Description

On the European continent's Iberian Peninsula, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal ascended to the status of World Power during the "Age of Discovery," -- only to lose most of its wealth through subsequent foreign attacks. Overcoming recession and political instability, the country emerged in 1140 as the first nation-state (independent kingdom) in Western Europe, and has remained unified in language and culture.

Yet, although a founding member of NATO, OECD, and EFTA, Portugal still struggles with economic recession and the social pressures it causes. As a Global Volunteer, you provide a valuable resource to the inland city of Beja, a welcoming community striving to improve commerce and education, through her people...as a teacher of youth and adults in classrooms and municipal learning centers. No matter your background, your personal efforts are greatly appreciated!

Highlights

You're needed to teach conversational English to youth and adults. This is a fun and stimulating work project, and requires no professional teaching experience. As in all of Europe, English is an important tool for advancement on the world stage, but there are few opportunities for local people to learn from native English speakers in non-tourist areas. You can teach at elementary and secondary schools, libraries, municipal offices and remedial adult classes. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, and most teams are comprised of students and older adults.

You'll stay in a beautiful, safe family-run hotel with in-room television and wireless internet in the quiet business center near the city's primary cultural and historical attractions. You'll enjoy wonderful cuisine at area restaurants, and have ample time after the work day and on weekends to explore the areas' numerous educational and natural attractions.

Qualifications

If you are a native English speaker, have energy to work with youth, an open mind, and are willing to serve as part of a team and take direction from local leaders, you will make a positive contribution to this exciting volunteer program.

Minimum Education

High School

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

1 week: 2,595; 2 weeks: 2,795

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The service program fee supports the community's on-going English development programs, and also covers your meals, lodging, transportation within the work site, project materials, emergency medical and evacuation insurance, administrative costs, and the services of a trained team leader. All costs, including airfare, are tax-deductible for U.S. tax-payers.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Our volunteers' backgrounds are wide and varied. Approximately 60 percent of our volunteers are women. From teen to retiree, and student to judge, individuals of all walks of life have walked the path of a Global Volunteer. Volunteers typically share common characteristics such as flexibility, compassion, a sense of adventure, and most importantly, the desire to work with and learn from local people in the host community.

Age Range

all ages

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Scholarships are Available

Check with us throughout the year for information on fundraising, scholarship, and matching grant opportunities.

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

12 hours

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Global Volunteers's Mission Statement

Global Volunteers is a private, non-profit (501C-3) tax-exempt organization in consultative status with the United Nations working at the invitation and under the direction of local leaders to deliver the 12 Essential Services to partner communities worldwide. We engage short-term volunteers on long-term development projects to create, nurture and sustain the wellbeing of the world's children - so they can realize the full promise of their human potential. Each year, we mobilize up to 300 teams of volunteers to work alongside local people on work projects central to their advancement. We also raise funds to support our international and domestic partners and to provide sponsorships for educational, social and medical assistance.

Year Founded

1984