Equinetherapy

location
4 - 19 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 4.9  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • Get experience in equine therapy with children in Bolivia
  • Improve your Spanish through a total immersion in your host family and while you’re doing your volunteer placement at the equine center
  • Change your perspective on a country little known to the general public
  • Discover one of the most culturally rich countries in South America


Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups

About the program

Share your passion for horses with children in Bolivia

This program consists of working at the stables of the center and offering equine therapy classes to the children. The equine center proposes two programs of equine therapy: one for children with disabilities and another one for local children.


  • The value of equine therapy, for people with ...

About the program

This program consists of working at the stables of the center and offering equine therapy classes to the children. The equine center proposes two programs of equine therapy: one for children with disabilities and another one for local children.


  • The value of equine therapy, for people with disabilities, is to carry out motor coordination exercises. The bond between the rider and animal can sometimes be easier for children with disabilities rather than contact with people. This method of therapy helps them to be more aware of their bodies and to create communication skills through their relationship with the animal.


  • This program also helps children gain confidence in themselves and in others by taking care of the horses on a daily basis. They come to a peaceful place where they are welcome to be themselves and express their passion for horses and nature. The equine center gives them more and more responsibilities with time to make them feel valued as important members of the center. 


As a volunteer, your mission will be to help organize activities for the children. 

You can help by creating activities with horses, also helping the children to improve their self-confidence, any ideas or activities you would like to do to support the children are welcome!  You will of course need to come to an agreement beforehand with the director and the team of the equine center of what it is possible or not to implement with the children. 


Also, you will be asked to help with the regular tasks of the equine center, such as feeding the horses, cleaning the stables, riding them inside or outside of the center. If you don’t have any experience in riding horses or taking care of them, it is absolutely not an issue and you can learn directly at the center.

Different volunteers from around the world come to help during the year, so it's an easy way to meet new people. Everyone will be happy to help you to understand the dynamics of the center. 


Typical day

Following the initial introduction days at the equine center, we accompany you on your first official day of volunteering.

Typically, arrival at the center is at 9 a.m. 

During the day, you will be working with Richard, the person responsible for the 16 horses, at the equine center. He is a very ...

Typical day

Following the initial introduction days at the equine center, we accompany you on your first official day of volunteering.

Typically, arrival at the center is at 9 a.m. 

During the day, you will be working with Richard, the person responsible for the 16 horses, at the equine center. He is a very passionate horseman, with a lot of experience and he will be very happy to share his passion and experience with you. You do not need to have previous experience with horses, only a desire and motivation to learn. You will help Richard and his assistants with general care and the preparation of the equine therapy and riding lessons for the children. The sessions can be held individually for one child or it could be with a group. There are some excursions that can be organized to the nearest mountains or to the waterfall with the horses. Other activities like birthday parties can also be organized with the horses.

At noon, you will have a shared meal with the staff and beneficiaries or you will return home for lunch with your host family.

For the afternoon, it would basically be the same program as the morning, depending on the planning of each week. You will have time, if you wish, to organize other activities with the children. If you are at ease leading your own activities that is great, if not you can assist in other activities and workshops organized by the local staff or other volunteers.


Free-time activities

There are numerous activities to enjoy outside in Cochabamba and the surrounding area. 

  • For nature enthusiasts, the city is located near the Andes Mountains, with easily accessible peaks for group excursions through travel agencies, such as the iconic Tunari Peak (5035m). 

  • Other nature activities ...

Free-time activities

There are numerous activities to enjoy outside in Cochabamba and the surrounding area. 

  • For nature enthusiasts, the city is located near the Andes Mountains, with easily accessible peaks for group excursions through travel agencies, such as the iconic Tunari Peak (5035m). 

  • Other nature activities include visiting lakes, waterfalls, and natural spaces near the city (Laguna Corani, La Angostura, Pairumani, Apote waterfalls, etc.). 

  • Although not the capital, Cochabamba is the country's third-largest city, with a metropolitan area of 1.5 million inhabitants. The city center offers numerous bars and restaurants for enjoying the nightlife. The "La Cancha" market is one of the largest in the country, offering a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, handicrafts, and other items at reasonable prices. The city's central location provides convenient road and air connections to many destinations within the country. 

  • Many volunteers take the opportunity to visit the Salar de Uyuni, located only one night away from Cochabamba, while other tourist attractions are also available (La Paz, Lake Titicaca, Villa Tunari). 

  • For closer outings, Toro Toro National Park is only a 4-hour drive away.


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak Spanish (intermediate level)

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

A psychological evaluation, Plane tickets, volunteer agreement, signeimage rights authorization and criminal background check and medical certificate

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

Professionals from social assistance or medical fields (e.g., physiotherapists, nurses) are particularly valued. Also, artists, educators and youth workers are of great help.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 17:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by LifeTime Projects

Fees include: 

  • Airport pick up from Jorge Wilstermann, Cochabamba airport 
  • Home stay 
  • Three meals a day
  • Medical insurance for European volunteers
  • Project support before, during and after your stay 
  • A participation in our local projects

Airport Pickup at J Wilsterman Airport

A member of our local team will pick you up at Cochabamba, Jorge Wilstermann airport upon arrival. The airport is about 45 minutes from all local host families.

Accommodation

Home stay is organised with local families. You will have a private room and three meals a day provided by your family. Host families are selected strictly based on hygiene and cultural awareness. 

Food & Beverages

Host families provide drinking water and three meals a day. Meals are usually typical Bolivian dishes, Cochabamba is renowned for it's varied and delicious specialities! Vegetarian and other dietary options are available. 

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is J Wilsterman Airport (CBB) in Cochabamba. We assist you to find cheap flights to Bolivia. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Bolivia provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Bolivia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Bolivia. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

We welcome volunteers all year round with a short break over the Christmas season
Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

4 weeks (min. stay) 1,390€
6 weeks 1,550€
7 weeks 1,730€
9 weeks 2,190€
11 weeks 3,350€
19 weeks (max. stay) 5,690€
Average fees 323€/week

Program fees

323€ per week 4 - 19 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

4 - 19 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with LifeTime Projects during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

LifeTime Projects

Outstanding 4.9 rating (9 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 2014

Verified by Volunteer World

  Good response rate

Coordinated by

Laetitia

Spoken languages: English, French, Spanish

About the project

We believe that the best way to discover a new culture is through working on a social project with the local population and living their daily life with them.

Meet your organization

LifeTime Projects is a French based non profit organisation. 

We work in the following fields : 
 - Child protection
 - Women's rights
 - The protection of the environment and animal welfare 
 - Eco citizenship

In the following countries : 
- Bolivia
- Cameroun
- Colombia
- Guatemala
- England
- France 

We believe in : 

Living in total immersion in the country you visit 
By discovering the world with LifeTime Projects, you will experience unforgettable moments. Whether during your mission, with your host family or with the people you meet, you will discover the culture and traditions of a country directly. Thanks to this complete immersion in the life of the country, and having built a project with the locals, you will return with a real knowledge of the local culture.

Take part in concrete actions
Do you have difficulty measuring the impact of good deed ? The best way to measure the usefulness of your actions is to carry them out directly, in the field! That is why LifeTime Projects supports you in the design and organization of your humanitarian mission or gap year in total immersion.

Change your world view, make a difference
Our humanitarian and ecological missions are designed to have a maximum impact, not only locally but also on the volunteer who will return to his or her daily life enriched by a new perspective on the world.
We act where people need us most and where our presence is most wanted. You will come back with the feeling that you have made a difference and made your contribution to a more understanding world. We believe we all have a lot to learn fro each other and putting different cultures together is enriching and strengthening for all. 

Your footprint
We hope to leave our mark, that of sharing, love and mutual respect, in the hearts of the people we meet and work with (note that our organization is independent of any political party and religious organization).
Whether in Cameroon, Bolivia, Guatemala, Colombia, France or England, discovering the world allows a better understanding of its challenges. What seems distant from France takes a whole new dimension before, during and after the experience of a mission with LifeTime Projects.
Participating in an international development mission with LifeTime Projects also means contributing to sustainable development by helping people and changing their view of the world. 

9 reviews · rating4.9

Paula Zivić rating5

2023 at Eco citizenship

I spent 3,5 weeks in Rincon del mar with LifeTimeProjects. I got to experience so many different things and i am so grateful for that time. Not only did I feel unbelievable safe but Rincon is beautiful itself :) Manon, the project leader is super nice and helped me alot with understanding the ...
Matthew Grady rating3.8

2022 at Eco citizenship

This was my first time volunteering so I don’t have much to compare it to. I spent six weeks in Rincón del Mar and I would recommend it to anyone. It is possibly the safest I have ever felt anywhere in the world. I signed up for four weeks and ended up staying for an extra two (the more time you ...
Google Translator: I really enjoyed my experience with LifeTime Projects! I went to Yaoundé, Cameroon, for 3 months on the project Impuls'Her Projects. I gave entrepreneurship, literacy and computer lessons to young Cameroonian women in orphanages and reception centers. I was very well accompanied ...
Christine Horville rating5

2019 at Creative workshops and cultural exchange

Google Translator: This year I joined the LifeTime Projects Association to go to Cameroon and share my time and knowledge with orphans and women of the Impuls'Her project. LifeTime Projects invests in several orphanages in Cameroon, in the capital Yaoundé. They welcome children from birth to ...
Google Translator: I have participated in a current socio-cultural project in Rincon del Mar, a town located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, through intensive action in workshops and activities related to art, culture and the environment. I had the opportunity to teach and / or share my ...
Christine Broad rating5

2018 at Creative workshops and cultural exchange

How to help Atta ‘s women improve their autonomy Six Atta women were trained in organic palm oil soap making, to produce and sell soap on markets and earn money to allow their daughters to go to school. The whole village ( women , school , Church ) was informed ( Phast méthod ) on how to ...

Location

Americas > South America > Bolivia > Cochabamba

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