Where
Cartagena, Colombia
When
Weekly departures, year-round (except closure periods)
Duration
Minimum 1 week
Accommodation
Shared or private rooms in a volunteer house with meals included
Language
English or Spanish (beginner level recommended)
Ideal for
Those who want to experience teaching in a different context and learn from local life
Project details
In Cartagena, many families from working-class neighbourhoods rely on government-run nurseries to give their children a safe place to grow up.
In the old town, between colonial walls and colourful streets, not every family has the same opportunities. This is why public kindergartens exist — welcoming the youngest children and supporting them through their early years with educational activities and moments of care.
The project supports this daily work by offering help to teachers and children alike. By participating, you'll be involved in games, songs, creative activities, and small practical moments like lunchtime and afternoon rest.
It's a way to be close to the community, experience Colombian culture, and help make childhood a little richer in stimulation and smiles.
The project supports this daily work by offering help to teachers and children alike. By participating, you'll be involved in games, songs, creative activities, and small practical moments like lunchtime and afternoon rest.
It's a way to be close to the community, experience Colombian culture, and help make childhood a little richer in stimulation and smiles.
Growing Together in the Nurseries of Cartagena
In Cartagena, many families from working-class neighbourhoods rely on government-run nurseries to give their children a safe place to grow up.
In the old town, between colonial walls and colourful streets, not every family has the same opportunities. This is why public kindergartens exist — welcoming the youngest children and supporting them through their early years with educational activities and moments of care.
The project supports this daily work by offering help to teachers and children alike. By participating, you'll be involved in games, songs, creative activities, and small practical moments like lunchtime and afternoon rest.
It's a way to be close to the community, experience Colombian culture, and help make childhood a little richer in stimulation and smiles.
The project supports this daily work by offering help to teachers and children alike. By participating, you'll be involved in games, songs, creative activities, and small practical moments like lunchtime and afternoon rest.
It's a way to be close to the community, experience Colombian culture, and help make childhood a little richer in stimulation and smiles.
Why participate
Walk alongside children's first steps
Contribute to their development through games, songs, and small educational activities that enrich their days.
Why participate
Walk alongside children's first steps
Contribute to their development through games, songs, and small educational activities that enrich their days.
Experience everyday Colombian life
Immerse yourself in Cartagena's neighbourhoods and discover local culture directly through the lives of families and teachers.
The Weekly Program
Weekdays
Monday to Friday, mornings and afternoons are spent at the local kindergartens — games, educational activities, and moments of care alongside the teachers.
Free hours and evenings are for preparing the next day's activities or exploring the city, always with the support of the local team.
08:00Breakfast with the group and preparation for the day ahead
09:00Activities at the kindergarten: educational games, songs, and first words in English
12:00Lunch with staff and children — a moment of connection and care
14:00Back to class for creative activities, drawing, or music
18:00Return to accommodation, free time, shower, and shared dinner
21:00Evening with fellow volunteers: a walk, conversation, or a relaxed movie night
Weekend
Weekends are free from scheduled activities. You can explore the area, join short day trips, or simply relax with fellow volunteers.
Excursion to the Rosario Islands
A Caribbean archipelago of crystal-clear waters and coral reefs, perfect for snorkelling and beach relaxation.
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FAQs
🏠 Your accommodation in Cartagena
You'll be staying in the residential neighbourhood of Los Corales, a quiet and safe area just a few minutes from the kindergartens where the project takes place and from the lively historic city centre. The accommodation is simple but functional — perfect for sharing daily life with other international volunteers and soaking up the Caribbean atmosphere in an authentic way.
🛏️ Rooms & comfort
• Shared rooms (2–4 people), furnished with bunk beds and linen provided
• Rooms with lockable doors for added security
• Shared bathrooms with hot showers and western-style facilities
• Ceiling fans in the rooms and windows that let in the sea breeze
• No air conditioning — authentic local style!
🍽️ 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 & services
There's no Wi-Fi in the accommodation, but you'll find cafés and restaurants with internet access just a few minutes away. To stay connected from the moment you arrive, get an eSIM with Airalo — handy for maps, messages, and staying in touch 📱 Affordable local laundry services are available in the neighbourhood.
🪴 Included services
• Shared rooms (2–4 people)
• 3 weekday meals / 2 at weekends
• Bed linen provided
• Drinking water available
• Ceiling fan in room
• Hot showers and western-style bathrooms
• Ongoing support from the local team
💛 A place to connect
The accommodation quickly becomes the heart of your experience: a place to share meals, travel stories, and evening laughter, building genuine bonds with other participants and with the Cartagena community 🇨🇴
You'll be staying in the residential neighbourhood of Los Corales, a quiet and safe area just a few minutes from the kindergartens where the project takes place and from the lively historic city centre. The accommodation is simple but functional — perfect for sharing daily life with other international volunteers and soaking up the Caribbean atmosphere in an authentic way.
🛏️ Rooms & comfort
• Shared rooms (2–4 people), furnished with bunk beds and linen provided
• Rooms with lockable doors for added security
• Shared bathrooms with hot showers and western-style facilities
• Ceiling fans in the rooms and windows that let in the sea breeze
• No air conditioning — authentic local style!
🍽️ 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 & services
There's no Wi-Fi in the accommodation, but you'll find cafés and restaurants with internet access just a few minutes away. To stay connected from the moment you arrive, get an eSIM with Airalo — handy for maps, messages, and staying in touch 📱 Affordable local laundry services are available in the neighbourhood.
🪴 Included services
• Shared rooms (2–4 people)
• 3 weekday meals / 2 at weekends
• Bed linen provided
• Drinking water available
• Ceiling fan in room
• Hot showers and western-style bathrooms
• Ongoing support from the local team
💛 A place to connect
The accommodation quickly becomes the heart of your experience: a place to share meals, travel stories, and evening laughter, building genuine bonds with other participants and with the Cartagena community 🇨🇴
🛡️ Safety & support
In Cartagena, we want you to always feel at ease and well looked after 🌞 We only work with trusted schools and facilities, in safe, well-connected residential neighbourhoods.
🔹 Participant screening
Every volunteer must provide a criminal background check before departure. We'll guide you through it step by step — it's a safeguard for everyone's peace of mind.
🔹 High safety standards
• Local partners experienced in hosting volunteers
• Accommodation in a safe, monitored neighbourhood
• Coordinators always present and reachable
• Well-established routines and protocols built over the years
🔹 24/7 support
From the moment you land to the end of the programme, our local staff will be by your side. And if needed, the our team is also available via WhatsApp at any time 📱
🔹 Training & orientation
On your first day you'll take part in an orientation day focused on culture, local customs, and safety. Before departure, you'll also receive a detailed guide to help you prepare.
🔹 Good practices for a worry-free stay
✔ Avoid walking alone at night
✔ Move around in groups whenever possible
✔ Always follow the advice of the on-site team
💡 Our goal
To create a safe and meaningful experience for you, where you can focus on what truly matters: the children, the community, and an authentic discovery of Colombia 🇨🇴
In Cartagena, we want you to always feel at ease and well looked after 🌞 We only work with trusted schools and facilities, in safe, well-connected residential neighbourhoods.
🔹 Participant screening
Every volunteer must provide a criminal background check before departure. We'll guide you through it step by step — it's a safeguard for everyone's peace of mind.
🔹 High safety standards
• Local partners experienced in hosting volunteers
• Accommodation in a safe, monitored neighbourhood
• Coordinators always present and reachable
• Well-established routines and protocols built over the years
🔹 24/7 support
From the moment you land to the end of the programme, our local staff will be by your side. And if needed, the our team is also available via WhatsApp at any time 📱
🔹 Training & orientation
On your first day you'll take part in an orientation day focused on culture, local customs, and safety. Before departure, you'll also receive a detailed guide to help you prepare.
🔹 Good practices for a worry-free stay
✔ Avoid walking alone at night
✔ Move around in groups whenever possible
✔ Always follow the advice of the on-site team
💡 Our goal
To create a safe and meaningful experience for you, where you can focus on what truly matters: the children, the community, and an authentic discovery of Colombia 🇨🇴
🧭 Orientation day
In Cartagena, the first Monday is all about discovering the city and feeling at home straight away. With culture, sunshine, and Colombian warmth, it'll be a day full of new discoveries!
The local team will guide you through a programme designed to give you everything you need to get off to the best possible start:
• Welcome meeting and introduction to the programme and house rules
• Practical advice on health, safety, and cultural etiquette
• Introduction to Colombian culture, local customs, and a few words of Spanish
• Area tour with useful information about supermarkets, pharmacies, and transport
• Help buying a local SIM card, or the option to set up an eSIM before you leave via Airalo — so you're online from the very first minute!
It's also a chance to get to know the other participants, share expectations, and laugh together over your first attempts at Spanish 🇨🇴
📌 After orientation
From Tuesday, you'll join the educational project at the kindergartens, already with a clear picture of what to expect and a few new friends by your side.
In Cartagena, the first Monday is all about discovering the city and feeling at home straight away. With culture, sunshine, and Colombian warmth, it'll be a day full of new discoveries!
The local team will guide you through a programme designed to give you everything you need to get off to the best possible start:
• Welcome meeting and introduction to the programme and house rules
• Practical advice on health, safety, and cultural etiquette
• Introduction to Colombian culture, local customs, and a few words of Spanish
• Area tour with useful information about supermarkets, pharmacies, and transport
• Help buying a local SIM card, or the option to set up an eSIM before you leave via Airalo — so you're online from the very first minute!
It's also a chance to get to know the other participants, share expectations, and laugh together over your first attempts at Spanish 🇨🇴
📌 After orientation
From Tuesday, you'll join the educational project at the kindergartens, already with a clear picture of what to expect and a few new friends by your side.
✈️ Recommended arrival (Cartagena – CTG)
For the best start, we recommend booking a flight arriving on a Sunday between 08:00 and 17:00 at Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG). During this window, our welcome service is active: a coordinator will be waiting for you at the arrivals exit with a sign bearing your name or the organisation's name.
If you arrive on Saturday, an extra night (with a supplement) will be required and the transfer to the accommodation will be at your own expense.
If you arrive outside the recommended time window or on a weekday, the pick-up is not included. You can make your own way using an official taxi (see below), or request a paid special transfer. In any case, please let us know your flight details as soon as you book, so we can coordinate the welcome and any waiting times as smoothly as possible.
📍 Meeting point & waiting
Head to the arrivals exit once you've cleared customs and immigration. If you don't see staff straight away, stay at the meeting point: some waiting is normal as we group participants together. If after about 20 minutes you haven't heard anything, call the emergency numbers provided in your confirmation email.
🚐 Transfer from airport to accommodation
Average journey time: 20–30 minutes (traffic permitting).
If you're travelling independently, only use official taxis with clear markings and an agreed fare before you set off. Avoid unofficial or unauthorised rides.
🧭 After arrival
The orientation day takes place on Monday and includes: a safety briefing, introduction to local culture, first words in Spanish, an area tour, information on supermarkets, pharmacies, and ATMs, plus support with buying a local SIM if needed.
📱 Internet access
Wi-Fi is not available at the accommodation, but you can get online at nearby cafés and restaurants. We recommend activating an eSIM before you leave via Airalo, so you'll have internet access from the moment you land.
🧳 Departure & check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 on Saturday. The return transfer to the airport or other destinations is not included, as participants depart at different times. The local team can help you book a taxi or share a transfer with other volunteers.
We recommend booking your return flight on Saturday afternoon or evening, giving you enough time to leave the accommodation at a relaxed pace and reach CTG without rushing (20–30 minutes, traffic permitting). If you're continuing your travels elsewhere, let us know in advance — we'll be happy to offer logistical support and useful tips.
🔧 Important technical notes
Power sockets / voltage: Colombia uses type A/B sockets, 127V – 60Hz (15A). Bring a universal adapter and check that your devices are compatible; a voltage converter may be needed in some cases.
Nearby services on foot: supermarket and ATM are around 5 minutes away; pharmacy and clinic are 5–10 minutes away.
Practical safety: use only official taxis, avoid isolated areas at night, travel with others whenever possible, and always follow advice from the local team.
Luggage: travel light and bring only the essentials — storage space is shared. We recommend a personal padlock and a reusable water bottle.
For the best start, we recommend booking a flight arriving on a Sunday between 08:00 and 17:00 at Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG). During this window, our welcome service is active: a coordinator will be waiting for you at the arrivals exit with a sign bearing your name or the organisation's name.
If you arrive on Saturday, an extra night (with a supplement) will be required and the transfer to the accommodation will be at your own expense.
If you arrive outside the recommended time window or on a weekday, the pick-up is not included. You can make your own way using an official taxi (see below), or request a paid special transfer. In any case, please let us know your flight details as soon as you book, so we can coordinate the welcome and any waiting times as smoothly as possible.
📍 Meeting point & waiting
Head to the arrivals exit once you've cleared customs and immigration. If you don't see staff straight away, stay at the meeting point: some waiting is normal as we group participants together. If after about 20 minutes you haven't heard anything, call the emergency numbers provided in your confirmation email.
🚐 Transfer from airport to accommodation
Average journey time: 20–30 minutes (traffic permitting).
If you're travelling independently, only use official taxis with clear markings and an agreed fare before you set off. Avoid unofficial or unauthorised rides.
🧭 After arrival
The orientation day takes place on Monday and includes: a safety briefing, introduction to local culture, first words in Spanish, an area tour, information on supermarkets, pharmacies, and ATMs, plus support with buying a local SIM if needed.
📱 Internet access
Wi-Fi is not available at the accommodation, but you can get online at nearby cafés and restaurants. We recommend activating an eSIM before you leave via Airalo, so you'll have internet access from the moment you land.
🧳 Departure & check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 on Saturday. The return transfer to the airport or other destinations is not included, as participants depart at different times. The local team can help you book a taxi or share a transfer with other volunteers.
We recommend booking your return flight on Saturday afternoon or evening, giving you enough time to leave the accommodation at a relaxed pace and reach CTG without rushing (20–30 minutes, traffic permitting). If you're continuing your travels elsewhere, let us know in advance — we'll be happy to offer logistical support and useful tips.
🔧 Important technical notes
Power sockets / voltage: Colombia uses type A/B sockets, 127V – 60Hz (15A). Bring a universal adapter and check that your devices are compatible; a voltage converter may be needed in some cases.
Nearby services on foot: supermarket and ATM are around 5 minutes away; pharmacy and clinic are 5–10 minutes away.
Practical safety: use only official taxis, avoid isolated areas at night, travel with others whenever possible, and always follow advice from the local team.
Luggage: travel light and bring only the essentials — storage space is shared. We recommend a personal padlock and a reusable water bottle.
Book your spot
1
Send your application (free!)
Choose the project that inspires you most and indicate the period you would like to travel. No commitment: the application is free and non-binding.
2
Meet your coordinator
After your application, we will put you in touch with your dedicated coordinator. They will explain everything in detail and answer all 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
Set off on your adventure!
Pack your bags and go! On arrival you will find other volunteers like you, a welcoming local team and an experience you will hardly forget.
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