Where
Cartagena, Colombia
When
Departures every week, all year round (excluding holiday closures)
Duration
From 1 week
Accommodation
Shared or private rooms in the volunteer house, with meals included
Language
Basic English is enough
Ideal for
Anyone who wants to try teaching in a different setting and learn from local life
Project details
In Cartagena, many families in the lower-income neighbourhoods rely on the public kindergartens for a safe place to leave their children
In the old town, between colonial walls and colourful streets, not every family has the same chances. The public kindergartens were set up to fill that gap, taking in the youngest children and supporting them through their early years with simple educational activities and everyday care.
The project supports that day-to-day work by giving the teachers and the kids a hand. You'll be in the middle of games, songs and creative play, plus practical bits like lunchtime and the afternoon nap.
It's a way to spend time close to the community, see Colombian culture from the inside, and add a few more smiles and ideas to childhood in Cartagena.
The project supports that day-to-day work by giving the teachers and the kids a hand. You'll be in the middle of games, songs and creative play, plus practical bits like lunchtime and the afternoon nap.
It's a way to spend time close to the community, see Colombian culture from the inside, and add a few more smiles and ideas to childhood in Cartagena.
Growing up together at Cartagena's kindergartens
In Cartagena, many families in the lower-income neighbourhoods rely on the public kindergartens for a safe place to leave their children
In the old town, between colonial walls and colourful streets, not every family has the same chances. The public kindergartens were set up to fill that gap, taking in the youngest children and supporting them through their early years with simple educational activities and everyday care.
The project supports that day-to-day work by giving the teachers and the kids a hand. You'll be in the middle of games, songs and creative play, plus practical bits like lunchtime and the afternoon nap.
It's a way to spend time close to the community, see Colombian culture from the inside, and add a few more smiles and ideas to childhood in Cartagena.
The project supports that day-to-day work by giving the teachers and the kids a hand. You'll be in the middle of games, songs and creative play, plus practical bits like lunchtime and the afternoon nap.
It's a way to spend time close to the community, see Colombian culture from the inside, and add a few more smiles and ideas to childhood in Cartagena.
Why participate
Be there for the kids' first steps
Help with their development through games, songs and small educational activities that make their days a bit brighter.
Why participate
Be there for the kids' first steps
Help with their development through games, songs and small educational activities that make their days a bit brighter.
Settle into Colombian daily life
Spend time in Cartagena's neighbourhoods and pick up local culture straight from the families and teachers.
The Weekly Program
Weekdays
Monday to Friday, mornings and afternoons take place at the local kindergartens, with games, learning activities and care moments alongside the teachers.
Free hours and evenings go on prepping the next day or settling into the city, with the local team always on hand.
08:00Breakfast with the group and getting ready for the day
09:00Kindergarten activities: educational games, songs and first words in English
12:00Lunch with the staff and the kids, a moment for chats and care
14:00Back to class for creative activities, drawing or music
18:00Back to the accommodation, free time, shower and shared dinner
21:00Evening with the others: a walk, chats or an easy film
Weekend
Weekends are free of set activities. You can explore the area, plan a short trip, or just take it easy with the other volunteers.
Trip to the Rosario Islands
A Caribbean archipelago with crystal-clear water and coral reefs, perfect for snorkelling and beach time.
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FAQs
🏠 Your home in Cartagena
You'll stay in the residential neighbourhood of Los Corales, a quiet, safe area a few minutes from the kindergartens where the project takes place and from the lively old town. The accommodation is simple but practical, the kind of place where you settle in easily with other international volunteers and pick up the Caribbean rhythm of daily life.
🛏️ Rooms and comfort
• Shared rooms (2–4 people), with bunk beds and linen provided
• Rooms lock with a key for added peace of mind
• Shared bathrooms with hot showers and Western-style facilities
• Fans in the rooms and windows that catch the sea breeze
• No air conditioning, just easy local living
🍽️ Meals
• 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 at weekends (brunch and dinner)
• Home-style Colombian cooking: rice, beans, chicken, tortillas and fresh fruit
• Vegetarian options available
• Drinking water always on hand
📶 Connectivity and services
There's no Wi-Fi at the house, but you'll find cafés and restaurants with a connection just a few minutes away. To be online from arrival, pick up an eSIM with Airalo, handy for maps, messages and contacts 📱 There are cheap laundrettes nearby in the neighbourhood.
🪴 What's included
• Shared rooms (2–4 people)
• 3 meals on weekdays / 2 at weekends
• Bed linen provided
• Drinking water available
• Fan in every room
• Hot showers and Western bathrooms
• Ongoing support from the local team
💛 A meeting point
The accommodation soon becomes the heart of the experience: shared meals, travel stories and evening laughs, with proper connections forming with the other participants and the people of Cartagena 🇨🇴
You'll stay in the residential neighbourhood of Los Corales, a quiet, safe area a few minutes from the kindergartens where the project takes place and from the lively old town. The accommodation is simple but practical, the kind of place where you settle in easily with other international volunteers and pick up the Caribbean rhythm of daily life.
🛏️ Rooms and comfort
• Shared rooms (2–4 people), with bunk beds and linen provided
• Rooms lock with a key for added peace of mind
• Shared bathrooms with hot showers and Western-style facilities
• Fans in the rooms and windows that catch the sea breeze
• No air conditioning, just easy local living
🍽️ Meals
• 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 at weekends (brunch and dinner)
• Home-style Colombian cooking: rice, beans, chicken, tortillas and fresh fruit
• Vegetarian options available
• Drinking water always on hand
📶 Connectivity and services
There's no Wi-Fi at the house, but you'll find cafés and restaurants with a connection just a few minutes away. To be online from arrival, pick up an eSIM with Airalo, handy for maps, messages and contacts 📱 There are cheap laundrettes nearby in the neighbourhood.
🪴 What's included
• Shared rooms (2–4 people)
• 3 meals on weekdays / 2 at weekends
• Bed linen provided
• Drinking water available
• Fan in every room
• Hot showers and Western bathrooms
• Ongoing support from the local team
💛 A meeting point
The accommodation soon becomes the heart of the experience: shared meals, travel stories and evening laughs, with proper connections forming with the other participants and the people of Cartagena 🇨🇴
🛡️ Safety and support
In Cartagena, we want you to feel calm and well looked after the whole way 🌞 We only work with trusted schools and partners, in safe, easy-to-reach residential neighbourhoods.
🔹 Background checks
Every volunteer needs to provide a criminal record check (DBS or equivalent) before travelling. We'll walk you through how to get it; it's a piece of peace of mind for everyone.
🔹 Strong safety standards
• Local partners experienced at hosting volunteers
• Accommodation in a safe, well-controlled neighbourhood
• Coordinators on hand throughout
• Tried and tested arrival procedures
🔹 24/7 support
From your arrival at the airport through to the end of the programme, our local staff will be by your side. And if you need it, our UK team is reachable on WhatsApp whenever 📱
🔹 Briefing and orientation
On your first day you'll join the orientation day, with a focus on culture, habits and safety. Before you travel, we'll also send a detailed guide so you can prepare.
🔹 A few sensible habits
✔ Avoid walking on your own at night
✔ Travel with company when you can
✔ Always follow the local team's advice
💡 Our aim
A safe, engaging experience, so you can focus on what matters: the kids, the community and getting under the skin of Colombia 🇨🇴
In Cartagena, we want you to feel calm and well looked after the whole way 🌞 We only work with trusted schools and partners, in safe, easy-to-reach residential neighbourhoods.
🔹 Background checks
Every volunteer needs to provide a criminal record check (DBS or equivalent) before travelling. We'll walk you through how to get it; it's a piece of peace of mind for everyone.
🔹 Strong safety standards
• Local partners experienced at hosting volunteers
• Accommodation in a safe, well-controlled neighbourhood
• Coordinators on hand throughout
• Tried and tested arrival procedures
🔹 24/7 support
From your arrival at the airport through to the end of the programme, our local staff will be by your side. And if you need it, our UK team is reachable on WhatsApp whenever 📱
🔹 Briefing and orientation
On your first day you'll join the orientation day, with a focus on culture, habits and safety. Before you travel, we'll also send a detailed guide so you can prepare.
🔹 A few sensible habits
✔ Avoid walking on your own at night
✔ Travel with company when you can
✔ Always follow the local team's advice
💡 Our aim
A safe, engaging experience, so you can focus on what matters: the kids, the community and getting under the skin of Colombia 🇨🇴
🧭 Orientation day
In Cartagena, your first Monday is for getting to know the city and starting to feel at home. Between culture, sun and Colombian warmth, expect a day full of new things!
The local team will walk you through everything you need to start the trip well:
• Welcome meeting and intro to the programme and house rules
• Practical advice on health, safety and cultural habits
• Intro to Colombian culture, with local customs and a few first words in Spanish
• Walk around the area, with useful info on supermarkets, pharmacies and transport
• Help picking up a local SIM, or you can activate an eSIM before you travel through Airalo, so you're online from minute one!
It's also a chance to meet the others, swap expectations and have a laugh at your first attempts at Spanish 🇨🇴
📌 After orientation
From Tuesday you'll start the kindergarten activities, already with a clearer picture and a few new friends along the way.
In Cartagena, your first Monday is for getting to know the city and starting to feel at home. Between culture, sun and Colombian warmth, expect a day full of new things!
The local team will walk you through everything you need to start the trip well:
• Welcome meeting and intro to the programme and house rules
• Practical advice on health, safety and cultural habits
• Intro to Colombian culture, with local customs and a few first words in Spanish
• Walk around the area, with useful info on supermarkets, pharmacies and transport
• Help picking up a local SIM, or you can activate an eSIM before you travel through Airalo, so you're online from minute one!
It's also a chance to meet the others, swap expectations and have a laugh at your first attempts at Spanish 🇨🇴
📌 After orientation
From Tuesday you'll start the kindergarten activities, already with a clearer picture and a few new friends along the way.
✈️ Recommended arrival (Cartagena, CTG)
For an easy start, we'd recommend booking a flight that arrives on a Sunday between 08:00 and 17:00 at Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG). That's when our pickup runs: a coordinator will meet you at arrivals holding a sign with your name or the partner organisation's name.
If you arrive on a Saturday, you'll need an extra night (small supplement) and the transfer to the accommodation is on you.
For arrivals outside those hours or on weekdays, the pickup isn't included. You can make your own way using a licensed taxi (see below) or request a private transfer for a fee. Either way, please send us your flight details as soon as you book, so we can sort the right pickup or wait time.
📍 Meeting point and waiting
Head to arrivals after passing through customs. If you can't spot our staff straight away, stay at the meeting point: with local traffic, a short wait while we group up other participants is normal. If you've had no news after about 20 minutes, call the emergency numbers in your confirmation email.
🚐 Airport to accommodation
Average time: 20–30 minutes (traffic permitting).
If you're making your own way, please use only licensed taxis with proper signage and an agreed fare before you set off. Avoid informal lifts.
🧭 After arrival
The orientation day runs on Monday and covers: a safety briefing, local culture, first words in Spanish, a walk around the area, info on supermarkets, pharmacies, ATMs and help picking up a local SIM if needed.
📱 Internet
There's no Wi-Fi at the accommodation, but you can connect at nearby cafés and restaurants. We'd suggest activating an eSIM before you travel through Airalo, so you've got data from the moment you land.
🧳 Departure and check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 on Saturday. The return transfer to the airport or anywhere else isn't included, since participants tend to leave at different times. The local team can help you book a taxi or share a transfer with other volunteers.
We'd recommend booking your return flight for Saturday afternoon or evening, so you can leave the place at your own pace and get to CTG without rushing (20–30 minutes, traffic permitting). If you're carrying on with your travels, let us know in advance and we'll happily share useful tips and a hand with logistics.
🔧 Practical notes
Sockets and voltage: Colombia uses Type A/B plugs, 127V, 60Hz (15A). Bring a universal adapter and check your kit is compatible; in some cases you may need a voltage converter.
What's within walking distance: supermarket and ATM around 5 minutes; pharmacy and clinic 5–10 minutes.
Practical safety: use only licensed taxis, avoid quiet areas at night, stick with company when you can, and always follow the local team's advice.
Luggage: travel light and bring just the essentials; spaces are shared. We'd suggest a personal padlock and a reusable water bottle.
For an easy start, we'd recommend booking a flight that arrives on a Sunday between 08:00 and 17:00 at Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG). That's when our pickup runs: a coordinator will meet you at arrivals holding a sign with your name or the partner organisation's name.
If you arrive on a Saturday, you'll need an extra night (small supplement) and the transfer to the accommodation is on you.
For arrivals outside those hours or on weekdays, the pickup isn't included. You can make your own way using a licensed taxi (see below) or request a private transfer for a fee. Either way, please send us your flight details as soon as you book, so we can sort the right pickup or wait time.
📍 Meeting point and waiting
Head to arrivals after passing through customs. If you can't spot our staff straight away, stay at the meeting point: with local traffic, a short wait while we group up other participants is normal. If you've had no news after about 20 minutes, call the emergency numbers in your confirmation email.
🚐 Airport to accommodation
Average time: 20–30 minutes (traffic permitting).
If you're making your own way, please use only licensed taxis with proper signage and an agreed fare before you set off. Avoid informal lifts.
🧭 After arrival
The orientation day runs on Monday and covers: a safety briefing, local culture, first words in Spanish, a walk around the area, info on supermarkets, pharmacies, ATMs and help picking up a local SIM if needed.
📱 Internet
There's no Wi-Fi at the accommodation, but you can connect at nearby cafés and restaurants. We'd suggest activating an eSIM before you travel through Airalo, so you've got data from the moment you land.
🧳 Departure and check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 on Saturday. The return transfer to the airport or anywhere else isn't included, since participants tend to leave at different times. The local team can help you book a taxi or share a transfer with other volunteers.
We'd recommend booking your return flight for Saturday afternoon or evening, so you can leave the place at your own pace and get to CTG without rushing (20–30 minutes, traffic permitting). If you're carrying on with your travels, let us know in advance and we'll happily share useful tips and a hand with logistics.
🔧 Practical notes
Sockets and voltage: Colombia uses Type A/B plugs, 127V, 60Hz (15A). Bring a universal adapter and check your kit is compatible; in some cases you may need a voltage converter.
What's within walking distance: supermarket and ATM around 5 minutes; pharmacy and clinic 5–10 minutes.
Practical safety: use only licensed taxis, avoid quiet areas at night, stick with company when you can, and always follow the local team's advice.
Luggage: travel light and bring just the essentials; spaces are shared. We'd suggest a personal padlock and a reusable water bottle.
Book your spot
1
Send your application (free)
Pick the project you like the look of and tell us when you'd like to travel. No commitment, the application is free and non-binding.
2
Meet your coordinator
After your application, we'll put you in touch with your dedicated coordinator. They'll walk you through everything and answer your questions.
3
Confirm your spot
When you're ready, pay the deposit to lock in your spot. You'll get everything you need: local contacts, a visa guide and your pre-trip pack.
4
Off you go
Pack your bag and travel. On arrival you'll find other travellers like you, a welcoming local team, and a trip you'll be talking about for a while.
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