Colombia Language School: Connecting Travellers to Locals
Here at Workaway we now have an amazing 50,000+ opportunities and volunteer exchange projects available in many different parts of the world. From agricultural work, scuba diving, yoga retreats and most things in between, we are so proud to be associated with so many amazing hosts. So, we are introducing a new feature to help recognise what a difference cultural exchange can make to travellers and to hosts. Going by the name of ‘Workaway Host of the Month’ we will reveal more of what it is like to be a host and let you into their routines and how their projects have changed since opening their doors to you guys!
As we lust over all our Workawayers photos entered into our Travel Photo Competition we are reminded of our own personal trips we have taken over the years and one that we just can’t stop daydreaming about is Colombia. So to cure our wanderlust we spoke to a newly opened up language school in Medellin.
We believe that language is a means of communication, not merely a set of grammar rules to memorize, so we focus on conversation both in the classroom and with local Colombians. We also try to involve the local community as much as possible, whether that means our students are venturing to the plaza to practice their Spanish as part of class, playing soccer in the nearby cancha with local kids, or inviting locals over to eat lunch with us in Spanish.
In the afternoon everyone gets out to explore the city: Salsa dancing, to an art museum or any local events, or out to eat at a restaurant in the neighborhood.
Our volunteers also help us create a great atmosphere at the house. We’ve had many workawayers that just wanted to come help us, and to contribute to something meaningful. We love that mentality!
- Painting murals on the walls
- Building furniture
- Photographing staff and events
- Leading us through a branding workshop
- Creating and writing a business strategy as a language school
- Teaching English to our Spanish teachers
- Designing our school logo
Turns out two of our workawayers showed up to move in while we were out for lunch. They had been waiting for about 20 minutes so decided to climb onto the balcony to drop off their bags and come back later.
They ended up being some of our most helpful workawayers, really good people, and have continued to stay involved with the project. It was just a really funny start to their volunteering here.
Experiences like these mean that ultimately the travelers will have a deeper understanding of other cultures and be better global citizens.
Some great advice there, thanks guys! We love the sound of your project and are so happy to hear how much Workaway has impacted your language school and community! We’ll head over very soon for some salsa lessons!
Do you want to be our next WA Host of the month? We are always on the look out for hosts who have a great story to tell! Email us and you could be in our next feature!
Alicia first started Workawaying in 2012 and has been hooked on meaningful travel ever since. She has backpacked, volunteered, and wandered through many corners of the world, always drawn to the people, stories and unexpected connections that make travel memorable.
Now part of the Workaway team, she helps share the magic of cultural exchange with more travellers and hosts while also supporting the Workaway Giving Back Project. She believes travel is at its best when it opens doors, builds community, and gives something back along the way. Usually with one eye on the next adventure, Alicia is happiest near the sea, chasing waves, sunshine, and tropical island life, or finding joy in dance, karaoke and the occasional snowy escape.
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