International volunteers

Taking action and getting involved in an international volunteering project can be one of the most rewarding and impactful experiences you'll ever have. For several months, you'll put your skills to work for the greater good: helping vulnerable communities improve their environment.

Furthermore, thanks to this kind of social commitment, you'll be able to broaden your own horizons, discovering different ways of life, learning about new cultures and languages and meeting new people who share the same concerns and interests as you. But before embarking on this adventure, it's important to consider all possible aspects so you can choose the project where you can make the greatest contribution.

How to choose an international volunteering project

When choosing the volunteering project that best suits you, it is important to bear various aspects in mind. On the one hand, consider what skills you can bring to the project. Both personally and professionally, reflect on what knowledge you can contribute. For example, if you work in the healthcare sector you could make a significant impact in areas lacking a good healthcare system or where access is difficult. Or if you know how to install solar panels, you could help a community generate clean energy for their own use.

On the other hand, it is advisable to research the different organisations available and gain a thorough understanding of their culture, their values, the type of work they do, how they operate and the sustainability of their projects. With this information you will be better able to understand which organisation is most in line with your values. Visit their website and social media accounts, or if you have the chance, speak to some of the volunteers who have worked with them to find out what their experience was like. This will help you make an informed decision.

As well as looking into the possible projects you could take part in, before going on an international volunteering placement you should find out exactly how expenses will be managed. Some programmes cover travel, accommodation, living expenses, insurance and other costs while in others the volunteer must cover part of the costs. Always check the specific terms and conditions and ask for a detailed breakdown before signing up.

How to recognise a responsible international volunteering project

Not all international volunteering projects pursue the same aim. Some are set up to genuinely help and serve a community; others are more like a tourist experience with a veneer of charity. It is possible to tell them apart if you know what to look for, and these are the criteria that make the difference.

A project with a genuine purpose stems from a need defined by the region itself, not from what is most convenient or appealing to those arriving from outside. Furthermore, it is supported by a local organisation with clearly identified leaders who know the area, take responsibility for what happens and continue the work once the volunteers have left. Within this framework, the organisation assigns roles according to each person's training and experience, and participation forms part of a comprehensive process: prior preparation, support during the stay and subsequent evaluation. This ensures that both the impact on the ground and the learning experience of those taking part are properly addressed.

The protection of individuals is another non-negotiable criterion. A reputable organisation has protocols in place to protect children and vulnerable people and genuinely implements them. The same applies to the safety of volunteers: insurance, safety measures and clear channels for reporting any incidents. Added to this is financial transparency – that is, clearly explaining what the fees paid by each participant are used for and what proportion actually reaches the project and the community.

Finally, it is worth looking at how success is measured. Reputable projects evaluate their results beyond the number of volunteers or hours dedicated because what matters is the lasting change that is brought about. They do so without replacing local jobs: volunteering should complement and strengthen the region, never take the place of those who could and should be employed there.

Tips for your first international volunteering experience

Before you embark on your first volunteering experience, it's a good idea to prepare in three stages. When choosing a project, make a list of the causes that mean the most to you to narrow down your search and research the organisation's online presence so that you can find out about its projects and how it operates. Once you've chosen a project, gather the necessary documentation and permits (a valid passport, contracts, insurance, visas, residence permits and accommodation arrangements, if these aren't provided), work out a breakdown of your expenses, familiarise yourself with the local culture and language and check whether you need any vaccinations so you can book an appointment in good time. In the days leading up to your trip pack a suitcase with comfortable and protective clothing, suitable for the tasks you’ll be carrying out, and don’t forget your passport or any other documents. Include something that reminds you of home – because while you’re looking after others, you must also look after yourself – and a diary in which to record what you’ve learnt and the impact you’ve made. Finally, check the weather, public transport and local social norms so you can settle in easily.

Iberdrola and its international corporate volunteering programme

At the Iberdrola Group, we understand that economic and social progress go hand in hand, which is why we encourage volunteering among our employees through the Iberdrola Group International Corporate Volunteering Programme. This global initiative aligns with the Group's social commitment and our Sustainable Development Policy. Through it, we aim to support the spirit of solidarity among our workforce and channel it into projects with a social and environmental impact.

Through various individual initiatives and strategic partnerships, we help to build stronger, more resilient communities and make a positive impact. In 2026, more than 9,500 people took an active and direct part in one of the 135 social and environmental initiatives launched by the Group.

To promote international volunteering initiatives among our employees, we run the INVOLVE project, which has been operating in Brazil for more than 10 years. This educational project provides training over the course of a school year to pupils participating in the computer room set up by Iberdrola in Brazil. The volunteers will deliver training in office software and web applications with the aim of equipping the pupils with technical skills as well as social skills, helping them to open their minds to new possibilities.

This will be made possible thanks to the preliminary training that all volunteers who decide to join the project will receive. In the first phase, Iberdrola volunteers will receive specific training on the programmes they will be teaching. They will also attend training sessions to improve their psychosocial skills, enabling them to make the most of their interaction with the pupils.

In the second phase of the training, the volunteers will work in pairs to prepare short video tutorials to complement the recreational activities. The aim of combining both types of training is to create a relaxed atmosphere in which to build a special bond with the pupils. In addition, each volunteer will be assigned two pupils whom they will mentor throughout the academic year.

The INVOLVE project was set up to help participating pupils acquire new skills that will assist them in entering the labour market. Furthermore, they improve their personal development, self-esteem and future prospects as a result.