Description

The "Pablo Pizurno School" is situated in a village called "Los Sarmientos" about 4 kilometers from downtown Chilecito. It is a primary school with about 340 pupils who attend in different shifts (mornings and afternoons). The school building is comfortable and there are more than thirty teachers. Besides the headmistress there are administrative officers and cleaning personnel.

The pupils´parents usually work in the vineyards/farms or they are civil servant workers. They are mostly lower middle class people, although some families are very poor. The village of Los Sarmientos is a small, picturesque district. Here you can visit the oldest Jesuit chapel in the region, built at the beginning of the 18th century. It has been declared a Historical National Monument.

Volunteer´s work

Though English is officially taught in most primary schools there are some that don't have paid English teachers. The "Escuela Pablo Pizurno" is one of those. Fortunately teaching English will be included in the curricula from next school year. Talking with the Headmistress, The Experiment Local Representative was told that Volunteer English Teachers will be warmly welcomed at the school.

Their task will be:
* Teach English at elementary level to pupils from 6 to 11 years old.
* Help the school English teacher in specific teaching tasks that he/she might need.
* Help other teachers in recreational activities.
* He/She may teach traditional or modern English songs and short poems.
* He/She has to get involved in school activities such as attend meetings, help prepare school celebrations, etc.

Highlights

Educational opportunities

Besides primary and secondary schools, there is a National University where students can study Agricultural Engineering, Law, Social Communication, Economics and Computer Sciences . There are also different teaching careers here students graduate as teachers for secondary education in such subjects as Spanish Language, History, English and Mathematics. Or they can choose to be teachers for kindergarten or primary schools. The University welcomes students from abroad.

Housing

Housing will be with families where volunteers will be treated as members of those families. Therefore, she (he) should behave accordingly.She/he will be expected to be home for lunch and dinner and to help in some chores around the house. She/he might have to share a bedroom with a daughter or son. And almost for sure they will have to share the bathroom. Families are very kind and they will be proud to have a student from abroad in their house.

Weekend and extra curricular activities

Young people can enjoy themselves going out with friends, dancing in discos, having picnics, etc. It is very common to go to a friend's house to listen to music or watch films in good company. Sightseeing and going up the mountains along winding paths or routes is perhaps the most rewarding experience. There are wonderful places not far from Chilecito. The area is also rich in historical monuments or references from both the Indian and the Colonial times.Folk music and dances and traditional food are always present in festivals or celebrations. As for sports, you can practice tennis, hockey, football, basketball, volley, cycling, walking, swimming (only in summer time).

Qualifications

Requirements
* Age: minimum 18 years old, 19 for US citizens.
* Native English speakers.
* Other nationalities will be accepted provided they have an ESL diploma or similar degree. Students with a good command of the English language will be also admitted.
* Candidates should speak Spanish at an intermediate level.

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

Cost Includes:

• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Academic Reinforcement
• Education
• English Teaching
• Primary Education
• Teaching

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Resume
• Written Application

Post Services Include

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

Volunteers for International Partnership's Mission Statement

Volunteers for International Partnership offers each international volunteer an opportunity to learn a culture from the inside while doing valuable community service, peer to peer, in a stimulating new environment. VIP is committed to: *Careful selection and preparation of the volunteer, host family and Host Organization. *Emphasis on the education and self-awareness gained through international community service and volunteering. *Planning the volunteer's intercultural experience to highlight enrichment from cultural differences. *Full immersion in the host culture through orientation, language training, worksite and housing selection. *Individualization of volunteer placement design to take full advantage of volunteer differences in skill, age, experience and diversity. *Effective evaluation of the experience and the Host Organization. *Strong efforts to enhance the volunteer's social adjustment to regional habits and customs. *Choosing volunteer service projects that are worthwhile, safe, meet the needs of the local community and are conducted responsibly with regard to environmental, social and local issues.