Volunteer Opportunities

If you regularly volunteer at home, chances are you'll want to continue doing good while you're in Madrid. Lucky for you, you'll have a chance to meet the locals, see a different side of life here, practice your Spanish, and make your experience in Madrid even more unique. These are the most popular volunteer options among SUMC students, but there are many more.

Student Testimonials

"Volunteering in Madrid has allowed me to practice my Spanish skills outside of the classroom and immerse myself in the culture. I get the opportunity to help people which is rewarding but I also have the chance to spend time in the local neighborhood where they help me learn new linguistic and community skills. It has been a highlight of my experience and I highly recommend it."

Kian McCabe
"Helping out at the soup kitchen was really rewarding, and Soqui, who was in charge, always kept me on my toes. It was fulfilling to help." 
Blake Churchman Comedor Social San Francisco
"Volunteering in Spain has made me realize that we're all the same; we all go through hard times, but it's the support we give each another that makes all the difference. I recommend volunteering, not only because it helps broaden your perspectives on poverty, but also because it really gives you something to be proud of."
Meghan Donnelly Comedor Social San Francisco
"The kids were so much fun to be around, and the teachers and coordinator were kind and welcoming. Volunteering was such a positive experience for me. It's a great way to meet new people in a positive atmosphere and enhance your speaking skills." 
Jade Vasquez Fundación Balia

Working with Soup Kitchens, Food Banks, and Clothes Drives

is very close to campus. Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday. Volunteers serve lunch and clean up. The only requirement is commitment; you don't need to be fluent in Spanish to volunteer.

This center is open to homeless people. Services include soup kitchen, living room, wi-fi connection and fun workshops. More information can be found on their website.

This is a big center for the homeless, where several services are offered: soup kitchen, clothes drive, legal counseling, entertainment, etc.

SUMC students volunteer in homeless shelters, distribute sandwiches and coffee to the homeless, etc.

Working with Children

 Iglesia de El Salvador. C/ Noviciado, 5 bis (metro Noviciado, L2). Provide care for needy children while their mothers develop skills and receive care. Thursday nights, 6-7:15 p.m. Not much Spanish is required.

Many organizations offer after-school activities for children in need. These activities include tutoring, and educational and fun activities. Good Spanish skills are required. Some of the organizations we’ve worked with are Fundación Balia, Acción Familiar, and SSVP.

Association T-oigo pairs native speakers of English with kids who use hearing aids to help them learn English.

SUMC students volunteer with children in homeless shelters, distribute sandwiches and coffee to the homeless, etc

Working with Migrants and Homeless People

This association offers several services to African migrants with a focus on protection in humanitarian action and integration. Their programs range from educational support for kids, legal counseling, medical service, support for accommodation and job search, clothes drive, etc.

This entity offers several services to families in need through educational programs, visits to the elderly and sick, clothes dive and food bank, integration programs, legal counseling, alphabetization for adults, etc.