International Coordinator (El Nahual Language Center)

  Guatemala

Quetzaltenango

Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months

Description: The International coordinator is responsible for activities related to the Spanish school, including: organizing student placements, arranging host families and airport/bus transfers, providing guidance to Spanish teachers and arranging regular publicity and fundraising activities.

The position involves working approximately 40 hours/week; depending on the number of Spanish students, volunteers and activities being organized. Weekend and evening work may be required.

The position consists of the following tasks:
* Help the Director manage the day-to-day tasks of the Spanish school and educational programs;
* Provide ongoing support and information to students and volunteers, as well as local children and families;
* Communicate with potential students and volunteers, providing information about the Spanish school, extra-curricular activities and educational programs;
* Organize student course placements, airport/bus station transfers and home stays for students;
* Lead Spanish teacher meetings and support teachers with their classes;
* Provide orientation for new Spanish students;
* Liaise with universities, study abroad organizations, social service organizations, etc. to recruit students and volunteers;
* Facilitate local and international fundraising efforts;
* Organize and participate in school and volunteer activities;
* Update website information, blogs and post ads on different websites / forums;
* Translate in conferences activities and announcements for students who do not speak Spanish;
* Assist/replace the Volunteer and Program Coordinator in maintaining and expanding existing educational social service projects;
* Assist/replace the Volunteer Coordinator at weekly volunteer meetings when necessary;

Applications accepted on a rolling basis, dependent on need.

Highlights: El Nahual Community Project and Spanish school
Located in the western highland city of Quetzaltenango, El Nahual provides free educational programs to some of the poorest communities in the area. Conscious of the many social problems that face the people of Guatemala, we started a Spanish school that uses all its profits to give back to the community. The Spanish school is comprised of a team of professional, qualified teachers with years of experience in teaching Spanish to foreign students.

We strive to encourage personal growth and human rights awareness by providing access to education. The El Nahual community center offers:
* An after-school program for children ("Manos de Colores") teaching English, Art, Mathematics and Spanish;
* An Adult school in primary education and English;
* cooking courses;
* "Manos de Colores" educational programs at under-funded schools in the area offering English and Art classes.
Our projects are run by full-time volunteers, Guatemalan employees and motivated students who desire both an intensive Spanish immersion experience and the opportunity to help some of the poorest communities in Quetzaltenango.

Qualifications:
* Fluent English;
* Intermediate level of spoken Spanish;
* Minimum 3 month commitment, 6-12 months preferred;
* Passion for social service work and the mission of our school;
* Excellent inter-personal and communication skills;
* Ability to multi-task and the energy, creativity and enthusiasm to work with limited resources;
* Experience in administration, recruitment, communication or marketing an advantage but not necessary.

Cost in US$: Please Contact Us for further information.

Salary / Pay: This position is unpaid, but provides free housing

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Guatemala Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Job and Internship Network

El Nahual Language Center's Mission Statement: El Nahual Community Center is a non-profit, non-governmental organization funded by its Spanish language school. All of our proceeds return directly to the community through our educational programs for children, which involve teaching English, art, Spanish reinforcement, mathematics, science, theater, and more at four sites on the outskirts of Quetzaltenango (Guatemala's second-largest city). The children we serve often come from families who have been marginalized by poverty, indigenous Mayan heritage, or rural backgrounds, and many lack access to the privilege of a primary school education even though six years are theoretically provided free of charge under the Guatemalan system. Our foreign volunteers provide creative, thoughtful instruction and activities which these children would otherwise not receive. To that end we seek dedicated and enthusiastic individuals who are motivated to give back to some of the most disenfranchised communities in Quetzaltenango. If you are interested in learning about grassroots social development work through education, want to gain valuable international teaching experience, and improve your Spanish through work with kids, El Nahual Community Center has a place for you!

Year Founded: 2004