Community Engagement in Salamanca, Spain

Community Development, Family and Youth Development, Health

Language Requirement: Spanish (High Intermediate)

ISA Service-Learning has partnered with the Salamanca City Council to coordinate placements with over 80 local non-profit community organizations. These organizations work within a variety of sectors including Family and Youth Development, Community Development, and Health. Examples of organizations include support centers for people with disabilities, senior citizen homes, health clinics, refugee and immigrant support, and summer camps. While we aim to place students in their field of interest, placement with any single organization will depend on the projects available at the time. Students interested in exploring these opportunities should be flexible with their placement options and understand that placement confirmation will likely be 1-2 weeks prior to the program start date.

Community Development

Language Requirement: Spanish (Intermediate)

This public library is part of the cultural heart of Salamanca. Participants in this organization may contribute to this dynamic Spanish institution by helping to plan, organize, and publicize weekly workshops and cultural activities for kids and adults, engage with the community, and assist with a variety of workshops involving art, literature, reading, English classes, and theatrical activities for children.

PLEASE NOTE: The library is closed in August.

Community Development

Language Requirement: Spanish (Intermediate)

This organization is a part of the local government and is located in the City Hall. It is responsible for promoting the city of Salamanca and providing information about local attractions and specialties, as well as visitor services. It can be considered the city's point of reception, as it is often the first place visitors go when they need information. Students may help with administrative tasks in the office, visitor services, fielding requests from other agencies, preparing tourism materials for fairs and congresses, and supporting the coordination of tourist programs.

Education

Language Requirement: Spanish (Intermediate)

These primary and secondary educational institutions provide high-quality, bilingual education. Participants in one of these schools may serve as a teacher’s aid and gain classroom experience by working with local students. Additionally, participants are needed to help with English conversation classes, teaching pronunciation, assisting teachers in daily classroom duties, helping with homework, and designing creative activities for classes.

PLEASE NOTE: Schools are closed from mid-June through mid-September for summer vacation.

Environment

Language Requirement: Spanish (Intermediate)

The University of Salamanca has initiated programs and campaigns to make the city greener and improve the lives of its residents. Service-learning projects may include administrative office duties, city and river clean-up, workshops on recycling, and public campaigns on sustainability issues. Participants may also have opportunities to assist with outdoor activities related to environmental education and raise awareness about creative ecological practices that favor sustainability.

PLEASE NOTE: The university office is closed from the end of June through mid-September.

Family and Youth Development

Language Requirement: Spanish (Intermediate)

This organization was founded by a group of families more than 50 years ago to improve the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities and their families. They manage day centers, a school, an employment center, housing and residences, and support services for more than 1000 people. Participants may help with both administrative and community work.

Family and Youth Development

Language Requirement: Spanish (Intermediate)

The organization works to develop the potential of children and young people, foster a suitable environment for their growth and promote social responsibility. Their goal is to maximize the capabilities of children and accompany the comprehensive development of young people, focusing on critical factors (such as education, housing, or leisure time) that may infringe on their ability to grow and prosper. Participants may support daily administrative and direct contact activities, with emphasis on educational reinforcement and recreational programs.