English Teacher and Caretaker
Coordinator | Laurie
Coordinator | Laurie
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
Help children in need
Create fun activities
Improve your (English) teaching skills
Enjoy Bolivian life style
Learn to speak Spanish
Help 13 adopted children by giving English lessons, homework guidance, organizing activities, or renovating the family’s living environment.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
50+
Volunteer and English Teacher in a Small Children’s Home in Cochabamba, Bolivia.
In the northwest of Cochabamba lives a very special family, a couple with 9 adopted children. When the founding couple reached the official adoption limit of 4 children per family, they were told by the government that they couldn't adopt any more children unless they were prepared to set up a shelter. No sooner said than done; after a long tussle with the local bureaucracy, they succeeded. The couple now devote their lives to taking care of children from violent backgrounds, children who have been removed from their home by child protective services, children who have been abused, or have parents with a history of alcohol or drug abuse. Currently, they have 9 children of different ages in their care. The family does not receive any support from the government or NGOs, but they are trying to make ends meet the best they can. For example, the father has been taking on various jobs besides taking care of the children, in order to protect their livelihood. Extra hands are therefore always welcome here!
As you can imagine, the budget is tight, so the family needs motivated and creative people who can do much with little. The family welcomes support in taking care of the children. They could use help with homework guidance, organizing activities for the children, or renovating the family’s living environment. Furthermore, they are especially looking for volunteers who are able to help teaching English. Education is key to escaping the precarious background most of these children come from. The family is looking for a teacher to continue their development of the English language and help with their homework. You are invited to come up with games and other activities to keep the kids motivated and teach them English. At this shelter, you won’t be a volunteer among many, but you will be part of this family: an authentic experience of Bolivian life!
Typical day
You might take Spanish classes from 8:30 - 12:30. You have to take a trufi - you will learn about that - to get to the school. After lunch, you will take a ride to the project. You need to hurry, because the kids coming in from school and you want to have Lunch with them.
After a short break - for the kids, not for you - they sit down and you will help them with their homework. Later you lead a small group that needs desperate help to catch up in English. You play simple conversation games and memory. Later - as you promised - you finally sit down and bring the FB page of the project up again, something that is on your list for days but as the kids are very demanding you didn't find the time yet. The Facebook page is key to raise funds, and you made awesome photos over the last days and load up interviews you made with the kids. They are constantly looking over your shoulder, asking you what you are doing and you know it only will take you a while, until you agree to play with them outside. Again, FB has to wait.
The afternoon passes quickly and at 5PM you take a Bus to the center, where you meet up with some friends to join the salsa classes you are taking for a couple of weeks now. After that you sit together in one of the many restaurants in the center drinking a glass of wine and wait to get home until the evening traffic is over.
Free-time activities
In Cochabamba you can find hospitals and western doctors, supermarkets, good mobile signal and a vast cultural life. There are National Parks nearby, sportstudios, museums and music-schools and yoga studios. Hiking-trails in the nearby mountains and trips to Villa Tunari and other Bolivian Hotspots.
Sightseeing
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Safari/
Zoo
Zoo
Hiking
Museum/
Opera
Opera
Sports
Yoga/
Meditation
Meditation
Requirements
In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
You need to speak English (basic level)
or Spanish (basic level)
required
at High School level
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
What's Included
Our one-time mediation fee includes:
- search and mediation for a suitable project
- preparation via Skype calls
- search and mediation for accommodation (host family and/or volunteer house)
- airport pick up and city tour; SIM-card; donation to the project; support with visa
- 24/7 contact to coordinator on site
- emergency support and hospital transport;
- evaluation of the project
- transport to your project (one-time)
Note: We offer an upgrade package (comfort class) for volunteers that need more support. This package includes more contact time. We take you more often to your project/Spanish classes, we offer 'airport drop-off' and there is extra time to explore Cochabamba. Naturally, this upgrade comes with a small price increase.
Which costs are not included?
- Flights
- Insurance
- Accommodation (we do offer accommodation in our volunteerhouse or host families for additional prices)
- food/meals and daily needs
- Spanish classes (possible)
We will send you detailed information about the costs of living you can expect in Bolivia.
Please note, that all the profit of Beyond South America goes to the foundation "Casa de la Alegría" providing therapeutic workshops for children and adolescence in social projects in and around Cochabamba/Bolivia
We will pick you up from Cochabamba Airport at any time and bring you to your accommodation at the first day of your arrival.
Good access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
Please arrange your own accommodation.
Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.
The nearest airport is J Wilsterman Airport (CBB) in Cochabamba. We assist you to find cheap flights to Bolivia.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Bolivia provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in Bolivia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Bolivia.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
Starting dates are possible throughout the year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
8 - 34 weeks
Program fees
8 weeks
(min. stay)
$840
34 weeks
(max. stay)
$840
Average fees
$65
/week
The organization charges its fees in EUR. The price table in USD is subject to currency fluctuation.
Beyond South America
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Your final payment will be agreed with Beyond South America during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
Why book with Volunteer World
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application process
- including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
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Flex Option
Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if Beyond South America cancels your trip
Support & Mediation
We cover your back no matter what happens
Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by Beyond South America.
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English Teacher and Caretaker
Help 13 adopted children by giving English lessons, homework guidance, organizing activities, or renovating the family’s living environment.
$58/week
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