University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria - International Volunteering Programme

ULPGC International Volunteering Programme

You will have the opportunity to take part in a development cooperation project abroad – in Africa, Latin America or Asia – for a period of up to six months. The University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) runs the programme in partnership with local NGOs (non-profit organisations) and community groups. You can also have this experience recognised towards your degree. Each year, you can choose from a range of listed placement locations, such as health projects in Benin, Mauritania and Senegal, or open-ended placements in The Gambia, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda. There are three formats: a short introductory placement lasting from two weeks to three months (A), a longer six-month placement (B) and a research option (C) for writing a Bachelor’s, Master’s or doctoral thesis on the topic of international cooperation.

Who can apply

• University: You are enrolled on a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD programme at the ULPGC. Graduates of the ULPGC who have completed their studies within the last two years may also apply for the research programme.
• Study progress: If you are a Bachelor’s student, you will have completed at least 25% of your coursework.
• Field of study: Open to all disciplines. Some internship places are reserved exclusively for students of health sciences, whilst others are open to students from all disciplines.
• Nationality and age: Applicants of all nationalities and ages are welcome to apply.
• Not eligible: You cannot apply if you are already abroad as part of a mobility programme (Erasmus+, SICUE, Mundus) or if you are receiving a grant for vocational training at the ULPGC.

How to apply

You apply online and complete a form for each placement location; you may select a maximum of two locations. If you pass the first round, the organisation abroad where you are due to be placed must send a letter confirming your acceptance. Finally, there will be face-to-face interviews as well as information sessions with former volunteers and the NGOs.

How realistic are your chances?

This programme is open exclusively to students at the ULPGC, so the pool of applicants is small from the outset. Only a few people are needed for each project – often just one to four – and the selection process involves several rounds, including interviews. This means that genuine motivation and suitability for the role in question are more important than top marks. If you meet the academic requirements and can demonstrate a genuine commitment to your chosen project, your chances are good.