Hola!
Sorry that is all the Spanish I know...oh well I won't need to speak Spanish on this trip of mine! Why? Because I am volunteering for Diverbo an organisation that runs the Pueblo Inglés program.
The program is for Spanish people who want to improve their English in a social, friendly, comfortable environment with English speaking people all around the world and Diverbo operates around the world in countries such as Germany, France and China.
I first heard about the program from a friend of my mothers who previously volunteered and said it was a great experience. I am very happy to travel to expand my horizons and experience new cultures and languages, it also has the added benefit of looking great on my CV which I really need for Marine Biology and University. So I thought I would apply for a week in the summer holidays after up break up from college on the 17th and thus my adventure began to turn its wheels.
I had applied about a week ago for Spain, my first option La Alberca and my second option Aldeaduero. They are both situated near Salamanca in the central west of Spain so I decided a bit of research was in order.
After looking at Salamanca which is a beautiful place I thought it would be better to look at the place(s) I will be staying at as apparently you don't go too far out of the compound. But have a picture of Salamanca anyway, it's too pretty not too. I hope we go at least once so I can take some pictures!
Here is an extract from their website (www.diverbo.com) about La Alberca one of the places you can choose to volunteer at:
"La Alberca is situated in the south-west corner of the Castile and Leon region. La Alberca is the name of one of the most important villages in the area - well known for its traditions and customs that date back to the 15th Century. It was also the first village in Spain to be declared a National Heritage Site in 1940. It is located only 70 km from Salamanca with a population of a little less than 1,200 and attracts tourists from all over. Surrounded by four mountain ranges: the Sierra de Bejar from the east, La Peña de Francia from the west, and both the Sierra de Francia and the Sierra de Kilama to the north; La Alberca's landscape is quite a spectacle. The medieval village still preserves its architecture, especially in its town centre where to this day expert blacksmiths and other traditional artisan crafts people can be found."
The accommodation looks fantastic and the weather in the summer which is when I am going, is said to be ranging from 17-35 degrees Celsius with warm sunny days. Perfect.
The only con I can see to this is that there are no shops on site which is fine but visits to the nearby village are limited to our free time. Not much of a con to me to be honest.
Aldeaduero looks equally wonderful with more on site activities than La Alberca like basketball, handball, tennis, padel courts and a pool. Here is an extract from their website about the area:
"The thousand year-old village of Aldeaduero is situated in the Salto de Saucelle, a beautiful area on the banks of the river Duero that runs along the borders of Spain and Portugal. Although its history goes back to Arabic occupation, the 20th century saw it converted into a hydroelectric plant powered by the Duero river. The village of Aldeaduero was established to house and provide leisure for the plant’s workers and their families for a period of over 40 years. The site has been renovated to modern day standards and is well-known as the premier hospitality and leisure complex in the area. The village has plenty of green areas to enjoy games and activities and a fantastic pool for those lovely warm days!"
I am certainly looking forward to going as this will be very independent as my parents will not be there though I am hoping my friend get her application accepted too so we can go together.
As for helping teach English I think that will be something I will very much enjoy and I can see myself being very social and participating in alot of the activities. I hope to make some good friends and just have a great time before I get those dreaded exam results back in August!
What do you think? Have any of you been on such an experience like this? If you have please tell me in the comments below and share your experience!
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