Spain

Gap year Spain! Placements in Spain are located in the region of Castilla y Leon. The largest and most historic region in Spain, with 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Lattitude offices are based in Valladolid.

Placement roles

Language Coach

Language Coaching roles in Spain offer volunteers the freedom to develop imaginative lesson plans that encourage students to practice their English in a fun and supportive setting. The ability to adapt, think creatively and embrace a new culture will allow you to experience the wonderful traditions and customs that Spain has to offer.

Graduate Teaching Role

The role for Graduates as English teachers involves classes, sports and helping out with other activities on immersion programmes for children aged 10-14. English, outdoors and nature activities are combined, giving an opportunity to get immersed with the local staff and environments. All graduates are offered a training programme during the first week on placement to get you ready and set for an incredibly rewarding experience.

 

Placement details:

Lattitude volunteers in Spain will be based at a variety of schools from primary to high school level. They will officially adopt the position of English language coaches, but will often be in the position of planning and taking charge of lessons. You will work alongside permanent teachers and help with a range of activities, using your English skills to assist both students and teachers. Volunteers may also become involved with additional activities in the school, such as music or drama classes or sport, and occasional extracurricular activities and outings.

Spain has traditionally lagged behind other EU countries as regards language skills and resources have been made available to improve language learning and create so-called “bilingual schools”, where English is made a priority, to the extent that some regular school subjects are sometimes given in English, such as science, art or Phys. Ed. However, the teaching staff are still some way behind and contact between students and native speakers is encouraged to provide the opportunity to practice.

As a fluent English speaker, you will primarily be responsible for teaching English up to 12-15 hours per week. Overall you are likely to work 3-5 hours per day, 4-5 days per week.

 

Accommodation, food and allowance

All Lattitude volunteers in Spain will live with host families - the ultimate way to learn about culture, language, food and friendships from within. All volunteers will be given their own room and full board for the duration of their stay. Meals will likely be standard Spanish fare (amazing!), which is normally lunch at around 2pm, with a first course, second course and desert or fruit and the evening meal will be similar, at 8 or 9pm. Volunteers have to get used to this, as snacking during the day is much less common in Spain. Most Spanish families prepare food each day from fresh ingredients, with fish, meat, vegetables, pasta, rice and eggs.

 

Spanish families expect a degree of interaction most times, as they tend to be sociable and enjoy shared time in the evenings and meal times. With regards to practising English, volunteers should be expected to offer 3-5 hours English help per week with the kids at home, whether this be helping with homework, reading or playing games in English and it may also include helping other family members practice their English, although in a friendly and informal fashion. Host families will ALWAYS want to help our volunteers with their Spanish too, so reciprocal language learning is common.

Free time & travel:

 

Volunteering in Spain offers the chance to explore the whole Iberian peninsular, it is famous for it’s cuisine and stunning Mediterranean beaches.

The region is full of historical sites, with UNESCO World Heritage sites in Salamanca, Leon, Burgos, Avila, Segovia and then further afield, larger urban centres, such as Bilbao or Madrid are 60-90 minutes away.

There are football, basketball and handball teams which all have local support, cinemas, live music and a variety of social and cultural events every weekend throughout the region.

Dancing is very popular, with Sala, Zumba and similar classes available.

Just to the North, the beaches of Cantabria offer bracing weather and excellent surfing.

Costs:

Lattitude Application Fee – £50

The application fee covers the cost of processing applications and conducting interviews.
All applicants are guaranteed an interview. This fee is non-refundable.

Lattitude Placement Fee:

UK/EU nationals £2,450

Other nationals US$3450

 

What’s included?

• In depth matching process to align your skills and interests with a placement that really suits you
• Relevant DBS/police check fees
• Airport pickup on arrival and In-country orientation
• Part of country programme network of international Lattitude volunteers
• Day to day support from your placement host and a member of staff as your mentor
• Accommodation and food (provided by your host family)
• 24/7 support from Lattitude, including in-country support from the Lattitude Country Manager
• Focus on your personal volunteer learning and development
• Opportunity to join the Lattitude Alumni

Other costs

• International Flights
• Onward travel to placement (if applicable)
• Travel insurance
• Pocket Money for weekends/ holidays/post-placement travel
• Accommodation and food during holiday periods

Fundraising

As a charity we always recommend our volunteers fundraise to help meet the costs involved in volunteering overseas. In many ways it is part of the whole experience. For more information and fundraising ideas please click here

Placement Availability – 2021

Please contact [email protected] regarding availability for departure dates within the next 3 months to avoid disappointment

Spain can offer some flexibility regarding start dates & durations for certain placements, so please ask.

Hear more from Madeleine, Volunteer in Spain