The concept of the El Nahual language school is heavily focused on students gaining a practical insight into the issues that currently affect the community in which we work. Outside of the scheduled class time and activities, students have the option to live with a local Guatemalan family situated close to the center and from whom they can learn first hand about local traditions, customs and values. This is an extremely popular option amongst students and many develop relationships that remain intact long after the period of study.
Through participating in the volunteer projects, students also have an excellent opportunity to put into working practice the concepts and expressions covered during class time. The level of integration into the projects differs from person to person and depends upon the level of Spanish spoken. For some students, the opportunity to be an “assistant” to a more experienced full-time volunteer is both a comfortable and practical means of interacting with the children. For those with more confidence in their Spanish capabilities, we do not set limits on the amount of ownership that can be taken whilst working on the projects! Below is a list of some of the roles that previous volunteers have taken:
- Assistant English Teacher
- Assistant Art Teacher
- Assistant Theatre Teacher
- Bicycle Repair Assistant
- Fundraising Event Organiser in Quetzaltenango
- Overseas Promotion
- Community Garden Assistant
- Construction Worker
- Publicity Awareness Leader
Our aim is for students to live through speaking Spanish be it in class time, at home or whilst working at the center.
NOTE: Upon completion of their studies, students lose the automatic privilege of working on our social projects. However, if during their time as a student at El Nahual a student has demonstrated the required level of maturity, initiative and capability for acceptance into the Volunteer only program, we are prepared to prioritize their application.
