SERVICE LEARNING
If you wish to participate in community work, or service learning, in Madrid, you will need to keep in mind that one of the best ways to get involved in a community, to learn from it and hope to leave a positive impression and result for your efforts, is to become a part of it as much as possible. If you plan to travel away from Madrid every weekend, or if the time you wish to dedicate to activities during the week in Madrid is limited, your immersion in the community and in its work will be limited. It is a matter of priorities, and you should determine your priorities, interests, and limitations before committing to a community organization or specific project. Your involvement in one of these activities could prove the most moving, engaging, and stimulating part of your study abroad experience.
During orientation, students will receive information about numerous volunteer opportunities in and around Madrid, primarily involving the elderly, infirmed, youth, immigrant population, handicapped, etc. The level of Spanish proficiency required, and the expected time commitment, will be discussed.
Here are some sample opportunities:
Volunteer in an elementary school: DIM students are able to teach English, in an assistant capacity, in a school for children under 14 years of age. Students must be willing to commit one hour per week, and motivation and enthusiasm are required. The Spanish children always show a great interest in the DIM volunteers who are truly seeking to immerse themselves in Spanish culture.
See a slideshow about Duke students teaching English!
STUDENT VOICES - Elementary School
 "In working as a teaching assistant in an English class at school, I have been lucky enough to work with 6-7 year olds in their first years of learning English. In my class of around 20 children, all of them are so excited to learn English, and even more excited to learn about me and my American customs. The teacher was very appreciative and gave me the liberty to make lesson plans as I saw fit, which is exciting because the kids really want to learn about Halloween and Thanksgiving. As all kids do, they had a lot of questions, and I was happy to answer them, though I had to translate quite a bit because they know very little English. I got to read them stories, play games, and help them with writing, all of which allowed me to work one-on-one with the kids. Overall, the experience has been absolutely wonderful; the only downside was that class is only once a week, I could go every day!"
-Lauren Sowa, Trinity '09
David Noyd, T'09, shares some of his experiences as a volunteer at the Hospital Clínico San Carlos in Madrid and as an English teacher in an elementary school in his posting "Una Semana Típica en mi Vida Madrileña" on the discussion board of the Duke in Madrid facebook group.
"The internship offers an excellent experience to interact with schoolage children in Spain. It was especially rewarding to see their interest and enthusiasm for American culture; at the same time it allowed us to learn first hand about the Spanish educational system. The opportunity to become involved in Spanish culture in this unique way is an enriching addition to the Duke-in-Madrid program."
-Laura Crane, Trinity '03
"The past semester, while studying in the Duke in Madrid program, I had the opportunity to volunteer in a Spanish elementary school as an English teacher. On a weekly basis I went to Colegio del Pilar to teach an English lesson to a group of 4th grade students. In addition to the enjoyment that I got out of teaching, I also was able to better my Spanish through my experience. Teaching English is one of the many things that I will miss about Spain and about the Duke in Madrid program."
-Dave Prinn, Trinity '01
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Volunteer in a clinic
STUDENT VOICES - Hospital/clinic
 "The experience helped give me an inside look at the healthcare system [in Spain]. I noticed some difference between here and the US, but many similarities as well. Basically, my main job was to talk with patients and to accompany them and assist them with whatever they needed. Most of the patients were elderly folk that ranged from being very talkative to being virtually unable to make conversation because of sickness. We met one lady that was 87 years old, who was born in Madrid and lived here all her life. It was interesting talking to her and learning how things have changed over the years. I was really excited about the opportunity to help out in the hospital, to be there for the patients, and to learn about the healthcare system in Spain all at the same time."
- David Noyd, Trinity '09
David Noyd, T'09, shares more about his experiences as a volunteer at the Hospital Clínico San Carlos in Madrid and as an English teacher in an elementary school in his posting "Una Semana Típica en mi Vida Madrileña" on the discussion board of the Duke in Madrid facebook group.
"I learned a lot about the Spanish healthcare system and it was very interesting to see how the hospital was run. I also enjoyed speaking to the patients and meeting more Spaniards. It added another dimension to my semester. The volunteer center, Desarrollo y Asistencia, is receptive and patients are always glad to have someone to talk to.
-DIM student Fall 2002
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Volunteer in a homeless shelter
STUDENT VOICES - Homeless shelter
"It was certainly a wonderful opportunity to catch a glimpse of the reality of this world (there are always others who are materialistically less fortunate than us). A wonderful opportunity to speak Spanish and make real relationships. The program was very stimulating."
- Stuart Campbell, Trinity '04
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See! The World Participation in Duke in Madrid
Last revised: 09 January 2008
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