Holiday itinerary
Get the most out of your trip to Venezuela and give something back at the same time on this unique Spanish language and volunteering course.
Whatever your level from complete beginner to advanced, choosing to learn Spanish combined with putting your Spanish lessons into practice on a volunteering project with locals is the best way to accelerate your language learning experience and make a positive contribution to the community.
Make a difference and choose a holiday experience that really matters and one that will stay with you long after the course is over. Volunteers are welcomed with open arms and the people of Venezuela will appreciate the sacrifice of your time to offer them valuable support in whichever way you can.
Follow 1 week of learning Spanish by the beach in playa Colorada with 4 weeks of volunteering with local Venezuelans and give an added purpose to your Spanish course knowing that the language skills you develop will soon be helping you to help others.
With accommodation included in a traditionally styled lodge set in tropical gardens for the duration of your 5 week course you can really enjoy the complete Venezuelan experience this learn Spanish and volunteer course will give you.
Volunteering Projects Available
You can choose to volunteer at one of the following projects, subject to availability and your skills, experience and requirements:
Warao Indian School
Teaching assignments based in this school started up to give the children of the families living in the vicinity of, and working at the lodge, a better chance to integrate into our society, and also to teach them their own Warao culture. Students assist local teachers in the daily activities and lessons. In addition students are expected to help out in the lodge in the evenings. Please note an additional fee for transport to this project applies.
Environmental Project
This project was started by the school in 2002 and is based in the fishing village of Playa Colorada. Projects include replanting of trees in the surrounding hillside (to help prevent landslide), marine conservation at La Piscina and working in a wild animal sanctuary. Work closely with the local community to make Playa Colorada a fun place for all to enjoy – help organize games and events and help to keep the beach and recreational areas clean and safe. One off projects have included building a small base ball stadium, volley ball court and helping to maintain the football pitch. Local volunteers and students work together to make this a very rewarding and successful program.
High School
Join in renovating and indeed practically rebuilding the whole high school! Good progress has been made already but there is still a long way to go. A great community project for students looking to work with locals and polish off their conversational skills.
Suitability
- Suitable for all levels from complete beginners to advanced Spanish language learners
- If you are a complete beginner or beginner however you may prefer our 8 week course combining 4 weeks of Spanish lessons with 4 weeks of volunteering
- You must be fully committed to the volunteering project you are assigned and be flexible and willing to get completely involved in making a difference
- Minimum age 18
Who Are Our Guests?
- People come from all over the world and you’ll never be placed in a class with just English speakers so that you use the language you are learning rather than resorting to chatting in English
- Ages vary, but the typical language learner falls in to the 20-60 age bracket though we have no age limit and we’ve had guests in their 70’s and 80’s studying languages with us
- During the summer and in university holiday times the average age typically drops and there are many guests in their 20’s
- Over 90% of our language learners travel solo and every school organises social and cultural activities to help you get to know others at the school outside of class
- Of course, everyone shares a passion or interest in discovering a new language and culture
Start Days
- The Spanish and volunteer programmes run year round on selected start dates and all arrivals are on Sunday
- You’ll check-in to your accommodation anytime on Sunday afternoon for 35 nights and will check-out 36 days later on Sunday morning
- A full schedule of your Spanish classes and volunteer placement is detailed below
Spanish Course Schedule
- Classes start at 8am each day year round
- Classes run daily Monday through to Friday each week
- You will have 4 group classes per day lasting 45 minutes each
- You will have a short coffee break between each lesson
How Will I Learn Spanish?
- Spanish courses are focused on having fun and classes are highly interactive
- You will focus on the four main Spanish language skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening
- There will be individual and group work such as role plays and conversation practice
- You’ll also work on developing your grammar in practical contexts
- You will learn with a wide range of teaching aids; language text books, Venezuelan press, audio/video, Spanish songs or games and each week your linguistic skills are assessed to ensure you are always in the right group for your level
- Please note all Spanish lessons will be held in the native language of Spanish; a proven teaching technique that will fully immerse you in the language and accelerate your learning experience
Spanish Language Level Test
- On your first day, you’ll have a short level test
- This test will assess your understanding of the language and will help the course organisers to place you in the right group class for your level
Volunteer Placement Schedule
- You will be working on the project Monday to Friday each week
- Actual schedules vary according to the project and needs at the time but most placements can be flexible if required
How Will My Volunteer Placement Work?
- After your 1 week Spanish course has finished you will start your 4 week volunteer placement
- At the time of booking you need to let us know what type of project you would like to work on from the following: Warao Indian School; Environmental Project; High School
- We will then liaise with the volunteer co-ordinator at the school to work out which project best suits you and send you full details of your placement
- On arrival in Venezuela and during your Spanish course you will be given all the information you need to embark upon your volunteer work experience
- Throughout your volunteer placement you will receive support from the school whenever you need it
- During your volunteer placement you will have 10 hours of Spanish classes each week to continue to develop your Spanish language skills
Free Time In Venezuela
Many people on these courses travel solo as they make perfect singles holidays so the language school organises a host of social and cultural activities each week to help you to get to know your fellow classmates and to integrate you into the local way of life, some activities are free and others have a small charge and may include:
- Beach parties and picnics
- Water sports activities including fishing, snorkelling, kayak, diving & swimming with dolphins
- Climb the 12 metre high climbing wall
- Kick back and relax in the magnificent ‘Chawata’
- This lodge is the ‘staging post’ for excursions to the Orinoco Delta, Gran Sabana & other destinations around Venezuela and the staff at the lodge will happily help you organise trips
- You will have plenty of free time to explore the local area and practice your new found language skills on this language learning holiday and volunteer experience
Other Information
- We recommend that you take a small Spanish dictionary, pens and paper with you
- It’s not necessary to bring anything for your volunteer placement apart from a sense of fun and willingness to get involved to really make a difference
Complimentary Transfer
- This school offers a free pick up from Barcelona airport
- Enter your flight arrival details in the special request box when booking to confirm your pick up
Your Accommodation
- You’ll stay in a shared room in the lodge or have the option to sleep outside in specially designed sleeping hammocks
- Rooms are shared with up to 2 others
- You’ll check in on the Sunday afternoon before your course starts and check-out Sunday morning after the course ends
- You will be provided with breakfast and dinner each day and have access to kitchen facilities to prepare your own lunch and snacks
Go learn to speak Spanish in Venezuela, in a group class where you can share your passion for language with others from around the globe and play a vital role helping local communities improve their lives.