LATIN AMERICA

Volunteer in Latin America and visit a continent of ancient history, culture and natural wonders including the stunning Amazon, Manu Biosphere and Mindo Cloud Forest. The region was the cradle of powerful ancient civilizations such as The Inca and The Maya, and is a meeting of European influences and mingled with indigenous identities and diverse ecosystems. You can volunteer in Latin America as part of a gap year, or choose an internship project in locations such as Ecuador, Belize and Costa Rica but be warned you may fall in love!

Volunteer in Latin America

Volunteering in Latin America is perfect for those wanting an ethical way to visit its famous biodiversity and its impressive natural features. Volunteer in Latin America and visit the highest waterfall in the world, Angel Falls, the largest river by volume, Amazon, the longest mountain range, The Andes and the driest place on earth, the Atacama Desert. Latin America yields the most biodiverse rainforest in the world, The Amazon Rainforest, which is home to more than half of all the world’s species of plants and animals.

If that wasn’t enough, volunteerin in Latin America allows you to visit the region which was the seat of some of the greatest ancient civilizations like the Inca, The Maya and The Aztec. While the ancient civilizations spanned across the continent, there is a rich diversity in the history of each country, their communities and traditions. Nothing can compare to the drums of the indigenous Quechua in Peru or the sound of waves on the Costa Rican shoreline. You can revel in the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, the impressive salt flats of Bolivia or the stunning Galapagos islands. It has something to offer everyone.

The richness of Latin American culture has developed from ancient traditions, colonial influences and the mixing of different ethnicities immigrating to the region. Spanish and Portuguese are the majority languages in Latin America and you can find over 600 native languages throughout the continent.  If you speak one of these languages and want to volunteer in Latin America make sure you let one of our placement advisors know! While there is a rich history and culture, the divide between the rich and poor is larger in Latin America than most other continents.

Volunteers in Latin America play an instrumental role in the continual sustainability and growth of our projects. There are many grassroots initiatives that understand the struggles of the communities they work within and are able to support them on multiple levels. From creating Healthy Kitchens in Peru to Building and Organic Farming in Belize you can find a project that utilizes your skills and allows for personal growth.

Since Latin America has such vast natural resources, plant and animals it has become a target for exploitation. That makes environmental and wildlife conservation projects such an important aspect of the future of Latin America through education, research and hands-on work. If you want to volunteer in Latin America on a conservation project there are amazing projects like Turtle and Marine Environmental Conservation and Education in Ecuador or Environmental Conservation on Biological Stations in the Amazon and on the Coast. These projects have made important and forward-thinking impacts in the world of conservation.

Just as Latin America is diverse, so are the options offered by Kaya. Several of our projects do require some previous Spanish speaking skills and you can enhance your knowledge by adding on Spanish lessons – there is no better way to learn a language than in the country it is spoken!  All our placements that require Spanish have been assessed in line with the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR), to help the projects and volunteers understand what is needed to make the placement a success.

Explore the many options available to you and get to know more about the amazing locations and projects offered by Kaya. Make the world a little smaller by making your heart a little bigger and volunteering in Latin America!

Latin American countries with volunteer and intern projects

 

Volunteer in Belize

Click here to checkout our varied volunteer projects in Belize

Volunteer in Brazil

Click here to checkout our varied volunteer projects in Brazil

Volunteer in Bolivia

Click here to checkout our varied volunteer projects in Bolivia

Volunteer in Costa Rica

Click here to checkout our varied volunteer projects in Costa Rica

Volunteer in Ecuador

Click here to checkout our varied volunteer projects in Ecuador

Volunteer in Peru

Click here to checkout our varied volunteer projects in Peru

Our Latin America Projects

Community and Education Projects in Jamaica

Make a positive impact on a local community in need while engaging in a culturally immersive program

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Whale and Dolphin Conservation Internship in Ecuador

Join Kaya's whale and dolphin conservation internship on the Pacific Coast of Ecuador to protect habitats and species.

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Marine Science Education Internship in the Cayman Islands

Join this fantastic Marine Science Education Internship in Little Cayman and experience life on a tropical island whilst contributing to meaningful conservation work!

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Marine Science Research Internship in the Cayman Islands

Join this amazing Marine Science Research Internship in Little Cayman and get some real insight into marine conservation in the Caribbeans!

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Sustainable Food Security Project in Belize

Join this organic farming and food security initiative, aimed at providing a sustainable source of healthy foods for young mothers and inner city youth in Belize.

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Turtle and Marine Conservation in Costa Rica

Join us as a volunteer for this Turtle and Marine Conservation Project in Costa Rica while living the pura vida!

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Summer Ecuador Study Abroad and Intern – Environmental Science and Conservation Track

Combine study abroad and intern this fall or spring in Ecuador

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Summer Ecuador Study and Intern – Spanish & Latin American Studies Track

Combine study abroad and service-learning this fall or spring in Ecuador

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Sports Volunteering in Costa Rica

Join us in the rural community of Costa Rica and contribute to local education through sports while living an adventure of a lifetime!

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Wildlife Science and Conservation Internship in Belize

Join this amazing Wildlife Science and Conservation Internship in Belize and get some real insight into conservation in the Caribbeans!

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Ecuador Study and Intern Semester- Latin American Studies Track

Combine study abroad and service-learning this fall or spring in Ecuador

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Ecuador Study Abroad and Intern – Environmental Science and Conservation Track

Combine study abroad and intern this fall or spring in Ecuador

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Teen Community Volunteering in Costa Rica

Join us in a rural community of Costa Rica and contribute to the local community while living an adventure of a lifetime!

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Psychology and Social Work Internship in Ecuador

Take part in a Psychology and Social Work Internship in Ecuador and develop your skills and gain experience abroad

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NGO Management Internship in Ecuador

Take part in a NGO Management Internship in Ecuador and develop your skills and gain experience abroad

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Social Justice Internship in Ecuador

Take part in a Social Justice Internship in Ecuador and help combat causes you care about

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Media and Marketing Internship in Peru

Intern in for a local social enterprise promoting financial independence through indigenous traditions in Peru

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Education Internship in Peru

Intern in a local school and gain some teaching experience in Peru

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Enchanted Forest Art Therapy Volunteering in Belize

Join the Enchanted Forest Art Therapy Volunteering in Belize and make a positive impact on local children.

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Political Science Internship in Belize

Intern on a political science internship in Belize and gain experience in politics with the aim of running a campaign while living in San Ignacio.

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Wildlife Conservation Volunteering in Brazil

Learn and experience wildlife conservation volunteering in Brazil

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Support the Survivors of Gender Based Violence and Human Trafficking in Quito

Human rights and girls’ empowerment volunteering in Quito

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Horse-assisted therapy volunteering in Bolivia

Volunteer abroad on our specialised project and help to provide physical therapy to disabled children and young adults in Bolivia

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Special Needs Therapy Internship in Peru

Intern in a special education centre in Peru that supports children age 3 to 20 by providing them special education geared to their specific needs

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At-Risk Youth Social Work Internship in Peru

Intern in a social centre that supports children and adolescents considered at-risk and help the NGO provide a safe and comfortable environment.

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Multimedia Internship in Peru

Multimedia internship in Peru to develop your CV/resume and help while supporting biodiversity conservation

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Environmental Conservation Internship in Peru

Environmental conservation internship in Peru to develop your CV/resume and help with scientific research

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Veterinary Internship in Ecuador

Join us as on this veterinary internship in Ecuador and contribute to improving the welfare of wildlife while developing your CV/Resume

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Fair Trade Internship in Ecuador

Join our Fair Trade Internship in Ecuador and work with a local sustainable environmental project that helps alleviate poverty locally.

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Volunteering for teenagers in Costa Rica

Spend your holidays doing something different and help others through volunteering overseas. Work on 1 of 4 projects in Costa Rica that accept teenagers from 15 years old.

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Amazon Rainforest Wildlife Rescue and Release in Ecuador

In partnership with a local indigenous family that lives in the Amazon rainforest, this centre rehabilitates wild animals from the jungle that were victims of abuse and animal trafficking.

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Sea Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica

Volunteer on this Sea Turtle conservation project and protect female sea turtles, their nests and hatchlings on beaches along the coasts of Costa Rica.

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Volunteer Support For Young Mothers In Peru

Volunteer in Cusco and support young mothers and their children in Peru.

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Volunteer in a Children’s Centre in La Paz Bolivia

Volunteer in a Children’s Centre in Bolivia managed entirely by local families from a small community.

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Healthy Kitchens Volunteering in Peru

Join us in supporting local families by addressing hygiene and sanitation issues by working on our healthy kitchens volunteering in Peru project.

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Environmental Conservation in the Peruvian Rainforest

Be part of a leading research programme and help with sustainable community and environmental conservation initiatives in the Peruvian rainforest.

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Work in Hospitals and Clinics in Belize

Volunteer in Belize and lend a hand in a public polyclinic or private hospital that serve the local citizens, regardless of income or social standing.

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Sustainable Economic and Community Development in Ecuador

Volunteer in Ecuador on an economic and community development initiative to help families preserve their values, culture and environment and create sustainable livelihoods.

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Medical Spanish Language Course in Ecuador

We’ve got the perfect program for medical students and professionals who want healthcare experience abroad.

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Learn Spanish in Ecuador

By learning Spanish in Ecuador you will be immersed in the language as well as experiencing the wonderful culture.

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Sports Coaching and Community Work in the Bolivian Andes

Become a sports coaching and community work volunteer in the Bolivian Andes and help integrate boys and girls into sports, foster technical expertise, team work and gender equity.

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Counselling and Social Work in Belize

Volunteer within the social services on this counselling and social work project in Belize to help an understaffed centre support young people and women who are in need.

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Construction and Animal Welfare Volunteering in the Bolivian Andes

Volunteer in the Bolivian Andes and combine construction work and animal welfare at the city zoo with improvements to a local children's centre.

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Music Access and Development for School Children in Belize

Volunteer as a music teacher at a local state run schools where music access and development for school children in Belize is limited to only those who can afford it.

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Dance Therapy in Belize

If you have a passion for, and can inspire others to express themselves through dance and movement, then volunteer on this wonderful dance therapy project in Belize.

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Teaching and Teacher Development Volunteering in Belize

Support over-stretched teachers in classrooms and through interactive training sessions on this teaching and teacher development volunteering project in Belize.

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Health and Medical Internship in Ecuador

This health and medical internship in Ecuador will give medical, biology and science students insights into issues in global health, traditional medicine and medical practice.

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Spring Break Volunteering in Ecuador

Spend your Spring Break volunteering in Ecuador and support 50 families to preserve their cultural identity and community.

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Rural Public Health Volunteering in Ecuador

If you are interested in community development with a health focus then this rural public health volunteering placement is perfect for you.

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Volunteer Camp for At Risk Youth: Putting Film Into Action in Belize

Volunteer in Belize on this film camp and use your film-making and photography skills to empower and inspire students from an at risk youth centre.

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Integrated Music, Dance and Art Therapy for Children with Special Needs in Ecuador

Volunteer and use your creative skills on this integrated therapy project for children with disabilities and learning difficulties in Ecuador.

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Education Outreach for Child Workers in the Markets in Ecuador

Volunteer in Quito and help with the education of children who work upwards of ten hours a day in the markets, streets and countryside of Ecuador to support their families.

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Volunteer at a Childcare Centre in San Jose, Costa Rica

Volunteer abroad with Kaya in Costa Rica and get hands-on childcare experience with children who will really benefit from international instruction.

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Mother and Child Nutrition

Join us at nutrition centres improving diets in Costa Rica on this mother and child nutrition volunteer placement.

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Learn Spanish in Costa Rica

Join our unique Spanish immersion language course that enable students to learn the language and at the same time experience Costa Rican culture.

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Inca Jewellery-Making Cooperative Marketing Project

Volunteer in Peru on this Inca Jewellery-making cooperative marketing project and assist with promoting traditional cultural techniques and products.

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Agro Forestry and Environmental Conservation in the Mindo Cloud Forest

If you are interested in environmental science and conservation efforts then volunteer on this project located in the stunning Cloud Forest in Ecuador.

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Microfinance Internship in Peru

If you are interested in banking, accountancy or economics why not support poorer local people by joining this Microfinance volunteer placement in Peru.

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Global Health and Nutrition Volunteering in the Andes

Come to Peru and participate in global health and nutrition volunteering in the Andes.

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Community Empowerment Volunteering at Cooperatives in Costa Rica

Become a volunteer in Costa Rica and join one of our most unique projects in Central America assisting local communities at 2 cooperatives.

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Animal Rescue Project in Costa Rica

Volunteer in Costa Rica in a busy animal rescue centre, helping animals that have been neglected, lost their natural habitats or injured and are undergoing rehabilitation.

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Medical Elective / Rotation / Internship in Belize

Volunteer in Belize and lend a hand in public hospitals and clinics that serve the local citizens, regardless of their income.

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Easy 4-step application process

APPLY ONLINE

Click here to apply online and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.

TELEPHONE INTERVIEW

Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.

CONFIRMATION

Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.

GET PREPARED

When you have confirmed your project dates we'll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.