After the great success in our first work tour in Dec. 2009, Progresa (The Guatemalan Scholarship Program) will be sponsoring its second work tour from January 4 through 12, 2011. The work will involve teaching English working one on one with our students. The volunteers will not be expected to speak any Spanish or have previous experience of teaching English as a second language. What they will need is lots of good will and patience in repeating basic English phrases over and over again to beginning students who may already read a little English but can not speak it..

Chapel's facade of old convent Belen.

As in our first work tour, the volunteers will live and work with their students in the beautiful Convento Belen located in Antigua, Guatemala . This historic convent which is still the home of the sisters of Belen is opened as a retreat center for special groups. Most of the rooms are located around an open courtyard filled with flowers and the extensive gardens which include a swimming pool are perfect for walks, meditation and private spots where you can meet with your student.

The exact nature of the teaching will be developed in conjunction with one or more of our donor/volunteers who have many years of experience teaching English as a Second Language. We will focus on basic phrases and conversational exchanges which will be used during the week. For example on day one you will probably work all day with your student on introductions: “My name is…, I live with..., etc.” Then during the first evening we will have a social get together in which the volunteers and their students introduce themselves. Other evenings may involve songs, skits or games.

During the week you and your student will also have a chance to visit some of the beautiful tourist sites in Antigua . Meals will be served family style at the Convento Belen. The $900 cost of the 8 night, 7 day Teaching Tour will cover room and board for your student as well as yourself. Of the total cost, $50 will be considered a tax deductible donation to the Guatemalan Scholarship Program.

This Teaching Tour will be limited to a maximum of 20 English speaking volunteers and 20 Guatemalan university or secondary school students. To guarantee your place in this exciting endeavor you need to send by email your application form before Sept 15, 2010; we will let you know where and how to send your downpayment for the activity. After that date or for more information contact Martha Dugan at mardugan@earthlink.net or the program's office at progresa3@gmail.com