The Cultural Exchange Project Travel Blog

Out Of The Shell, Into The Light: Volunteer Abroad in Spain

Written by Randy LeGrant | Dec 22, 2009 4:07:00 PM

Brandi Garrigus is excited and she has a Blog to prove it.  She joined the Conversation Corps and in March 2010 she will be headed to Spain to live with a family and tutor them in conversational English.  She will be on the Conversation Corps-Spain program for 2 months.

Brandi isn't waiting to arrive in Spain to start her Blog.  She has it going already.  If you're interested in the "process" when you join the Corps, subscribing to Out Of The Shell, Into The Light will give you a view into how it all plays out.

When Can I Join The Corps?
Conversation Corps runs all year long.

Do I Need To Know A Second Language?
It is always helpful to have at least the basics. After all, you are tutoring 15 hours a week.  One great aspect of the Corps is that you have free time to volunteer locally, attend language classes, cooking classes and become a part of the community. While a second language is not required, it helps.

Do I Need Teaching Experience?
No. As a member of the Conversation Corps you will be required to help your host family with their conversational English for a maximum of 15 hours per week. As part of our program fee, we provide each Conversation Corps member with an excellent text should you need more ideas for conversation. The goal for your family is to practice their conversational English. This is not about teaching them reading, writing and grammar. This program is about conversation.  We also provide a 24-hour hot line in case you need quick help and you receive premium membership at the ESL Lounge, to download as many ideas, worksheets and flash cards as you like.

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