Program Overview:Benefits:
Travel for less.
You put in a couple of hours each day literally talking, and the rest of your time is spent traveling and experiencing the culture and nature in the Galapagos in depth.
Do you want to learn Spanish or brush up on your language skills? We can easily arrange optional language classes for you. It's up to you.
Tip the advantage to you by enhancing your resume by volunteering with the Conversation Corps. Job: "Private Language Tutor." References: Global. It just doesn't get any better than that.
You "meet" your family in advance through email and phone calls. Each family is interviewed and carefully screened by in-country staff.
Exclusive materials written by GeoVisions staff will give you "a bag of tricks" as you engage your new family.
Join our Facebook Fan page and begin the conversation now. And when you come back, our Returnee network is a great place to share your experiences.
This is a high-energy and really fun position. GeoVisions provides the materials; you provide the personality to liven up a family class or dinner conversation! Find out first-hand how an Ecuadorian family lives day-to-day in the Galapagos. Sometimes there are opportunities to take part in family activities and to meet extended family. Plus, they can show you landmarks and the hidden gems of the Galapagos Islands.
Conversation Corps volunteers must be native English speakers. They need to have earned a high school (secondary school) diploma or certificate, be in good health and abide by the family’s rules and habits. Placements are available year 'round and range in duration from one to three months.
Duties and Responsibilities include:
Sharing your language with the host family for at least 15 hours a week Monday to Friday.
Using GeoVisions' Bag of Tricks, provide creative, fun and informative language sessions.
Keep your room tidy and clean and respect the host family’s rules and habits.
Manage your own personal expenses (telephone bills, clothing, entertainment and spending money).
Be available to help the children with their English homework.
Play games in English with the children.
What You Get For Your Program Fee:
Personalized Volunteer Placement with a host family on the islands of Isabela or San Cristobal, including all the coordination, in-person visits and communication necessary with the local organization in the Galapagos and on the mainland.
Your in-country orientation by a local coordinator held in Quito with a 1/2 day walking tour.
A comfortable, safe place to live on Isabela or San Cristobal, your own private room, breakfast, lunch and dinner M-F, Breakfast and dinner on weekends, and transportation from the airport to your host family. Airfare from Quito to the Galapagos roundtrip is included in your program fee.
Local boat transfers.
An experienced U.S. based GeoVisions Program Manager (and former volunteer with GeoVisions) who will serve as your coordinator and liaison with our in-country staff in the Galapagos.
In-country basic language assistance and (optional) language classes.
Professional, locally-based staff to provide orientation, supervision and guidance throughout your stay.
Extensive medical, accident and dental insurance along with emergency evacuation insurance, applicable to GeoVisions' participants worldwide.
Important documents, including in-depth pre-departure packs, orientation information, and all in-country informational materials.
Country-based airport transportation.
A toll-free 24-hour emergency hotline in the U.S.
Premium membership at the esl-lounge.
Our own text book, A Tutor's Guide--Teaching English To Families and Children.
The President's Volunteer Service Award including a lapel pen, letter from the President of The United States and certificate.