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To surmount the situation of oppression, people must first critically recognize its causes, so that through transforming action they can create a new situation, one which makes possible the pursuit of a fuller humanity.
- Paulo Freire
The Mélida Anaya Montes English School is looking for volunteers who want to teach English in San Salvador, El Salvador. The school is dedicated to teaching English within a context that facilitates growth as human beings and contributes to the movement for social justice in El Salvador and the world. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity that provides a unique learning and hands-on educational experience. It is an experience that will undoubtedly be both challenging and rewarding and will shape the way you view the world.
Benefits
• Contribute to El Salvador's social movement in their struggle for justice.
• Assist adults engaged in the Salvadoran social movement (members of political parties, social and women's organizations, ex-combatants, etc.) in increasing their capacity for their work and struggle for justice. Also assist adults who are interested in gaining knowledge about current injustices and how they can support the struggle for a more just society.
• Gain practical and theoretical exposure to critical pedagogy and popular education techniques.
• Become aware of the structures that oppress the people of El Salvador.
• Be an integral link in the consciousness raising process.
• Be a part of the international solidarity movement.
• Engage in cultural and language exchange with Salvadorans.
• Make a concrete contribution to the development of El Salvador.
The CIS offers half-price Spanish classes to our English teachers. Also, after the initial 2 weeks of the Political Cultural Program, volunteers can continue to participate at half-price.
Logistics
• Small classroom setting with 7-12 students.
• Training provided for teaching English as a foreign language and Popular Education methodology.
• It is not a requirement that English teachers speak Spanish. For those interested, Spanish classes are available at half-price.
• Two free weeks of an intensive Political-Cultural Program to learn more about El Salvador. After the initial 2 weeks, volunteers can sign up for additional weeks at half-price (if there are 2 or more participants).
• Participation in a weekend excursion to various points of historical and cultural interest in El Salvador.
• Assistance in finding housing within a network of Salvadoran host families. (Monthly living expenses are estimated to be approximately US $400.)
• Minimum time commitment includes a 2-hour class that meets three evenings a week, a discussion group one evening a week, plus class preparation, teachers' meetings and workshops throughout the session (10-15 hours per week).
• Additional teaching and volunteer opportunities are available.
• English teachers must be fluent in English.
Dates for 2012 Sessions:
• 2012 Session 1: January 5 - March 2nd (stay an extra 11 days to participate in the 2012 CIS International Election Observation Mission! See our Election Observation Page for details)
• 2012 Session 2: March 22 - June 1st (No class April 2-5th)
• 2012 Session 3: June 14th - August 24th (No class August 6-9th)
• 2012 Session 4: September 6th - November 16th
These dates include a 3-day pre-service orientation and training for all volunteers.
To Apply
A $100 program fee is requested of accepted volunteers, which assists in covering the costs of transportation for excursions, the political-cultural program, and other educational/administrative costs. The program fee should be sent to our U.S. address (see left-hand column).
To apply, please submit a completed application and one letter of recommendation to
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or email us for further information. Priority will be given to applications received at least 2 months prior to the session start date.
What Teachers and Students Have Said
My English classes are a great opportunity to learn, I like so much the technique to teach all of our class to participate equally.
- Bessy del Carmen Zepeda, English School Student
Through the process of exchange you gain a profound understanding of how the history of this country has affected the people. It is a very genuine way of learning, of experiencing a country.
- Richard Caleb Pearshouse, Volunteer English Teacher
Concern for humanization leads at once to the recognition of dehumanization.... But while both humanization and dehumanization are real alternatives, only the first is the people's vocation. It is thwarted by injustice, exploitation, oppression, and the violence of the oppressors; it is affirmed by the yearning of the oppressed for freedom and justice, and by their struggle to recover their lost humanity.
- Paulo Freire
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