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 has been one of the highlights of my time here. I met a Spanish family that has basically adopted me, I got to know a ton of nursing home residents who all light up whenever I arrive. I got to learn Spanish songs and practice my numbers with Spanish bingo! It was incredibly rewarding and overall, I highly recommend this experience to all future students." 
Wendi Bacon Fundación Desarrollo y Asistencia
"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

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.

de las Misioneras de la Caridad in Vallecas. Cercanías: El Pozo o Asamblea de Madrid-Entrevias. You don't need to be fluent in Spanish to volunteer

de las Hermanitas de la Caridad Madre Teresa de Calcuta. In the center. Volunteers work in the afternoon. You don't need to be fluent in Spanish to help out.

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 Cáritas.

Help teachers introduce English to young children. At Escuela Infantil Las Nubes, a nursery for 0-3 year-olds, you can interact with kids in English during their regular school time. At Colegio público Carlos V, a bilingual primary school, you can volunteer with young children in English during their extracurricular activities (ballet, skating, sports, theater, etc.)

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

Working with the Elderly and/or Sick

Several associations work in hospitals and homes for the elderly. As a volunteer, you can keep them company by talking to them; playing cards, dominoes, and bingo; reading to them, and giving their families a chance to take a break etc. We have worked with Desarrollo y Asistencia as well as hospitals in Madrid.