I have learned SO much in the 11 weeks that I spent in Medellin. It definitely was intimidating at first, and there were days where work felt really frustrating, but once I got through that first part I had so much fun every day. The kids absolutely embrace everyone they meet, and if you know Spanish (even just a little) you'll be able to connect with them on a much deeper level. The host family was amazing! Their cooking was great and they took me to do tons of things, and I met the extended family multiple times. They made me feel right at home. The volunteer coordinator was awesome! She was almost like a second mom to me while I was there. She checked in on me every couple days and was always available to answer questions I had, even if they were unrelated to IVHQ.
Women’s Empowerment Volunteer in Colombia
Purpose
Start dates
Duration
Volunteer hours
Age
Accommodation
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Empathetic, adaptable, and proactive volunteers thrive in this role. Those eager to embrace Colombian culture, enhance Spanish skills, and mentor young women from rural areas will make a meaningful impact.
Project details
Want to support young women in their education and careers? Join IVHQ’s Women’s Empowerment project in Colombia to mentor female students from rural areas as they adjust to university life. Many face academic and social challenges, and your support can make a big difference. Volunteers lead educational activities, run skill-building workshops, and promote well-being—helping these young women gain confidence, independence, and a strong start to their future.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
As a volunteer in the Women’s Empowerment project, you’ll support young women from rural areas who are transitioning into university life in Colombia. Many of these students are living away from home for the first time and face challenges related to academics, social adaptation, and emotional well-being. Your role will focus on offering mentorship, building life skills, and creating a positive environment that encourages personal growth and independence.
Some of the tasks involved in the Women’s Empowerment project include:
- Supporting English language development to expand academic and career opportunities
- Leading workshops on confidence-building, leadership, and goal-setting
- Assisting with study habits, time management, and adapting to university life
- Mentoring students through academic and personal challenges
- Organizing cultural exchange sessions to promote global awareness
- Helping develop programs related to mental health, entrepreneurship, or sustainability
Please note that volunteers should have strong interpersonal skills and a genuine interest in education, mentoring, and youth development. Basic Spanish is helpful for better communication and connection with students.
As a volunteer, your impact goes beyond daily tasks. You’ll be helping these young women believe in themselves, build resilience, and take confident steps toward a brighter future. Join us in creating lasting change by supporting the next generation of female leaders.
Why do Women’s Empowerment volunteering in Medellín with IVHQ?
This project is designed to equip young women from rural areas of Colombia with the tools and support they need to thrive in a university setting. For many, it’s their first experience living independently, and they often face a range of pressures: from academic stress to adjusting socially and emotionally. Volunteers play a meaningful role by offering guidance, encouragement, and a supportive presence. In return, you’ll gain valuable personal and professional experience through:
- Supporting young women in overcoming academic and social challenges
- Helping create an inclusive and empowering learning environment
- Gaining hands-on experience in mentorship, education, and community development
- Strengthening your Spanish through meaningful daily interactions
- Developing a deeper understanding of Colombian culture and rural community dynamics
By volunteering, you’ll help shape brighter futures for young women while experiencing personal growth and cultural immersion.
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate in this program. If you are under the age of 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad to explore these options.
Volunteers need to have at least an intermediate (B1) level of Spanish to join this program. If you don’t meet this requirement, you may like to check out our other Childcare projects in Peru, Argentina, and Ecuador.
Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Colombia photo gallery
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
This project is based in El Carmen de Viboral, a charming town in Eastern Antioquia, located about 47 kilometers from Medellín. Known for its rich artisan traditions and welcoming community, El Carmen offers a peaceful, small-town atmosphere where volunteers can engage closely with the local culture and make a tangible impact. Its scenic location - nestled in a lush valley surrounded by mountains - provides a tranquil setting for meaningful volunteer work.
At the same time, Medellín, just a short trip away, offers a vibrant contrast. Once known for its turbulent past, the city has transformed into a hub of innovation and culture. Volunteers can explore Medellín’s colorful neighborhoods, street art, food scene, and museums such as the Museo de Antioquia and Casa de la Memoria. For nature lovers, Medellín’s famous cable cars offer sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, and there are plenty of hiking trails and green spaces to enjoy.
While Medellín continues to evolve, many communities still face challenges related to poverty, education, healthcare, and sustainability. This project contributes to broader social development efforts in the region, empowering local communities - both in El Carmen and greater Medellín - through mentorship, education, and support initiatives.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins on the first and third Tuesday of each month, and volunteers need to arrive in Colombia on the Monday before program orientation.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) in Medellín on the Monday before your program orientation. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Medellín. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are traveling in Colombia prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up at a prearranged destination in Medellín on the day before your program orientation.
Orientation is hosted by our Colombia team in Medellín for one day (approximately 8 hours). Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Colombia – an introduction to Colombia, Colombian customs, language training details, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Colombia, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
Volunteer schedule example
First Day
On the first day of the volunteering placement, you will be escorted to the project by our local staff and introduced to the staff at the placement you will be working with.
Weekdays
A typical day would be as follows:
| 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: | Assist with preparing breakfast. |
| 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: | Support administrative tasks or engage in activities based on your volunteer profile. |
| 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: | Lunch break. |
| 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM: | Free time for tourism, lesson planning, or preparing cultural activities. |
| 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: | English classes. |
| 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: | Dinner. |
| 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM: | Social time with beneficiaries (e.g., movie nights or board games in English). |
Weekend
You can use your weekend to explore local towns, or head into Medellin! There is also an option to support the Computer Literacy Program for adult women from rural areas. Volunteers can assist with teaching digital skills in small-group sessions, either in-person or online.
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers are accommodated in a local homestay in La Ceja, a picturesque town nestled in the lush mountains of Antioquia, Colombia. Just 90 minutes from Medellín, La Ceja offers a peaceful and authentic setting surrounded by green hills, flower farms, and vibrant local culture.
Staying in a homestay provides a meaningful opportunity to experience traditional Colombian life. You will live with a carefully selected local host family, giving you firsthand insight into regional customs, cuisine, and daily routines while being immersed in the Spanish Language.
La Ceja is known for its tranquil atmosphere, scenic views, and strong sense of community. Volunteers benefit from proximity to shops, schools, and healthcare facilities while enjoying the safety and comfort of a calm, residential neighborhood.
Accommodation is modest but comfortable. Depending on availability, you may have a private room or share with one other volunteer. All homestays include basic amenities such as electricity, WiFi, and hot water. While English may be limited, this environment encourages cultural exchange and offers a valuable opportunity to practice Spanish in everyday interactions. Many volunteers find that living with a local family is one of the most rewarding parts of their experience in Colombia.
Meals
Volunteers are provided with breakfast daily as part of their placement. Supplies are available for volunteers to prepare their own meals, ensuring flexibility and convenience. Breakfast typically consists of Colombian arepas (arepas are known as corn cakes made out of corn dough or precooked corn flour in a flat circular shape, similar to a pancake), bread, spreads, scrambled egg and cheese, milk, coffee, aromática (a mixture of fresh herbs, fruits, and boiling water), and hot chocolate.
Lunch and dinner are not included but can be added for an additional $65 per week. These meals are prepared by the student beneficiaries and are available Monday to Friday. Volunteers also have the option to purchase groceries during orientation and cook their own meals in the fully equipped kitchen.
Gluten-free and vegan diets cannot be accommodated. If you have any other dietary requirements, please let us know when submitting your application so that we can discuss available options. While you may not have the same food choices as you do at home, the local team will do their best to ensure you are comfortable during your stay.
Pricing
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately $299) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $380 Equivalent to $63/day |
| 2 weeks | $642 Equivalent to $54/day |
| 3 weeks | $887 Equivalent to $49/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,126 Equivalent to $47/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,365 Equivalent to $46/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,604 Equivalent to $45/day |
| 8 weeks | $2,038 Equivalent to $42/day |
| 10 weeks | $2,472 Equivalent to $41/day |
| 12 weeks | $2,906 Equivalent to $40/day |
| 16 weeks | $3,686 Equivalent to $38/day |
| 20 weeks | $4,466 Equivalent to $37/day |
| 24 weeks | $5,158 Equivalent to $36/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately $299) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Colombia generally find US$200 to be sufficient for weekly expenses, including lunches and dinners, transport and miscellaneous spending.
- Breakfast
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- Discounts on language lessons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Lunch and dinner
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Check what's required to visit Colombia
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Bogota |
| Population | 50.3 million |
| Languages | Spanish |
| Currency | Colombian Peso (KES) |
| Time zone | UTC-5:00 |
Weather and climate
Medellín, nestled in the Aburrá Valley of the Andes mountains, enjoys a temperate climate at an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) above sea level. Often referred to as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Medellín boasts mild and consistent weather throughout the year. Daytime temperatures hover around a comfortable 24-28°C (75-82°F), providing a pleasant and spring-like atmosphere. Evenings bring a slight coolness with temperatures ranging from 15-20°C (59-68°F). The city experiences two distinct rainy seasons, from April to June and from September to November, with brief afternoon showers. However, overall, Medellín is characterized by a predominantly dry climate. Volunteers are advised to pack lightweight clothing and a jacket for cooler evenings.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
I have a better understanding of elderly individuals. It is true what they say - some people just want a listening ear. I was reminded that the elderly population needs companionship and care.
Everyone is super helpful and as long as you are open to learning and experiencing new opportunities, the program is definitely worth it.
The volunteer coordinator was the most amazing guide and went above and beyond to make sure I felt welcome and safe. She was always there for me and had great tips for how to adjust, where to find food, how to ride the metros and how to find ubers/taxis. I can't say enough amazing things about the volunteer coordinator, she's an amazing person and her non profit is so helpful for volunteers to get connected helping people in Medellin. The driver to and from the airport also went above and beyond to help me. Truly amazing people!!!
The school that I volunteered at was awesome too - their teachers and staff were kind and helpful and put me in the perfect class for my level. The teachers and staff are so patient and give the children 100% everyday. They have so many fun and educational activities and are loving and compassionate. Leaving the children was so hard because they were so sweet and friendly.
I was very nervous about going alone but IVHQ connected me with great people who really made everything go smoothly. My suggestion would be to go with an open mind and a heart for helping others. Be flexible and patient. Have fun and try new things but be safe and alert/aware if your surroundings. Thank you for the amazing experience!
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
