Minga House Foundation has been supporting bilingual program since 2017 nationwide and recruits teachers for 154 private bilingual schools nationwide, but now we are finally providing our local rural community a volunteer-based bilingual program. Now that Kovid protocols finally permit sufficient native English teachers to travel and that the schools can hold class in person without wearing a mark and in a safe manner, we aim to guarantee a better quality education and to help Chinchina develop a bilingual workforce in order to create more opportunity for Chinchina's youth as Chinchina continues to connect with the rest of the world. Chinchina is the hub of the coffee region host to Latin America's largest instant coffee factory and Colombia's national laboratories for the Colombia Coffee Federation.
Our program identifies a lead teacher as the mentor for the visiting volunteers for each of the eleven participating schools (7 public, 3 private, 1 university). The participating volunteer native English speakers will assist the selected Colombian mentors by providing support in their English classes, lead cultural exchange activities, and help the teachers themselves to further develop their own English skills. Especial emphasis will be placed in helping youth and working professionals develop practical and relevant English language acquisition to be utilized in their day-to-day lives and that might lead to an improved quality of life for the individual as well as help develop a bilingual culture within the community.
Initially, our community program completely relies on short-term (30-90 days) volunteer participation. In the near future, we hope to be able to identify local & state government funding to provide a stipend for the foreign participants in order for them to be able to stay for longer periods of time such a full semester or school year as integral team members of their assigned schools and our community. We hope that by January 2023, Chinchina can count with such funding to roll out a more complete and long-term funded program. For now, Chinchina is ever grateful for the participation of our visiting volunteers.
For additional information about Chinchina Bilingue, reach out to Nicolle Piedrahita Mercado, Volunteering Assistant Coordinator - Volunteer@MingaHouse.org or WhatsApp +57 302-227-2984
Our program identifies a lead teacher as the mentor for the visiting volunteers for each of the eleven participating schools (7 public, 3 private, 1 university). The participating volunteer native English speakers will assist the selected Colombian mentors by providing support in their English classes, lead cultural exchange activities, and help the teachers themselves to further develop their own English skills. Especial emphasis will be placed in helping youth and working professionals develop practical and relevant English language acquisition to be utilized in their day-to-day lives and that might lead to an improved quality of life for the individual as well as help develop a bilingual culture within the community.
Initially, our community program completely relies on short-term (30-90 days) volunteer participation. In the near future, we hope to be able to identify local & state government funding to provide a stipend for the foreign participants in order for them to be able to stay for longer periods of time such a full semester or school year as integral team members of their assigned schools and our community. We hope that by January 2023, Chinchina can count with such funding to roll out a more complete and long-term funded program. For now, Chinchina is ever grateful for the participation of our visiting volunteers.
For additional information about Chinchina Bilingue, reach out to Nicolle Piedrahita Mercado, Volunteering Assistant Coordinator - Volunteer@MingaHouse.org or WhatsApp +57 302-227-2984
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Chinchina Bilingue is a community-based initiative supported by a growing collective of independent organizations. This program is the result of a long history of initiatives by community leaders who have wanted Chinchina to have a bilingual program. Thanks to their ongoing efforts and teamwork, Chinchina Bilingue is now finally born!
- Minga House Foundation
- Centro Educativo Menfis
- Alcaldia of Chinchina
- SENA - Escuela del Cafe
- Casa de la Cultura
- Colegio San Francisco de Paula
- Colegio Mitre
- Colegio Santa Teresita
- Colegio Santo Domingo Savio
- Colegio Eduardo Gómez Arrubla
- Universidad de Uniminuto
- Colegio El Naranjal
- Chinchina Bilingue proposed Project Details by Professor Jorge Londono of Colegio Santa Teresita in Chinchina - Download
- USA Trip Report - Professor Jorge Londono took his students from Colegio Santa Teresita to the USA for an exchange experience - view Presentation
Shared Tools & Documents
- Chinchina Bilingue - June 2022 - 1st cohort - Itinerary
- Sample Weekly Schedule Download
- English Immersion Week - Workshops (Spelling Bee, English Songs Festival, Debate Club, English Conversation Table, Tour Guide Challenge, Science & Fun, Global Sports, English Immersion Camp, and others. Got suggestions?
Sixth Team - March - May 2023 (6 Weeks)
In partnership with GoToCo of the United Kingdom and YMCA Colombia, the following awesome people will be participating in Chinchina Bilingue.
In partnership with GoToCo of the United Kingdom and YMCA Colombia, the following awesome people will be participating in Chinchina Bilingue.
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Name: Alice Adams
Age: Info Coming... Studies: Info Coming... Nationality: British Spanish Level: Intermediate Likes: Info Coming... Teaching Experience: Info Coming... Intro Text: Info Coming...
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Name: Amy Gray
Age: 22 Studies: 2.1 BA English Nationality: British Spanish Level: Beginner Likes: Love drawing, painting and anything creative! Teaching Experience: Tutored English online Intro Text: I am a highly motivated person who has just gained a degree at the University of Exeter. I am seeking
a position where I can combine my people-orientated nature whilst utilizing my strong communication skills. I am a very diligent worker who will always provide my best effort. |
Fifth Team - February - March 2023 (6 Weeks)
In partnership with GoToCo of the United Kingdom and YMCA Colombia, the following awesome people will be participating in Chinchina Bilingue.
In partnership with GoToCo of the United Kingdom and YMCA Colombia, the following awesome people will be participating in Chinchina Bilingue.
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Name: Luke Rogers
Age: Info Coming... Studies: MEng Engineering Science Nationality: British Spanish Level: Intermediate Likes: Info Coming... Teaching Experience: Provided fun and engaging ways to help troubled and mis-behaving students to learn Science, English and Math. |
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Intro Text: This presents a fantastic opportunity to begin travelling in South America safely and constructively. I am here to explore South America and meet new people, but I am also eager to work hard to gain the TESOL qualification in order to open up future teaching opportunities.
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Name: Ella Johnson
Age: 26 Studies: BSc Psychology Nationality: British Spanish Level: Beginner Likes: Anything creative really! Teaching Experience: Volunteer English Teacher |
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Intro Text: Most of all I am wanting to develop my self confidence both personally and professionally, whilst also exploring a new part of the world.
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Name: Joshua Adams
Age: 21 Studies: UAL Sound & Music Production Level 3 (A-Level) Nationality: British Spanish Level: Info Coming... Likes: Info Coming... Teaching Experience: Info Coming... |
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Intro Text: When it comes to the workplace; I am always optimistic, dedicated and passionate
to get the task done. I also like to believe that I am a very strong minded person, especially within stressful working situations. |
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Name: Shiraz Vapiwala
Age: Info Coming... Studies: MSt in Literature and Arts Nationality: Info Coming... Spanish Level: Info Coming... Likes: Swimming, Art History, Cheerleading, Travel, Badminton, Literature, Dance, Journalism Teaching Experience: Teacher of English and Media |
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Intro Text: An enthusiastic, dedicated and hard-working student and teacher who works effectively and demonstrates outstanding organizational, communication and leadership skills in a working environment. Enjoys interacting with people of all ages and working within a team.
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Name: Thomas Demirgil
Age: Info Coming... Studies: Product Design Bachelor of Art Nationality: Info Coming... Spanish Level: Info Coming... Likes: Long-distance running, reading. Teaching Experience: Info Coming... |
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Intro Text: I am an enthusiastic newly graduated Product Design student from Bournemouth University where over the
four-year study period I achieved a Second-Class Honors degree (upper division). Degree certification includes a year’s placement at Sarah Turner Eco Art and Design as a Design Assistant taking on leadership roles in content creation where online sales grew by 20% during this period. |
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Name: Matty Hill
Age: 22 Studies: Psychology 2.1 Nationality: British Spanish Level: Intermediate Likes: I play a lot of sports, mainly football and climbing. Teaching Experience: I have tutored year 10 and 11 students. |
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Intro Text: I would love to throw myself into a new experience. Hopefully develop my teaching skills, and also see a part of the world which is completely new to me.
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Name: Madeline O'Connor
Age: Info Coming... Studies: BA First Class Hons History Nationality: Info Coming... Spanish Level: Info Coming... Likes: Info Coming... Teaching Experience: Info Coming... |
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Intro Text: Learning languages and travelling to new parts of the world as well as acquire a qualification that will allow me to do more of those two things in the future are all motivating factors.
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Name: Yusuf Salih
Age: 21 Studies: History Nationality: British Spanish Level: Beginner Likes: Sports, cooking and baking, meeting new people, art. Teaching Experience: Tutored multiple primary school/KS2 students on a 1 to 1 basis, working with the charity to help disadvantaged children most at risk at falling behind in English or Maths. |
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Intro Text: I would like to formalize my skills in teaching and improve in that department. I would also love to further witness and explore new parts of the world and gain an appreciation for new cultures, languages and ways of life, whilst also making a positive impact on those I engage with.
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Name: Charis Mckeown
Age: Info Coming... Studies: Geography BSc Nationality: Info Coming... Spanish Level: Intermediate Likes: Info Coming... Teaching Experience: Provided educational presentations to help raise awareness of the importance of good sanitation |
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Intro Text: I would like the opportunity to visit Colombia and meet people from all different backgrounds. The opportunity to gain a TEFL qualification is also amazing and I would love to help the school children improve their English - even if just a little bit!
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Name: Osian Edwards
Age: 23 Studies: Bachelor of Science in Physics Nationality: British Spanish Level: Beginner Likes: Interested in all kind of sports Teaching Experience: I identified children that could benefit from having additional tutoring in mainly the core subjects. My role was to give weekly sessions to compliment the skills learnt in their lessons. |
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Intro Text: An ambitious, people-orientated Welshman looking to explore
and embrace exciting new cultures. |
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Name: Wilfred Griffin
Age: 19 Studies: Info Coming... Nationality: Info Coming... Spanish Level: Info Coming... Likes: Info Coming... Teaching Experience: I mostly work with year 2 and year 3 helping to improve their levels of Maths, English, Reading and Writing. As well as this I teach sport lessons to years 2-6. I particularly enjoy helping those who need extra support with their literacy and maths. |
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Intro Text: What matters to me the most and the reason for me taking part in Gotoco's program is the opportunity to immerse myself into another country and its culture whilst having a structure in the form of teaching. Which incorporates two key motives for my year out of formal education.
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Third Team - September - October 2022 (6 Weeks)
In partnership with GoToCo of the United Kingdom and YMCA Colombia, the following awesome people will be participating in Chinchina Bilingue.
In partnership with GoToCo of the United Kingdom and YMCA Colombia, the following awesome people will be participating in Chinchina Bilingue.
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Name: Tiernan Clarke
Age: 22 Studies: Psychology and Criminology Second Class honors, Division One from Swansea University Nationality: British Spanish Level: Beginner Likes: Rugby, Art, Comedy, Public speaking Teaching Experience: Teacher Trainee in Costa Rica Intro Text: A resourceful, conscientious and responsive to advice, young individual eager to use his skills which he
has picked up throughout his life, both in and outside of work, who is increasingly eager to learn more new skills. Having experience in multiple different occupations, including, delivering newspapers, administrative planning and teaching English from levels beginner to advance. I have proven to be an adaptable worker. |
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Name: Molly Cairns
Age: 23 Studies: Bachelors of Science Nationality: British Spanish Level: Beginner Likes: I love reading books, I also enjoy yoga, cooking and I love trying new dishes from around the world! Swimming, animals, art/painting, reading, yoga and baking. Teaching Experience: Info Coming... Intro Text: I am a highly motivated and hardworking individual. I have always enjoyed studying and working hard; I take
pride in carrying this resilience through to all tasks I am set. I particularly like working as part of a team and consider myself to be reliable, motivated, and pro-active. |
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Name: Adam Henderson
Age: 22 Studies: Bachelors in Computer Science Nationality: Scottish Spanish Level: Beginner Likes: Tennis, football, programming, site seeing. Teaching Experience: Info Coming... Intro Text: I am an approachable, articulate young man who works well in a team and with people in general.
I have very good problem solving and numeracy skills as demonstrated through my high math's and physics grades. I will give one hundred percent to any job that I am working on. I am a confident person, always happy to speak in front of a group and with people working at all levels. |
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Name: Courtney Hale
Age: 26 Studies: Bachelor of Science, Public Health Education Nationality: American Spanish Level: Intermediate Likes: Working with children, outdoors activities, arts and craft Teaching Experience: Volunteer Teaching Assistant, Conducted mock job interviews for students. |
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Intro Text: I am super excited to have the opportunity to work with children, I have a lot of volunteer experience and I'm really excited to see all the opportunities you have to offer.
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Photo Album of September/October 2022 Cohort
Second Team - July-August 2022 (6 weeks)
In partnership with GoToCo of the United Kingdom and YMCA Colombia, the following awesome people will be participating in Chinchina Bilingue.
In partnership with GoToCo of the United Kingdom and YMCA Colombia, the following awesome people will be participating in Chinchina Bilingue.
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Name: Philippa Gadsby
Age: 21 Studies: Info coming... Nationality: British Spanish Level: Advanced Likes: Info coming... Teaching Experience: Volunteer Teaching Assistant |
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Intro Text: Given my love of languages and drive to be useful in some way, this sounds like real fun. Furthermore, I could either improve my Spanish or learn about a new culture and language, which is interesting to me.
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Name: Karol Janiuk
Age: 21 Studies: History Nationality: Poland Spanish Level: Beginner Likes: Art, Music, Sports Teaching Experience: Personal Tutor, Debate Coach, Consulting coach |
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Intro Text: I would say the key thing for me is the ability to travel the world and get immersed in the local culture while having a fun summer. Gaining work experience is important but I care about the experience as a whole more.
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Name: Mathilda Denison
Age: 20 Studies: Physics - student Nationality: British Spanish Level: Intermediate Likes: Arts, Music Teaching Experience: I have experience in tutoring one on one as well as running larger group discussions, among these experiences I have tutored Spanish and so have developed my skills in teaching a language. Intro Text: This opportunity really caught my eye as a chance to broaden my horizons and experiences while also helping a community. When I travel I love to immerse myself in the culture, while I love sight seeing and experiencing the historical sights.
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Name: Muhammed Salih
Age: 20 Studies: History Nationality: British Spanish Level: Beginner Likes: Sports, cooking and baking, meeting new people, art. Teaching Experience: Tutored multiple primary school/KS2 students on a 1 to 1 basis, working with the charity to help disadvantaged children most at risk at falling behind in English or Maths. |
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Intro Text: I would like to formalise my skills in teaching and improve in that department. I would also love to further witness and explore new parts of the world and gain an appreciation for new cultures, languages and ways of life, whilst also making a positive impact on those I engage with.
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Name: Letitia Kansime
Age: 20 Studies: Global Sustainable Development & Sociology Nationality: British Spanish Level: Intermediate Likes: Theater, Public Speaking, Debating, Counseling Teaching Experience: Teach young children Maths and English, Repainted 2 whole schools (alongside those in my team), Spent time with infants in orphanages while delivering gifts and sanitary needs, Write out exams for children across 20 primary schools in the local area of Jinja, Uganda. |
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Intro Text: I am fully aware of the opportunities I have been given growing up in the UK, while growing up, I have seen and heard about atrocities many my own live across the world including in my home nation Uganda. It was due to this That it is my personal agenda to be able to use all of my privilege to make this world better for those that may not have as many opportunities as myself
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Name: Ross Hyde
Age: 19 Studies: Modern Languages (Spanish and Italian) - Student Nationality: British Spanish Level: Advanced Likes: Teaching Experience: Info coming... Intro Text: Teaching in a school seems one of the best ways to do this as it means I won't just be lazy on holiday. Being a new environment automatically means new things by extension; I'll be able to meet new people from different backgrounds, make friends, learn more about the world and have a great time! I love being in new environments and know from experience that this is an area I work well in, as I like being challenged. Therefore it seems like a great opportunity for me!
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Name: Noreen Taiba Azam
Age: 27 Studies: International Relations Nationality: British Spanish Level: Beginner Likes: Learning languages and arts Teaching Experience: Info coming... |
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Intro Text: After the completion of my degree I started working within the corporate world. This is when I realized teaching English and being abroad is the career path I want to take. As the love of travel and languages soon sparked again.
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Name: Gabriel Hamilton
Age: 31 Studies: Bachelor Degree in Integrative Studies Nationality: American Spanish Level: Beginner Likes: Working in team, yoga, teaching. Teaching Experience: Liaison between school administration, parents, and volunteers. Leading the charge in recruiting and on boarding volunteer tutors. - Facilitator of workshops for tutor coaching and family engagement. |
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Intro Text: I am excited to be part of your team in Chinchiná, I've been volunteering in Bogotá for a month to improve my Spanish level. I hope to see you very soon and to share this experience with you.
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Name: Hazel Peacock
Age: 25 Studies: Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Studies Nationality: British Spanish Level: Intermediate Likes: Outdoor activities, hikes, water sports activities. Teaching Experience: Classroom assistant in special needs school Intro Text: I love the outdoors and being active, particularly going on hikes
and doing water sports activities. I also love socializing, meeting new people and learning about new cultures. I also love doing art projects. I have skills in working with children with special educational needs. I am skilled in building relationships with people of all ages and working as part of a team. |
Photo Album of JULY - AUGUST 2022 Cohort
Founders - First Team - June 2022 (3 weeks)
In partnership with GoToCo of the United Kingdom and YMCA Colombia, the following awesome people will be participating in Chinchina Bilingue.
In partnership with GoToCo of the United Kingdom and YMCA Colombia, the following awesome people will be participating in Chinchina Bilingue.
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Name: Priya Kapur
Age: 20 Studies: German (C1) & Spanish (B2) Nationality: England Spanish Level: Advanced Likes: Wind surfing & sailing, plays piano, music instrument, drama & theater, public speaking Teaching Experience: Test Preparation in Spain; Tutoring in Manchester, Camp Counselor in Germany Intro Text: I think for me the main motivation is the opportunity to work and live in a foreign country and the experiences and skills gained through this. Thea formal qualification and work experience are additional benefits.
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Name: Izzy Urbanski
Age: 21 Studies/Profession: Bsc Economics with French Nationality: United Kingdom Spanish Level: Beginner Likes: Volleyball, Self-Defense, Language Teaching Experience: Some |
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Intro text: I hope to become a more confident and effective teacher so that
when I volunteer with the YMCA, I make a greater positive impact. I hope to have some positive impact on the Chinchina community - be this helping local teachers with their classes for a short time or teaching self defence to girls in the community. |
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Name: Lorena Davis-Mosquera
Age: 22 Studies/Profession: English Teacher Nationality: England Spanish Level: Advanced Likes: W Teaching Experience: Three years of part-time freelance online English teacher |
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Intro Text: I'm excited to be applying for the Colombian teaching fellowship to come out of my comfort zone and combine both my passions for teaching and traveling.
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Name: Bill Carroll
Age: 67 Profession/Studies: Special Education Nationality: United States Spanish Level: B2 Likes: Outdoors Activities Teaching Experience: 7 years in Alaska, United States and Puerto Rico. Intro Text: I just like helping children grow successful in life.
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Name: Melanie Boyer
Age: 32 Studies: Information Systems & Food & Nutrition (masters) Nationality: Ireland & England Spanish Level: Likes: W Teaching Experience: Camp counselor, French tutoring |
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Intro Text: I have a passion for sharing knowledge and inspiring students, and I am thrilled at the opportunity to make a positive impact on the community. This experience would be the perfect occasion to put my skills in practice as I have done some French tutoring work in the past.
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Name: Peter Sykora
Age: 28 Studies: University of Constantine and Method Nationality: Slovakia Spanish Level: Beginner Likes: Sports/Outdoors/Activities, languages. Teaching Experience: W |
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Intro Text: I would like to take part in your program simply because it's sound amazing and adventurous! I was looking for a change in my life for some time. I am young, active professional who is very open minded and motivated. I am open for new opportunities, to learn new things, new language, meet new people, live in new in different environment and culture.
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Name: Georgia Townsend
Age: 21 Studies: LSE - London School of Economics and Political Science Nationality: England Spanish Level: Beginner Likes: Teaching Teaching Experience: W Intro Text: The professional development aspect of a Fellowship in Colombia is therefore particularly attractive to me, however, am open-minded about any opportunity you may be willing to offer me with this year and will apply for a summer TEFL programme should this application be unsuccessful.
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Name: Lenka Selecka
Age: 29 Profession/Studies: Environment/Sales Nationality: Slovakia Spanish Level: W Likes: Outdoors Activities Teaching Experience: Was part of GotoCo program in China Intro Text: For me this is an opportunity to give something back to community.
After these last two years, that have been hard for many, I realized I want to challenge myself again and take on new skills, more knowledge and to share these further. To help motivate, and to create smiles. |
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Name: Alfie Whittington
Age: 22 Profession/Studies: Student - University of Manchester Nationality: United Kingdom Spanish Level: W Likes: Outdoors Activities, Academics. Teaching Experience: W |
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Intro Text: Coming to the end of my university degree I am very keen to try teaching, I have had some very inspiring teachers during my education and would love to be able to pass on the passion for learning which I have developed.
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Name: May Haithwaite
Age: 22 Profession/Studies: Waitress - Bishop Grosseteste University Nationality: United Kingdom Spanish Level: W Likes: Outdoors Activities, Music Teaching Experience: W Intro Text: The chance to move to a new and exciting place really appeals to me. To help children grow and flourish is something that I believe is so important and I think I would be quite good at it too. I have also been thinking about going into teaching for sometime now and this is the perfect opportunity to figure out whether I would enjoy it but more importantly if I am any good at it.
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Name: Justin John Ridilla
Age: 22 Profession/Studies: History major and Political Science minor at Shippensburg University Nationality: United States Spanish Level: Beginners Likes: Teaching, Reading, Music Teaching Experience: Teaching all subjects & grades |
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Intro Text: I value knowledge and love being in situations which encourage
the spread of cultural and social exchange. I’m expecting to inspire and help student accomplish their goals and I’m excited to experience something new and gain new teaching skills from this opportunity. |
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Name: Alenny M. Diaz
Age: 23 Profession/Studies: Bachelor in Psychology Nationality: Dominican Republic Spanish Level: Native Likes: Volleyball, Cars, Environment, Video Games Teaching Experience: None |
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Intro Text: Learn about the culture, help and contribute to the community
with enthusiasm and energy. |
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Name: Lorena Castillo
Age: 25 Profession/Studies: Chemical Engineering Nationality: Dominican Republic Spanish Level: Native Likes: Dancing, Swimming, Music (singing), crochet, hiking and all other outdoor activities. Teaching Experience: None |
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Intro Text: I want to help the community to grow and to be part of the resources given to achieve an integral development in the lives I
get to meet. At the same time I want to grow through the set of experiences one gets to live while volunteering. |
Photo Album of JUNE 2022 Cohort
English Immersion Week 2022
