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Explore Nature on Horseback While Volunteering for Environmental Conservation in Porto, Portugal

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  • Select Duration :

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  • Preferred Participation Period :

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    Recommended Participation Date: 1st & 3rd Mon(Arr. Sun)

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  • Participation Fee
    1,320USD
Total Amount1,320USD
EPPH0004
Europe/Portugal/Porto
  • Operation Period: Always
  • Application Period: All Year Round
  • Number of Participants: No Limitation
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Program Creator / KoreaGapYear Global
We are a social enterprise that develops Gap year programs related to Internship, Volunteering, Traveling, and Education.
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  • Learning Experience
  • Entertainment
  • Atmosphere
  • Facility
  • Safety

PROGRAM INTRODUCTION

PROJECT INTRODUCTION

 

 

Join the volunteer activity where you explore the nature of Porto with horses!

Porto is one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal. It's a place where long history and culture, nature and art come together, attracting people from all over the world.

Participants in this project will work as members of a community that aims to make this beloved city a place where everyone can live together. You'll protect Porto's forests, assist with the rehabilitation of people with disabilities, and have the chance to experience a time of learning about social inclusion.


 

The nonprofit organization in Porto where this project takes place offers horse therapy to people with disabilities. This therapy uses the horse's natural gait and movements to provide physical sensations, aiding the rehabilitation of people with paralysis or conditions like cerebral palsy and autism.

Through this, local residents and volunteers from around the world can spend time with those who are marginalized, learning ways to embrace one another, and experience the process of building a healthier, more sustainable society. Join us in creating a beautiful world!

 

Don't worry if you've never ridden a horse before! This activity is designed so that even beginners with no riding experience can participate. Moreover, since you'll be riding in the wide-open forest rather than a confined indoor space, you can quickly gain practical experience and become familiar with horseback riding.

Imagine riding through the beautiful forests of Porto on horseback! As you patrol the forest with your horse to prevent fires and participate in various environmental protection activities, you'll create special memories that feel like scenes from a movie.

If you want to learn more about horseback riding, you can take riding lessons for an additional fee. Please inquire individually if you are interested in extra lessons.

(Inquiries: Email - koreagapyear@gmail.com, KakaoTalk - @갭이어)

 

Porto, Portugal's second-largest city, offers a small and quiet atmosphere, unlike the bustling Lisbon. While public transportation is well-developed, the city is small enough to explore on foot, making it a favorite for travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace. With its historic vintage scenery, brilliant orange-lit night views, fresh seafood from the harbor, and the friendly and kind people of Porto, it's no wonder Porto has a reputation as a city you'll want to visit again and again.

Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy a leisurely day in Porto! Take time to reflect and heal your mind, and return home with the energy to face your daily life anew.

 

 

 

PROGRAM ACTIVITIES

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PROJECT ACTIVITIES

 

This project offers a unique volunteer opportunity in Porto, Portugal, where you can bond with horses, help preserve the local environment, and experience living with both local residents and marginalized individuals. You can participate even if you have no prior experience with horseback riding!

 

Main Activities Assist with equine therapy
Patrol the forest on horseback to prevent fires
Support educational camps for children
Participate in forest conservation activities

* The above activities are examples to help with understanding and may vary depending on local circumstances and schedules.


 

Participants will engage in one activity session per day, either in the morning or afternoon. The remaining time can be used as free time.

 

Time Activity (Participate in one session: morning/afternoon)
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Morning Activity
2:00 PM - 7:00 PM Afternoon Activity

* The above schedule is an example and may change depending on local circumstances and schedules.

 

Additional Information

  • This project is ongoing throughout the year, starting on the first and third Monday of each month. Participants can choose a volunteer period between 1 to 12 weeks.
  • Generally, participants will engage in activities Monday through Friday, for 3 to 5 hours each day. More detailed schedules will be provided on-site.
  • Transportation from the accommodation to the activity site is available via public transport, which takes approximately 50 minutes. Public transportation in Porto costs a minimum of 1.8 Euros per ride (as of 2023), and participants can purchase a pass that suits their schedule.
  • A brief orientation on the first day of the project will provide an introduction to Portugal, project details, safety rules, and other useful information. Following the orientation, there will be a Porto city tour to help participants acclimate to life in Portugal.
  • Outside of volunteer hours, participants are free to join tours, activities, and language classes. These may incur additional costs on-site.

 

English Proficiency ★☆☆☆☆

  • Basic communication skills are required as participants need to interact in English with the local staff and volunteers from around the world.

 

Physical Fitness ★★☆☆☆

  • As most activities take place outdoors, it’s recommended to assess your physical fitness before joining the project.

 

 

PROGRAM INCLUSIONS

SUPPORT

 

   Local Orientation    Online Orientation    Online Consultation    Certificate of Completion
   KGY Certification    Pre-Departure Care    KGY Consultation    KGY Mission
  24hr Emergency Care   Flight Ticket Booking Assistance   Real-Time Consultation Service    KGY Note Book
   Project registration and participation costs    Gap Year Mission Scholarship Payment    Orientation Materials    Pickup Service After Arrival
   Local Accommodation    Local Dedicated Manager    Local Meals   Local Activities
   Free Wi-Fi in Accommodation    City Tour    Insurance (*Coverage under limited conditions)  

 

Detailed Support

■ Accommodation and Meals

  • Dormitory-style accommodation where you can interact with volunteers from around the world and relax comfortably
  • Delicious local meals made from local ingredients (3 meals per day)
  • Common areas where you can meet new friends from abroad

 

■ Project Activities

  • Safe pickup service from the airport to the accommodation (one-way)
  • Detailed orientation on the basics of life in Portugal
  • City tour of Porto with international volunteers
  • Reliable local dedicated manager
  • 24-hour emergency contact network to get in touch immediately if needed
  • Travel tips to help you live like a local

 

■ Care Services

  • Participant dispatch process: Project registration and dispatch procedures
  • Orientation: Various orientation information to ensure a successful gap year
  • OT materials: Information packed with the planner’s know-how for safe overseas travel
  • Gap Year Notebook: A notebook to reflect on yourself during the gap year (▶ Learn more)
  • Gap Year Mission

 

■ Certificates and Recommendations

  • Certificate of Volunteer Activity from the local organization
  • Korean Gap Year Participation Certificate and Activity Completion Certificate

* Certificates and recommendations from the local organization will be issued upon the participant's request after the project ends. Also, the format and issuance of these documents may vary according to the local organization's form and issuance status.

* Certificates and recommendations will be issued after completing the project and submitting a review.

 

Not Included

  • Round-trip airfare
  • Other local expenses (extra nights, dining out, transportation, etc.)
  • Individual travel insurance

 

* Please book your flight and transportation after final confirmation of the project and departure schedule.

 

 

PROGRAM PROVIDER INTRODUCTION

INSTITUTION INTRODUCTION

 

 

This project takes place with an NGO located in Porto, Portugal. Operating under the UN Sustainable Development Goals of "Quality Education" (Goal 4), "Life on Land" (Goal 15), and "Partnerships for the Goals" (Goal 17), this project offers the opportunity to connect with horses and reflect on nature. We work on managing large farms and forests and support disability rehabilitation through equine therapy, striving to create a sustainable society through a variety of activities.

 

A Word from the Local Coordinator

Hello! I’m Rita, the project coordinator. My wonderful team and I invite you to join this project :) How about participating in activities for social and environmental causes in Portugal and bringing positive energy to the local community? You’ll have the chance to meet new friends from around the world, experience a culture very different from your own, and create unforgettable memories through adventures and travel. We are committed to ensuring your safety and comfort so that you can grow personally and make meaningful contributions to the local community. We look forward to meeting you in Portugal. Let’s make it happen!

 

ACCOMMODATION

ACCOMMODATION INTRODUCTION

 

 

8-10 person dormitory (gender-separated) / Breakfast provided / Free Wi-Fi / Basic bedding & towels provided / Gender-separated shared bathrooms (some exceptions)

 

This is a dormitory-style accommodation in the center of Porto with views of a lush river. Up to 8-10 people can stay in one room, and each room comes with a private bathroom that will be shared with roommates. The accommodation operates in an eco-friendly manner and is managed by a coordinator who ensures a cozy and safe environment. There are various common areas, including a kitchen and living room, where you can socialize and enjoy time with international volunteers from around the world. The journey from the accommodation to the project site takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes or more. A daily breakfast buffet is provided, and meals are served at a local restaurant next to the accommodation, where you can enjoy Portuguese dishes made with fresh ingredients every day.

 

* The accommodation is a dormitory-style multi-person room. If desired, you can upgrade to a private room for an additional fee, so please inquire individually.

* If you have specific dietary needs such as vegetarian or gluten-free, please inquire separately.

(Contact: Email - koreagapyear@gmail.com / KakaoTalk - @GapYear)

PROGRAM LOCATION INTRODUCTION

LOCATION INTRODUCTION

 

| Location :   Porto, Portugal

Porto is a port city located in northern Portugal, often referred to as the second city of Portugal after the capital, Lisbon. It boasts a mix of historical charm and modern vibes, making it a city full of diverse attractions. There is beauty hidden in every corner of the city, so make sure to create new memories every day.

 

| Recommended Places to Visit

01 São Bento Station

It might seem like an ordinary train station, but once you step inside São Bento Station, you'll be greeted by a stunning display of blue tiles. The station’s walls are covered with about 20,000 tiles depicting significant moments in Portuguese history. It is a magnificent and grand tourist attraction that could easily be called one of the most beautiful stations in the world.

 

02 Crystal Palace Gardens

The Crystal Palace Gardens, a landscaped park built in the 19th century, offers beautiful views of the Douro River that runs through Porto. Many tourists visit to see the lovely fountains, viewpoints, and well-kept gardens where you can find relaxation. One unique aspect of the Crystal Palace Gardens is that you can often see peacocks roaming freely around the garden! Watching these peacocks strut around as if they own the place will make time fly by.

 

03 Dom Luís I Bridge

The Dom Luís I Bridge spans the Douro River, connecting both the upper and lower parts of Porto. It serves as both a railway and road bridge. One of Porto’s most famous landmarks, it was designed by Théophile Seyrig, a student of the world-renowned architect Gustave Eiffel, who designed the Eiffel Tower. The upper level is for trams, and the lower level is for vehicles, with pedestrian walkways on both levels. Take a leisurely walk across the bridge and enjoy the stunning views of Porto!

 

Participation Duration and Fees

SCHEDULE AND PRICES

 

■ The project starts on the first and third Monday of every month.

■ The minimum participation period for this project is 1 week.

■ The costs listed below include the project fee, accommodation, meals, and one-way airport pickup service.

 

Duration Participation Fee
1 week 1,840,000 KRW
2 weeks 2,290,000 KRW
3 weeks 2,740,000 KRW
4 weeks 3,210,000 KRW
5 weeks 3,660,000 KRW
6 weeks 4,110,000 KRW
7 weeks 4,560,000 KRW
8 weeks 5,020,000 KRW
9 weeks 5,470,000 KRW
10 weeks 5,920,000 KRW
11 weeks 6,370,000 KRW
12 weeks 6,840,000 KRW

 

 Eligibility and Requirements

  • Healthy adults aged 18 and above
  • Those interested in unique volunteer experiences
  • Those who enjoy or wish to learn horseback riding
  • Animal lovers who are not afraid of animals
  • Those who want to live a life in harmony with nature

 

 Gap Year Mission Scholarship (▶ Learn More)

 

 Installment Payment Information

If you are unable to pay in full, you can pay a registration fee of 500,000 KRW upfront and settle the remaining balance within 2 weeks. Based on the date of the initial payment, the process for confirming project participation will begin, and availability will be checked. Early reservation is crucial for securing your desired date and duration! (No refunds once participation is confirmed)

* Please note that if the start date is approaching, the schedule for paying the remaining balance may vary depending on the situation.

 

 Early Bird Discount and Emergency Application Information

All Gap Year projects are recommended to be applied for at least 3 months before the start date for smooth processing and preparation. The latest acceptable application is 2 months before the start date. However, if you need to participate urgently, additional fees can be paid for the emergency application service, which will expedite the processing as much as possible.

* Although we strive to expedite the process, communication with local agencies and time required for confirmation mean that some processing time is unavoidable. Those using the emergency application service should actively cooperate with the Gap Year operation team.

** Those who apply 180 days before the start date can receive an early bird discount.

*** Emergency application services are available in the options above. For inquiries regarding emergency applications, please contact koreagapyear@gmail.com.

 

  

- Provided: Automatic application for Gap Year missions and notes / All materials provided immediately upon confirmation of participation / Additional emergency staffing / Support for required documents if needed, etc.

* For those having difficulty calculating dates, please refer to Naver Date Calculator >> Naver Date Calculator

** Note: In the case of extremely urgent applications, there may be no available slots depending on local circumstances, and the process will proceed according to Gap Year refund policies. Additionally, any issues arising from participant non-cooperation will be the responsibility of the participant.

 

 

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Should you have any other inquiries, please don't hesitate to contact us via email (program@koreagapyear.com).
You can counsel with one of our staff in English or Korean.

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