Learn Spanish and Volunteer in Venezuela

Jakera Student

5 & 8 Week Programs

Volunteer Programs

Learn Spanish and Volunteer - 5 Week Program

Another award winning program! Based in either Merida or Playa Colorada this program involves combining the Intensive Spanish program for week 1 followed by 4 weeks of Volunteer Work in either Merida or Playa Colorada (depending on location of work placement - see examples below).

This program is well suited to students with an established level of Spanish proficiency who are ready to hit the ground running... after one week of Intensive Spanish lessons you will be placed on your chosen volunteer assignment where an ability to communicate will be required!

Students may enrol in this program at either our Posada in Merida (start date every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month), or our Caribbean Lodge on Playa Colorada (start dates Travelling Classroom start dates ONLY).

Prices include: Intensive Spanish lessons (20 hours in first week) PLUS 10 hours additional Spanish lessons per week during volunteering weeks, volunteer placement and support, accommodation in either Merida or Playa Colorada for length of program, breakfast and dinner*, airport pickup and transfer to Merida or Playa Colorada as appropriate.

* Students have use of kitchen facilities at to prepare own lunches and snacks...

PROMO VIDEO >>> Learn Spanish & Volunteer

Program Price: USD $995 USD / EURO 695 1 week Intensive Spanish and 4 weeks volunteer work* (5 weeks total)

Includes 20 hours Spanish lessons during the first week AND 10 hours Spanish lessons during weeks 2-5 AND 4 weeks volunteer work experience AND accomodation, breakfast and dinner throughout....

Upon completion of the 5 week program, students may extend for additional weeks 'volunteering only'. The weekly price inclusive accomodation breakfast and dinner is USD $ 215 / EURO 135

* Volunteer/Work Experience Placements - Examples:

Street Kids - Fundacion Don Bosco del Nino

(based in Merida) aimed at helping kids from particularly difficult circumstances. Many are street kids - and the aim is to get them off the streets and into a safe supporting environment. There are three-stages to this difficult task: Stage 1 'Off the street' - The school provides food, clothes and shelter. Stage 2 'Making a Connection' - Helping educate the children, including: social education, elementary school curriculum, physical education, art and craft classes and extra activities. Stage 3 'The Next Step' - Foster homes. Eventually the children are offered the opportunity to return to family life. A variety of chosen families are ready to take kids into their homes and a new life.

ABANSA

(based in Merida) is a charity association for the assistance of abandoned children established in 1985. A Christian Organization focused on being an efficient alternative in the prevention of juvenile delinquency and maladaptation of tomorrows grownups, providing assistance to orphans, abandoned children, children living under precarious circumstances or needing special attention. The Association was created understanding the importance of such assistance as cities grow and with it the number of people living in extreme poverty increasing the number of abandoned, mistreated and sexually abused children. For more information see: www.abansa.com

Zoo / Aquarium - Chorros de Milla Zoo

(based in Merida). This was initially a zoo created as a tourist attraction but has now developed into an animal sanctuary helping injured and sick wild animals. All injured and sick animals are cared for with the ultimate goal of returning them to their natural, wild habitat.

'Jakera Club'

(based in Playa Colorada). This was started in 2002 and is based in the fishing village of Playa Colorada where our Caribbean Lodge is situated. Projects include replanting of trees in the surrounding hillside (to help prevent landslide), marine conservation at La Piscina and working in a wild animal sanctuary. We work closely with the local community to make Playa Colorada a fun place for all to enjoy – we also organize games and events and help to keep the beach and recreational areas clean and safe. One off projects have included building a community centre, small base ball stadium, volley ball court and help maintain the football pitch. Local volunteers and students, tackling a different theme each day of the week, work together to make this a very rewarding and successful program.

Warao Indian School in the Orinoco Delta

(program starts in Playa Colorada) - teaching assignments based in Orinoco Delta Lodge. This School was started up to give the children of the families living in the vicinity of, and working at the lodge, a better chance to integrate into our society, and also to teach them their own Warao culture. Students assist local teachers in the daily activities and lessons. In addition students are expected to help out in the lodge in the evenings. This placement is not suitable for everyone as it is in a remote location without access to internet, nightlife and Jakera colleagues!

As well as placements with established non profit organisations we also collaborate with local people on one-off projects such as creating a beach volley ball pitch or painting a school fence.

Email info@jakera.com for more info and application details.

PHOTO GALLERY >>> Playa Colorada Merida Volunteering