Leaders For Youth

I heard about this programme through an email from my university. I decided to go to one of the information and interview sessions. Miguel was very organised and made everyone feel comfortable. The expectations for the orientation in Madrid and working at the camp were clear. This is a great opportunity for gaining experience to put on your CV while also travelling affordably and meeting new people. The activities during the orientation were good and allowed me to get to know some of the people I would be working with. We also had free time to explore the city of Madrid. The director of the camp came to visit us one day during the orientation to answer any questions we had before arriving at the camp. I was extremely impressed with the camp I was placed in. It had lots of outdoor space including a football pitch, a farm, a basketball court and a swimming pool. The food at camp was good and there were free laundry facilities. All the staff were welcoming and helpful especially the other counsellors. Each fortnight the counsellors pair up so you always have someone there with you. Both of the counsellors I was paired with had worked for the camp previously and I can not speak highly enough of them. They were both passionate, reliable, conscientious, optimistic and good to be around. I met a lot of great people from all over the world who I will stay friends with for life. I was impressed at the high level of English the children and teenagers I worked with had. Because I do not speak Spanish I was unable to translate words the children didn't know in English, however, the other children would help explain what the child was trying to say. I learned a lot about how to teach children who are learning English as an additional language. I also picked up a few Spanish phrases and learned about Spanish culture. Miguel recommended travelling after the camp was finished which I am grateful for as this allowed me to travel with my new friends to see other beautiful parts of the country. After the camp, Miguel stayed in contact with me and was interested to hear about my experience at the orientation and at the camp. It is a good sign that I can't wait to return to the same camp this Summer.

Miguel from Leaders for Youth came to the University of Dayton in Ohio and held information sessions for his program. I decided to go in order to learn more about the experience. I thought to myself, what better way to go to Spain in the summer that includes working with kids and being provided housing! After I attended the information session, I was so excited. As a future educator, this was the perfect opportunity to go to Spain while also gaining incredible experience and growing as an individual. Little did I know that being placed at CEI El Jarama, would be one of the best experiences of my life. Not only did I meet counselors from a variety of different cultures and countries, but I can truly say some of the staff I met, will be my true friends for the rest of my life. Everyone was so supportive and so positive. Every day at camp, working with kiddos to help them have a fun summer experience while immersing themselves in English, was an unbelievable opportunity. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who is thinking about travelling and also loves to work with kids. It was an experience I will never forget.