Volontariato in Bolivia
Language, culture and voluntary work programme
This programme combines Spanish lessons and voluntary work in social institutions and national parks.
Volunteering offers a unique opportunity to experience the country, culture and population from the inside while doing a meaningful job. Volunteers must be independent, open minded, a minimum of 18 years old. You can of course choose to follow Spanish lessons without volunteering.
The country
Bolivia borders Peru, Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil and Chile. Its location at the top of the Andes range has led to the nickname "Tibet of the Americas". It is the highest and most isolated of the Andean nations.
Roughly twice the size of Spain, Bolivia possesses nearly every possible climate and terrain from snow-capped peaks of over 21,000 feet to the semi-tropical lowlands and steaming jungles of the Bolivian Amazon basin. Unfortunately, the country became landlocked in 1880 when it lost its coastline to Chile in the Pacific War.
Offsetting this missing element is Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable inland lake in the world. Handmade boats ply the crystal blue waters and the lake islands are known for pre-Colombian ruins. Besides great scenery, you will have the opportunity to see various exotic birds, plants and animals due to Bolivia's relatively sparse population, lack of development and diverse geography.
In fact, Bolivia is one of the best places on the continent to see South American wildlife including the rare spectacled bear, jaguar, llama, anteater, chinchilla and condor.
Perhaps more interesting than the physical landscape and wildlife is the "cultural landscape" of Bolivia. Although 95% of the Bolivian people profess to be Roman Catholic, over 50% of the population maintain traditional Indian values and beliefs. The absence of clergy in rural areas has led to the development of a hybrid Christian/Indigenous way of life. Visitors will meet wonderful people and lifestyles full of intriguing doctrines, rites and superstitions. Bolivia's phenomenal landscapes, colonial architecture, indigenous cultures and the legacy of its ancient mysterious civilizations combined with a relatively quiet political climate offer an extraordinary travel experience.
Sucre
In 1987 Sucre was designated by UNESCO as "Patrimonio Cultural de la Humanidad", a World Heritage site.
Sucre is a beautiful colonial, judicial capital located in a valley surrounded by low mountains in the Andean highlands of Bolivia. The town is known as the "White City of the Americas" due to its numerous colonial buildings, all of which are painted white and topped with shiny red tile roofs.
Sucre is small (pop. 150,000) so it is very easy to explore on foot. A university town, known as the centre of learning and progressive thought within Bolivia, Sucre has many museums, a lively central plaza, shops and restaurants. The city has a youthful, energetic feel despite numerous ancient mansions and old-fashioned colonial churches.
This charming colonial city and its nearby villages have a sizable indigenous population who maintain their customs and colourful dress. Locals and visitors are at-tracted to the markets where food, textiles and other products are sold. Nearby is Potosi, which was one of the most important silver mining centres in the world with the largest and richest population of Latin America. It is an integral part of Bolivian history.
Reasons for studying Spanish in Bolivia
Sucre is one of the most charming colonial cities in Bolivia.
Bolivia is the most Indian country in Latin America with about 50% of the population maintaining a traditional way of life.
Sucre is one of the safest cities in Bolivia.
Many of the world's climates and ecosystems exist within Bolivia.
Bolivia has a very low cost of living compared to Europe.
Sucre has many museums, old churches, parks, shops, restaurants and bars.
With cheap domestic airfares, Sucre is a great base to discover other parts of Bolivia.
The world’s largest collection of dinosaur tracks are located only 5 kilometres outside of Sucre. Here are over 150 varieties of tracks and over 5000 impressions from prehistoric times.
The school has three locations, in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. You can switch from one country to another at any time depending on vacancies.
After your Spanish course you can also choose to volunteer in any of these three countries.
For information about the other countries please mail to work@intermediateonline.com
The international language school
The school was established in 1999 with the following objective: "We are a professional institution, highly qualified and a leader in Spanish education for foreigners. Our mission is to give the best service, looking for the student's total satisfaction with quality study materials."
The school is located in the heart of Sucre, one block from the city centre and close to virtually everything of interest in the city. Classes are held in a 2-story building with seven classrooms, kitchen, video lounge, colonial balconies, an interior patio, a small area reserved for sunning, entertainment room and a beautiful cafeteria "El Café Quito".
The school has a capacity of 40 students. 50% of the students come from Europe and 50% from North America. The school is recognized by the Bolivian Ministry of Education. At the end of your studies, you will receive a certificate of completion. This Spanish programme is much more than a language course. It is an immersion into Bolivian life and culture.
Course philosophy
Upon arrival a placement test is taken and an evaluation made by both student and teacher. Test results and the timetable help the school to create the most profitable customized program.
Teaching staff
All teachers are native Spanish speakers and renew their teaching skills with special courses every year. The school chooses teachers for their ability to listen, their enthusiasm, kindness and patience, but above all for their love of teaching Spanish to foreign students. They all know how to motivate, develop and support the student’s curiosity and interest in the Spanish language, Bolivian culture and social life. They also know that the learning process continues outside the classroom.
Tuition
Students enrol for 4 hours of lessons a day for as many weeks as they want. There are nine levels, from absolute beginner to advanced.
Books and materials
All books and materials are provided by the school. Text books and guide books published by the school are supplemented by other teaching materials from universities around the world with an emphasis on grammar and vocabulary. The library is extensive and has many audio visual materials, newspapers and magazine articles.
Programmes
Intensive Spanish and culture
This programme consists of 20 Spanish lessons per week in groups of maximum 4 students. As part of the language program, the school organizes several social activities every week. In addition, students will find a daily schedule of cultural events in Sucre and surrounding areas, locations of theatres, museums, festivals. Activities can include visits to local areas of interest, dance classes, cooking classes, parties and fiestas, Spanish language videos and movies, seminars and discussion groups.
Please note that you may need to pay "out of pocket" expenses (bus fare, entrance fees, etc.). Home stay with a Bolivian host family makes it easier to learn the language and also gives you an insight into a typical family’s daily routine. This mixture of language and culture not only guarantees a solid language background, but also an understanding and knowledge of the country’s culture, politics and other social conditions.
Spanish and voluntary work
As with our programmes in Costa Rica, Peru, Ecuador and Guatemala there is the possibility of combining a language course in Bolivia with different kinds of volun-tary work. Voluntary work is arranged in kindergartens, nursing homes, local schools, children’s homes, orphanages, NGOs, museums etc. or national parks.
In the following text different possibilities are described. Volunteers must be willing to lend a hand wherever they are stationed. The work demands flexibility, initiative, maturity and drive. In return you will get a unique opportunity to get to know Bolivia from the inside.
The language and voluntary work programme consists of a minimum 2 weeks intensive language lessons with afternoon activities corresponding to programme A. Four weeks Spanish lessons are compulsory for beginners before starting volunteer work.
You will choose your voluntary work project or institution on the enrolment form. It is the volunteer work coordinator’s responsibility to ensure that your work will be a rewarding and instructive experience for you and for the organisation.
You will live with a Bolivian host family during the language course. You can choose to stay on with your family or move to a room in a self-catering apartment during volunteer work. If you work in a national park, you will be accommodated on the spot. A language and voluntary work stay in Bolivia not only gives you the chance to speak Spanish every day. Your volunteer activities contribute to the development of a country with great problems but greater potential.
Language program
All classes have a maximum 4 students per class, 20 hours per week. You will take part in highly structured grammar lessons, interactive activities, conversation and written exercises. Specific homework assignments are given daily and every student is evaluated and tested on a weekly basis.
Student groups are always on the same level of Spanish. The average number of students per class is 2. Teaching is based on the 4 language skills: listening, grammar, oral and written comprehension. No English should be used in class.
The first school day begins with an orientation session and a trip to town. You will receive information about the school, host family stay, the city and Bolivian culture. There are no lessons the first day.
Dates
Classes begin each Monday, all year round. The school closes on official holidays and from Christmas to the second week of January.
You should arrive on the Sunday before the start of your course.
Host families
Families belong to Bolivia's middle class, but be aware that living standards in Bolivia are lower than in Europe. Family homes are located in neighbourhoods usually no more than a 20 to 30 minute walk from school. You will need to be flexible to adjust to the Bolivian customs and way of life.
The home stay includes single room, half board (breakfast and lunch) bathroom and laundry service once a week.
Fees in Euro
| Lessons | Weeks | Euros |
| 20 | 2 | 584 € |
| 20 | 3 | 762 € |
| 20 | 4 | 940 € |
| 20 | 5 | 1118 € |
| 20 | 6 | 1297 € |
| 20 | 7 | 1475 € |
| 20 | 8 | 1653 € |
All prices include
Intensive language lessons with well-trained, competent and very motivated teachers.
Accommodation with carefully chosen Bolivian host families including breakfast, lunch and laundry once a week.
Welcome orientation and Sucre city tour.
Books and teaching material.
Initial test on arrival.
A certificate and level assessment at the end of the course.
Air port pick-up on arrival.
Access to the school’s activity program.
Free use of all the schools facilities.
Free access to e-mail.
Fantastic service and atmosphere!
Volunteer work
The volunteer programme is for anyone interested in learning about sustainable solutions to poverty. All volunteers work in partnership with local people in a variety of community-based projects. You will gain hands-on work opportunities, meaningful cultural immersion, and enriching language program. A description of volunteer work places follows.
Womens prison San Roque
Work with mothers and small children who live inside this women’s prison, and also with their older children who come to visit them over the weekends. Creative volunteers are needed here to teach or help with handicrafts, draw, sing and entertain the children or teach English.
Nursery home for poor children
This is a day-care centre open Monday through Friday. There are 30 children of prostitutes and saleswomen from the public market who would normally be home alone, locked in while their mothers work. These children are now in the care of the centre and receive breakfast and lunch. The children are from one to 6 years old.
You will work directly with the children and the educators, and take part in all the activities; help the children to paint, draw, cut paper, sing and dance, teach them numbers and colours and especially play with them. The home needs games, colouring books, paints, coloured pencils, paper and especially educational material. They also welcome powdered milk, clothes, shoes or toiletries such as shampoo, soap, body cream, etc.
Center with after school activities
This center offers free education to children age 6 to 16, living on the outskirts of Sucre. Their Indian parents have moved from the countryside, hoping for a better life in the city. Most parents survive by selling groceries at the marketplaces of Sucre.
About 40 children visit the centre every morning, in the afternoon and evening 90 to 100.
The center advises the older children about their future educational possibilities or teaches them a trade. There is medical assistance, food and leisure for them all. Volunteers can teach English, geography, mathematics and history and/or assist the staff with cooking, cleaning up the kitchen, painting the building or helping out with leisure activities like sports. The center closes during summer holiday, from the middle of December to the middle of February.
Culture foundation center
The objectives of this foundation are to develop reading skills from early childhood, make libraries more accessible and provide books to hospitals, prisons and marginal neighborhoods, organize book fairs and other events. The foundation has a Story House, to introduce reading to children and help them meet each other across social barriers, a Library open to both students and professionals, an Auditorium for artistic activities. There is also an Arts and Trades Room, for people with interest in the arts but no place to develop them, such as architecture and engineering students. Technical Shops are common spaces with carpentry, locksmith, electrical and binding areas for work done for the Foundation.
Volunteer activities in the various projects could be:
workshops in arts and crafts or ecological awareness for children 4 to 14
help in the library with book counting and inventory, re-shelving, book loan and return, cleaning books
register new readers with photo ID cards; take the photos, cut and laminate cards
homework help for students 7 to 18, especially math, social sciences, natural sciences and language
design posters and pamphlets, write newsletters; deliver materials around the city and through the media
help in workshops with furniture production, electrical installation and more
help in cafeteria, sell candy, prepare drinks and sandwiches
Volunteers can work in any area, according to their interests. Qualified teachers, librarians, project managers and craftsmen or students of all these are especially welcome, but there are no specific requirements beyond enthusiasm and a desire to volunteer here.
Kindergarten 1.
This kindergarten is located close to downtown Sucre. The center’s goal is to educate the children in a safe and secure atmosphere, encourage their cognitive development and prepare them to start primary school. The kindergarten also works to develop the children’s principles and attitudes towards responsibility, autonomy, respect, creativity and security. The center is for children who live on the outskirts of the city. Most come from families with very limited income. The centre currently serves 320 children, ages 4 - 5. There are eight well-qualified teachers to care for the children. The center really needs help to care effectively for the children and the staff is very keen to receive volunteers from abroad.
Volunteers will have to interact with the children as well as teachers. They will assist teachers in their classes by helping the children to draw, use scissors, sing, learn numbers and letters. They also play with the children during recess, take them to the bathroom, wash their hands, etc… Education material, pencils, pens, also colored marking pens or art pencils, storybooks, notebooks, educational games, etc. are very welcome.
Kindergarten 2.
This kindergarten is 5 minutes walk from the central square and from the language school.
This kindergarten’s goals are the same as above and focus primarily on the children’s principles and attitudes in a safe and secure atmosphere. Most of the children are indigenous and from very poor families who live on the outskirts of Sucre. There are currently 170 children of 4 or 5 years old in 3 first classes and two second classes taught by six teachers. Volunteers with a lot of energy, patience, creativity to play games and give love and attention to the children are needed. Volunteer tasks are also the same as above.
Kindergarten for handicapped children
The only kindergarten in Sucre that accepts handicapped children. Volunteer tasks will reflect this. You will help the staff and entertain the children.
Adult Psychiatric Hospital
This hospital offers excellent opportunities to gain experience for all those interested in the field of medicine. There are approx. 400 patients and a team of doctors, nurses, assistants, psychologists, therapists, physiotherapists and Bolivian medical students. Everything in this hospital is very clean and organized. Volunteers work mainly with patients, talking with them, helping with exercises, practicing sports, etc. There is a section for elderly patients who need help with wheelchairs, reading newspapers, eating and personal hygiene.
Hospital/orphanage for handicapped children
This hospital is run by priests. There are about 170 physically and mentally handicapped children age 1 to 17 staying here. They all come from poor families in rural areas. The children are not accepted at normal kindergartens or schools because of their handicaps. Volunteers help with physical therapy, play and participate in sports activities, or accompany the children on outings. They can help with homework and other activities at school. Working hours are morning, afternoon or fulltime.
Adoption center
This is a home for children between 0 and 6 years old, all waiting to be adopted. This is a well renowned home, mainly run by nuns. The home is close to the city centre, about 10 minutes from the language school. Volunteers take care of the children, feed them, play with them and do creative activities.
You must be fond of children, be energetic and ready to give these children the love and attention they lack. You may occasionally have to work during weekends.
Daycare center
This day care center is located in a rural area very close to Sucre. The center was created as a safe haven for children under six years. The center’s budget is too low to cover basic requirements, such as maintenance, infrastructure, playgrounds, equipment etc. The children come from poor families who have moved from the country to the city in search of better living conditions. Their mothers make souvenirs which are sold in rural markets and the fathers do any manual work in the city or have emigrated to Argentina in search of work. The center is open Monday to Friday from 7:30 until about 15:30. The children get 2 meals and a tea snack in the afternoon, and are well cared for and protected. At present there are 25 children from 0 to 6 years old, divided into three groups. Three indigenous women from a rural village take care of the children, feed and entertain them. They get a small salary from the government for their services.
Volunteers work with the staff, doing any odd tasks and creating activities for the children, such as painting, drawing and cutting paper, singing and dancing; also teach them numbers and colors, help them eat.
Refuge for wild animals
This is a non-profit organization caring for wild animals that have been in captivity. Volunteers work with the animals before returning them to their natural habitat. Machia National Park was developed on 36 hectares of land donated by the Bolivian government, and is now a protected area where volunteers from all over the world care for the animals. This safe haven is located near the town of Villa Tunari, 4 hours from Cochabamba on the road to Santa Cruz.
The park has 2 houses fully equipped for volunteers. Shared bathrooms have hot showers and a kitchen. Volunteers prepare their own meals. There are shopping possibilities once a week in the nearest town. Most volunteers prefer to eat at the local restaurants in Villa Tunari, a 5-minute walk from the Park. This foundation needs people who are interested in ecology, enjoy simple living and working with volunteers from many different countries.
Rain Forest Nursery Home
This is the only nursery home for indigenous communities in the area. For children 2 to 5 years old.
N.B. Yellow fever vaccine required for both the rain forest nursery home and refuge for wild animals. Volunteers should bring a certificate.
Jungle experience
A small indigenous community of 235 inhabitants still lives in the Amazon rain forest on the banks of the Beni River, at the edge of the Madidi National park, best known as one of earth’s greatest habitats of different species. The inhabitants of the village have built an amazing Eco-lodge with the support of international NGOs, a 15-minute walk from the village. The Eco-lodge is owned and operated by the people of San Miguel del Bala. The 7 comfortable cabins are spread around the forest and all have electricity after dark, bathroom and a little terrace. There is also a small restaurant and a traditional roundhouse with a shop selling local handicrafts, a bar and an exhibition about Tacana culture, ancient hunting techniques, production of natural medicine from plants and ecological processes.
As a volunteer you will teach English to adults or children. Knowledge of the language will enable them to communicate with tourists. There are also hands-on activities as you participate in the daily life of the Tacana village, visit families in their houses made of palm leaves and bamboo, process sugar cane juice, maintain paths, register animal, bird and plant species.
You will learn traditional fishing and hunting methods, even how to play native instruments.
In recent years the inhabitants have trained as cooks, artisans and guides for trekking tours through the jungle.
When there are tourists you will live, work and get international food with meat dishes at the Eco-lodge. In the absence of tourists, you will either be accommodated with other volunteers in a dormitory, or live with a host family in a cottage with shared bathroom. You will get 3 meals a day, mainly tropical fruits like bananas, papaya, pineapple, also fresh fish, mandioca or yucca, corn, rice and very little meat. The families eat and serve what they can grow, hunt or fish.
The San Miguel area is warm and humid, but in the winter months of June and July the cold Arctic wind, the Surazo, blows in from the south.
There are 2 seasons, the rainy season from December to April and the dry season from May to November. There is no electricity or telephone service in the village. You will find telephone, an internet café and ATM cash machines in Rurrenabaque.
Transport to the village will be organised by the school coordinator, while you follow Spanish lessons in Sucre. A village member will pick you up at a local airport and the last part of your trip with will be by boat, 40 minutes upstream from Rurrenabaque.
Accommodation
Accommodation during Spanish lessons is with host families, with half board (see page 3). Volunteers can choose to stay on with their host family during volunteering, or stay in a self-catering apartment. This apartment for volunteers has 3 bedrooms, shared bathroom and kitchen, living and dining room with cable TV. The accommodation costs in the apartment are lower than with host families, as food is not included. There is a small patio and a large garden. Bedding and towels will be changed once a week, although cleaning is not included. Alcohol, parties and overnight guests will not be tolerated.
For accommodation in national parks, see description of the national park and Jungle Experience volunteer possibilities.
Fees in Euro
Spanish lessons with private accommodation, single room and half board.
| Lessons | Weeks | Fee in Euros |
| 20 | 2+4 | 1179 € |
| 20 | 2+8 | 1595 € |
| 20 | 4+4 | 1952 € |
| 20 | 4+8 | 1892 € |
| 20 | 6+4 | 2308 € |
| 20 | 6+8 | 1475 € |
Spanish lessons with private accommodation and half board, and apartment during work.
| Lessons | Weeks | Fee in Euros |
| 20 | 2+4 | 992 € |
| 20 | 2+8 | 1222 € |
| 20 | 4+4 | 1349 € |
| 20 | 4+8 | 1578 € |
| 20 | 6+4 | 1705 € |
| 20 | 6+8 | 1934 € |
Spanish lessons with private accommodation and half board, and work in National Park.
| Lessons | Weeks | Fee in Euros |
| 20 | 2+4 | 1050 € |
| 20 | 2+8 | 1336 € |
| 20 | 4+4 | 1406 € |
| 20 | 4+8 | 1693 € |
| 20 | 6+4 | 1762 € |
| 20 | 6+8 | 2049 € |
Spanish lessons with private accommodation and half board, and work in Jungle Experience
| Lessons | Weeks | Fee in Euros |
| 20 | 2+4 | 1173 € |
| 20 | 2+8 | 1582 € |
| 20 | 4+4 | 1529 € |
| 20 | 4+8 | 1938 € |
| 20 | 6+4 | 1885 € |
| 20 | 6+8 | 2295 € |
Fees include
Intensive language lessons with well-trained, competent and very motivated teachers.
Accommodation during language course is with carefully chosen Bolivian host families and includes breakfast, lunch and laundry once a week. During social work accommodation is either with host families as during language course, or in an apartment for volunteers with access to kitchen. In national park accommodation as described.
Welcome orientation and Sucre city tour.
Books and teaching material.
Placement test on arrival.
A certificate and level assessment at the end of the course.
Airport pick-up on arrival.
Volunteer work mediation by the work coordinator.
Assistance during your volunteer work.
Plane ticket La Paz – Rurrenabaque – La Paz for work in the Jungle Experience.
Access to the school’s activity program during language course.
Free use of all school facilities during language course.
Free access to e-mail during language course.
Fantastic service and atmosphere!
If you follow Spanish lessons in Ecuador or Peru before volunteering in Bolivia, you should expect a fee for accommodation and 115 Euro for job mediation and the individual sponsor amount.
You can enrol by mailing the enrolment form to: work@intermediateonline.com
Please add a CV/resumé and a personal letter of motivation explaining why you are interested in working as a volunteer and stating any previous experience.
If you decide to extend your voluntary work period after arrival you can pay for extra food and accommodation directly to the coordinator at school.
Bienvenido a Bolivia Enrolment form Bolivia Please fill out in Spanish or English and mail to work@intermediateonline.com
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