Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
26 Apr 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
42
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
We have 7 teachers, and we seek volunteers with teaching experience or who are willing to get it ! We are a friendly and growing institute where your contribution will have a substantial impact on our lives. We host volunteers year-round. The conversational classes take place in the afternoon, where the volunteers share with the students 1 or two hours per class. We are located in Mariquita, Tolima, it is a small and friendly town, the weather is warm but in 30 minutes you can visit Palocabildo Tolima and the weather is cool. We have another institute in La Dorada, Caldas. Both Mariquita and La Dorada are full of interesting and touristic places to visit.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Teaching
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
First of all, we help workawayers by providing housing and a stipend to help with food. You will also get to know our Colombian culture, typical food, travel to different places and help children and young people have a better future by learning a new language. Also, if workawayers want to learn spanish, we can help them. We have different places to visit (waterfalls, rivers, cultural towns like Honda and in Colombia this is the only place where you can enjoy a cool weather and if you go 30 minutes you can enjoy hot weather....you can do horseriding and if workawayers like farms we can take them to a farm to enjoy the weather, animals and hiking. There is a River named honey River it is totalment cristaline where you can swim 5 kms along and across it you can sew the nature, the animals like monkeys and birds etc.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We have all our locally paid staff, the role of workawayers is to talk in English with our students acording to their level. Conversations with native speakers will help them with real English practice. We are an institute that teaches English to children and adults. We offer classes at lower prices than other private schools.
We do not charge anything to workawayers
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Spanish: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
Accommodation in a room or apartment with kitchen, private bathroom, with all services including water, electricity, and internet. We also provide a $25 USD weekly stipend. Also, If you want, you will have the opportunity to practice Spanish.
What else ...
in your free time you can visit tourist places like hacienda napoles, Armero guayabal do ecotourism, visit termales, spring waters, play Soccer, go to the waterfalls, go to some farms to relax etc.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Host ref number: 234472835625
Feedback (23)
24 Apr 2025
Left by Workawayer (Emily) for host
I had an amazing time at the institute. The teachers are lovely and they want to help you with everything! Also Eduin is there to help if you have some problems etc. Mariquita is a nice and safe place with amazing friendly people! One teacher did some hikes with us and we played volleyball with a group of 10 as well! I wish I could stay longer and… read more
23 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Caspar) for host
What a fantastic experience. So grateful for Eduin and the other staff and teachers at the institute for being so welcoming and helpful throughout my stay.
The institute is fantastic, and all the students I encountered were a joy to help teach. I had the opportunity to visit other schools in the Tolima area during my stay which added some nice… read more
The institute is fantastic, and all the students I encountered were a joy to help teach. I had the opportunity to visit other schools in the Tolima area during my stay which added some nice… read more
6 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Atash)
Atash is a very good guy, he is very friendly and a very good teacher, students and our school team love him. Atash is always on time, responsable and extrover. He always has a smile in his Face, he likes to meet peple., he has a very good energy and such a good feeling. Atash helped us 1 month and a half, he was in Mariquita, La Dorada and… read more
(Excellent
)
2 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Atash) for host
Honestly I don’t where to start.
My experience in Mariquita was amazing. I was lucky enough not only to visit Mariquita but also had the opportunity to visit Manzanares(heaven on earth) and La dorada. The most kind and beautiful souls I have met in Colombia . Eduin is the director of the institute. He is simply the most loveliest person one could… read more
My experience in Mariquita was amazing. I was lucky enough not only to visit Mariquita but also had the opportunity to visit Manzanares(heaven on earth) and La dorada. The most kind and beautiful souls I have met in Colombia . Eduin is the director of the institute. He is simply the most loveliest person one could… read more
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(4.9)
24 Apr 2025
Left by Workawayer (Emily) for host
I had an amazing time at the institute. The teachers are lovely and they want to help you with everything! Also Eduin is there to help if you have some problems etc. Mariquita is a nice and safe place with amazing friendly people! One teacher did some hikes with us and we played volleyball with a group of 10 as well! I wish I could stay longer and… read more
23 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Caspar) for host
What a fantastic experience. So grateful for Eduin and the other staff and teachers at the institute for being so welcoming and helpful throughout my stay.
The institute is fantastic, and all the students I encountered were a joy to help teach. I had the opportunity to visit other schools in the Tolima area during my stay which added some nice… read more
The institute is fantastic, and all the students I encountered were a joy to help teach. I had the opportunity to visit other schools in the Tolima area during my stay which added some nice… read more
6 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Atash)
Atash is a very good guy, he is very friendly and a very good teacher, students and our school team love him. Atash is always on time, responsable and extrover. He always has a smile in his Face, he likes to meet peple., he has a very good energy and such a good feeling. Atash helped us 1 month and a half, he was in Mariquita, La Dorada and… read more
(Excellent)
2 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Atash) for host
Honestly I don’t where to start.
My experience in Mariquita was amazing. I was lucky enough not only to visit Mariquita but also had the opportunity to visit Manzanares(heaven on earth) and La dorada. The most kind and beautiful souls I have met in Colombia . Eduin is the director of the institute. He is simply the most loveliest person one could… read more
My experience in Mariquita was amazing. I was lucky enough not only to visit Mariquita but also had the opportunity to visit Manzanares(heaven on earth) and La dorada. The most kind and beautiful souls I have met in Colombia . Eduin is the director of the institute. He is simply the most loveliest person one could… read more
31 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Jean-Hubert)
Jean is a very good guy, he is very friendly and a very good teacher, students and our school team love him. Jean is always on time, responsable and extrover. He always has a smile in his Face, he likes to meet people. Jean helped us 1 month and he got a Long with everybody, his classes were amazing, we highly recomend Jean Huber.
(Excellent)
19 Dec 2024
Left by Workawayer (Jean-Hubert) for host
My experience in Mariquita was very interesting ! Helping out teachers but also being responsible for some conversational classes on your own really enables you to feel part of the school and to really have a deep cultural exchange with the students. Also, getting Spanish classes with a teacher from the school was a very nice benefit. Mariquita is… read more
31 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Monica)
Monica is a very good girl, she is very friendly and a very good teacher, students and our school team love her. Moinica is always on time, responsable and extrover. She always has a smile in hes Face, she likes to meet peple. Monica helped us 3 weeks and she got a Long with everybody, her classes were amazing, we highly recomend Monica. We really… read more
(Excellent)
23 Dec 2024
Left by Workawayer (Monica) for host
I had a great time in Mariquita and I can't thank Eduin enough for allowing me to be part of his team, even if it was only for three weeks. Everything was perfect and I will always carry them in my heart. Mariquita is a small town in the department of Tolima where you have the opportunity to try any type of fruit and vegetables. The climate is… read more
6 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Kial & Jennifer)
Kial and Jennifer are an amazing couple, they were very friendly, hardworking and very good teachers, students and our school team loved them. They are always on time, responsable and extrover. They always have a smile in their Face, they like to meet people. Kial and Jennifer helped us 1 month and they got a Long with everybody, their classes… read more
(Excellent)
3 Dec 2024
Left by Workawayer (Kial & Jennifer) for host
Gosh we thought we left this review- It must have been a Google review.
My wife and I were just talking about our wonderful experience with Eduin and staff (not to mention the wonderful and eager to learn students!) last year this time. Actually wish we were there now! Eduin was very communicative and we were able to stay for around a month. We… read more
My wife and I were just talking about our wonderful experience with Eduin and staff (not to mention the wonderful and eager to learn students!) last year this time. Actually wish we were there now! Eduin was very communicative and we were able to stay for around a month. We… read more
14 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Emanuel)
Emmanuel is a very good guy, he is very friendly and a very good teacher, students and our school team love him. Emmanuel is always on time, responsable and extrover. He always has a smile in his Face, he likes to meet peple. Emmanuel helped us 1 month and he got a Long with everybody, his classes were amazing, we highly recomend Emmanuel.
(Excellent)
13 Nov 2024
Left by Workawayer (Emanuel) for host
Thank you Eduin for the opportunity to volunteer here in San José in Mariquita, Tolima. It was a great experience which enabled me to improve my teaching skills while working with a team of hard working, dedicated teachers. To help immerse me in the local culture Eduin kindly arranged for me to have Spanish lessons during my 4 week stay. The… read more
9 Sep 2024
Left by Workawayer (Lieke) for host
I've had a great experience in Mariquita!! The students are really eager to learn, and you get a lot of freedom doing the classes! I think it's nice to prepare something beforehand, to keep the classes fun and diverse. The staff is also very welcoming, and helped me a lot during my stay. The workload is not high, during the weekdays you mostly… read more
7 Sep 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Lieke)
Lieke was a fantastic girl, she was very out going, always friendly, responsable and proactive, she did all the activities we planned with passion and love, she has excellent skils to teach, students and teachers really enjoyed the time she was here in Mariquita helping us. I highly recomend Lieke.
(Excellent)
22 Jul 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Connor)
Hi, Connor is a very good guy, he is very friendly and a very good teacher, students and our school team love him. Connor is always on time, responsable and extrover. He always has a smile in his Facebook, he likes to meet peple. Connor helped us 1 month and he got a Long with everybody, his classes were amazing, we highly recomend Connor.
(Excellent)
8 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer (Connor) for host
My experience here was amazing! During my month stay in Mariquita I visisted the neighboring towns of La Dorada, Puerto Salgar, Fresno, and Palocabildo to assist in teaching and promoting the school. Every school and classroom was so welcoming and interested in learning about me and american culture. For some classes, I would have the students ask… read more
8 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Leticia) for host
First of all I want to thank Eduin for this opportunity and how he, the teachers and students welcomed me at their school in different locations, works and activities. I had a wonderful experience during my voluntary work in Mariquita in december last year. Especially when a group of students graduated and had their ceremony, where I held a… read more
14 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Yichi) for host
My month here was truly exceptional. The diverse and engaging community of students and teachers across various branches made my experience incredibly rewarding. The supportive environment and collaborative spirit here enhanced my ability to connect with students and contribute meaningfully to their language learning journey. Balancing… read more
14 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Yichi)
Yichi is an excellent person, he is very responsable, proactive, on time and creative. It was an amazing experience. Our students and teachers really enjoyed the time he was with us. All the time he was ready to help us, because he is very friendly, children and students in general loved his english classes. He visited diferent towns with us and… read more
(Excellent)
25 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Paola)
Paola is an excellent person, she was always smiling and helping us with our students. She was always early and ready for doing activities. Our students and teachers love her so much. She did a very good job teaching english and italian i highly recomend Paola. Es una mujer muy proactiva y siempre quiere ayudar, colaborar. Nos encantó tenerla con… read more
(Excellent)
24 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Paola) for host
This experience was over the expectations. Organization is amazing, the school is super well organized and beautiful. They have been really flexible and helpful. I am honestly looking forward to get back there! Mariquita is very pretty and welcoming and the whole area has many option of things to do. Eduin is the most lovely and caring host and… read more
23 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Ben) for host
Everyone in Mariquita was very welcoming and helpful! This is a great team of professionals who are passionate and motivated to help both the students and volunteers. I hope to visit again soon, mil gracias a Edwin y todos de mis amigos en Mariquita!
23 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Ben)
Ben is a great person he is always ready to help, all the time he was ready to help. He helped us with conversational classes, all the students were happy about his passion and the way he taught. Thanks a lot Ben
(Excellent)
25 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Emma)
Emma es una voluntaria super trabajadora, cariñosa y muy responsable, siempre tiene una sonrisa en su rostro, visitamos pueblos y logra conectarse muy fácilmente con todas las personas, niños jóvenes y adultos. Nuestros estudiantes y docentes quedaron enamorados de ella, ojalá pueda volver a visitarnos, recomendamos altamente a Leila.
(Excellent)
15 Feb 2023
Left by Workawayer (Emma) for host
What an experience! During the 2 weeks I stayed, I helped other teachers with the conversational classes. 6 days per week I had either some classes in Mariquita or I went to another village (La Dorada or Palocabildo) to teach. I didn't have any teaching experience, but I loved it! The kids really want to learn about you and your country and in… read more
24 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Leila)
Leila es unas voluntaria super trabajadora, cariñosa y muy responsable, siempre tiene una sonrisa y ama colaborarle a las personas. A nivel profesional es una gran docente de Inglés, proactiva y apasionada, aprende super rápido y muy puntual. Nuestros estudiantes y docentes quedaron enamorados de ella, ojalá pueda volver a visitarnos, recomendamos… read more
(Excellent)
21 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Leila) for host
My time in the colegio politecnico was simply amazing. Firstly, the students are eager to learn which makes the classes really interesting. You get to know them and they get to know you in an interactive way. Secondly, the sweetness of everyone working there made me feel like home. For that, thank you Eduin, Daniela (2), Jaime, Neil, Duvan,… read more
17 Jul 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Maxime)
Maxime is a very good guy, he was always ready to help us. He was always on time for classes, he was a very good teacher. He stayed in our school for 4 weeks and the students loved him. I really recomend Maxime.
(Excellent)
17 Jul 2022
Left by Workawayer (Maxime) for host
I spent 4 weeks at this place in Mariquita :) Thanks to Eduin and the staff of the institute I had a great stay. Anything I asked or needed, Eduin helped me swiftly.
Because a lot of my time there was during school holidays, I only had to teach about 2 to 4 hours a day. The classes are either in person or online. From time to time I was given… read more
Because a lot of my time there was during school holidays, I only had to teach about 2 to 4 hours a day. The classes are either in person or online. From time to time I was given… read more
22 Jun 2022
Left by Workawayer (Simone) for host
I stayed 4 weeks with the Poli and it was a very interesting experience. My classes were usually from 4-8.30pm Tuesday - Saturday. Most of the time I knew my schedule beforehand but sometimes a class would come up but I always had at least a couple of hours notice in case I needed to prepare. The students are a pleasure to teach and are very… read more
20 Jun 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Ulises & Amara )
Ulises and Amara are a great and lovely couple, during the time they were here they were always ready to help us, they were always happy. They have excellent skils for teaching, and they always have amazing ideas for doing it in different ways so the students enjoy a lot. We really spend a good time with them, and we hope they come back any day.… read more
(Excellent)
15 Jun 2022
Left by Workawayer (Ulises & Amara ) for host
It was a very good experience! We enjoyed it so much and would totally recommend it to workawayers!
The students of the Politéctico are lovely, they are super motivated and close. The stay at the school was also great, we felt very comfortable at all times.
Thank you, Edwin and the rest of the team for their work, making us feel so welcomed and… read more
The students of the Politéctico are lovely, they are super motivated and close. The stay at the school was also great, we felt very comfortable at all times.
Thank you, Edwin and the rest of the team for their work, making us feel so welcomed and… read more
3 Jun 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Shelly & Deron)
Shelly and Deron are an amazing couple, they were here in Mariquita with us and all of us love them. I think they have an special energy i say it because everyone loves them since the first moment. Here in Mariquita all our students and teachers had a very good time. They were always happy and ready to help, they taught classes with passion and… read more
(Excellent)
19 May 2022
Left by Workawayer (Shelly & Deron) for host
We had a wonderful experience volunteering for one month here in beautiful Mariquita. From day one and throughout our time there, Eduin and his staff made us feel welcome and very much at home. The students, mostly teenagers to adults, were engaged, kind, and fun, with several of them inviting us or joining us on excursions outside of the… read more
13 Mar 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (TomUK1993)
Thomas was a wonderful guy, he always was with full energy. He was always on time when he had english classes and the students Love him. During these 4 weeks he shared with us and gave us a very good moments we really recommend Thomas.
(Excellent)
8 Mar 2022
Left by Workawayer (TomUK1993) for host
I had a great time in my 4 weeks at the institute in Mariquita, and I would have extended my stay if I hadn't had another commitment.
What stands out for me is the friendliness of the staff, and how nice the town is - it's a nice size with a lovely plaza and lots of cafés, shops and places to eat. The surrounding landscape is very pretty, and… read more
What stands out for me is the friendliness of the staff, and how nice the town is - it's a nice size with a lovely plaza and lots of cafés, shops and places to eat. The surrounding landscape is very pretty, and… read more
28 Dec 2021
Left by Workawayer (Hanna-Marii) for host
Wonderful experience! Students in institute are very motivated to learn English and super welcoming, as well as Eduin and all other teachers. Everything was organized and they always made sure that I had everything I needed.
Accommodation was great - I had my own private space and even a pool! In a free time we went in different amazing places… read more
Accommodation was great - I had my own private space and even a pool! In a free time we went in different amazing places… read more
25 Dec 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Hanna-Marii)
Hanna is such a wonderful girl, she was always ready to help us un our english classes. Our students love her, she is friendly, responsable and very creative to teach. She was always on time for her classes, all the time follow rules. I highly recommend Hanna.
(Excellent)
7 Nov 2021
Left by Workawayer (Joe) for host
What an amazing experience in San Jose. From the moment I arrived I felt so welcome, eduin and his family made me feel at home and made sure I had everything I needed. The classes were great and so were the students. And the town of mariquita is fantastic. I would recommend anyone who wants to experience teaching and life in Colombia to come to… read more
7 Nov 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Joe)
Joe Daniels is a worderful person, all of our students and team work were very happy about him. He was always with the best attitude. He is very responsable, follow rules, he has an amazing way to teach english. i recommend him 100%. Thanks Joe for your help.
(Excellent)
22 Jul 2021
Left by Workawayer (Brett) for host
Eduin and his staff were great. They were really good about being quick to communicate. Things were a bit challenging because of Covid, things were always changing so you have to learn to go with the flow. As a teacher you get a lot of freedom with your classes. The students are fun, respectful and motivated. I hope to go back some day in the… read more
20 Jul 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Brett)
Brett Alan is a very good person, a very good teacher. He is responsable and he is always on time. Our students were always happy in his english classes and will be always grateful about his valuable help. Brett have a nice trip, come back soon. It was an amazing experience🙏
(Excellent)
