Volunteer work
If you like to practice Spanish while being involved in a work situation and you don't expect to be paid, you can sign up for volunteer work at our Center.
Idealistic - Work Experience - Internship
You can either do volunteer work because you like to offer your services to an organization with the aim to help them (idealistic), or because of the sheer fact that you are interested in observing and learning how things are done differently in a culture other than your own (work experience). Furthermore a reason to sign up for volunteer work can be because your studies require you gain work experience (internship) as part of your studies.
The options for volunteer work listed below might seem mainly suitable for students with idealistic considerations, however if it is work experience or an internship that you are looking for, don't hesitate to write us at info@spanishbythesea.com . We will do our best to find a position that fits the requirements of your job or studies.
· 1. Sea Turtle conservation.
· 2. At Spanish by the Sea.
· 3. Day care.
· 4. Old people's home.
· 5. Recycling Center.
Sea Turtle Conservation.
With less stringent enforcement of environmental regulations in Panama, much of the turtle conservation work in Costa Rica is being undermined in Panama. The turtle's traditional movements along the coastline bring them also to Panama and research has shown that a huge number of turtles protected in Costa Rica are being killed in Panama.
Tasks
A normal day of volunteer work starts at 10:00 p.m. You will join a small team that sets out to patrol the beaches for egg laying turtles. Upon contact you will tag, measure and monitor the turtle. Depending on the turtle's location you may also relocate the eggs to a hatchery for a safer location. Depending on the number of turtles, patrols stop between 5:00 and 6:00 a.m. A late breakfast allows you to settle down for the rest of the day and relax to the sounds of the jungle backdrop. You might want to use this time to study some Spanish.
When
March till end of June. You can do volunteer work before or after your Spanish language study. It is required you work for at least three days in a row.
baby turtles
Costs
Be prepared to pay $16 as a one time payment for the entrance to the national park and than $20.00 per day to the local organization. This $20.00 is paying for the accommodation and 3 meals a day. A minimum commitment of 3 days is requested, although sometimes exceptions can be made and you might be able to just help out for one night. For more information write: turtlevolpanama@yahoo.com or call: +507 – 65842451 and try to get in touch with Clara. She is busy most at the time, but if you leave a message, she will get back to you as soon as possible. If you can’t get in touch with her before arrival in Bocas, don’t worry, it still can be arranged once you are here!
Requirements
No previous experience or foreign language skills are required, but you must be able to work as part of a team, have a strong interest in wildlife and conservation and be respectful to the local community. Conditions are basic.
At Spanish by the Sea
Besides the contracted people that work at the school for long term, we depend on volunteers. We don't want to take away jobs from locals, but it is hard to find good personnel that speaks various languages. We continuously need people who can run café, the reception desk, or who can help organize excursions and volunteer work and sort out school materials.
Tasks
Depending on your needs and your skills, you will be asked to either work in the office, the café or outdoors. Volunteers work half days from Monday till Friday and one day in the weekend. Our morning schedule is from 7:30 till 12:30 and the afternoon schedule is from 12:30 till 17:30. A weekend day is from 7:30 till 19:30. In exchange for this work you have a place to sleep, cook, check your email, wash your clothes and we also schedule free Spanish lessons and some free excursions for you.
When
Year round
Requirements
You must have a basic level of Spanish and English. Furthermore, you should be able to work as part of a team and be interested in the Spanish language and be service orientated.
Day care
The daycare that has been established with a donation from an Israelian organization and sponsored by the Panamanian government, is very happy with any help they can get for the 3 different age groups they have. The children stay there from 7:30 a.m. till 12:30 am and sometimes until late in the afternoon. By volunteering for the day care, you make it possible for Panamanian mothers to have a job and be independent.
Tasks
You will be asked to work from 8:00 a.m. till 12:30 a.m. and stay for at least one week, so the children have time to get to know you well and they don't see a different person each day. You can help by playing with the children, cleaning up, and serving out the food, among others.
When
Year round, except holidays (half December till half February and begin July till half July)
Requirements
No previous experience or foreign language skills are required. Please dress properly (no slippers, shorts pants or skirts and no tank tops please).
Old people's home
The circumstances in the elderly home might be quite different from what you are used to back home, especially with regard to the housing. You can do things like talking to people or playing cards or help serve out the food at certain times of the day.
Tasks
Every afternoon at 16:00, there is a possibility to go to the elderly home to read a story to the elderly people. On Wednesday a missionary from the Catholic Church visits the people and sometimes prepares other activities in which you are welcome to participate.
When
Year round.
Requirements
No previous experience is required. It is easier if you speak basic Spanish. Please dress properly (no slippers, shorts pants or skirts and no tank tops please).
VOLUNTEER CENTER