Learn Spanish and Volunteer - Granada

Casa Xalteva Education and Cultural Center (the Spanish school and volunteer project) is located outside of the downtown area of Granada. Granada, also referred to as the 'colonial jewel', was founded in 1524 and is believed to be the second oldest city established in mainland Latin America by the Spanish conquest. During colonial times, Granada witnessed much unrest as the city was attacked several times by pirates. Nowadays Granada is characterized by bright-colored Spanish colonial architecture, visible throughout the city center. The ambiance is very pleasant and there is a wide array of nice restaurants and bars, especially along the boulevard from the central park to the shores of the Lake of Nicaragua. Although the city in itself is already an impressive attraction, the immediate surroundings make Granada a place you want to explore further.

Here's a look at the impactful and fun activities you'll be involved in:

Positive Attention: Give kids and teenagers the encouragement and support they need.
Homework Help: Assist with homework for those who need a little extra help (children are often behind at school or have parents who are not capable of helping them at home so volunteers are a great help, especially if you have experience in a specific academic area).
Fun and Games: Organize sports, art, and music activities that make learning enjoyable.
English Classes: Teach/assist English classes and run engaging workshops on various topics.
Activity Setup: Plan and set up games and activities for breaks or after homework time.
Hygiene Education: Teach important hygiene practices, like hand washing and dental care.

Welcome to Granada! When you first arrive, you'll get settled in with your host family. They'll fill you in on how to get to the project - either a short walk, bike ride, or taxi trip - starting on Monday (unless it's a national holiday).

On Monday at the project, you'll kick things off with an orientation meeting. You'll learn all about the project's rules and get the lowdown on what's happening in the days ahead. This is also your chance to share what talents and passions you want to bring as a volunteer. Think about cool activities like arts and crafts, sports, games from your home country, health talks, or even a fun presentation about where you're from! If your activity needs specific stuff, remember to bring it along.

Now, let's talk about a typical day as a volunteer. You'll spend around 4 hours each morning or afternoon hanging out with the "chavalos" (that's what the local kids are called). Some days might have you helping with schoolwork, while others could be all about sports, art, or music. You might also assist with English classes, lead workshops, or organize fun activities for break time. Around noon, it's back to your host family's place for lunch. If you're combining volunteering with Spanish classes, you'll head to class in the afternoon. Otherwise, you're free to enjoy the city or join optional excursions.

Days can vary, so flexibility is key. The coordinator will guide you on where your help is needed most. Remember, things might move at a different pace here - it's all part of the cultural experience! Stay patient, embrace the differences, and enjoy this opportunity to make a difference.

Your volunteer work is super important. You'll be a role model for the kids, showing them new cultures, values, and languages. Show that you're ready to dive in, work hard, and spread positive vibes - you'll see how much joy and energy the chavalos bring out in you. It's a chance to reconnect with your inner child and make the most of your time here as a volunteer.

Volunteering can be perfectly combined with Spanish classes. Casa Xalteva offers short and long-term intensive Spanish courses for students at all levels. Each class is specifically catered to the students' wishes. At the beginning of each week your professor will find out the things that interest the group and plan the curriculum accordingly. Classes have an average of 2 and a maximum of 4 students. The Spanish classes normally take place in the afternoon, so when combining language tuition with volunteering, you would study in the afternoons and work at the project in the mornings. As such, your volunteer activities would mainly include sports, games etc. which you can help run while working on improving your Spanish.

- Monday-Friday for 4 hours
- Normally in the afternoon between 13:00-17:00 with a 10-15-minute break for each session.
- Textbooks and materials designed for non-native speakers
- The teachers use an innovative "Spanish only" technique that has students speaking, writing and reading the language from the first day in class.

The volunteer program does not run during school holidays, Easter, Christmas and New Year's holidays. In January, there are special workshops and activities, but in the beginning of February the normal program resumes. Please note that the dates for the school holidays in July (2 weeks) and December-February may change according to the school year calendar.

The project is also closed on the following public holidays.

2025
11 & 13-20 April
01 May
Summer holidays TBA
15 August
14-15 September
08 December 2025 - 12 January 2026

The project is closed during summer holidays, as well as between 08DEC25-12JAN26.

- Pre-departure online meeting
- Arrival airport transfer
- Project donation
- Orientation meeting
- Local support volunteer coordinator
- Accommodation at homestay (private room with shared bathroom)
- Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Transportation between homestay and school by taxi or bicycle
- Day tour to the Laguna de Apoyo crater lake (hike and swim tour)
- Cooking Class
- Follow up online meetings
- Half-day Spanish lessons (Volunteers work during half of the day and have Spanish classes the other half)
- Volunteer Guidance
In your welcome letter, prior to departure, our volunteer partner will offer you the possibility to join in some volunteer guidance, all details are in the welcome letter, it’s a good way to get yourself prepared before you depart.
The Volunteer guidance - short, casual conversations designed to help you get the most out of your experience as a volunteer.
We’ll meet three times:
1.Before you start: Let’s set goals and prepare for your journey.
2.During your first week: Check-in, share how things are going, and talk about ways to stay balanced.
3.Towards the end: Reflect on what you’ve learned, celebrate your achievements, and think about what’s next.

Minimum age 18 years
Volunteer application form
Police clearance certificate/Criminal background check
Travel/Medical insurance
Language skills: Intermediate Spanish is needed to volunteer with the primary school children; advanced level of Spanish to work with the adolescent group. If you don't speak Spanish, taking classes is a requirement.

This project is for creative, open-minded and patient people, who love working with children and are full of energy. Experience from working with children and/or adolescents is a bonus. Volunteers need to be pro-active, independent but also team players to be able to work with others in order to help the organisation.

IMPORTANT: To enter Costa Rica and Nicaragua, the local authorities demand that all travellers coming from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission like: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela as well as African countries, have a yellow fever International Vaccination Certificate 12 days prior to entering the country. Please check before you travel about the specific requirements and possible changes.

Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.

Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.

Our projects range from 1 week up to approx. 30 weeks. Projects have a specified minimum stay, then it's up to you how long you can commit. In our experience the longer you stay the more you will gain, as your understanding of the project broadens and you take on more responsibilities.