Become a Part of Our Volunteer Team in Bolivia!

Thank you for your interest in volunteering opportunities at the UAC-CP.  The success of the UAC-CP is dependent upon the special skills that each person shares with the College. We are particularly grateful for our international volunteers who contribute to that success.

We look for hard-working, dedicated, and mature volunteers who can help us carry out the mission of the College—to provide higher education to the poor; to prepare young men and women who are called to serve the poor; to guide young adults in their search for truth through education, research, and community extension outreach; and to integrate the work of the College throughout Bolivia’s rural area. 

There are many ways that volunteers contribute to the UAC-CP. Most often short-term and long-term volunteers come with a special interest or unique area of professional or personal expertise.  It is most important to note, however, that when reviewing volunteer applications, we consider the needs of the College first. For that reason, we have identified specific job opportunities that fit specific demands at the College.  Please review those job descriptions to determine whether the current needs of the UAC-CP.

Acceptance to the UAC-CP’s volunteer program is based on an individual and on-going basis. There are several factors that we take into special consideration in order for applicants to be approved to come work and live in Carmen Pampa.  In particular, we consider the applicant’s time availability, applicable work skills, and Spanish proficiency (some volunteer positions require a higher proficiency level, others less). Because UAC-CP volunteers generally all live together in community, we must also consider room availability in the volunteer house.

It is important to note that volunteering at the UAC-CP is not for everyone. It is especially not for people who want to “find themselves” or people with little patience and a sense of humor.  Located in a relatively remote and underdeveloped rural area (at least three hours in public transportation from Bolivia’s capital city, La Paz), daily life at the UAC-CP is not without its physical and emotional challenges (e.g. occasional water and electrical outages, slow or intermittent Internet access, infrequent/unscheduled transportation, limited social outlets apart from the College, etc.).  That said, volunteers who make every effort to embrace the unique experience of living and working at the College find the experience to be intensely rewarding and life-changing.

Some things to consider if you’re thinking about volunteering:

Hallmarks of Effective Volunteers:

1. It helps to be outgoing and self-motivated. Volunteers who get out of the house to talk to community members and actively look for things to do when their "job" slows down find their experience here to be more meaningful. They feel helpful here where one minute a translator is needed, and the next someone to swing a hammer, and then someone to re-boot a computer.

2. It is best to be fearless in speaking Spanish. None of us speak perfectly, some are very far from being fluent, but volunteers need to jump in without worry about their limitations and communicate using whatever words and non-verbal cues they can muster. Students and local people here are usually very tolerant and patient.

Spanish: Volunteers must be able to communicate to some extent in Spanish. Exceptions may be made depending on a volunteer’s skills or job. Excellent Spanish language programs of six weeks to five months are available in Cochabamba, Bolivia and are highly recommended for those with little or no Spanish language background.

3. A sense of humor is essential. Things here move at a very different pace, with much more emphasis on relationships than on accomplishments. For an outsider the frustration level can be very high. As in many of life’s situations, a volunteer with the ability to see the humor of the situation can make all the difference.

Specific volunteer opportunities available at UAC-CP

Take a few minutes to review these position decriptions and decide if your talents and interests match the volunteer needs of UAC-CP.

English Teacher Volunteer position description - Support English language learning by teaching, tutoring and assisting with curriculum development.

Volunteer Interpreter position description - Interpret and serve as a guide for international visitors to the College.

Language Lab Volunteer position description - Manage the English Language Lab and teach English classes.

Volunteer Photographer position description - Photograph the reality of life at the College and in surrounding communities to share with supporters and donors.

If you are considering volunteering in Carmen Pampa, Bolivia, please download and carefully read the Volunteer Previsit Handbook.

Still have questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Application Process

If you are convinced that volunteering at UAC-CP is the thing for you, complete the following steps to apply for our volunteer positions. Keep in mind that acceptance is not guaranteed and your application will be considered based on the current needs of the College.

1.  Read all general UAC-CP Volunteer Information.
2. Review Volunteer Job Posting Opportunities
3. Complete the UAC-CP Volunteer Application Form and e-mail to Sarah Mechtenberg at sarah@carmenpampafund.org and Hugh Smeltekop at boliviahugh@gmail.com.  Include any additional questions you might have about the program or additional information about yourself.
4.  Volunteers who have been accepted to the program must sign and return the Volunteer Expectations Agreement form and the Carmen Pampa Fund News Release form.
5.  Volunteers will be sent pre-departure information.
6. Upon arrival, volunteers will be given a copy of the Volunteer Handbook and receive a brief orientation.