Volunteering at Vaughan Town in Spain: A Cultural Experience
By theprofessionalhobo ~ July 12th, 2010. Filed under: Spain.
As I sit on the bus departing from the old restored town of Valdelavilla for the second of my two weeks of volunteering in Spain, I am very sad. But then I reflect on the dozens of new friends I have all over the world; I imagine how and when we’ll see each other again, and I’m energized and excited.
A few years ago, I read an article online about how I could have an all-expenses paid trip in Spain, in exchange for simply conversing in English with Spaniards who want to improve their conversational English skills. I wasn’t sure it was a legitimate opportunity (it seemed too good to be true), but I bookmarked it anyway, figuring I could investigate it when I eventually made it to Spain.
So in planning my European trip, I knew that Madrid would be my first port of call so I could check out this volunteer opportunity.
Vaughan Town Overview
Vaughan Town lived up to its reputation and word, and is indeed a legitimate volunteer experience. Although it’s not exactly too good to be true (you certainly earn your keep), it’s one of the most rewarding cultural experiences I could have possibly hoped for in Spain.
And I didn’t even get to speak a word of Spanish.
The program is paid for mainly by Spanish companies who send their employees on a week-long “retreat” to improve their English skills. English is an important part of business in Spain, and many companies are willing to pay top dollar to help their employees become more fluent. Other Spanish attendees include individuals, and some post-secondary school programs that incorporate it into their curriculum.
Thus, the English-speaking volunteers attend the program for free, their value inherent simply in being willing and able to dedicate a week to chatting in English with the program participants.
Getting There
After meeting some of the “Anglos” (as we’re referred to throughout the week) at a tapas reception on Saturday night in Madrid, we are loaded onto a bus on Sunday morning. Although Vaughan Town has a few locations outside of Madrid, both of my volunteer weeks take place at Valdelavilla, which I’ll discuss shortly. Although most of the people on the bus are Anglos, a few Spaniards who live in Madrid also tag along for the ride.
our lunch stop
After a four hour drive and a stop for lunch in an old Spanish town, we arrive at Valdelavilla. We sit through an orientation session where we officially meet the week’s Master of Ceremonies (Greg), we each introduce ourselves, and learn what the week holds in store for us.
“We don’t have a lot of rules here,” Greg starts, “but we do have one that we’re quite serious about: No Spanish allowed! If we overhear you speaking in Spanish, you’ll get a warning. If we hear you do it again, you’ll be asked to leave. We mean it! You’re all here to speak in English, and all the Spaniards have enough English skills to get by. Use it and improve it!”
With this point of seriousness and the orientation out of the way, we meander down through the old village to the reception building and check into our rooms.
Valdelavilla
Valdelavilla is a tiny Spanish town in northern Spain (near Soria) that was abandoned in the 1960s due to changing demographics and industry, and restored in the 90’s. It is nestled at the base of a green mountainous valley, 2kms vertically below the nearest road to anywhere. Although there is a WiFi connection (albeit only available in a small range and at less than admirable speeds), cell phones cease to work about 2/3 of the way down the road into the village. The lack of technology adds to the ambiance; Valdelavilla is isolated, charming, and stunningly beautiful.
As participants of the Vaughan Town program, we pretty much take over the town. When Vaughan Town doesn’t use the village, it is rented out for weddings, corporate retreats, and private functions. I believe individuals can also visit for a meal, a walk, or an overnight stay as well.
Accommodation is provided in the restored village houses, and in most cases up to five people are put up in each house, each person receiving their own room with ensuite bathroom. Although the amenities are rustic and at times a touch impractical (for example there is many a doorway and shower stall that is less than five feet tall!), it adds to the overall charm, as you can feel the history that prevails in Valdelavilla.
the view from my room
As a side note, the other Vaughan Town site is held in a very different location, at a large hotel that is part of a larger fully operational Spanish town. Each location has its own flavour and tone. Although I only have one frame of reference in the Valdelavilla experience, I also love it through and through.
Each Day’s Events
The Anglos are a varied group; an intentional mix of ages, accents, and backgrounds. This is intended to expose the Spaniards a wide variety of conversation styles and sounds, improving their global English skills.
And as I said earlier, the Anglos (English-speaking volunteers) earn their keep on the program, with a busy schedule and lots of talking.
Breakfast begins at 9am, as does the conversation. We are instructed to ensure that there is an equal mix of Anglos and Spaniards at each table during meals, and we mix and match at will.
At 10am, we begin the “one-to-ones”. The program coordinator creates a schedule each day that pairs off the Anglos and Spaniards each hour for – you got it – English conversation. We can talk about anything under the sun, although we are cautioned against religion, politics, and the standard “what do you do, where do you do it” cocktail chat. I initially worry what I could possibly talk about with so many different people each hour, but almost never find dead air during the one-to-one sessions. In fact, an hour is a perfect amount of time to have a well-rounded conversation (often accompanied by a walk on the surrounding trails) before moving on to a new person and different conversation.
After four hours of one-to-one chatting, lunch is served at 2pm. Although for the Anglos this initially seems to be very late, it is the Spanish norm, and is a routine we all slip into fairly quickly.
Lunch is a three-course meal which normally lasts about an hour and a half, and then it’s siesta time! We have free time until 5pm, which many people use in different ways: catching up on work, surfing the internet, sleeping, walking, playing ball, and even (more) chatting.
At 5pm we reconvene for three more hours of one-to-one sessions before attending a performance at 8pm. Each night’s performance is coordinated and directed by our fearless master of ceremonies, and the cast members are none other than us! Entertainment ranges from skits that Greg has dredged up from his days as a director (participants getting time each day to rehearse in lieu of doing one-to-ones), to videos, to individual participants strutting their stuff – singing, reciting poetry, telling jokes, etc.
Not surprisingly with my acting background, I am a willing participant in the skits, and I even sing a few songs for (and at the request of) the audience.
one of the skits I perform in
Dinner is served at 9pm each day. Again although it seems incredibly late for most Anglos, it is actually a touch early for many Spaniards! Three more courses of delicious food later, we roll out of the dining room around 10:30pm.
As the Week Rolls By
At the beginning of the week, many of us are exhausted by the time dinner finishes, and most retire to their rooms after dinner. The days are intense and long especially for the Spaniards, with a full schedule and constant inner attention to translating Spanish to English. The Anglos have it a little easier; receiving a periodic hour of free time now and then (since there are about 17 Anglos and 15 Spaniards) and speaking in their native tongue. But the Spaniards are thrown into the fire to learn and improve their English – and that they do.
By the time Wednesday rolls around, we are all over the initial hump and are gaining our second wind. The Spaniards are more relaxed in their English, and find they are thinking less about what they have to say. This paves the way for even more interesting and fun conversations about just about anything under the sun. During my one-on-ones we speak about things like philosophy, literature, life in the South of Spain, family practices, relationships, geography, and even cheesy pick-up lines.
Friendships are also starting to develop, and the nights are getting progressively longer. More and more people stay up after dinner to play cards, listen to music, drink, and even dance. Depending on the group, there are usually a few party animals burning the midnight oil by taking the party to their house after the bar closes at midnight.
By Thursday night, we are geared up for a full party after dinner, complete with a special Quemada ceremony (a Spanish flaming drink that comes with a ritual to scare away bad spirits), music, and dancing. Even some of the village staff emerges from the kitchen and offices to join in the festivities.
the Quemada
dancing the night away
By Friday morning, we arrive at a late breakfast a little bleary eyed, but still speaking English enthusiastically. We do a few more one-to-ones before having an early lunch and piling back on the bus for the drive back to Madrid.
Hugs and kisses are exchanged all around, emails and pictures promised, and often places to stay offered. In fact, after my first week of volunteering, I traveled with some of the Anglos to Toledo for a day trip, before enjoying the gracious hospitality of one of the Spaniards for the next week! After my second week of volunteering with Vaughan Town, I again was offered a place to stay for a night before heading to the airport for an early flight.
The Cultural Experience
Although I initially balked at my decision to focus two of my three weeks in Spain on this volunteer program where I was isolated and not even able to speak in Spanish, I found it to be one of the most rewarding cultural experiences I could possibly have asked for.
Under no other circumstances could I possibly have met so many different Spaniards from all over the country, learned about their lives, and been invited into their homes and hearts. Staying in a hostel, I would never have met any of these people, much less had so many meaningful one-to-one conversations with them.
Even meeting so many Anglos from all over the world – I now have friends in London, Ireland, South Africa, and the States, to name just a few places. And I will be seeing many of these people again – some soon, some later.
I love Spain as a country, and have vowed to come back as soon as possible. And part of my Spanish travel itinerary – without a doubt – will be to return to Valdelavilla for some more volunteering with Vaughan Town.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with Vaughan Town, visit this site to submit an application.
July 12th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
This sounds like such an amazing experience! What a great way to learn about life and culture from various areas of the country. Thanks for sharing!
July 12th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Great post! I feel as though I were there. And now I want to go myself!
What was the age range of the Anglos? Mostly in their 20s, or all over the map?
July 12th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
Great post! Do you have the information of the organisation that set it up, I would love to complete something like this.
July 12th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
That sounds great! It is also good to hear of some English language opportunities in Europe (especailly one you don’t need a certificate for.)
Definitely bookmarking that website for the future!
July 12th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
What a beautiful town and beautiful experience!!! I would LOVE to do something like that, except I would want to be the one learning Spanish.
July 13th, 2010 at 12:18 am
I initially worry what I could possibly talk about with so many different people each hour
^ ^ ^ THAT is the funniest line I have read for weeks! xxxx
Really interesting article Nora, thanks for sharing, great way to meet “the locals”
July 13th, 2010 at 5:25 am
@Kelly – Thanks!
@Laura – No, the Anglos were of a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and nationalities. The intent is to expose the Spaniards to a variety of people – and it made the experience all the more fulfilling for everybody!
@Ethony – Here’s the link to Vaughan Town:
http://www.grupovaughan.com/indexVaughanTown.php
@Becky – Vaughan Town has a few different programs in addition to this one, and I don’t think any of them require the teaching certificate. I too, was very happy to have found them!
@Andi – Indeed! There are lots of Spanish-language courses, but I don’t know if any are quite like this.
@Frank – So many different people…so many different conversations….you can’t help but wonder at the onset what you’ll talk about….!
July 13th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
What a well-written entry, you have some serious writing skills in addition to your obvious skill at being a professional hobo!
July 14th, 2010 at 1:33 am
@Jessica – Wow, thanks! Coming from you, this means a lot. Please keep reading, as I have many adventures yet to come!
July 14th, 2010 at 10:03 am
Very cool idea!
Thanks for sharing this post with us.
I would be very interesting in joining one of these programs at some point in time. Was the article you had read just about Spain, or are there other countries involved in the program? Would love to read the article if it’s online or if you can share the URL with us.
Thanks!
July 15th, 2010 at 2:45 am
@Doreen – Vaughan Town is just in Spain, but I’d love to see this model used in other countries too! As for the original article I found it on, it was over 2 years ago, and as I recall it was an off-handed mention of the program that I picked up on. So sorry – I can’t give you the original link, because I don’t remember it!
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:13 pm
What a cool volunteer opportunity! I’m looking for some various ways to volunteer abroad, and not have to pay an arm and a leg to do so.
I just read an article by Julia Dimon about other abroad volunteer opportunities, you can take a look at it here http://www.bit.ly/5ARNYr
Thanks again for your article!
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:40 am
@Ninna – Thanks! That article by Julia is a great resource…I love her stuff! Cheers.
August 6th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
Is there vegetarian food available? I’m signed up for Valdelavilla this fall. Any packing advice, too? After reading your blog I’m counting the days so thanks for making this sound so wonderful.
August 6th, 2010 at 3:33 pm
@Nicole – Yes, they cater to vegetarian diets, as long as you let them know in advance. You’ll be eating lots of salads though – be warned! But you’ll get lots of other variety too…the food is great!
As for packing advice, because Valdelavilla is in the mountains, you can get just about any kind of weather. My first week there (in the middle of June was practically frigid with highs around 17 degrees, but two weeks later it was hot and sunny at 30 degrees! So…come prepared for anything, and you’ll be fine!
Please leave another comment to let us know how you enjoyed the program. Cheers!
August 16th, 2010 at 11:38 am
I will be participating in the fall and have been looking for a more current review of the program… it was great being able to read yours… still a little nervous about how I will be able to come up with a variety of discussion topics! Other than the walking paths, was there anywhere else in the area to walk to – small store etc?
Thank you.
August 16th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
@Gaby – Don’t worry about discussion topics…conversation flows much easier than any participants (myself included) could ever have imagined!
As for places to go, Valdelavilla doesn’t have very much. No store per se…but again, you won’t feel bored, or in need of anything. Some of the other Vaughan Town locations have different amenities though, with different pros and cons; are you scheduled to go to Valdelavilla?
Either way, you’ll love it! Please let me know how it goes.
October 14th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
Been there! Done that!! And it was as great as you describe. In fact, my two weeks there were my 6th and 7th weeks with Vaughantown. And returning for another week next Friday….A really great program in all aspects!! PS Being from the south (Georgia) with a very southern drawl, I carry Moon Pies for all the participants and guarantee they will speak “southern” by the end of the week…..and they do!
October 14th, 2010 at 6:35 pm
@H.J. – LOL – I loved the different Anglo accents. During my first week, there were a few Irish people who had such thick accents, that even the Anglos had trouble understanding them! On the improv night, the Spaniards poked fun at one bloke in particular for “speaking Chinese”, because it didn’t sound like English! (smiles)
November 26th, 2010 at 12:15 pm
I had already decided to do this.
Because of you, I have reinforced that decision… ten-fold.
Thank you!
- Karl.
November 26th, 2010 at 7:02 pm
@Karl – Awesome! Please stop in and let me know how you enjoyed it. When are you going?
November 27th, 2010 at 5:47 am
I’m aiming at going there at teh start of its Spring. I’m in Russia right now, teaching English.
I’ve just recently discovered a cheaper-than-expected flight from here to Madrid. But I’ll have to fly from Moscow to Warsaw then from Warsaw to Madrid…
Okay, so I’ll buy a novel! It’s worth it.
November 27th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
@Karl – I hear you! Long haul flights are less than inspirational. But I promise, it will be worth it!
November 28th, 2010 at 1:08 am
I’ve just got a question.
The thing is, I intend to do Vaughn Town for a long time. But they don’t cover you on Sundays. Do you know of a good low-budget place to stay on a Suday in Soria?
- Karl.
November 28th, 2010 at 8:47 am
Although you could find a place to stay in Soria, your transportation is to and from Madrid, such that it’s actually more inconvenient to get to/from Soria (unless you have your own car, which you won’t need for any other purpose). So I’d suggest staying in Madrid….
December 31st, 2010 at 9:51 am
Are non-native speakers to be considered? I am Italian with years of experience teaching English in Asia. Also graduated in England.
Thanks
Gio
December 31st, 2010 at 8:43 pm
@Gio – They do say that they require native English speakers, however if you detail your experience with them, I’m pretty sure they’ll decide on a case-by-case basis. Go for it!
January 28th, 2011 at 7:50 am
Been to one of these sessions and loved it, going back early summer 2011. Can’t wait. I love the hint about taking Moon Pies, I too am from the south, Y’all. Wish I could make them some biscuits and gravy. But I do love their food! And the wine!!!LOL
January 29th, 2011 at 3:31 am
Vaughantown have accepted my application. I start in July, so that’s all the time I need to prepare. And I found out that you can only apply for up to three one-weel courses at a time – which is fair enough otherwise they’d be bombarded.
I just applied for Valdelavilla, but the other two locations look beautiful enough (just not as deliciously surrounded by green mountains as Valdelavilla). One is more urban and the other is more out in the plains (but apparently gets more cold maonutain air at night).
Have you been to the other two places? (I forgot their names off the top of my head.)
January 30th, 2011 at 3:30 pm
@Judy – LOL! What location are you going back to this summer?
@Karl – I’m thrilled that you’ve been accepted! I haven’t been to the other two places, but would like to. Trouble is, I also love Valdelavilla so much that I’d be sad to miss out on going there too! Ah well…I’ll just have to try them all.
(PS Valdelavilla can get pretty chilly at night too, being in the mountains).
March 7th, 2011 at 5:10 pm
Do you know the email address of vaughntown.com. Reason being, I cannot contact them since they are using an out of country number. Unless, you know a way to contact them, using an the out of country number? Please let me know as soon as possible. I would love to be apart of this program over the summer.
March 8th, 2011 at 8:22 pm
@Melanie – I checked on the site for you to see if there’s a “contact” page and couldn’t find one at first glance. But if you want to participate in a program, then I’d suggest submitting an application form; there’s space on the form to say extra things if there are specific questions or a special situation you wish to speak to them about. http://volunteers.grupovaughan.com/application/entrada.php
March 9th, 2011 at 1:15 pm
[...] to help increase the fluency of Spanish business people. I first heard about this program from The Professional Hobo and was intrigued. Mr. HalfFull and I applied and were accepted for a session in Barco de [...]
March 10th, 2011 at 8:48 am
Melanie – the person to contact for Vaughan Town is Mayte Ziga. Her email is: mziga@vaughantown.com
Sincerely,
Karl Gorman.
March 16th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
Woah! So good I found your description and that too after acceptance. Even though I’m non-native but they accepted saying, they liked the way I approached them and conversed
I’m going to Valdelavilla, just for a week now for the first week of August this year. Soooo, anyone?
Believe me GrupoVaughan is one of the most amazing things I ever came across. And your weblog gave me inner strength to go and enjoy it!
March 16th, 2011 at 7:04 pm
@Manish – I’m thrilled that you’ve been accepted and are excited about going! August is a perfect time of year to experience Valdelavilla. Say hello to everybody at Vaughan Town for me!
March 17th, 2011 at 4:51 am
And that I’ll definitely do. On second thoughts, I shall come here again after my experience and share my blog.
I must admit, Couch Surfing and Grupo Vaughan gave me the best reasons to travel and wander around the world
))
April 7th, 2011 at 3:43 pm
so you get used as an English language workhorse continually asked to converse in English, they get a free English teacher and you don’t get to speak any Spanish at all during the week, nor choose where you end up or get any free days to experience Spain. And you have to pay for your own flight. What do you get out of this exactly?
April 7th, 2011 at 10:01 pm
@Ernie – LOL! I guess if you don’t like meeting new people, having lots of varied conversations (remember, you’re not teaching, you’re just talking), eating three course gourmet meals including wine, receiving free accommodation in a beautiful hotel/village, and having a cultural exchange with locals and travelers alike, then you won’t get anything from the program!
As for choosing where you go, actually you do have a choice. There are a few different locations that Vaughan Town operates out of, and you apply specifically to the places you want to go.
But far be it for me to defend Vaughan Town. The experience obviously wouldn’t be for everybody. You know best what you’d like.
I got my Spanish language and cultural experience before and after volunteering with Vaughan Town; something that worked out very well, since I was invited to stay with the family of one of the program participants. Again – something I couldn’t have had without the volunteering experience.
April 25th, 2011 at 9:03 am
What a great post – having discovered the Vaughn system by chance and being S.African (natural skeptics
, it peaked a keen interest in me, since i have a passion for learning about other cultures and love meeting people from various backgrounds. I have done quite a bit of solo travelling, but never to Spain. I’ve kept returning to the site to do further investigation, but still wasn’t sure…..so thank you for clarifying and i shall definitely be applying with a view to going in June if possible and if accepted. It certainly sounds like an awesome experience!
April 26th, 2011 at 2:42 am
@Mari – It’s funny you should mention being sceptical…I was too at first! It seemed almost too good to be true. But alas, it’s for real, and you DO earn your keep…but it’s all fun. Enjoy!
September 5th, 2011 at 1:15 am
Finally….been there done that
I spent the best week of my life and LOVED what I did. I went to El Barco de Avila, Gredos. And I’m going there back again soon WooHoo.
Thanks for your blog, I got the real energy from your post initially
September 5th, 2011 at 4:47 am
@Manish – Awesome! I’m so glad you had a good experience. One of these days I’ll try the Gredos location out too – I hear it’s beautiful.
September 5th, 2011 at 5:00 am
It indeed is beautiful and believe me I’d spent the best week of my life and NOW I just love teaching and be a cultural exchanger
Though I was lucky to be selected even though I wasn’t a native English speaker. I’m planning Rascafria in March sometime, let’s see. Take care Nora and thanks again!
September 6th, 2011 at 6:10 am
I just got pre-approved and am, hopefully (once they confirm), going to Avila in the middle of January (so I better wrap up warm!!).
I recently got a training position to teach with Vaughan in Madrid but had to turn it down at the last minute (damn personal reasons!), but I’ll reapply next year.
Thanks for the info Nora. I can’t wait to get there and converse!!
September 6th, 2011 at 8:24 am
@Rob – Enjoy!
September 6th, 2011 at 11:35 am
I am too old for this and too poor. I have a peculiarly high culture level, and thus have little tolerance for churlishness, which often happens when “people of many backgrounds congregate.” I don’t think how people like me could fit among “young, rich, and kinky-minded”! Besides, I am 69 years old. My expertise is in English writing, not casual word exchanges, which look great, but add nothing to substantial knowledge! Me disculpen, amigos, pero esto es lo que pienso.
September 7th, 2011 at 11:27 am
@desert voice – On the contrary, amigo. There were anglos well into their 60s and 70s on both of my weeks of volunteering there. However if you aren’t interested in meeting a lot of new people from all over Spain and the world and engaging in a variety of different conversations with them – some of which might add to your extensive knowledge and others which might not – then I agree; this gig’s not for you. It’s not for everybody, that’s for sure!
PS – Did I say people on the program are “young, rich, and kinky-minded?” I don’t remember saying that. Maybe it was inadvertently implied. Sorry!
September 7th, 2011 at 11:28 am
Well I – for one – have LOVED Vaughantown. I did it four times this year (this season, to be precise). Three in the gorgeous Valdelavilla, and one in Puert De Gredos.
It’s been great! The atmosphere, the people, the cuisine (especially in Valdelavilla… the squid in its own ink was amazing!) and the system.
And the self-awareness you get at the end of each 6-day course.
Yeah, I’m being cliche: and I’m telling the truth.
If there’s a small part of you that thinks you will like doing this, then you will enjoy doing this at least once.
At least.
– Karl.
September 14th, 2011 at 6:28 pm
Great posts everyone! I see that most of the comming months are filled and was wondering what winter is like in Spain? The earliest availability is in Janurary and I’m thinking walks on a trail or any outside adventures might be limited due to weather.
At any rate – very intrigued P.Hobo. Been a solo traveler in Europe and have Spain on my list – looks promising – maybe for Spring?
September 15th, 2011 at 9:28 am
@Chaser – I’ve never been to Spain in winter, but I think it depends on where you go as to what the weather is like. In the Valdelavilla area – bundle up! They do get a little snow. Even in the south in Granada – the city doesn’t, but the nearby mountains do (and are popular for skiing).
I think Spring would be an excellent time, especially if you want to avoid chilly weather.
October 27th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
I am in Spain and have volunteered, so I’ll fill in my experience. I live in Madrid, also winters… it’s COLD because houses are built to keep cool in summer… I volunteered same week in Valdelavilla as Nora, her first encounter. I lent out clothes to freezing inadequate dressed anglos. I got a deep cold… old, humid stone houses. Not that that should stop anyone, the weather was untypical for the time. I am not anglo, but Norwegian. I learned English for everyday use while living in Australia for nearly six years. I was impressed by the total experience of the anglo group. Some I would have loved spending long night listening to and talking with. Some I actually keep in touch with, and lend a room when they do repeat volunteering… Pity is, one does not get much time to get to know, as the spaniards are the priority. They in turn are not average spaniards, but alfa-males used to be heard. With some exceptions maybe, but their education and social rang is high. I do not mean this wrong, just that these (men) are used to speak -and tell how things should be (done), so it’s a challenge to them in addition to a language they don’t master. A person with a “peculiarly high culture level” might find a lot to learn if her/his intellect matches the piled up knowledge of culture… Spanish culture and history is amazing! Spanish food is also excellent, but spoiled by living here (Madrid) three years I can not prize the Valdelavilla Kitchen as gourmet; it’s good, and more than plenty, but not SPANISH gourmet. The wine was ok, but substantially better can be found at 4e/bottle. Well I am spoiled haha. And where was the CAVA? I absolutely recommend volunteering if it excites you, but add days to your trip to get a Spanish experience. Vaughantown is not a Spanish experience, it’s an unique experience… it’s hard work in one sense as all day is scheduled, it’s good training for aspiring teachers, it’s not teaching but conversations. I gave a flying lesson in one of my sessions, as I had a pilot licence, in another session the spaniard gave me a fitness instruction, original and passionate. An the entertainment on the nights were great fun, the talent on stage impressed!!!
October 28th, 2011 at 5:10 pm
I learned about Vaughan Town while listening to a Rick Steves’ podcast. Intrigued, I applyed and was accepted. I will be attending the program in either December or January. While I certainly am not shy and have no trouble talking to people, I am a little trepidatious about keeping the conversation stimulating for hours on end. And about these evening performances…I’m afraid I haven’t the talent to entertain a group. Those are really the only two things I am reticent about. Can you allay my fears?
October 28th, 2011 at 6:28 pm
@Kristin – Thanks for weighing in! How are you and your puppies anyway?
I didn’t have quite the same experience about the Spaniards being high-ranking men; and in the 2nd week there were even University students as Spaniards, and always a good mix of men and women.
But I DO agree that if you come to Spain, it’s good to tack on a few extra days for some Spanish sight-seeing, since the schedule is very full and a little bit top-heavy.
@Jan – Don’t concern yourself at all about keeping conversations going for hours on end….you’re never talking to one person for more than 40 minutes before you get a break and are matched up with a new partner, so there’s no time for things to drone on. And if you’re really stuck for topics, they have tools for that as well. You’re not the first person to be concerned about this!
As for the evening performances, don’t worry about having a talent or having to entertain. Again, it’s all very well organized and coordinated, and you don’t even have to get up in front of anybody at all if you don’t want to. It’s all voluntary!
Enjoy. I know you will!
October 28th, 2011 at 7:30 pm
Hi Jan. Trust me, they will not force you into doing a production if you don’t want to. In fact, in one of the “anglo only” meetings, the director is likely to say “Do not force any of the Spaniards into doing a production they don’t want to.” You will be required to be very active, and avoid speaking Spanish 100%, but you will not be required to act (on the last night IF YOU STAY UP LATE, you are likley to be required to get up and dance – though… by the other Spaniards, not the Vaughantown crew).
You will reminisce about this experience. I am, deeply, and I already look forward to doing it again some time.
– Karl
October 28th, 2011 at 8:35 pm
Thanks P.Hobo and Karl! It’s nice to know I now have someone to whom I can address other questions. I love to travel, but sometimes, especially when you are traveling with someone else, it’s hard to actually meet people and have a genuine window into the culture. I welcome the opportunity to meet other ‘anglos’ as well! The whole program really sounds like a lovely experience.
November 8th, 2011 at 10:37 pm
I hadn’t thought much about my experience in Spain, nor Vaughtown lately but have just received a few of your “Hobo” blogs and felt a need to reply. I went to Valdelavilla in Oct 2010 and had a wonderful time. I am 54 years old and met wonderful people from various english speaking countries, in addition to the fun spaniards that were attending. I had a trajedy in my life shortly afterwards and received some very supportive and heartwarming e-mails from some of the attendies.. Just like most traveling that one does, sometimes you enjoy some aspects more than others, but this was a great experience and some day would do it again. By the way, I was able to spend some time before and afterwards in different parts of Spain, which I think is definitely a must if you have the time/money.
March 26th, 2012 at 12:16 pm
Does anyone know if the Vaughan Spanish School is stilll in operation? I sent in an application for the volunteer week in June but haven’t had a reply, not even an acknowledge that they received my application.
I had previously inquired about the retired teachers’ assistant teacher program but, again, did not hear back from them.
Anyone know anything? The last post is Nov. 2011, so I would think they’re still in business.
March 28th, 2012 at 8:48 am
@Sandy – As far as I’m aware, Vaughan Town it still in business. You may want to send them another note just in case they missed your application.
March 28th, 2012 at 3:27 pm
Nora….I’m so glad that long back I saw this and went to do the VT and thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it and its surprising that Karl was there too in the same week session as I. And now going back in a week again and right in time for Feria De Sevilla
@Sandy: They ARE in business. And they are growing. I can understand that currently ONLY Mayte is in-charge of recruiting volunteers and maybe her work load if way much and she misses, quite a few applications. I’ll definitely ask her this time about why it happened and maybe get back with a genuine reply for you.
March 28th, 2012 at 8:44 pm
Hi all. @Sandy, all I can say to rationalize why they took a while getting back to you is because Madrid has recently hit a major crisis, and there’d be a lot on their plate right now.
When I say a major crisis, I mean one that’s more major than it has been the previous six months . . . give or take. When I was in Madrid there didn’t seem to be LOADS of visual evidence of such problems – but that was the middle of last year.
It’s Autumn right now in Australia, but the sunsets have been reminding me of Spain.
– Karl.