El Paraiso School - Volunteer and Learn

  Panama

Bocas del Toro

Dates: every monday

Description: We can offer you several opportunities to volunteer in Panama!

1) Teaching English to local residents
Help local people learn English while you yourself are studying Spanish with us. Knowing some Spanish is helpful but hardly necessary. Many Panamanians know at least some English so it is most beneficial to the "students" that the teacher only speak English. Lessons are given in a local church to a group of interested participants.

2) Working with the Elderly
Lead residents at an elderly care center in various activities, help them cook, distribute food, teach English, and help them garden. Caring for the elderly helps create a compassionate and nurturing atmosphere at homes for the elderly and senior centers. Elderly people are sometimes the most neglected and abandoned group in society. Their access to basic services and income is severely restricted, and they often lack support groups. Community initiatives and organizations provide an opportunity for the elderly to receive one-on-one attention, learn new skills, and receive basic nutrition and health care.

3) Sea Turtle Conservation Project
As little as 40 years ago hawks bill turtles were still abundant in the waters of the archipelago. Green turtles, which feed on offshore sea grass pastures, were also much more common than they are today.

Highlights: By joining this pioneering programme as a volunteer, you will have a positive impact on the lives of local residents and/or the preservation of endangered species of turtles and learn or improve your Spanish and explore many of Panama's tourist attractions.

Qualifications:
- Eligible to receive a tourist visa to Panama
- Flexible in attitude, in good health and have a desire to contribute
- Resilience to work in tropical conditions, and adaptability to relate with a new culture
- Speak at least minimal Spanish
- Compliance with the rules and procedures of the volunteer program as established by the program
- Medical insurance
- At least 18 years old
- Good vision as a lot of the work at the turtle project is done at night

Cost in US$: from $465 US for 2 weeks

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Volunteers come from the ranks of students or young professionals who have the desire to contribute to a third world country development while experiencing life in a Latin culture.

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Panama Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 2-3

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

El Paraiso Spanish School's Mission Statement: El Paraiso Spanish Language School is distinguished by its determination to provide exciting education through adventure, culture, and language learning. We teach you Spanish skills and share cultural experiences that will allow you to experience pura vida fully.

Year Founded: 2004