So you've decided to take the plunge and immerse yourself in order to learn a new language. Trouble is, you can't afford more then a couple of weeks of classes. No problem! Consider volunteering abroad as an excellent, economical option compared to weeks or months of classroom time.
There are a variety of placement options when volunteering: Part-time Volunteering, Full-time Volunteering, and Volunteer Only. If your schedule is tight and you are looking to volunteer a few days a week before or after classes, part-time volunteering is the best option for you. You'll need to be in country for a minimum of 2-4 weeks. Full-time volunteering is a popular option because it offers a full immersion experience. You will spend a minimum of 6 weeks in the country; participate in two weeks of classes and four weeks volunteering full-time. Volunteer only placements are for those that already possess good language skills and/or are already familiar with the country. Please note that each placement has a minimum language level requirement to begin work. Contact us if you are unsure where you fall.
Placement categories vary widely, including business/professional (marketing, accounting, etc.), construction, education, environment/nature, ESL teacher, healthcare, and social work, among others. Placement examples include projects such as working for the Galapagos Foundation in Ecuador to reforest and reconstruct the native habitat of San Cristobal Island. Another interesting project is the Educational Outreach to Indigenous Communities in Bolivia, where volunteers help to improve the humanitarian conditions of the residents of some of the poorest villages and communities in and around Sucre. Most projects don't take place at Habitat for Humanity, the Red Cross or other internationally funded organizations. We'd rather place our volunteers in local grassroots programs that really need the help.
So how does an immersion program with volunteering differ from a classroom-only experience? You get real-life experience working with locals and using the local language in a completely different setting than one would as a tourist or student. This is especially true when working with some of the lesser-developed communities who usually don't have much exposure to English-speaking people. Volunteering is an excellent way to completely immerse yourself in a new culture and see a lot more of the country than you would from the classroom. Even though we call it “volunteering”, many teachers, social workers, etc. will also find it a helpful resume builder!
Volunteers can save a substantial amount of money by volunteering, as compared to regular classes. For example, 6 weeks of classes with a
homestay will cost you about a thousand dollars more than a 6 week full-time volunteer position, which includes two weeks of classes and a homestay. During your placement, all you pay for is your lodging, which we try to keep as inexpensive as possible.
homestay will cost you about a thousand dollars more than a 6 week full-time volunteer position, which includes two weeks of classes and a homestay. During your placement, all you pay for is your lodging, which we try to keep as inexpensive as possible.
Realize that language skills compound the longer you are in the country. You will learn almost twice as much by staying three weeks as opposed to two weeks. Volunteering is a great way to maximize your language learning because you are using the language in a practical, daily manner for a longer period of time. For more information on AmeriSpan's volunteer opportunities, click here.
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