Volunteer in Playa del Carmen
Live an eco-friendly experience in the French countryside with a team of volunteers as you assist with wildlife rescue, natural preservation, and biodiversity projects.
Overview
Our volunteer program is aimed at students seeking to learn Spanish, as well as make a social impact. Our volunteer programs give you a global perspective, and the ability to contribute to environmental and ecological conservation by participating at the SOS El Arca Animal Shelter. The first 4 weeks of the program will consist of Spanish classes at the local school, while the last 2 weeks of the program will consist of students volunteering at the SOS El Arca Animal Shelter.
This volunteering opportunity in Playa del Carmen gives students the chance to partake in a program focused on taking care of dogs and cats as they are prepared for adoption. Volunteers are also given the responsibility of handling the cleaning and maintenance of the shelter facilities.
About Playa del Carmen, Mexico
The Caribbean is best known for its beautiful beaches, but when you study Spanish in Playa del Carmen, your experience will go far beyond watching the crystalline blue-green sea wash away your footprints in the soft white sand. When you’re not practicing your Spanish with friendly locals in the shade of a palm tree, you can jump into freshwater cenotes, geologic wonders so beautiful you’ll instantly understand why the ancient Maya regarded them as holy places. When you learn Spanish in Playa del Carmen, a small but lively modern city on the Riviera Maya, you’ll have an infinite world of Mexican wonders to explore.

Mexico - Playa del Carmen
About the School
Our Spanish school in Playa del Carmen makes the most of the year-round good weather. We have several semi-outdoor classrooms and our enormous tropical garden is a welcoming communal space where students from all over the world can meet, mingle, and practice their Spanish. Hop on the sand volleyball court for an impromptu game between classes, or relax in a colorful hammock. Our outdoor café is perfect for informal study sessions. Plus, the school’s central location puts you just a short walk from downtown and the beach.
School Facilities
- 16 classrooms, 10 in typical palapas (cabins with thatched roofs) in a tropical garden
- Library
- Multimedia center
- Computers for student use
- Study tables for laptops
- Free Wi-Fi
- Kitchen and on-campus café
- Patio, garden, lounge area with hammocks
- Outdoor volleyball court
- 5-10 min. walk to 5 Avenida, Parque Fundadores Beach, 3D Museum of Wonders
About SOS El Arca Animal Shelter
SOS El Arca is an animal shelter and rehabilitation facility. Their mission is to help and save as many dogs as possible from abuse, abandonment, hunger, etc. By rehabilitating and taking care of them as long as necessary until we find them a loving permanent home.
Program Dates & Lengths
The program in Mexico is offered all year round, with the ability to join classes on any Monday. You’ll work with one of our Travel & Study Abroad experts to set your specific dates and duration.
Program Costs
2 weeks
4 weeks
6 weeks
8 weeks
10 weeks
12 weeks
Costs
$1,780
$2,010
$2,240
$2,470
$2,700
$2,920
What's Included
Included in the Program Cost:
- 20 Spanish lessons per week (first 4 weeks of program)
- Volunteer Program at SOS El Arco Animal Shelter (last 2 weeks of program)
- 24/7 emergency support
- Personal program representative
- Host Family accommodation with half board (breakfast & dinner)
- Transportation to and from the airport
- Local assistance
- Medical insurance
Not included in the Program Cost:
- Airfare
- Local transportation
- Personal expenses
- Passport fees
Eligibility
Eligible Program Participants Must:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Volunteer for at least 10 days at SOS El Arco
- Have a basic knowledge of Spanish
- No prior experience of taking care of animals is necessary
- Be in good physical health and motivated
- Have an interest in learning Spanish, helping animals and immersing yourself in the culture
What to Expect
As a participant of this program, you can expect the following:
- 20 Spanish language classes per week (approx. 55 minutes each)
- Placed in classes of no more than 10 students, with the average size being 6 students
- Free time to explore the city and culture
- Volunteer for a minimum of 2 weeks at SOS El Arco
Schedule for SOS El Arco Animal Shelter
Volunteers will lend a hand at the SOS El Arca animal shelter for dogs and cats by participating in a variety of activities from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each morning begins with cleaning the dog kennels from 7 to 11 a.m. Volunteers should be aware that they will get dirty and the facilities will have a strong smell from the animals and their waste products. Feeding is organized around midday, and animals are taken on walks in the afternoon.
Application Process
- Explore our programs, options and countries to find your best match.
- Complete our interest form and, if applicable, let us know who referred you to us.
- You can submit the interest form here: Travel & Study Abroad Interest Form
- Schedule a meeting with one of our Travel & Study Abroad experts.
- Submit your application and a $200 application fee. This non-refundable fee will be applied to your overall program costs.
- Upon acceptance, you will be required to pay a deposit of 50% of the total program costs, up to $1500. The final payment is due several weeks before your departure.
Parent FAQs
- Severe anxiety
- Depression
- Eating Disorders
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Gap Year FAQs
- Language Tutoring
- Teacher’s Assistant
- Volunteering/Community Development
- Farming & Sustainability
General FAQs
- Stand out during the college admissions process
- Develop new language skills in an immersive environment
- Develop problem-solving skills
- Identify interests to better select academic & career paths
- Establish cross-cultural skills
- Improve academic scores
- Improve personal organization and time management skills
- Develop a sense of adaptability, independence, and self-reliance
- Boost self-confidence
- Learn about new lifestyles
- Experience new cuisines
- Make lifelong friends
- Gain life experience
- Short Term Option (1-2 months)
- Trimester and Semester Options
- Full Year Options
- Program options from 1-8 weeks
- 12-month program option
- Explore our programs, options, and countries to find your best match.
- Complete our interest form and, if applicable, let us know who referred you to us.
- Schedule a meeting with one of our Travel & Study Abroad experts.
- Submit your application and a $200 application fee. This non-refundable fee will be applied to your overall program costs.
- Upon acceptance, you will be required to pay a deposit of 50% of the total program cost, up to $1500. The final payment is due several weeks before your departure.