Colombia - Cundinamarca
Applications are closed
As happens with many rural areas in Latin America, the education system is not fully developed, thus limiting the opportunities that children have. In the department of Cundinamarca, although it is very close to the capital Bogotá, there are situations of educational instability and inequality.
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ICSEF has been helping the community for 50 years by offering university and college programmes in different regions of the country. Their students are very excited and eager to learn English!.
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The project is located in the heart of the Andean region, near the town of Silvania in the department of Cundinamarca.
Nestled in the lush green mountains, Silvania offers a peaceful and vibrant natural environment, often referred to as “the garden of Cundinamarca” due to its rich biodiversity and pleasant climate. Volunteers will have the opportunity to discover and immerse themselves in the culture of local rural communities and explore the stunning landscapes filled with cloud forests, rivers, and agricultural fields.
The region is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including numerous species of birds, butterflies, orchids, and native trees. Silvania and its surroundings serve as a transition zone between the high Andes and the lower tropical regions, making it a biodiversity hotspot.
Although Colombia is a diverse country with many cultural regions, Cundinamarca plays a central role in national identity. The rural traditions, agricultural practices, and deep connection to the land make this area a meaningful setting for cultural exchange and sustainable development projects. Each community has its own rhythms and customs, and volunteers will be welcomed into a lifestyle that values nature, hospitality, and community ties.
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Requirements:
- Volunteers must be intermediate or fluent in Spanish (B2, C1 or C2)
- Volunteers need to be vaccinated against Covid-19 (at least two doses)
Why participate?
A practical approach to making a difference
By participating you are actually filling a need in the local community. You are not taking away opportunities from local teachers but enriching the local education environment by offering your time and your resources!
Volunteering for students
We adapted our volunteering offering to fit the busy schedule of students at the University of St. Gallen. Volunteering will take place during the semester break and will not extend further than one week into the next term. All projects have a duration of 3-4 weeks.
Additonally, Pieces covers the volunteers lodging and food costs for the duration of their stay.
Non Profit
As opposed to other volunteering platforms we are completely run by students on a voluntary basis. All funds we collect goes directly to our partner schools and to finance our organization. We DON'T give money to third parties but are directly in contact with our partnerschools.
Experience a new culture
Experience new food, new customs and meet new people. This is an incredible opportunity to leave your comfort zone and to truly commit to something you have never experienced before.
You will also be dealing with different important problems you might not have been confronted with before.
Educate yourself
Before leaving for your project you will receive pedagogical training during our mandatory two day long bootcamp during which you will receive the tools required to communicate and teach in an effective manner.
Important Dates
Application Period for Volunteers:
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Until the 11th of April: Application Period for Volunteers
Upload your CV and a motivation letter (both in English) in ONE PDF-document, naming it “firstname.surname” (e.g. “frida.kahlo.pdf”) in the application form. Introduce yourself in the motivation letter (one page A4), and mention one or two preferences regarding the project destination, as well as why you are interested in going to these countries.
Please note that we continuously recruit volunteers throughout the application period, so applying early can increase your chances of being selected.
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Process: Interviews of Volunteer Candidates
Your English level will be tested while we get get to know you. We will also assess if you are fit for teaching at one of our projects. The interviews will take place on a weekly basis. If you meet our internal application standards we will send you a selection of possible interview time slots from which you will be able to freely choose. The later you apply the less choices you will have so keep this in mind when applying at the end of our applicaiton period. The interviews will take place in person at the University of St. Gallen.
Until Beginning of May: Selection of the Volunteers
Volunteers will receive a confirmation e-mail with the final Board decision and respective details (including volunteering contract and further travel details).
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Project Dates
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Embark on this experience to help those who need it most!
From August 4th to August 31st the Colombian volunteering will take place!
Questions and Answers
Q: Will I still be considered if I apply in the second application period? Should I apply before the first or second deadline?
This highly depends on the applicants of the first period. If we already were able to recruit our volunteers for our summer projects, we will not consider applicants in the second period. However, if we still need motivated volunteers, applications in the second period period will be considered. In any case, your chances to become a PIECES volunteer are higher if you apply during the first application period.
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Q: Which expenses are covered by PIECES?
The organisation covers all expenses on-site, e.g. accommodation and food. Volunteers are expected to pay for their travel costs, i.e. airplane tickets, visa, etc.
Disclaimer
PIECES is not a travel agency. We do not engage in “voluntourism” but real volunteering, which requires volunteers to adapt to extremely precarious living conditions, discomfort, and enter foreign and sometimes hostile social environments dealing with serious issues. This is a risk of volunteering abroad and PIECES cannot issue any explicit safety guarantee or accept any kinds of liability. We are also not liable for organizing your trip and travel documentation – we are, of course, here to help, but you remain responsible.​
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While applying to one of our projects, you should keep in mind that you will be giving up many conveniences we are used to in Switzerland. While on the project site, you are likely to have limited access to hygiene appliances, medical help, electricity, and transportation. You will also work long teaching hours. Make sure you are able and willing to deal with these kind of problems if you apply for volunteering. It is an incredible, life-changing experience but it is not meant to be a holiday.