AIFS in Granada Student Volunteers

AIFS in Granada Resident Director Paula Messina shares some of her students' volunteer experiences

In Fall Semester 2009, eight AIFS students participated in the AIFS “Solidarios” volunteering project. Students chose from one of three different volunteering opportunities: being a “teacher’s helper” at a grammar school or pre-school, accompanying an elderly person for an afternoon, or feeding the homeless. By spending two or three hours one day per week at their “jobs,” students were able to integrate into Spanish society while also giving something back to the city that hosted them for four months. Here is what some of the students had to say after their experiences:

Elizabeth Yares volunteers at an elementary school

“Volunteering was honestly one of the best things I did while in Granada. I went to the Virgen del Pilar elementary school two hours each week to teach a class of 25 5-year-olds. I sang songs in English with them, helped serve lunch, and played with them during patio (recess). It was a wonderful way to get to see a different side of Granada while truly feeling like I was making a difference. On the last day, each of the children gave me a drawing and a hug – you really get connected to each one of them. The teacher and the director both insisted that I come back whenever I want; that the school was my casa. If you decide to take advantage of this wonderful experience, I promise you will not regret it.”
– Elizabeth Yares, Augustana College

Tara Lemasters, Meredith Ricketts, and Lauren Slater spend time with Rafaela

Volunteering, or voluntariado, as they call it in Spain, turned out to be a highlight of our Granada experience. Not only did if feel good to be helping someone other than ourselves, but we also learned a lot. We learned how easy it was to open up to someone new, how to become an active part of Spanish culture, and to realizes what it felt like to have someone truly depend on you and your friendship. In addition, we learned how to listen, think, and speak in Spanish. Two other AIFSers and I participated in the “Accompanying the elderly” project. Our visit was with Rafaela, a spunky old bird who always managed to keep us interested and laughing. Whether she was explaining her life story or poking fun at Lauren Slater’s nickname (“Lo” was too simple and más corto), she was always a treat to be around. We loved taking her on short walks in the park and were honored when she felt the need to show us off to the man at the pharmacy counter and the ladies at the beauty salon. We have truly enjoyed our time spent with Rafaela. Thanks for everything Rafa, te queremos mucho.
– Tara Lemasters, University of Colorado at Boulder; Meredith Ricketts, University of South Carolina; Lauren Slater, Boston University

Learn more about AIFS in Granada: http://www.aifsabroad.com/spain/granada/