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.
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
English Proficiency ★☆☆☆☆
Physical Fitness ★★☆☆☆
|
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
■ Project Activities
■ Care Services
■ Certificates and Recommendations
* 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
* Please book your flight and transportation after final confirmation of the project and departure schedule.
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 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)
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!
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
■ 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.