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Good 4.18rating (74)
  • Sustainable Cities And Communities

Upcycling

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Volunteers take an active role in transforming reclaimed furniture and materials into useful, beautiful items, giving discarded objects a new life and purpose.
  • Join creative restoration sessions where old furniture is repaired, redesigned, and repurposed for donation or community use, blending craftsmanship with sustainability.
  • Learn practical upcycling techniques — from basic repairs to artistic redesign, while sharing knowledge and ideas with fellow volunteers in a supportive, collaborative setting.

Highlights

  • Volunteers take an active role in transforming reclaimed furniture and materials into useful, beautiful items, giving discarded objects a new life and purpose.
  • Join creative restoration sessions where old furniture is repaired, redesigned, and repurposed for donation or community use, blending craftsmanship with sustainability.
  • Learn practical upcycling techniques — from basic repairs to artistic redesign, while sharing knowledge and ideas with fellow volunteers in a supportive, collaborative setting.
  • Your efforts directly support local communities by providing upcycled goods to those in need and promoting sustainable lifestyles through hands-on volunteerism.
  • Be part of a movement that connects people through creativity and purpose, every item you help upcycle contributes to reducing waste and inspiring positive environmental change.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    An opportunity to take part in initiatives that create both social and environmental impact, fostering creativity while supporting a more sustainable future.

    Upcycling is a powerful way to reduce waste and promote more conscious consumption habits. By reimagining items that might otherwise end up in landfills, upcycling not only helps conserve natural resources but also sparks innovation and environmental awareness. Beyond its environmental benefits, ...

    About the program

    Upcycling is a powerful way to reduce waste and promote more conscious consumption habits. By reimagining items that might otherwise end up in landfills, upcycling not only helps conserve natural resources but also sparks innovation and environmental awareness. Beyond its environmental benefits, this initiative also fosters collaboration, creativity, and skill-sharing within the community.

    In this project, you will contribute by helping to transform reclaimed materials into objects with new and creative purposes. An opportunity to take part in initiatives that create both social and environmental impact, fostering creativity while supporting a more sustainable future.

    What to Expect:
    • Furniture Revival: Get hands-on restoring reclaimed furniture and give them a new purpose
    • Creative Workshops: Take part in upcycling sessions where materials are reused to craft unique items and help encourage others to think sustainably.
    • Social & Environmental Action: Join projects that aim to address social challenges and environmental challenges through creativity and collaboration.
    • Community Engagement: Engage directly with community-driven efforts to upcycle and donate items to those in need, and help promote projects through social platforms to widen outreach.

    Typical day

    After the initial orientation day, you will have a morning, afternoon or evening shift at the placement and will work for approximately 3 to 5 hours per day. 


    A typical schedule:
    08:00 - 10 am: Breakfast at the hostel
    10:00 am: Travel to the project site or free time to explore the city, relax, ...

    Typical day

    After the initial orientation day, you will have a morning, afternoon or evening shift at the placement and will work for approximately 3 to 5 hours per day. 


    A typical schedule:
    08:00 - 10 am: Breakfast at the hostel
    10:00 am: Travel to the project site or free time to explore the city, relax, attend portuguese language lessons or enroll other activities if you have the afternoon shift
    01:30 pm: Lunch is served at the restaurant
    03:00 pm: Travel to the project site or free time to explore the city, relax, attend portuguese language lessons or enroll other activities if you have the morning shift
    08:00 - 10:00 pm: Dinner is served at the restaurant. After dinner you will have the remainder of the evening free to relax and use as you wish.

    Daily Tasks:
    • Furniture Upcycling: Restore and transform used furniture to give it a new purpose and, hopefully, a new home. 
    • Upcycling Workshops: Support hands-on sessions where participants learn to creatively reuse materials and craft new items.
    • Social and Environmental Projects: Contribute to initiatives focused on community impact and sustainability.
    • Project Promotion: Help share and promote various upcycling and community projects through social media platforms.
    • Community Atelier: Take part in collaborative projects where upcycled objects are created and distributed to people in need.

    Free-time activities

    In your free time, you can explore the city, have Portuguese language classes, surf, or anything you wish!


    Porto is the second biggest city in Portugal and one of the most authentic cities to visit in the country. Stroll through its sinuous and picturesque streets and feel the pulse of the city, or ...

    Free-time activities

    In your free time, you can explore the city, have Portuguese language classes, surf, or anything you wish!


    Porto is the second biggest city in Portugal and one of the most authentic cities to visit in the country. Stroll through its sinuous and picturesque streets and feel the pulse of the city, or take the tram to the mouth of the river Douro and get to know the excellent beaches and the outdoor cafés. The historic center of Porto was declared UNESCO World Heritage but is the hospitality and forceful character of the locals that will delight you. Porto is a vibrant and young city with countless cafés, bars, and clubs to have a really good time at night, or relaxed rooftops to have a drink and enjoy the warm Portuguese climate.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Education Requirements

    at High school level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    What’s included?

    • Pick up at the international airport in Porto & transfer to the accommodation - Sunday 

    On Sunday, the ImpacTrip team will be at the airport waiting for you with a big sign and a smile on their face! :) f you arrive prior to Sunday, you will still be able to receive an airport pickup and our team can transport you to the accommodation, but you will need to pay an extra fee for this service. We will reach out to you by WhatsApp a few days before your start date to connect.

    • Accommodation at a dormitory at a centre-located hostel, female dormitory or mixed dormitory
    • Three meals a day everyday: Breakfast, lunch and dinner (Local style. Vegetarian, gluten-free and meals for lactose-intolerant are also available upon request)
    • Shared use of common spaces and free WIFI
    • Orientation event on arrival (including introduction to Portugal and culture, volunteer experience, overview of programmes, practical information, safety guidelines)
    • Guided city tour and the best tips to discover the city!
    • Allocation and coordination of a work placement in a sustainable project and contact person in the project
    • Introduction on the first day of volunteering
    • Ongoing support throughout the stay
    • 24h/7 emergency support by phone or personally
    • Limited coverage civil liability insurance.

    Airport Pickup at Porto Airport

    On Sunday, the ImpacTrip team will be at the airport waiting for you with a big sign and a smile on their face! :)

    If you arrive prior to Sunday, you will still be able to receive an airport pickup and our team can transport you to the accommodation, but you will need to pay an extra fee for this service.

    We will reach out to you by WhatsApp a few days before your start date to connect.

    Accommodation

    The accommodation has female and mixed rooms with shared bathrooms and is located by the riverside, just a 10-minute walk from the historical city centre. There’s a bus stop right outside the hostel with regular services both to the city centre and to Matosinhos (beach), The closes metro station is São Bento and it's a 20 minute walk.

    Food & Beverages

    We will provide breakfast at the accommodation everyday. We will cook with fresh local ingredients everyday for all volunteers and they are prepared to accommodate most diet restrictions such as vegan and vegetarians, gluten-free and lactose intolerant. Also take some time out to explore the city and its incredible cuisine!

    Lunch and dinner are provided by an amazing local restaurant! It is only a 10 min walk from your accommodation.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Porto Airport (OPO) in Porto. We assist you to find cheap flights to Portugal. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Portugal provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Portugal you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Portugal. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    This program starts every Sunday.


    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $965 per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    1 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.2
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
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    2025
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    •
    2024
    I recommend this experience to absolutely anyone, it was the best of my life. The first week my placement was in a Skatepark in Cascais, so ...
    Alba Gala Torrero

    Child & Youth Supporter

    •
    2024
    Stayed 2 weeks in October 2024. Warm welcomed by a dynamic and enthusiastic team. Clear and detailed information provided. Good location, ...
    Eliane BURLAC

    Child & Youth Supporter

    •
    2024
    This stay in Barcelona was amazing. To be able to discover a city and to work at the same time is a great thing for me. I worked in a cat ...

    Location

    Europe > Southern Europe > Portugal > Porto

    Meet your project coordinator

    Cristiana
    74
    reviews
    4.18
    Good
    2015
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: Portuguese, Spanish, English
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Community  >  Culture and Arts in Portugal
    Contact Cristiana
      Good response rate
    Portuguese, Spanish, English

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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