Volunteer Programme

Each year, we receive up to four 'professional' and 'non-professional' volunteers who join our College community to help with English teaching, the Creativity Action and Social Development (CADS) programme and many other activities depending upon the College's needs at the time, and the volunteer’s interests, knowledge and experience. Professional volunteers are usually over 22 years old and have a university degree and/or professional career experience.  

They are often selected to help with specific projects that utilize their professional skills. Non-professional volunteers are usually (but not always) recent UWC graduates without professional qualifications who come to the College frequently as a 'third year option' before beginning university studies. These volunteers often work primarily with English teaching and the CADS programme, although they may be asked to assume other responsibilities as well.  Professional volunteers are provided with faculty housing while non-professional volunteers live in the dormitories with the students.

Although we are able to receive and accommodate 2 to 4 volunteers per year, we have found that the selection of volunteers from numerous applicants helps us to be sure that the right people are coming for the right reasons.

Volunteering at the SBUWC for a year can be a very enriching experience –particularly for students interested in rural development, poverty issues or agriculture and in learning or improving their Spanish. It is also an opportunity (and a challenge) for UWC graduates to multiply their positive UWC experiences in a college and surrounding community with a lot of potential but little funding. There are many possibilities for volunteers with imagination.

VOLUNTEER SELECTION

The College will receive volunteers twice a year: in January and in August. For those who are willing to enter in January, admission forms and other requested documents will be received up to the 15th of November. FUNDACEA will inform them about the results of their application by the end of November (for non UWC student applications).

Admission forms to enter in August will be received up to the 15th of May. FUNDACEA will inform about the results of their request by the 15th of June.

NOTE: Volunteers who do not speak Spanish will be accepted only in August, when there is an intensive Spanish course for those who need it.

STEPS TO APPLY

1.Contact cmusb-admisiones@cantv.net and request further information about the volunteer experience and life in the College. 

2.Download,complete, and return the volunteer application via email to the head of admissions at cmusb-admisiones@cantv.net

NOTE: Professional Volunteers must include résumé. 

3.Write an essay describing: what you have to offer SB UWC, what you hope to gain from your experience at SB UWC, and your expectations of the College.

4.Letter(s) of Recommendation -to be emailed directly to the head of admissions by the person writing the recommendation.

-For current UWC students (or other non-professional volunteers):

*Your application must include letters of recommendation from your head-master and from a current teacher of your choice.

 -For professional Volunteers:

 *Your application must include a letter of recommendation from a current or recent employer or teacher. 

 For more information about life as a volunteer at the SB UWC, please contact the Admisiones who can send you further information or possibly put you in contact with a past SB UWC volunteer. 

ECONOMIC SUPPORT

The College will provide lodging to volunteers under the following conditions: 

• It will provide free lodging and food to volunteers active in the College for not less than nine months.

• Volunteers active in the College for more than six months but less than nine, will receive free lodging but they will have to pay for their food. 
• Volunteers who stay for six months or less will have to pay for their lodging and food. After the first three months, they will receive a 50 % discount in the College’s dining hall.

NOTE: Pocket money may be provided for professional volunteers depending on the circumstances.

TRANSPORTATION 

The cost of the round trip international ticket, as well as the flight from Caracas to Barinas, where the College is located, has to be paid by the volunteer. Also any personal transportation both during the work service at the College or during the holiday periods need to be covered by the volunteer.

The College may offer advice and help in the arrangements of the arrival at Caracas airport, stay in Caracas (if necessary) and transportation to Barinas. The only transportation the College will provide is from Barinas, state airport, to the College farm headquarters, 70 Km away.

VISA

A Student Visa —which allows International students, volunteers and staff, to remain in Venezuela for one year with the possibility of renewal each year of study or work— can be obtained from the nearest Venezuelan Embassy or High Commission to the student’s country of residence.

VISA REQUIREMENTS/ STUDENT VISA (TR-E)

1. Valid passport, minimum for six (6) months at the time of your request.

2. Acceptance letter from a Venezuelan Educational Institution.

3. Financial support letter from whoever is sponsoring you. It will cover: tuition, school fees, living expenses. Notarized authorization letter from parent if under 18 years old.

4. Police record.

5. Health certificates.

6. Two (2) photographs, passport size.

7. Fill the application form available at the Consular Office (It can be requested by Fax or e-mail).

GENERAL NOTES: • Once the visa has been approved, you should pay the consular fee at the bank indicated for the Consular Office. The slip deposit is available at the Consular Office.

SPANISH COURSE 

The College will provide an 8 weeks intensive Spanish Course between  the end of July or beginning of August and September. The course has proven to provide the students and volunteers with the necessary skills for them to get along in the College, despite not having any previous knowledge of the language. The cost of this course has to be covered by the student, volunteer or assistant if he is to stay less than three months; those who stay between three and six months will receive a 50 % discount ; and the course will be free for those staying more than six months.