Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back while practicing Spanish? Volunteering abroad is an incredible way to immerse yourself in a new culture, improve your language skills, and make a real impact. Whether you’re interested in dental assistant volunteer work or medical volunteer work abroad, a Smiles Movement trip is the perfect opportunity to gain hands-on experience while engaging with Spanish-speaking communities.
So, how can you get involved, and what should you expect when doing volunteer work in Spanish?
Let’s dive in!
With over 475 million native speakers, Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. It’s the official language in 20 countries, including Peru, Ecuador, and Guatemala—all of which are home to communities in need of accessible healthcare and dental services.
By volunteering in a Spanish-speaking country, you’ll get to:
Plus, the best way to truly master a language is by using it every day. And what better way to do that than while making a difference?
Before we jump into the best programs for volunteer work in Spanish, let’s learn a key phrase:
To say “do volunteer work” in Spanish, you would use the phrase “hacer trabajo voluntario.”
So, if someone asks what you’re doing in Peru, Ecuador, or Guatemala, you can say:
Estoy aquí para hacer trabajo voluntario en salud dental.
(I am here to do volunteer work in dental health.)
There are many ways to combine language learning with volunteering, but some of the best options include dental assistant volunteer work and medical volunteer work abroad. These programs allow you to gain hands-on experience, work directly with local professionals, and improve your Spanish skills in a real-world setting.
If you’re studying dentistry or interested in oral health, dental assistant volunteer work is a fantastic way to gain experience while practicing Spanish.
With Smiles Movement, you’ll:
By volunteering in a Spanish-speaking dental clinic, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to use medical Spanish vocabulary, communicate with patients, and build connections with local healthcare professionals.
If you’re studying medicine, nursing, or another healthcare field, medical volunteer work abroad is an eye-opening way to apply your skills while learning Spanish in a clinical setting.
With Smiles Movement’s medical programs, you’ll:
Not only will you gain invaluable experience, but you’ll also develop the language skills needed to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients—a huge asset for anyone pursuing a healthcare career.
If you’re not fluent in Spanish yet, don’t worry! Smiles Movement programs provide a great environment to learn and practice the language.
Many volunteers start with basic Spanish phrases and gradually build confidence by interacting with patients and locals. Here are some key phrases that will be useful during your trip:
Even if you only know a few words at first, patients appreciate the effort, and you’ll pick up new vocabulary naturally as you go.
Smiles Movement offers volunteer programs in three incredible Spanish-speaking countries:
Each location offers a unique cultural and linguistic experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in Spanish while making a real impact.
When choosing a volunteer program, it’s important to find one that supports communities rather than imposing outside solutions. At Smiles Movement, we ensure that our volunteers:
Our programs allow you to gain real-world experience, immerse yourself in Spanish, and create meaningful change—all while ensuring that local communities remain empowered and self-sufficient.
If you’re looking for a life-changing experience that combines language learning with impactful volunteer work, Smiles Movement is the perfect fit. Whether you’re interested in dental assistant volunteer work or medical volunteer work abroad, our programs in Peru, Ecuador, and Guatemala provide the opportunity to learn, serve, and grow.
By choosing ethical, community-driven volunteering, you’re not just learning Spanish—you’re becoming part of a movement for sustainable healthcare. Join us today!