We are a UK registered small charity founded in 2001 dedicated to the education of the poor people of the rural area where it is based in Paraguay. We have four main programmes: university scholarships; a tertiary education Institute; music classes and English classes. We are looking for volunteers to teach our English course. Our English course is made up of students selected for their aptitude and who pay nothing for their classes. We have a thriving children’s course (8-12 years old); as well as adults’ classes (13 to around 30; though there is no upper age limit). We have classes daily from Monday to Friday in the morning and in the late afternoon; to fit around our students’ school and university schedules. Students work towards the Cambridge English exams; and our students have amassed 319 such certificates to date. Volunteers are free to pursue other activities in the early afternoons; late evenings and weekends. Past volunteers have taught music or another language; ridden with the caballeria; danced the samba in the carnival; played the harp; taken Guarani; lessons; embroidered with the sewing workshop; helped the craftswomen with their marketing; and interpreted for the Santa Maria Hotel. Paraguay is one of the poorest countries of Latin America; and its development is much impeded by the very low level of English of its citizens. Santa Maria is a small rural municipality encompassing a small town and a number of more remote country areas where subsistence farming is the rule. It has massive unemployment and is economically disadvantaged compared to its neighbouring towns; but it is now acquiring a reputation for growing educational excellence due to the work of SMEF. Many of our students have used their English to gain jobs as teachers; hotels and in business. More information; previous volunteers’; experiences; FAQs and how to apply can be found on our website.
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Santa Maria de Fe
Year round
3 months minimum; 6+ months preferred
Adults of both sexes 18+
We are looking for people with excellent Spanish. Most of our volunteers have university level Spanish. An A at A-level is an absolute minimum; and we would check level at the interview stage. An interest in working with the poor. The job satisfaction comes from seeing life opportunities open up for young people who would otherwise have no opportunity to study English Natural teaching ability. (Imagination; rapport with students; clear speech and an aptitude for grammar are key qualities. If you have training or experience that is a bonus.) Willingness to come for several months. The longer you stay the more everyone benefits; both the students and the volunteer. Financial independence. While you pay us nothing and living here is cheap; you must cover your own expenses.
Free but volunteers cover their own expenses (i.e. flights; insurance; accommodation; food; etc).
Volunteer English Teaching has received 5 reviews with an average rating of 5 out of 5
