a lot of youth. In downtown Cochabamba, you find the "Prado", "Plaza Colon" and the botanical garden, modern, green and clean. Cochabamba is home to "La Cancha", one of the largest markets in South America and is overlooked by the "Cristo de la Concordia", the second highest statue of Christ in the world.
Due to its central location in Bolivia, Cochabamba itself is a convenient destination for excursions into the country.
Coordinator in Cochabamba
Our supervisor in Cochabamba is Mauge. Mauge comes from Cochabamba, is an intercultural trainer, and has studied in the US. She speaks fluent English and Spanish.
Recreational Activities in Cochabamba
In Cochabamba, there is an active youth life with bars, clubs, cinemas, etc. because of the 14 universities present.
The city of Oruro can be relatively easily reached by bus. You can visit Oruro's historic mines and the city's famous Carnival, every year in February. During the whole year, there are numerous Christian and indigenous festivals in many villages and cities that you can visit, such as Intiwatana on the 21st of June (Andean midwinter) and Urqupiña in August.
From Cochabamba, we arrange affordable small group excursions, including:
* Day trip to Tunari Nationalpark and climbing Cerro Tunari (5035 m/16,500 feet).
* Day visit of the Inca ruins at Incallajta
* Day trekking trip in the subtropical misty forest of Incachaca
* 3 day trip to Catavi mining area (has socio-historical importance) on the Altiplano highland
* 3 day trip to Chapare into the tropical lowland of Cochabamba - swimming in rivers and hiking in the rain forest
* 3 day trip to Torotoro Nationalpark, including a visit to the Inca ruins and climbing Cerro Tunari
* Day visit of the Inca ruins at Incallajta
* Day trekking trip in the subtropical misty forest of Incachaca
* 3 day trip to Catavi mining area (has socio-historical importance) on the Altiplano highland
* 3 day trip to Chapare into the tropical lowland of Cochabamba - swimming in rivers and hiking in the rain forest
* 3 day trip to Torotoro Nationalpark, including a visit to the Inca ruins and climbing Cerro Tunari
Getting To Cochabamba
You fly to Cochabamba (CBB), where you will be picked up and taken to your accommodation. Often, there are cheaper international flights to Santa Cruz de la Sierra (ViruViru Airport, VVI) or to La Paz El Alto (LPB). In that case, you can fly there and then take a connecting flight to Cochabamba, booking separately with Aerosur or BoA. The tickets between these cities are quite low (30-50 EUR / 38-63 USD), but you cannot pay by credit card from overseas. We can buy you a ticket in Bolivia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there fixed start dates for the project, which I must adhere to?
No, you can arrive at any date and you can hence, plan your trip according to your availability and the prices of flights. We can pick you up from the Cochabamba airport at any time. Certain projects cannot be started during holidays, of which we will inform you in advance.
Can I stay longer at my accommodation after my volunteering/internship or arrive earlier?
Yes, this is possible and we will give you our best rates. Just let us know when you arrive and leave and we will let you know the costs.
During my stay, can I travel around the country?
Of course, you can do this - most of our participants do so. However, when the travel destination is too far away, it may not be possible over a weekend; these, we would recommend you keep for before the projects begins or after the completion. You could even plan these out during holidays (e.g. Semana Santa). We will notify you of the destinations and the recommended time to visit.
Is it safe to travel in Nicaragua alone as a single female traveller?
About 80 percent of our participants are women and many of them 18 to 24 years old. Not a single instance of any serious security issue has been reported. Our supervisors on site will advise you on how you should conduct yourself in order to avoid problems - issues such as clothing style, carrying valuables, and in dealing with machismo and patriarchal societies. Our preparation material brings attention to these issues. It is very important to follow these basic rules, that are just as applicable to many other places, in order to reduce risk as much as possible.
Will I be the only volunteer/intern in the project or in Bolivia?
The total number of participants that participate simultaneously with an organization depends on the size and activity of the organization and responsibilities of volunteers/interns. We try to avoid too many volunteers/interns in an organization at the same time. It may be that you are alone in your work site, but usually there are, throughout the year, other participants in Cochabamba, who you can meet in your spare time, if you desire so. In addition, there are also many tourists on the road, whom you can easily meet at bars, shops, etc. Cochabamba being a University town, it it easy to meet Bolivian and foreign students there too.
What vaccinations do I need?
Our Info - PDF that you get as a participant, gives detailed information on health care. Also refer to Recommended Vaccinations
Where will I live?
In the tab "Accommodation", you will see the various accommodation options.
Can I choose the accommodation myself?
Please share us with your request, so that we can organize your accommodation accordingly. Some organizations offer accommodation themselves. In such cases, that is the only accommodation option you have.
How free or bound am I in my accommodation with the host family?
While you will have your privacy, in Bolivia, it is customary to let your host family know when you will leave or return to the house so that the doors can be unlocked, due to safety reasons. It is unacceptable to have casual acquaintances visit you. The level of closeness or privacy with the family can differ.
Does my accommodation have internet facilities?
The shared accommodations in Cochabamba and in Sopocachi/La Paz have internet, as does the hostel in Cochabamba. As for the host families, Internet is not always available, and the same applies to the lodgings that are rented for some projects/internships. You can find information about the availability in the tabs "Accommodation". If there is no wifi internet, you can buy yourself a stick or surf the Internet with your smartphone.
How can I do my laundry?
In general, clothes are hand washed in Bolivia. Many households have someone employed for the purpose, while others have washing machines. There are also laundromats.
Can I cook in the accommodation ?
Yes, the families allow the use of the kitchen, but may charge a small monthly fee for additional consumption of electricity and gas. The families also offer meals for you, if you want to eat with them. This, you can decide when you arrive. Details are in the tab "Accommodation".
I am a vegetarian. Can I get vegetarian food?
Yes, host families are familiar with vegetarian meals and allergies or food intolerances can be considered. It is also possible to buy vegetarian food.
What language skills do I need?
In Bolivia, Spanish, as well as indigenous languages such as Aymara or Quechua are spoken. If you have little or no knowledge of Spanish, we recommend that you begin your stay with a Spanish language course. We can also organize Skype Spanish lessons with a Bolivian language teacher. The majority of the volunteering/ internships expect basic to medium level of Spanish at the start of the activity. That is, you should be able to communicate and express yourself during your stay, at a basic level. Please let us know what you level of knowledge of Spanish is, so that we make sure we organise your stay/project accordingly.