Volunteer in Puerto Rico

Share what you’ve been given.

Nearly half of the residents in western Puerto Rico live below the US federal poverty line and this region is recognized as one of Puerto Rico’s most economically challenged areas. Child poverty is particularly severe, with nearly 60% of children in Puerto Rico living in poverty, far exceeding the U.S. child poverty rate of around 16%. In addition to high poverty, this area also struggles with an aging population and lower educational attainment. These challenges often make access to nutritious food and basic community services difficult.

Under-resourced local nonprofit organizations, who work every day trying to meet families’ needs, invited Global Volunteers to help expand their reach and serve more people with dignity and compassion. Every volunteer can make a meaningful contribution, regardless of background, age, profession, or experience. In return, you will build genuine friendships and gain a personal understanding of Puerto Rico’s rich heritage, resilient communities, vibrant traditions, and welcoming spirit. You’ll stay in very comfortable accommodations and experience the beauty of the Caribbean while working alongside local people to strengthen famlies and improve lives through meaningful, community-directed service.

“This was a wonderful and eye-opening learning experience for me.” Chris Mathews, Puerto Rico Volunteer 2026

“This was a very meaningful week and one I will always cherish. Not only do I feel blessed I volunteered in Puerto Rico, but I will always remember the people I interacted with. It is a wonderful service program!” Mary Anne Mathews, Puerto Rico Volunteer 2026

“Meaningful work and glad to be a volunteer in Puerto Rico.” Matthew Brown, Puerto Rico Volunteer 2026

“Just do it. Become the solution.” Pam Giggey, Puerto Rico Volunteer 2026

“The community members greeted us with open arms and treated us with very much good respect. Had such a great time and great conversations.” Collin Raymond, Puerto Rico 2026

“Food was excellent with plenty of it provided and great variety with many choices.” Michael Anderson, Puerto Rico Volunteer

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Puerto Rico Service Program Information

Experience the heart of Puerto Rico, an island of vibrant traditions and generous people.

Click the tabs below to learn more about our Puerto Rico service program.

Community Work Projects

The Difference You Make As a Volunteer in Puerto Rico

Click the tabs below to learn about the community work projects available in Puerto Rico.

Improve Food Security

Why Volunteers Are Needed

Food insecurity continues to affect many individuals and families, particularly older adults living in fixed low-income households and those residing in the mountains and hillside communities, away from city centers.

For many, nutritious meals are not guaranteed even though community organizations work tirelessly to ensure that no one goes hungry. However, the growing demand for food assistance places significant pressure on nonprofit organizations that depend heavily on volunteer support to prepare, package, and distribute meals efficiently.

The Difference You Make

You will work alongside local volunteers and nonprofit organization staff to grow healthy food, prepare meals, and package food for distribution throughout the area.

Help is needed with assembling nutritious lunch trays, packing traditional food pantry boxes with staple items, organizing donated food, stocking shelves, working in the garden, and helping distribute meals directly to community members. Every task performed by you enables local agencies to serve more people with greater efficiency and care. Whether working in the kitchen, storeroom, or distribution area, volunteers become an essential part of the community’s hunger relief efforts.

Impact

Every meal prepared represents nourishment, dignity, better health, and hope for someone in need. Community organizations can expand their capacity, reduce operational strain on staff, learn new techniques to increase productivity, and reach more families facing food insecurity. Beyond providing food, volunteers help strengthen a compassionate support system that reminds community members they are not alone during difficult times.

Support Local Seniors

Why Volunteers Are Needed

Because large numbers of youth leave the island in search of employment on the mainland, many seniors in the communities we serve experience separation from grandchildren, limited social interaction, loneliness, and fewer opportunities to remain actively engaged as they age.

While local senior centers provide an important place for fellowship and lifelong learning, they often have limited staff and resources to offer the variety of activities that help seniors remain mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy. Regular social engagement reduces isolation, improves emotional well-being, stimulates memory, and contributes to healthier aging, but many seniors simply need more people with whom to connect.

The Difference You Make

Volunteers become valued companions and activity leaders alongside local staff at the community senior centers.

Depending on the interests and skills of each volunteer, projects include assisting with sewing and craft activities, leading music lessons or sing-alongs, practicing conversational English, creating art projects, playing games, reading together, or simply spending meaningful time talking with residents. No professional experience is required. Local staff provide guidance, and you’ll work side-by-side with community members to create welcoming, engaging activities that encourage involvement, participation, creativity, and friendship. Every conversation and shared activity helps build relationships that enrich daily life for the seniors.

Impact

A few hours of genuine companionship can make an enormous difference in a person’s quality of life. Volunteers help reduce social isolation, facilitate lifelong learning, offer friendship, and bring joy, laughter, and meaningful human connection into the lives of local seniors. At the same time, volunteers gain wisdom from generations of life experiences while building cross-cultural relationships that often become one of the most memorable parts of their service program.

Community Outreach and Basic Needs/Disaster Assistance

Why Volunteers Are Needed

Many families and individuals struggle to obtain basic necessities such as clothing, household items, hygiene supplies, and other essential resources, especially after a natural disaster.

Puerto Rico is located in the Caribbean hurricane belt, and experiences intense tropical storms and hurricanes nearly every year. (Global Volunteers does not conduct service programs during the peak of hurricane season.) Community organizations work hard to collect, organize, and distribute donated goods, but limited staffing makes it difficult to process the large volume of donations needed. Without volunteer support, valuable donations take longer to reach the people who need them most.

The Difference You Make

Volunteers work with Global Volunteers’ local community partners to organize donated clothing, household goods, and essential supplies for distribution.

Projects include sorting donations, preparing care packages, organizing storage areas, assisting with outreach events, and helping distribute items directly to families and individuals seeking assistance. By supporting these organizations behind the scenes and during community outreach efforts, volunteers help ensure donated resources are distributed efficiently, respectfully, and with dignity.

Impact

Every organized shelf, sorted donation, and prepared package enables local organizations to provide timely assistance to community members experiencing hardship. Volunteers increase the efficiency of community services while helping individuals meet basic needs that contribute to healthier, safer lives.

Light Labor & Community Improvement (when available)

Why Volunteers Are Needed

Community centers, nonprofit facilities, and other community partner spaces serve as vital gathering places for children, families, and older adults.

Predominantly tropical rainforest, the island’s climate takes its toll on these buildings. Operating with limited maintenance budgets, it’s difficult to complete routine repairs and improvements. Structures in the tropics that are not painted regularly show their wear and tear. Deferred maintenance can reduce the safety and functionality of facilities that thousands of community members depend upon each year.

The Difference You Make

Working under the guidance of local staff and community leaders, you’ll assist with light labor, maintenance, and beautification projects that improve shared community spaces.

Projects vary based on local priorities and include painting classrooms, repairing buildings, constructing pathways, landscaping, cleaning outdoor spaces, and completing other light rehabilitation work. No specialized experience is necessary for most projects other than the ability to wield a paintbrush and pound a hammer; although, those with construction backgrounds can be particularly helpful. Volunteers receive direction and work together to complete necessary improvements that local organizations may otherwise lack the time or resources to accomplish.

Impact

Improved community facilities create safer, more welcoming environments for children, families, and older adults. Volunteers extend the life of community buildings, enhance neighborhood pride, and allow nonprofit organizations to devote more of their limited resources toward serving people.

Grant Writing & Capacity Building

Why Volunteers Are Needed

Many local nonprofit organizations rely on grants to fund essential programs that provide food, education, health services, housing assistance, and other life-changing support.

Yet identifying funding opportunities and preparing competitive grant proposals requires significant time, research, and specialized writing skills. These are resources that many small organizations simply do not have while they focus on managing daily operations.

The Difference You Make

Volunteers with strong writing, research, or professional grant writing experience can assist local organizations with researching grant opportunities and developing proposals to support critical community programs.

Working alongside nonprofit leaders, you’ll help identify potential funding sources, gather supporting information, draft proposal narratives, and strengthen organizational capacity. Because grant writing requires planning and coordination, these projects are arranged well in advance for volunteers interested in contributing their professional skills.

Impact

A successful grant can provide funding that supports community programs for months or years after volunteers return home. By helping organizations secure financial resources, volunteers contribute to long-term sustainability and expand the community’s ability to deliver essential services. Outside expertise helps transform good ideas into funded programs that continue improving lives well into the future.

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Dates & Fees

Upcoming Volunteer Dates in Aguada, Puerto Rico

Find your preferred date by changing the year and program duration.

Change Year:

Change Program Duration:

Registration is quick and easy!

Choose program date and duration above.
Click on the option you prefer in the result list.
Complete the online registration and hold your place with a $350 deposit.

Be sure to select all applicable discounts. All payments tax-deductible.

Groups of 10 or more participants interested in dates not shown above should inquire with our Partnerships Department about adding exclusive dates to the schedule. Please email any inquiries to groups@globalvolunteers.org.

Arrival and Departure

Leave the details to us!

Your service program officially begins with the evening meal on the first Saturday. Most volunteers will choose to fly into San Juan and arrive at the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (airport code SJU). Volunteers flying to San Juan must arrive before 4:00 PM on Saturday and depart on the following Saturday. We will meet you and your teammates at the airport and transport you to your lodging, about 2 hours from San Juan. We’ll return you to the airport at the end of the service program.

Arrival: Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU), Before 4:00 pm.
Departure: Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU), After 12:00 pm

You must confirm your flight itinerary with us at least two weeks before the service program arrival date.

Accommodations

Your home away from home in Puerto Rico

Set in the peaceful countryside of western Puerto Rico, Los Castillos Melendez is a distinctive and beautiful, castle-inspired lodging offering spacious and comfortable accommodations within easy reach of the region’s beaches, city centers, and Global Volunteers’ partner communities. Guest rooms are air-conditioned and include private bathrooms, televisions, and Wi-Fi, while common areas, including a lovely swimming pool and shaded gazebo, offer plenty of space for relaxing and gathering with fellow volunteers. Surrounded by tropical greenery and multiple historic-style buildings, and accessible for guests with additional mobility needs, Los Castillos Melendez offers the perfect balance of tranquility and convenience for your Global Volunteers service program.

Standard service program contribution covers double-occupancy rooms. Single Room available for an additional modest fee of $48 per night ($336 per week).

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Meals

Taste the flavors of Puerto Rico

From home-style lunches to classic island specialties, food becomes another memorable way to experience Puerto Rican culture throughout the week. Your Global Volunteers’ service program includes three meals per day starting with dinner on the day you arrive through breakfast on the day you depart. Every day before the Morning Meeting, you’ll prepare your breakfast at the accommodation using fresh groceries, allowing for flexibility and familiar favorites. Lunch is typically enjoyed with our community partners and features everyday Puerto Rican fare, giving you the opportunity to experience local food in a warm, community setting while getting to know the people you work with. Dinners are enjoyed at local restaurants or catered directly at Los Castillos Melendez.

Puerto Rican cuisine is hearty, flavorful, and deeply connected to the island’s Spanish, African, and Taíno heritage. You will likely enjoy traditional favorites such as pernil, slow-roasted pork seasoned with garlic and spices; arroz con gandules, Puerto Rico’s classic rice and pigeon pea dish; pasteles, savory parcels made with green banana or root-vegetable masa and filled with seasoned meat; mofongo, mashed plantains served with meat, seafood, or broth; as well as fresh seafood, stewed meats, beans, plantains, and other beloved island dishes.

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Cultural Immersion

Live the culture

Experience Puerto Rico Beyond the Volunteer Work Projects

Service is the most important part of the Global Volunteers experience in Puerto Rico. However, during the late afternoons and evenings, you’ll have an opportunity to learn about western Puerto Rico and gain a deeper understanding of the island’s history, culture, traditions, and natural beauty. These cultural immersion activities are designed to complement your service and help you better understand the communities you serve and people you work alongside.

Table Talks: Dinner Conversations with Local Experts

Learn from local experts over dinner. Every week, a local person joins the team for dinner and a conversation about the history, government, educational system, or other aspects of Puerto Rican life. Each service program offers a different topic, adding depth and context to your time in western Puerto Rico.

Tour the Area: Local Art, Heritage & Agriculture

Tour the area and gain a local perspective. Walk in the seaside downtown, see the painted houses and Puerto Rico flag steps, but don’t forget to buy some ice cream. Visit the studio of renowned Puerto Rican artists and learn about the traditions and experiences that inspire their work. Explore local museums that preserve the history and heritage of western Puerto Rico. Visit a local cacao farm to learn how cacao is grown and transformed into chocolate while experiencing an important part of Puerto Rico’s agricultural heritage.

Soak Up the Caribbean Sun: Crash Boat Beach

No experience in western Puerto Rico is complete without appreciating its spectacular coastline. Visit Crash Boat Beach where the water is crystal clear and warm, shop at little shack stores, listen to magical music, mingle with the local people, and enjoy firsthand the natural beauty that makes this part of the island so special.

Together, these experiences offer what a traditional vacation cannot: the opportunity to serve alongside local people, learn directly from community members, and experience Puerto Rican culture through the people who call the island home.

Get a taste of what’s waiting for you in Puerto Rico.

Watch this short travel documentary showcasing the gems of Puerto Rico.

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Weekly Schedule

A Day in Your Life as a Volunteer in Puerto Rico

Itinerary

MORNING/AFTERNOON

Arrival. Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be met by a Global Volunteers representative as you exit baggage claim, who will transport you to your accommodations to check in.

EVENING

Welcome Dinner. Your team leader will join you and all the volunteers for dinner, introductions, and a description of the following day's orientation.

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Team Leader

Your Puerto Rican Team Leader is Looking Forward to Welcoming You!

In addition to facilitating every aspect of your service program in Puerto Rico, Yanira (Yani) Ocasio will share insights about cultural traditions, cuisine, language lessons, must-see attractions, and more. You will be in good hands!

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Yanira moved to the island’s west coast in 2017 to work with communities in distress. She has over 30 years of HR experience and 20 years of humanitarian work in disadvantaged communities like Louisiana during Hurricane Katrina. She founded For Such a Time as This, one of our community partners and Global Volunteers’ host organization in Puerto Rico.

“I could write a book about the attributes of Yani. She is a true leader with excellent communication skills, a thoughtful planner, and genuinely caring, respectful, and selflessly giving. She makes Global Volunteers shine. She’s truly a gem!” Jorjanne Arnold Gausman, Puerto Rico Volunteer

“Yani’s contribution to the program was unmeasurable. The knowledge of the culture, people, and area as well as the ability to build relationships made this the richest experience.” Anne Gardner, Puerto Rico Volunteer

“Pleasant, fun, energetic, great communicator, dedicated, flexible, spontaneous there are not enough words to describe such an excellent leader. Yani was a delight from start to finish!” Debby Edwards, Puerto Rico Volunteer

“Yani is an excellent and committed leader! She’s well organized, friendly, and supportive. She consistently asks us questions about how things are going. She communicates the schedule of the day clearly and let’s us know if any alterations are needed. She cares about her team and goes over and above.” Judy Thorpe, Puerto Rico Volunteer

“Yani is an amazing leader, passionate about the community, knowledgeable, clear in what we were doing in our service daily, gave multiple opportunities to experience different services. She is organized, approachable, helpful and kind. I would return because of the experience I had with her.” Pam Giggey, Puerto Rico Volunteer

“The team leadership is amazing and gives the feeling like it’s a family. Yani was truly an awesome leader to have. Always making sure we have fun and get the opportunity to feel one with the community. Also with making sure we felt heard.” Collin Raymond, Puerto Rico Team Leader

“Yani is a legend. She took care of all of us and made sure we had the best experience of our lifetime. The whole week went by too quickly, and we felt bad that it had to end. But I promised her that I’ll be back to Puerto Rico to serve the community again in the future.” Prem Kumar Nallamothu, Puerto Rico Volunteer

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Community Partners

Our Community Partners in Puerto Rico

Global Volunteers only serves where we are invited by a local host organization or community partner. In Puerto Rico, we were invited by several community partners.

Asociación Pro-Bienestar Barrio Marías de Aguada

This is a grassroots organization dedicated to improving quality of life for residents of rural communities in Aguada. The organization operates a community food center providing fresh and shelf-stable food, water, and essential supplies to people in need while supporting community development and emergency response efforts.

For Such a Time as This

This Aguada-based nonprofit serves vulnerable families and individuals throughout western Puerto Rico. The organization combats food insecurity by providing groceries and hot meals to struggling families and distributes clothing, household goods, and other necessities. It also provides health services, disaster relief, and vital programs designed to strengthen and empower local communities.

Programa de Apoyo y Enlace Comunitario (PAEC)

PAEC is a community-based nonprofit serving families across western Puerto Rico. PAEC works to build healthier and safer communities through education, prevention, youth and family programming, and community outreach. Its initiatives address issues including substance abuse, youth development, community safety, and assistance for families in need.

Acción Social de Puerto Rico

This Puerto Rican nonprofit provides social services and support to individuals and families in need. Its senior programs are particularly important, offering adults age 60 and older opportunities for daily nutritious meals, recreation, education, social interaction, health services, and other activities that promote independence and improved quality of life.

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Solo & Couple Volunteers

Puerto Rico Volunteers Serving Individually or Couples

64%

over 50

70%

women

Volunteer solo, but you won’t serve alone!

Most volunteers arrive without knowing anyone; but by the end of the first day, they have new friends to enjoy, laugh with, and serve with. Whatever your age or background, there’s a place for you here.

Global Volunteers offers among the safest and most inviting ways for individuals to travel alone and become part of a group of friends. From the moment you arrive, you’re folded into a team of volunteers. Our team leader and local community partners guide you, look out for you, engage you in meaningful service, and ensure you always know where to be and what’s next, so you can focus on what matters most; the connections you make with local people.

Solo volunteers come in their twenties and in their seventies, between jobs and between chapters of life, and they all find the same thing waiting: a team that has your back and a service program that leaves you with friendships that last for many years.

From honeymoons to retirement, couples serve side by side as their relationship blooms.

Wondering whether a service program is really the right thing to do together as a couple? Consider this: Global Volunteers exists because of one couple. Our co-founders, Bud Philbrook and Michele Gran, spent part of their honeymoon volunteering in a small rural Guatemalan village. That single shared experience moved them so deeply they built an entire organization around it which they called Global Volunteers. Read the full story here: Global Volunteers “Conceived” on Honeymoon – Global Volunteers.

Forty years later, couples are still discovering that serving side by side reveals each other in ways an ordinary vacation never will. You won’t have to choose between time together and making a difference; you’ll get both. Our team leader and local partners handle the logistics, so the only thing you’re managing is how much fun you’re having serving others. And it fits whatever chapter you’re in. Newlyweds, this is a honeymoon you’ll still be talking about at your fiftieth anniversary. Recently retired, with time and energy finally your own again? There’s no richer way to spend it than building something meaningful as a team. Whatever your age, you’ll both come to know Puerto Rico the way local people do, and you’ll head home closer than when you arrived, with friendships among teammates and community members that feel like family.

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Family Volunteering

Families who volunteer together, bond together!

Family volunteering offers a bonding opportunity unlike any other. Whether it’s one parent and one child, or both parents, grandparents, and the whole brood, volunteering together is an incredibly valuable and meaningful experience.

Minimum Ages for Family Service Projects

Country	Community	Min Age	Notes
China	Xi'an	10
Cook Islands	Rarotonga	8
Greece	School Year - Maleviziou, Island of Crete	12
Greece	Summer English Day Camp - Maleviziou, Island of Crete	6
Italy	Castelvetrano, Sicily	12	school year
Italy	Castelvetrano, Sicily	10	summer camps JuneAugust
Malaysia	Johor Bahru	7
Montana	Blackfeet Reservation	8
Nepal	Kathmandu	10
Peru	Lima	7
Poland	School Year Program - Reymontowka	6
Poland	Language Camp Led by Ukrainian Team Leader - Reymontowka	6
Poland	Polish-Ukrainian Summer Program - Siedlce	6
Puerto Rico	Aguada	10
St. Lucia	Anse La Raye	8
Tanzania	Ipalamwa Area	13
Texas	San Juan	12
Vietnam	Hanoi	15

Choose Country

Choose Age Range

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Parents and legal guardians of minors – under age 18 – must complete a Minor Registration and travel with their children. Children 15 and under must work closely with their parent or legal guardian on family service projects. To ensure a positive experience for everyone, parents and guardians must comply with Global Volunteers’ minor supervision policy.

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Youth are invited to offer their own perspectives in team meetings and fully participate in the community work projects and free-time activities. In this way, your child gains a personal understanding of the Italian culture as well as the role and responsibilities of a team member. They might also create life-long friendships with local youth and other volunteers who share their interests and experiences.

Group Opportunities

Imagine your student, employee, or professional association group volunteering together in Puerto Rico!

Global Volunteers’ Puerto Rico service-learning programs provide meaningful and stimulating volunteering opportunities for groups of students, professionals, educators, employees, and like-minded people. Because of our on-going relationship with our community partners, every member of your group can fully engage their unique skills and interests in meaningful service. We work with you to customize your program to learn about each other in a non-traditional way as an intact volunteer team. With advanced preparation, you can be certain that your unique contributions on genuine development projects advance the futures of those you serve. We work with you to meet your group’s unique goals, objectives, and personality.

Whether you’re planning a corporate team experience, faculty-led student service-learning program, faith-based group experience, or another group program, Global Volunteers can create a meaningful service experience tailored to your group’s goals.

Find your group type:

We work closely with each group to develop an exclusive volunteer program and provide dedicated support every step of the way. Our turnkey approach makes planning as easy as possible for group leaders and staff. Contact our Partnerships team to learn more and explore options for your group.

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Health, Safety, & Mobility

Your health and safety are our top priorities.

Your lodging, food, and transportation are provided always with a mind to protect your health and security.  Your team leader is trained in CPR and first aid to handle most emergencies. Global Volunteers includes emergency medical evacuation insurance in your service program fee. Read more about health and safety here.

However, you are responsible to ensure your own safety by acting prudently and being careful. We strongly recommend you consult your own physician, public health clinic and/or travel clinic for detailed travel health information. For general recommendations, consult the following sources:

Centers for Disease Control | Health Canada Online | Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

We also recommend that you have health insurance that covers you while you are outside your home country, and trip cancellation insurance in the event you must cancel your participation on the service program. Your travel agent can refer you to travel insurance providers. Click here to read risks associated with international travel. Also, please read Global Volunteers’ Respiratory Viruses Policy for Service Programs in the U.S. and Abroad.

Aguada – Level 2 – Somewhat Mobile

Our service program in Puerto Rico is within the Aguada and Aguadilla municipalities. It requires regular walking and stair use.

Walking: Volunteers should be comfortable walking at least one mile in urban environments, including on uneven or broken sidewalks, sloped areas, and hills. Most free-time activities involve walking between locations. In the evenings, some areas may have minimal lighting, and volunteers should be comfortable navigating in low-light conditions.

Community Project: Volunteers are transported by passenger van and must be able to get in and out of vehicles independently. Some work projects require climbing at least two flights of stairs, occasionally without handrails.

Lodging: Some lodging in Aguada is on higher floors and may require climbing at least two flights of stairs; some stairways may not have handrails.

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FAQs

Do I need a passport or visa?

For programs outside your country of citizenship, you must have a passport valid for at least six months after your planned departure from the country. A visa may also be required, depending on the country you are serving in and your country of citizenship.

What do I need to pack?

A packing list is available in your volunteer portal after you register. It includes clothing recommendations based on the season.

How does Global Volunteers determine the service project I engage in?

Service projects are first based on the needs of the community and what they prioritize. Other factors include your background, experience, stated preference, and the current requirements of our community partners.

Are cultural immersion events included in this program?

Yes, volunteers enjoy organic cultural immersion events facilitated by the team leader or community partners. They offer moments rarely experienced by tourists.

Why is there a contribution to volunteer?

As a private non-profit organization, Global Volunteers relies on volunteer contributions to serve communities that cannot afford these services on their own. For US taxpayers, your entire service program is tax-deductible.

Every service program includes double accommodations (single rooms available in most places for an extra fee), three meals daily starting with dinner on the first evening through breakfast on the final morning, ground transportation upon arrival at the designated airport, expert team leaders, on-site orientation, 24-hour emergency phone contact, and emergency medical evacuation insurance.

We also supply prep materials before your program, including a Global Volunteers Manual, a community handbook, a Conversational English Teaching Guide, and program coordination. Many volunteers fundraise for their service program and may qualify for a discount — ask a volunteer coordinator for details.

See more here: Service Program Contribution – Global Volunteers

How do I know if this service program is right for me?

More than 43,000 volunteers of all ages and walks of life have served with us since 1984. Each has been a valuable resource in supporting our community partners’ goals. As a volunteer, you’re an essential link in a long chain of those who have come before, and will follow, to help ensure sustainable community development.

In fact, we helped set the standard for short-term international service in 1984 — USA Today called us the “Granddaddy of the volunteer vacation movement.” We recommend speaking with a Volunteer Coordinator who can help you navigate our service programs and make informed choices.

Can I hear from someone who has already volunteered?

We have many testimonials from volunteer experiences we can share. Additionally, many of our program alumni are happy to speak to prospective volunteers about their experience on our service programs. Reach out to your volunteer coordinator to connect with an alumnus.

When should I register?

We highly recommend registering as soon as you determine where you want to go and when you want to go there. Service program dates can fill up fast, and a down payment of $350 secures your spot on the team. The remaining balance is due 90 days before your start date.

How do I register for a service program?

Follow this link to secure your spot on a team: Registration – Global Volunteers, or speak with a Volunteer Coordinator who will answer any other questions and guide you through the registration process.

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Volunteer in Puerto Rico

Share what you’ve been given.

Puerto Rico Service Program Information

The Difference You Make As a Volunteer in Puerto Rico

Why Volunteers Are Needed

The Difference You Make

Impact

Why Volunteers Are Needed

The Difference You Make

Impact

Why Volunteers Are Needed

The Difference You Make

Impact

Why Volunteers Are Needed

The Difference You Make

Impact

Why Volunteers Are Needed

The Difference You Make

Impact

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