Although there are 30 teachers, there is still a need for volunteers to assist with variety of subjects, especially teaching English.
Enrique - The Head Master, strongly encourages the children to interact with international volunteers and values the opportunities to exchange values and cultures. The main responsibilities for volunteers are teaching English, however, should you have the necessary experience or qualifications, there are also opportunities to teach other subjects such as maths, biology, music, history, dance etc.
In addition to you providing valuable assistance in the school, this programme offers a fantastic opportunity to fully integrate into Bolivian life and really understand the culture. You do not need to speak Spanish to participate on this programme, although you are sure to learn from the children and fellow teachers. Every placement of 4 or more weeks includes 10 Spanish lessons to help you on your way. Living with a Bolivian family is yet another great chance to improve your Spanish while truly understanding life in South America.
Based about 10 minutes from the centre of Santa Cruz, there are various shops and Internet cafes close by.
Classes start early in Bolivia, the first lessons are at 8am and the morning session goes through to 1pm, volunteers should expect to teach approximately 6 lessons during this time. The children range from 6 – 18 yrs old and as a volunteer you may teach a variety of ages. A normal class size is approximately 30, but this may vary depending on the age and the subject.
Volunteers with no formal teaching experience can also participate at the school. You will assist an existing Bolivian or volunteer teacher with various classes, and if appropriate, once you have gained the necessary experience, you may take a class yourself. For experienced teachers, you will initially assist other teachers to understand the systems before you then look after your own class.
Although there are no formal duties for volunteers in the afternoon, there is still plenty of scope for you run your own clubs, workshops or even competitions. Depending on your aspirations, you could run sports clubs, assist with homework or even set up and arts and crafts competition. There are normally 2 –4 international volunteers at the school at any given time, maybe you could work together to set up your own club.
School runs from Monday to Friday, occasionally there are additional activities on the weekends that you may like to assist with.
Accommodation and food are provided with a host family for the entire duration of your placement. There is no better way to learn firsthand about life in a foreign country than by living among local people, participating in their lives by helping with chores and being treated as a member of the family. The friendships made while living with a family can last a lifetime.
Your home stay will be in an urban area near the school. You will be part of the host family, sharing their food and living as they live. Most Bolivians live in small, modest houses, and you be provided with a clean private room. Learning to adapt is part of the pleasure of living in a foreign land, and these will be the memories that will stay with you.
Local Bolivian food will be provided three times a day. Typical Bolivian food consists of rice, beans, vegetables, chicken, pasta, meat (occasionally), soups, etc.
Most of our host families have experience with international volunteers and some members of the families may speak English. Generally the host families regard volunteers as a member of the family. Please treat you host family with the same courtesy and consideration they show for you.
- Minimum duration is 2 weeks – maximum duration is 1 year
- You can join the programme every Monday throughout the year (except during the holidays - closed all December, January, and winter vacations from June 24th to middle July)
- Flights are not included
- You need to book your flight to the international airport of Viru-Viru just 20km north of Santa Cruz, where you will be met and taken to start your induction.
- If you arrive earlier than the start date, we can arrange for transportation from the airport and hostel style accommodation for you.
- All effort is made to place you with a host family that lives within walking distance to the children’s school. However, it may be necessary for you to take public transport to the school. (Public transport is not included)
- All of Twin’s volunteer placements are in partnership with recognised Charities, Non Governmental Organisations (NGO’s), government ministries or registered agents, giving you the confidence to work with reputable organisations.
- 24 hour support is provided by our local partner.
- Comprehensive insurance is available for each of the volunteer placements, please click here for full details.
- Minimum age = 17yrs
- Spanish language skills are not required for this project, but any Spanish you speak will enhance your experience. Remember that Spanish lessons are included in the programme.
- You must speak fluent English
- An intermediate level of Spanish is required if you wish to teach other subjects apart from English
- There are no specific skills required, just a genuine interest to help children with their studies
- An open mind and an ability to show initiative are the best attributes you can posses.
- Please be aware that in addition to covering transport and accommodation costs, your contribution is vital to support the on going efforts of the project.
- Minimum duration is 2 weeks and costs £400
- Each additional week costs £110 - You may extend your stay up to 1 year
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Teaching English Bolivia
