Boomers Abroad

Highlights

The experience at the organization in Lima has been extremely beneficial for the following reasons: 1) I love working with children and it was an opportunity to help those who are less fortunate than myself. The first day we went to Cerro-Bala and me the children, my heart melted for them. Not because they lived in difficult conditions, but because I have always had a soft-spot for kids. 2) I learned how to create lessons without any textbooks for guidance, which is useful as I am a teacher now in a school with limited funds for new textbooks 3) I also learned how to be cost-effective with my lesson-planning, as we only had so much money for the entire program that we (Mandy and myself) could use. We had to share materials and consult each other before buying anything or making copies. Again, as a teacher at a school where funds for resources are limited, it was an extremely helpful experience. Mandy and I made the most out of what we were given. 4) Because I teach Spanish (and English) at a Catholic School, I am able to explain about my experiences in Lima, Peru (a Spanish-speaking country) to my students. It both helps them understand my experiences with Spanish language and culture better, as well as serves to remind them how fortunate they are to be here in the United States with a great deal of opportunities. 5) All in all, my experience volunteering with the children of Cerro-Bala was a time that will stay with me forever. There were times when it was hard and seemed more difficult than it was worth (paying for rides to and from, lesson-planning, coping with the language barrier, adjusting to the style the students are accustomed to learning, etc), but everyday we showed up at the site, the children would come running to us, excited to learn and when it was time to leave, they gave us hugs and begged for us to come back. It was in those moments that we were strongly reminded why we were there: to give back to those who need it.

Amanda Powers - University of Minnesota, Duluth
Lima, Peru - Summer ISA + ELAP 2007

I volunteered at one of the local colegios in Lima. Well I loved my experience as an assistant teacher. I really had an opportunity to practice my Spanish in a different type of learning setting and I learned a lot about the public school culture in Peru. I talk about my experience all of the time because I am currently a middle school Spanish teacher. One of the subjects that I discuss is the schools in Latin American countries. And of course my experience in Peru through ELAP is shared with my students. They really enjoy looking at the pictures and learning about the students. They generally have so many questions. I truly want to thank you guys for the opportunity. I am so grateful that I had a chance to experience it and now I can share my experience with my students. Oh yea and I still keep in touch with some of the students and the teacher that I worked with. Again thank you!!

April Scott - Georgia State University
Lima, Peru - Summer ISA + ELAP 2008

Qualifications

Eligibility Requirements
* 4 semesters or 6 quarter units of Spanish for 6 or 8-week ELAP programs and ALL ELAP programs in Chile
* 3 semesters or 5 quarter units of Spanish for 10, 12, or 16-week ELAP programs and ELAP Add-on programs following an ISA intensive month program.

Some placements in Cusco, Peru can accept participants with less Spanish language experience. Please contact ISA-ELAP about these opportunities.

As part of the application process, we also will schedule a 10-15 minute telephone language interview conducted in Spanish by an ELAP Coordinator to verify your language level.

To apply for an ELAP program you will need to submit the following documents (at least 2 months before your program start date):
* Standard ISA Application*
* Official Transcript*
* ELAP Profile Form (PDF)
* ELAP Volunteer Expectations
* Résumé in Spanish
* ELAP program deposit of USD200 (deducted from program price)
* Complete the Spanish language interview

Please note that if you have already applied to a regular ISA program and would like to add an ELAP program you do not need to complete the general ISA application again or submit an additional transcript. We do need a deposit for the ELAP program.

Languages

• Spanish

Cost in US$:

1,400 - 2 weeks

Cost Include Description:

* Room and Board
* Medical insurance
* Pre-departure advising
* Access to the ISA office
* Support of resident staff
* Volunteer or internship placement
* On-site orientation
* Airport reception and transfers*
* Cultural activities
* Spanish tutoring
* Certificate of volunteer hours completed
* Donation made to the organization upon completion of service
* Students may earn internship credit depending on their home university's academic internship options

Credit Available

yes

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Age Range

This Program is open to

American, Canadian, Worldwide Participant. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel to Peru

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

ISA (International Studies Abroad)'s Mission Statement

To provide high quality education abroad opportunities to American and Canadian college students at an affordable price. We recognize that we play an important role in the worldwide effort of international educators to increase individuals' awareness of cultures and societies outside of their own national boundaries.

Year Founded

1987