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Fantastic 4.56rating (10)

Teach English Skills to Rural Communities

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Experience authentic rural life in a peaceful Colombian community surrounded by nature.
  • Improve your Spanish while living with a local host family and sharing daily life and traditions.
  • Strengthen your CV with meaningful international experience focused on real social impact.

Highlights

  • Experience authentic rural life in a peaceful Colombian community surrounded by nature.
  • Improve your Spanish while living with a local host family and sharing daily life and traditions.
  • Strengthen your CV with meaningful international experience focused on real social impact.
  • Support community projects that benefit more than 2,000 children, youth, and families.
  • Explore Colombia on weekends, from mountains and rivers to vibrant cultural towns.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Help rural children learn English in a calm, authentic community. Your support strengthens their confidence, opens new opportunities, and helps families stay united.

    Children and youth in rural Colombia face limited educational opportunities, especially in small villages where schools lack staff and resources. Teaching English is a powerful way to expand their future possibilities, strengthen their confidence, and help them understand that they can build a ...

    About the program

    Children and youth in rural Colombia face limited educational opportunities, especially in small villages where schools lack staff and resources. Teaching English is a powerful way to expand their future possibilities, strengthen their confidence, and help them understand that they can build a meaningful life within their own community.

    Volunteers support local schools by assisting teachers, leading English lessons, and creating interactive activities that make learning enjoyable and accessible. Your presence helps students develop communication skills, broaden their worldview, and improve their chances of accessing higher education and better job opportunities.

    In addition to English lessons, volunteers can contribute through sports, arts, music, crafts, environmental education, and workshops on topics such as child protection, nature conservation, and healthy lifestyles. Older students may also receive support with technical skills, entrepreneurship ideas, and career guidance.

    Schools operate from 7:00 am to 1:00 or 3:00 pm, and volunteers typically assist from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.  School breaks occur during Easter, the first week of October, two weeks in June, and from December to mid-January. During these periods, volunteers continue supporting community projects and youth activities.

    In addition to participating in this project, volunteers can join other community initiatives at no extra cost, such as the youth center, the elderly center, or the program supporting people with special needs. This flexibility adds dynamism to the experience, allowing volunteers to explore different social environments and avoid the monotony of working in a single setting. By combining activities, volunteers gain a deeper cultural exchange and a more comprehensive understanding of community life in Colombia.


    Typical day

    A typical day depends on the school and the volunteer’s schedule, but it usually follows this rhythm:

    • 6:00–6:30 am – Wake up and have breakfast.

    • 6:50 am – Walk or normally the coordinator will drive you to the project site.

      • San Javier School: 260 students, 15 minutes walking.

      • Francisco Julián ...

    Typical day

    A typical day depends on the school and the volunteer’s schedule, but it usually follows this rhythm:

    • 6:00–6:30 am – Wake up and have breakfast.

    • 6:50 am – Walk or normally the coordinator will drive you to the project site.

      • San Javier School: 260 students, 15 minutes walking.

      • Francisco Julián School: 2,000 students across four blocks.

    • 9:00 am–12:00 pm – Assist with English lessons, classroom activities, and small-group support.

    • 12:00 pm – Lunch break.

    • Afternoon – Free time, sightseeing, or optional support at the Youth Center.

    • Evening – Relax with your host family and enjoy community life.

    Some volunteers combine morning teaching with afternoon activities for youth or people with learning disabilities.


    Free-time activities

    La Mesa offers a peaceful rural environment surrounded by mountains, rivers, and waterfalls. Volunteers can enjoy nature walks, birdwatching, swimming spots, and scenic viewpoints such as La Cruz Peak or the Apulo River trails. Nearby towns like Anapoima, San Antonio del Tequendama, and Mesitas del ...

    Free-time activities

    La Mesa offers a peaceful rural environment surrounded by mountains, rivers, and waterfalls. Volunteers can enjoy nature walks, birdwatching, swimming spots, and scenic viewpoints such as La Cruz Peak or the Apulo River trails. Nearby towns like Anapoima, San Antonio del Tequendama, and Mesitas del Colegio offer local markets, traditional food, and cultural experiences.

    The region also includes natural attractions such as the Orchid Sanctuary and the Tequendama area, known for its landscapes and biodiversity. On weekends, volunteers may explore Bogotá’s museums, restaurants, and historic neighborhoods.

    For those interested in adventure, optional weekend trips can be arranged to visit caves, waterfalls, coffee and sugar cane farms, or other regions of Colombia such as Santander or Boyacá. Some volunteers choose to travel further during longer stays, visiting destinations like Tayrona National Park, Cartagena, or Caño Cristales.

    The climate in La Mesa is warm and pleasant year-round, making it ideal for outdoor activities and cultural immersion.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak Spanish (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    CV, Criminal Background checks, Vaccinations, Photocopy of Visa and Travel Insurance.

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Volunteers should enjoy working with children and be open to rural community life. Creativity, patience, and good communication skills are very helpful. Experience in teaching, sports, arts, music, or youth activities is a plus but not required. Volunteers who appreciate nature, cultural exchange, and community projects adapt very well to this program.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 12:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    What the fees pay for: 

    Donations for the project site and 24/7 support from the coordinator. 

    Hosting:

    Accommodation in a single room if fewer than 6 volunteers or a twin bedroom only two per room if more than 6 at once. 

    Food: 2 meals M-F. 1 on Saturday, 0 Sunday. 

    1 local tour, Orientation, and first-day guide to the project site.

    Internet free wifi,

    Washing Machine, 

    Fresh fruits from the gardens.

    Pick up from the Airport.

    All Administration costs are included

    Important: Program fees are charged differently depending on your region.

    • Volunteers from Europe: Fees are charged in EUR.  

    • Volunteers from outside Europe: Fees are charged in USD.

    The USD amounts shown on Volunteer World are automatically converted by the platform and may vary slightly due to exchange rates.  

    Your final fee will be confirmed directly with the organization in the appropriate currency (EUR or USD).


    Airport Pickup at El Dorado International Airport

    We provide airport pick-up at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá.  

    Due to Bogotá’s driving restrictions (“pico y placa”), we can only drive on even-numbered days.  

    For this reason, volunteers should plan their arrival for an even day of the month.

    Please note that these driving restrictions are set by local authorities and may change without prior notice.  

    If your flight arrives on an odd day, we will help you arrange a safe alternative transfer or suggest adjusting your travel date when possible.


    Accommodation

    The volunteer accommodation is located at the Volunteer in Colombia headquarters in Paraíso Village. It is a small, peaceful country house surrounded by mountains, gardens, and a nearby river. The bungalow can host up to 7 volunteers at the same time and is connected to the coordinator’s main house.

    We offer:

    • 3 single bedrooms (available when requested or when fewer than 6 volunteers are staying)  

    • 1 twin room for two volunteers  

    • 1 double bedroom for a couple or a single volunteer if needed  

    All rooms are well‑decorated and include a desk, lamp, electricity, and access to hot and cold showers in two shared bathrooms. Bed linen is provided; volunteers only need to bring their own toiletries.

    Shared spaces include the gardens, dining room, and kitchen. The volunteer bungalow also has a small sitting area for relaxing or reading.

    Because this is a rural environment, volunteers should be prepared with:

    • light, long‑sleeved clothing  

    • insect repellent and sunscreen  

    • a hat and a flashlight for walking at night  

    • dark‑colored clothes (laundry is done with cold water)  

    The area is very quiet and tranquil, ideal for reading, writing, or enjoying nature. Volunteers may encounter small country animals such as crickets, spiders, mosquitoes, birds, and harmless insects. Bringing books, movies, or personal entertainment is recommended.

    Food & Beverages

    Meals provided are home‑cooked and based on traditional Colombian cuisine. Food is prepared with fresh local ingredients and reflects the simple, healthy diet of rural communities.

    We provide two meals per day from Monday to Friday:

    • Breakfast: eggs, hot chocolate or coffee, cerea or bread or toast  

    • Dinner: a home‑cooked meal including vegetables, rice or pasta, salad or soup, and meat or chicken . Normally is lighter than lunch.

    On Saturdays, one meal is provided. No meals are offered on Sundays, giving volunteers the flexibility to explore local restaurants or cook their own food.

    Volunteers may use the kitchen and BBQ area in the evenings or on weekends if they prefer to prepare their own meals.

    Any additional food or meals eaten outside are not included in the program fee.

    We can accommodate basic dietary preferences when informed in advance, although options may be limited due to the rural setting.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogota. We assist you to find cheap flights to Colombia. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Colombia provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Colombia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Colombia. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Volunteers arrive on Saturdays or Sundays and begin the program on Monday. Please note that driving restrictions in Bogotá allow transportation only on even-numbered days, so we recommend booking your arrival accordingly.

    The program runs throughout the year, except during school holidays. During breaks, volunteers support community projects and youth activities.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $299 per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    4 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet

    4.56
    10 reviews

    Location


    Meet your project coordinator

    Blanca
    10
    reviews
    4.56
    Fantastic
    2014
    Founded

    Verified

      Excellent response rate
    Spoken languages: English, Spanish
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

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    Contact Blanca
      Excellent response rate
    English, Spanish

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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    Price details