Discovering Diverbo & Teaching the Teachers
Another foray to Spain and the Pueblo InglƩs programme. This time in my capacity as a Coordinator and unofficial writer!
A follow on from my previous article about my first experience on this programme, here we fast forward a couple of years and promoting the very sameā¦
When was the last time you were truly inspired? When did you last do something different, go on an adventure, step out of your comfort zone a little? This article introduces you to a unique, rewarding and fun cultural exchange which has had a profound affect on thousands of people. A fascinating concept, amazing storiesā¦
My first introduction to the entity that is Diverbo ā More Than Pueblo InglĆ©s was through my sister a few years ago. As with most peopleās involvement, I heard through word of mouth and decided to give it a try. She had participated and thought it may be of interest to me.
An application and a couple of coincidences later found me landing in Spain for my first PI programme in the charming village of La Alberca.
I was struck by the efficiency, organisation and the positive ethos it promoted. What struck me even more as the week went on was the fun we had, the laughter enjoyed, the rich conversations and a certain intangible magic that gives this programme its edge over anything of its kind.
Although a very busy and intense week, I left with an overwhelming sense of awe and a āwhat just happenedā feeling. It was like nothing I have experienced previously and judging by the reaction of some of the others, very far removed from anything they have been involved with too.
I was intrigued enough to return for another programme at a different venue. One thing led to another and not only have I done several more as a volunteer, I worked for nearly 2 years in the Volunteer Department helping to coordinate those very volunteers for precisely that experience.
These programmes have quite literally changed peopleās lives. Mine has certainly taken a huge change in direction and each person may take something different from the experience. A very social encounter giving rise to very personal takeaways and insights.
Each week we receive emails from happy participants and the effect the programme has had on them. A recent one was somebody changing career course completely, going from Asset Management to teaching in Italy!
Why volunteer?
A lot of the Spaniards ask this question on the programme. Why would you give up your time to help them for free? Some potential volunteers may have that question tooā¦
Other than the overall experience, there are practicalities too.
You get a week at a 4* resort. All accommodation and 3 big meals a day in exchange for your conversation. In addition to that, you see a part of Spain you would probably miss if going the traditional tourist route and you get to trade stories with real people.
You will have a whole bunch of new friends in Spain and around the world. You may have desires to teach English, and although this isnāt teaching per seā¦ it is a good intro or refresher if you would like to go that route.
You get to be your raw, authentic self and no need to be embarrassed by your lack of Spanish (in fact itās forbidden on the programme!).
I was recently thinking about how to sum up the Pueblo InglƩs/Diverbo experience in a sentence, and this is what I came up with:
A great opportunity to inspire and to be inspired!
Yes, itās about English. One side improving their knowledge and fluency, the other side helping them do that. But as the old tagline said it really is far āMore Than English!ā.
English language is the vehicle, the nucleus which this social event revolves aroundā¦ itās the reason 40 strangers gather together in one place for 8 days. You will see noticeable improvements from the Spaniards over the course of the week, that in itself is hugely rewarding.
However, what transpires is that those set of ingredients (people and course structure) blend together to form a dish far more sublime than you could have ever anticipated. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Weāve seen it time and time againā¦ in fact over 1000 times!
Each conversation and interaction you have is a huge opportunity to learn and grow. You will gain knowledge and receive inspiration in a supportive environment. In return, you will be able to contribute your own inspiration, not just with your English āskillsā but in the many ways you contribute to the experience and the talents and wisdom you bring to the table.
Exciting new programmes ā a must!
Back when working as a volunteer some extra programmes were added to the yearās calendar. They were run in relation with the Spanish Ministry of Education and the Spanish participants were all teachers from the Valencia region.
These type of programmes are even more special as aside from all the aforementioned reasons to get involved, you have a real opportunity to help shape the future of Spain.
These teachers need to teach more of their classes in English so you wouldnāt just be helping that one individual, you will be helping the 100s of learners under their care. And the ripple effect could be immeasurable.
By the way, there is no need to be a teacher yourself. All thatās required from you is a positive, āgo with the flowā attitude and a willingness to talk all day! Everything else is taken care of.
The success of the programme has been phenomenal and is going from strength to strength.
As well as hundreds of successful programmes, many people ā volunteers and students ā return over and over. There are people who have done over 60 programmes! There are many others who have done more than one and each week a whole new set of lucky people about to embark on this quirky adventure for the first time.
If you do decide to come along for the ride at some point, you may well meet one of my successors the day before your programme as you will be invited for lunch with them and the other volunteers!
Iāll leave you with a quote that I think may be apt:
āThe mediocre teacher tells, the good teacher explains, the superior teacher demonstrates, the great teacher inspiresā ~ William Arthur Ward
* As featured in The Olive Press (P. 41) & The Local - Spanish English language publications