Programs
|
FAQ
|
Notice Board
Please select a start date
PROJECT INTRODUCTION
Take a dive into the beautiful and blue waters of Barcelona, Spain!
In this project, participants will engage in diving activities to collect the trash scattered underwater in the Mediterranean Sea. Join us in making the Barcelona coastline cleaner with your own hands.
Although the sea may shine brightly on the surface, once you dive in, you'll find it polluted with various types of trash. The story of a balloon found deep in the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of the ocean, is just one example that shows how much trash is found in the sea.
Sea turtles mistaking plastic bags for jellyfish, seals injured by getting caught in abandoned fishing nets, and hermit crabs trapped in plastic debris... Many marine creatures struggle to survive in polluted waters.
Help us create a safer and more beautiful ocean by lending a hand. As you pull out trash from the water, Barcelona's seas will start to heal little by little.
Every year, about 8 million tons of trash flows into the ocean worldwide. Over 70% of it sinks to the bottom of the sea. While it may seem like you can only pick up a small amount of trash by yourself, working together with like-minded friends can create a noticeable change.
In Barcelona, Spain, meet volunteers from around the world who are passionate about protecting the environment. Spending time with friends who share a love for the ocean and nature will make your time in Barcelona's waters a more enjoyable and meaningful experience.
Don't worry if you can't swim or have never dived before! This project is open to everyone, even those with no scuba diving experience. While it's helpful to have less fear of water, your swimming skills won’t significantly impact your diving experience.
Even if you've never dived before, during your stay in Barcelona, you can earn an internationally recognized certification under the guidance of a professional diving instructor. The field activities are also conducted with experienced instructors from a local diving club in Barcelona, ensuring everyone can safely explore underwater. Start your new adventure in Barcelona, Spain!
If you want to continue making a difference in marine conservation, why not start a new challenge to enhance Korea’s oceans based on your experiences in Barcelona?
You can learn the basics of marine volunteering in Barcelona and start new marine conservation activities when you return to Korea. Or you could begin studying in a field related to marine environments and dive into a more specialized area. Whatever path you choose, it will be a worthwhile challenge to protect beautiful oceans, and your efforts can contribute to the global cooperation needed to preserve the world's seas.
Barcelona, Spain, is a city known for its unique atmosphere and culture. Most notably, the city is filled with the works of world-renowned architect Gaudí, making it feel like a gigantic piece of art.
This project consists of 3 to 5 hours of activities each day, Monday through Friday. After the activities, enjoy your free time exploring Barcelona. With tips from friendly local staff, you’ll have an even richer experience by discovering travel secrets only locals know.
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
This project is a marine environment volunteer activity aimed at preserving the clean and beautiful seas of Barcelona, Spain. Dive into the Mediterranean and collect litter scattered across the ocean, and experience the change you can make with your own hands.
| Main Activities | Cleaning the seabed to reduce marine waste |
| Collecting necessary data from the gathered waste | |
| Returning rescued marine life back to the sea | |
| Learning about marine ecosystems and how to protect them |
* The above content is an example to aid understanding. You will receive more detailed guidance on-site.
| Example of First Week Schedule | ||||
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri |
| Orientation & City Tour | Activity Assignment | 3-5 hours of activities according to the assigned time and place | ||
* The above content is an example to aid understanding. You will receive more detailed guidance on-site.
You can participate in this project even without prior diving experience, and you can learn the basics from a skilled diving instructor on-site. If you already have a diving certification, please let us know when applying for the project.
Additional Information
|
English Requirement ★★☆☆☆
Physical Requirement ★★☆☆☆
|
SUPPORT
 Local Orientation |
 Online Orientation |
 Online Consultation |
 Local Institution Completion Certificate |
 KGY Certification |
 Pre-Departure Care |
 KGY Consultation |
 KGY Mission |
 24hr Emergency Care |
 Flight Ticket Booking Assistance |
 Real-Time Consultation Service |
 KGY Note Book |
 Project and Participation Costs |
 KGY Mission Scholarship |
 OT Documents |
 Local dormitory-style accommodation |
 Airport-to-accommodation pickup service (one-way) |
 Two local meals (breakfast, lunch) |
 Local coordinator |
 Project management and training |
 Travel tips |
 Various activities |
 Spanish culture lessons |
 무료 이용.png){kind=small} Shared spaces in the accommodation (including shared kitchen) |
 Barcelona city tour |
 Diving equipment |
 SSI diving lessons and instructor |
 SSI Diving Certification |
Detailed Support Information
■ Accommodation and Meals
■ Project Activities
■ Care Services
■ Certificates and Letters of Recommendation
* Certificates and letters of recommendation from local organizations are issued upon request after the project ends. The format and issuance of these documents may vary according to the local organization's procedures.
* Certificates and letters of recommendation are issued after completing the project and submitting feedback.
Exclusions
INSTITUTION INTRODUCTION
This project is conducted in collaboration with an NGO based in Barcelona, Spain. Following the UN Sustainable Development Goals of Responsible Consumption and Production (Goal 12), Life Below Water (Goal 14), and Partnerships for the Goals (Goal 17), this project aims to conserve marine environments polluted by human activity and protect marine ecosystems facing survival threats.
Message from the Local Coordinator
Hello! I’m Rita, the project coordinator. My amazing team and I invite you to join us for this project :) Come participate in activities for society and the environment in Barcelona, and create positive energy in the local community. You will meet new friends from around the world who come from cultures completely different from your own, and together we will embark on adventures and create unforgettable memories. While you grow personally, we ensure your safety and comfort, and help you make a meaningful impact on the community you assist. We look forward to meeting you in Barcelona. Join us!
ACCOMMODATION INTRODUCTION
| 8-person dorm / 3 meals a day / Wi-Fi / Basic bedding / In-room bathroom |
Participants will stay at an eco-friendly volunteer house hostel with a capacity of up to 320 people, sharing the space with international volunteers. This hostel is a great place to meet not only fellow volunteers but also various travelers from around the world, offering opportunities to experience diverse cultures. The dormitory accommodation houses up to 8 people and provides indoor air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and basic bedding. Additionally, the dormitory rooms come with private bathrooms that are shared only with your roommates.
The shared areas include a dining room, living room, balcony, outdoor spaces, terrace, and laundry facilities, providing a modern yet comfortable atmosphere. The volunteer accommodation is located in a bustling area of Barcelona, making it ideal for exploring the city during your free time. The nearby FC Barcelona stadium and various restaurants, shops, and conveniences make your stay convenient. There are two subway stations within a 5-10 minute walk, along with 14 regular bus routes, 2 night bus routes, and trams. The commute to the activity site takes about 30 to 50 minutes by public transport, depending on the specific location. For reference, the journey to 'Plaza Catalunya', the heart of Barcelona, takes approximately 20-25 minutes by public transport. The accommodation is managed by a dedicated coordinator, ensuring a safe and comfortable stay.
During the project, breakfast and lunch will be provided daily at the hostel's restaurant, featuring fresh ingredients and Spanish cuisine (including weekends). For dinner, volunteers can either purchase ingredients and cook in the shared kitchen or dine out at local restaurants.
* The accommodation is a shared dormitory. If you prefer a private room, it is available as an upgrade upon request (additional cost applies).
* For special dietary needs such as vegetarian or gluten-free options, please inquire separately.
LOCATION INTRODUCTION
Location: Spain, Barcelona
Barcelona is renowned for its world-class architecture, diverse museums, and the vibrant culture of Catalonia. Walking through this winding city, you'll encounter numerous bars and restaurants, dancers performing in the streets, and friendly locals greeting travelers with smiles. Each day spent in the culturally and artistically rich city of Barcelona will be filled with unique charm and experiences.
Recommended Attractions
01 Sagrada Familia Basilica
The Sagrada Familia Basilica, a masterpiece by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, is one of Barcelona's most popular tourist attractions and landmarks. Construction is still ongoing, nearly 100 years after Gaudí's death. It represents not only Barcelona but Spain as a whole. Recognized for its extraordinary artistic value, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, so be sure to visit!
02 Park Güell
Another Gaudí creation listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Park Güell features organic shapes and flowing curves throughout the park. Its vibrant mosaic patterns made from broken tiles stand out visually. With attractions like the charming lizard fountain and a museum resembling a gingerbread house from Hansel and Gretel, Park Güell is a prominent tourist spot in Barcelona.
03 Gothic Quarter
Located in the heart of Barcelona’s old town, the Gothic Quarter is like a living history museum with its medieval alleys still intact. The area preserves structures from the Roman era, including ancient city walls. The Gothic Quarter is especially famous for the "Bishop’s Bridge," a landmark where tourists often come to see the carved skull impaled with a dagger beneath the bridge.
SCHEDULE AND PRICES
■ The project starts on the second and fourth Monday of each month.
■ The minimum duration of participation is 1 week.
■ The costs listed below cover the project fee, accommodation, meals, and one-way airport pickup service.
| Duration | Participation Fee |
| 1 week | 2,800,000 KRW |
| 2 weeks | 4,080,000 KRW |
| 3 weeks | 5,350,000 KRW |
| 4 weeks | 6,640,000 KRW |
| 5 weeks | 7,910,000 KRW |
| 6 weeks | 9,190,000 KRW |
| 7 weeks | 10,470,000 KRW |
| 8 weeks | 11,750,000 KRW |
| 9 weeks | 13,030,000 KRW |
| 10 weeks | 14,310,000 KRW |
| 11 weeks | 15,580,000 KRW |
| 12 weeks | 16,870,000 KRW |
■ Eligibility and Requirements
■ Gap Year Mission Scholarship (▶ Learn More)
■ Installment Payment Information
If you are unable to pay in full, you can pay a deposit of 500,000 won and settle the remaining balance within 2 weeks. The process for confirming your participation will start from the date of the deposit, and we will check the availability and spots. It’s important to secure your place as soon as possible to participate on your desired dates and duration! (Refunds are not available once your participation is confirmed)
*However, if the start date is approaching, the schedule for paying the remaining balance may vary depending on the situation.
■ Early Bird Discount and Urgent Application Information
For all Gap Year projects, we recommend applying at least 3 months before the start date to follow the normal procedures and preparation period. We require applications to be made no later than 2 months before the start date. If you need to apply urgently, additional fees will apply for expedited processing.
*Although we will assist with expedited processing as much as possible, there will still be basic time requirements for communication with local agencies and confirmation of participation. Therefore, those using the urgent application service should actively cooperate with the Korea Gap Year operations team.
** Those who apply more than 180 days before the start date can receive the Early Bird discount.
*** The urgent application service can be applied for in the options above, and for inquiries about the urgent application service, please contact koreagapyear@gmail.com.
 (1).gif "speed_01.gif")
- Provided Services: Automatic application for Gap Year missions and notes / Full provision of OT materials upon confirmation / Additional urgent staffing / Support for required documents if needed, etc.
* For those having difficulty calculating dates, please use the Naver Date Calculator >> Go to Naver Date Calculator
**Note: In the case of extremely urgent applications, there may be no available spots depending on local conditions, and procedures will proceed according to the Gap Year refund policy. Additionally, any issues arising from the participant’s lack of cooperation are the participant's responsibility.
HOME
