by Richard L. Francis

Created on: February 15, 2010

One of the greatest expenses associated with travel in Spain is the cost of food and lodging. Fortunately, travelers usually have a wide range of choices to fit almost any budget. Of course those choices almost invariably involve making certain sacrifices. Will they dine on champagne and caviar or soda pop and hot dogs? Will they be staying in a 5-Star grand hotel preferred by the rich and famous, or a bare bones hostel favored by starving artists and students? Usually it comes down to budget and choices…but not always!

Would you believe it is possible to spend an entire week in Spain enjoying the culture, excellent local cuisine and lodging in pleasant, clean, spacious and inviting accommodations at absolutely no cost? Believe it! Hundreds of informed, savvy travelers do it every year. Okay, so what’s the catch?

Pueblo Ingles is a company that was established in 2000 for the purpose of providing Spaniards, who have studied English, an opportunity to become more comfortable and fluent in their use of English. Almost all of their clients are professionals (doctors, lawyers, professors, consultants and government employees). Pueblo Ingles developed and conducts week-long immersion courses where only English is spoken. Any use of Spanish is strictly forbidden! To accomplish this (here’s the catch), Pueblo Ingles offers free room and board to native English speakers from around the globe who volunteer, and are accepted, as conversation partners for their clients (normally referred to as “the Spaniards”).

Should you be accepted, you will be required to provide your own transportation to and from Madrid, and any lodging before and after your week with Pueblo Ingles. On the appointed day, you will meet at a designated location in Madrid and be driven in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus to the appropriate venue. Pueblo Ingles has several locations in Spain and even one in Italy for Italians to polish their English. Pueblo Ingles also has an excellent program just for teens.

Volunteers, or “Anglos” as they are called, spend a week just talking and engaging the Spaniards in conversations about anything and everything. During these conversations, they are encouraged to politely and gently correct the Spaniards when words are mispronounced or used incorrectly. Because the Anglos come from a variety of English speaking nations (England, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, United States, Australia, etc.), different levels of education,

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>