Host Country: Portugal
Organizing Entity: Portuguese Red Cross – Cucujães Local Branch (Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa - Delegação de Cucujães)
Program Name: Long-term International Volunteering Program in Northern Portugal – ESC Volunteering Project
Target Group:
- Nationality: Youth from eligible Arab countries (check official announcement to confirm your country).
- Age Range: Between 18 and 30 years old.
- Interests: Individuals passionate about humanitarian work and volunteering, seeking personal development through a unique cultural experience.
Program Duration:
Length: 8 full months.
Start Date: January 19, 2026.
End Date: August 10, 2026.
Commitment: Full-time dedication required throughout the program without interruption.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Visa: Applicant must be able to visit the Portuguese embassy in person to obtain the volunteering visa.
- Languages: No official language certificate required; English proficiency preferred. Portuguese language skills are not mandatory but considered an advantage.
- Experience: No prior volunteer experience required.
- Qualities Needed: Flexibility, initiative, self-motivation, and ability to work in a multicultural team.
Volunteer Daily Tasks:
- Education & Activities: Organizing sports, educational, and recreational activities for children and adolescents, especially those in care centers or with disabilities.
- Elderly Care: Spending time with elderly people to reduce social isolation and strengthen social bonds.
- General Support: Assisting in meal preparation, laundry, and cleaning tasks.
- Psychosocial Support: Supporting recovering addicts through recreational and integration activities.
- Community Work: Maintaining and cleaning the local pilgrim reception center and related facilities.
- Special Projects: Participating in community, renovation, or environmental initiatives as needed.
Training and Preparation:
- On-site Training: Provided by the hosting organization under supervision.
- Official ESC Training: Two training sessions by the Portuguese National Agency (ESC) — one upon arrival and another mid-program.
- Language Course: Free online Portuguese language course offered to all volunteers.
- Additional Opportunities: Extra educational and skill development activities based on volunteer interests and resource availability.
Benefits and Financial Coverage:
- Travel Costs: Full reimbursement of travel tickets (round trip).
- Monthly Allowance: A stipend to cover basic living expenses (typically 5-6 euros per day according to ESC standards).
- Accommodation: Free housing for the entire program duration, usually shared with other volunteers.
- Meals: Three daily meals provided free or a food allowance if meals are unavailable.
- Visa Costs: All costs related to obtaining the Portuguese volunteering visa are covered.
- Visa Support Documents: Official invitation letter and visa support letter provided.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance during the entire volunteering period through ESC.
Required Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Professionally prepared, highlighting any relevant experience (even minimal).
- Motivation Letter: Explaining your personal reasons for applying and goals for this experience.
Eligible Countries:
Arab Countries Eligible: Not fully specified; applicants should check the official announcement or contact the organizing body to verify if their country is accepted.
Application Steps:
Fill out the online registration form via the official program link.
Click the "APPLY" button on the official page to submit your application.
Application Deadline:
Applications are open now and will remain so until all volunteer spots are filled. Early application is recommended to increase chances.
Why is Apply? :
Golden opportunity to: develop personal and professional skills in a supportive European environment.
Make a real impact in the : lives of local communities in need.
Fully funded program covering all: essential expenses.
FAQs :
Who can apply for this volunteering program?
Youth aged 18 to 30 years old from eligible Arab countries who are interested in volunteering and humanitarian work can apply.
How long does the volunteering program last?
The program lasts for 8 months, starting from January 19, 2026, until August 10, 2026.
Is previous volunteering experience required?
No prior experience is required. However, volunteers should have a flexible attitude and be willing to work in a multicultural team.
What kind of tasks will I be doing?
Tasks include organizing activities for children and adolescents, supporting elderly people, helping in meal preparation and cleaning, supporting recovering addicts, and participating in community and maintenance projects.
Will I receive training?
Yes, on-site training is provided by the host organization, along with official ESC training sessions upon arrival and mid-program. Volunteers also get access to free Portuguese language courses online.