Spain Journey

I learned about an unconventional method for spending time in Spain. You can spend six days in Spain as a volunteer, helping professionals practice their English speaking skills. The Vaughan Town volunteer program pays the cost for your accommodations in a hotel. Participants pay for their flight to Madrid, but they spend most of their time in towns surrounding Madrid. Program volunteers must be prepared to spend about 12 hours per day interacting and talking to the business people who are trying to learn English, but volunteers do have time to enjoy the area around them and the hotel. The volunteers play games with the English language learners and participate in other activities with them. Significant time is spent getting to know each other.

The program works because the English language learners are exposed to people with different dialects and speaking styles. They can improve their fluency and comprehension. The English Language learners have a great opportunity to  listen to native English-speakers speak in the same way that the native speakers would speak with their own friends or family members. The learners practice their own speaking skills, working on their word choices and learning how to use English phrases. The trip can be a great opportunity to make some new friends and help others in a laid back environment. 

Volunteers can choose the town (here's the list) where they want to volunteer and they have a choice from among several available dates throughout the year. Accommodations include a former palace  in Villacarriedo, and hotels in Gredos, Alba de Layos, El Rancho de la Aldeguela, Valdelavilla, or the Sheraton Santa Maria. You can choose to extend your trip by footing the bills yourself for a few extra days in Spain. Some volunteers choose to spend time exploring Spain on their own for a few days before the volunteer experience. This sounds like a great deal!

I had been looking into staying for a couple of weeks in Benalmadena. The area is attractive due its warm weather, beaches, and entertainment. It looks like a cool place to rent an apartment and spend time lounging on the beach or visiting places like the Selwo Marino Dolphinarium, a marina where you can watch shows featuring dolphins and sea lions and interact with dolphins and watch the penguins.

Tivoli World, an amusement park in Benalmadena, could also give you a diversion. Families who travel with kids, might light to visit for the water ride, roller coaster, and go-karts. The park boasts that it has at least 40 attractions for guests. The park offers a pass which allows guests to ride 37 of the rides for  about $15. The Texas Grill restaurant a Chinese restaurant, and an establishment serving Andalusian food is there as well.

There are about 12 beaches in Benalmadena. Some of the beaches are rather rocky, but the best beaches include Bil Bil beach, Malpesquera beach, and Santa Ana Beach. The usual water sports, sailing, paragliding, and boat tours are also available. The area is also known for its golf courses. I happen to be a horrible golfer, but it's fun to try.

You can take a tour bus to some of the surrounding areas, including Madrid. It's possible to find accommodations walking distance to the market, bars, restaurants, and the beach. I think that this area is great for people who would like to experience Spain in a reasonably safe area with other foreign visitors.