I love teaching and learning at the CIS!

I came back to El Salvador after my first visit as a participant on an election observation delegation because I wanted to improve my Spanish and I heard good things about the CIS. After a few weeks in classes - which were great - small, personal attention, skilled teachers - I found out that CIS depends on volunteers to teach classes in the English school. I signed up and I've been living in San Salvador and volunteering at CIS since the fall of 2012. The CIS program is really great- teaching and learning language in both Spanish and English classes through engagement in exploring social issues relevant to our hemisphere. Each cycle has an extensive orientation for volunteers and continued support and weekly teacher meetings as well. The volunteers tend to be under 30 or over 60 - and it's fun to have the age diversity and the various experiences that people have in the mix. Most of the volunteers come from the USA, Canada or the UK. Although El Salvador has issues with security, the CIS is very thoughtful about helping volunteers stay safe and healthy. Volunteering at the CIS is a great way to learn about the country and make friends with Salvadorans. The afternoon cultural program also provides visits to many historic places and communities outside the city- and there is an opportunity to visit some of the projects CIS coordinates in a number of local areas around the country.