Volunteer OverseasVolunteering in Bolivia with Projects Abroad
Next Step: Click here to choose a project in Bolivia
Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in South America and is an immensely rewarding place in which to volunteer abroad. Voluntary work placements in Bolivia are available in Teaching, Care, Medicine, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Dentistry, Journalism, Sports and Spanish Language. Projects are available for anyone interested in volunteering in the developing world; whether you are on a gap year, a summer placement, or a career break.
Where we are Based in Bolivia
Projects Abroad Bolivia is based in Cochabamba, a town over 2500m above sea level in the central highlands. Cochabamba has been described as having the world’s best climate – dry, warm days and cool nights. This vibrant university town is a magnet to students from all over South America. Living in Cochabamba, you'll have all the benefits of a historic town which has also prospered commercially.
Living in Cochabamba is a great way to improve or discover your linguistic skills. You will stay with a host family in the town, and you can choose to take Spanish lessons before or during your placement. But why not learn some Quechua, too? This language is indigenous to the area and is widely spoken, alongside Spanish, by the locals.
General Information on Bolivia
Landlocked Bolivia occupies the heart of South America. Its attractions include Andean Peaks, tropical Amazonian forests, bustling cities and peaceful traditional communities. Bolivia will give you a real taste of this varied continent, usually a long way off the tourist trail.
Although in economic terms Bolivia is a poor country, its riches lie in its history, its geographic and cultural diversity and, of course, its people.
Travel and Tourism in Bolivia
When you're not working, Bolivia offers a fantastic selection of places to explore. Cochabamba is a short trip from the National Park of Toro Toro. This primeval environment contains waterfalls, caves, magical landscapes and dinosaur footprints. There are plenty more opportunities in the rest of Bolivia. You can trek in the Andes, relax by the shores of Lake Titicaca, visit volcanoes or salt lakes, or explore the tropical forests of the Amazon Basin, rich with distinctive jungle wildlife.
Projects available in Bolivia
General Care ProjectsVolunteer on a care project in Cochabamba and provide children with much-needed care and attention. Placements include special-needs centres, day care centres, and homes for the elderly.
Canine TherapyWork with a respected dog training centre to offer children with physical or mental disabilities positive interaction with dogs.
Equine TherapyHelp children with disabilities, or children who have lived on the street or had drug problems, through our Equine Therapy programme.
MusicWork in a care centre or school and help children from difficult backgrounds gain self-confidence through music therapy. You will help the children learn new skills and discover their musical abilities.
General Journalism ProjectsLive and work in the vibrant city of Cochabamba. Volunteer with an English-language magazine and get involved in everything from researching stories and writing articles to designing layouts.
Human RightsSpend time volunteering at professional organisations that assist abused and trafficked women in Bolivia. You'll shadow local staff and assist with a range of tasks, from life skills workshops to school visits.
Dentistry ElectiveAs an elective student in Bolivia you will work at a public health clinic in Cochabamba. You will have a supervisor who will coordinate your placement and ensure your elective requirements are met.
Medicine ElectiveSome medical institutions in Bolivia have very basic facilities and limited staff. By choosing a Medicine Elective in Bolivia you will get to see first-hand how the medical institutions cope with this.
Nursing ElectiveBy choosing a Nursing Elective in Bolivia you can volunteer in the specialisms of adult and child nursing or mental health. You may also be interested in working with people with learning disabilities.
Physiotherapy ElectiveStudents in Bolivia taking a Physiotherapy Elective will work at various centres for children with disabilities. Some placements are also available in a burns unit within a hospital.
DentistryWork with staff at a public health clinic and help provide dental care to locals in Cochabamba. You will have the opportunity to observe and help out with a huge variety of dental procedures.
MedicineVolunteer in Bolivia and work at a public health clinic in the bustling city of Cochabamba. There are a variety of departments where which you could be placed You can also get involved in local community work.
NursingIn Bolivia health clinics often lack the funding needed to provide a sufficient staff base. As a nursing volunteer you can assist local nurses in a variety of different departments.
PhysiotherapyVolunteering on a Physiotherapy project in Bolivia is a great opportunity to gain experience working in centres caring for children with special needs.
NutritionThis volunteer programme aims to alleviate malnourishment by improving nutritional awareness and providing volunteers with valuable first-hand experience in nutritional work in a developing country.
Social Work InternshipsIntern in Bolivia and gain valuable experience working alongside a trained psychologist or social worker. You will help provide assistance and care to the local community.
FootballHelp develop the football skills of enthusiastic youngsters at a school that offers scholarships to kids from disadvantaged families. As a volunteer, you will work closely with the head football coach.
VolleyballAs a volunteer on our youth Volleyball Coaching Project, you will help raise interest in volleyball among students as well as running training sessions.
General Teaching ProjectsVolunteer as a teacher in the vibrant university town of Cochabamba and help local students develop their spoken language skills. Choose between working at a school or University.
Teach FrenchVolunteer as a French teacher at a local university in Cochabamba, where you'll work mainly in the Linguistics Department.
Animal Care
Animal CareAs a volunteers on the Animal Care project in Bolivia, you will work at a rescue and rehabilitation centre taking care of the dogs, birds and tortoises.
SpanishTake part in an intensive standalone Spanish language course or sign up for language tuition alongside your regular placement.
QuechuaTake part in an intensive standalone Quechua language course or sign up for language tuition alongside your regular placement.
High School Specials for 15 to 18 year olds available in Bolivia
MedicineObserve the doctors in Bolivia as they treat patients at health centres and hospitals; and get involved with checking vital signs like blood pressures and temperature.
Medicine & SpanishWork in a hospital in Bolivia and observe a variety of procedures. You also have the chance to learn Spanish with a qualified language teacher.
Equine Therapy & CommunityHelp with the rehabilitation of disabled children through a specialised therapy programme that involves working with horses.
Projects for professionals available in Bolivia
Social WorkerThis volunteer social work project helps children and adults in care centres in Cochabamba. You will be working with individuals from difficult backgrounds as well as those with special needs.
DieticianAs a Projects Abroad PRO volunteer on this project you have the opportunity to develop systems in care centres, health centres or with Social Services. You will also work alongside local staff treating patients.
DoctorThis voluntary medical project helps treat patients at various health clinics in Cochabamba. They lack human and financial resources which is why experienced volunteer help is needed.
Occupational TherapistAs a professional volunteer on this project you will be working in a care centre in Cochabamba. Many of the patients come from underprivileged or abusive backgrounds.
PhysiotherapistOn this Physiotherapy Project you will be working with patients in and around the city of Cochabamba. The focus of the project is a burns unit that treats children under the age of 16.
Special Educational Needs TeacherOn this voluntary teaching project you will work at a care centre, assisting children and adults with special needs.
