Posted by Chris LeGrant on Thu, Nov 19, 2009
The Conversation Corps is one of GeoVisions' most popular programs. As the name implies, communication plays a big role in the success of the program. As an admissions counselor, I talk to hundreds of people interested in joining the Corps. One of the most frequently asked questions I encounter is, "Do I have to know the language of the host country to participate"?
Technically, you don't need the know the language where you are going to make the program work. In reality, anything you do know about your hosts' language will most certainly help you a lot. Many of the families who request a Conversation Corps tutor have some background in English so most of our tutors can get by with basic communication. However, if you don't have any knowledge of the host county's language, taking a class before you leave or buying a program like Rosetta Stone is recommended. This will allow you to pick up the language faster when you are abroad and make you feel much more comfortable while on the program, especially when you are out and about on your own.
If you have ever studied a foreign language, you probably know that there is only so much you can learn from cramming text books and going through translation. In order to really become fluent, you have to constantly practice.
The greatest benefit the Conversation Corps brings to the families is rather than having to spend time in an English speaking country (which is incredibly expensive and unpractical especially if you have children) GeoVisions brings an English tutor to them, thereby giving the family members the ability to practice with a native speaker, in their own home. And since the Corps is made up of volunteers, the cost to the family is minimal and the results lasting.
The ability to practice a second language is also a big motivator for Corps tutors. Many GeoVisions tutors have a lot of experience in a language and the Conversation Corps is a great, inexpensive way for them to really sharpen their skills. GeoVisions can also assist in finding in-country language classes while on the program. I'm here and always eager to help people through the process!
Here are some links you might find helpful:
http://www.eslcafe.com
http://www.esl-lounge.com (GeoVisions provides Premium Membership to this site when you are accepted into the Corps)
http://www.english-to-go.com
http://www.teachenglish.ws
http://www.ehow.com/how_4806786_lesson-plans-teaching-english-abroad.html
http://www.julieinjapan.com/2007/10/english-lesson-plan-teaching-children.html
Posted by Randy LeGrant on Tue, Apr 28, 2009
The entry below appeared on April 28, 2009 in a GeoVisions E-News:
When you volunteer abroad with GeoVisions, you receive a 2-month subscription to Pongo Resume. FREE! Add your volunteer experience to your resume in a way that attracts attention. Then, Prepare To Get Hired.
You may be the best candidate, but you won't get the job unless your resume, cover letter, and interview skills stand out and impress employers. With Pongo's Resume Builder, Cover Letter Builder, Interview Tips, and expert guidance, you have what it takes to sell yourself and negotiate your best job offer.
Print professional resumes right from the web. Then use Pongo's email service to email your resume out to prospective employers. Need to fax your resume? No problem with Pongo. The 2-months of FREE service allows you to fax your resume from the Internet in a fax-friendly design. The subscription even comes with a "tracker" to see who received your resume and who opened it.
You volunteered your time and talents...now use all of that experience and prepare to get hired!
When your application is accepted, we will send you a special link to receive your 2-month FREE subscription. The two months begin when you activate your account. Some volunteers use it during the application process and others while they are on the project...it's all done over the Internet so you have global access to your account. Still others wait until they return and begin to use Pongo. Whatever you decide, you have two-full months of service once you activate your account.
GeoVisions is an Official Certifying Organization for The President's Volunteer Service Award. That means we will record your GeoVisions service on the volunteer project. For your service you will receive a lapel pin, a personalized certificate, a congratulatory letter from President Barack Obama and a letter from the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.
Upon your return, GeoVisions hopes you will continue to volunteer abroad or in your local community. When you do, just email us to turn in your hours. When you move to the next level (from 100 to 250 hours or more) you will move from Bronze, to Silver, to Gold and then Lifetime/The President's Call To Service Award. The more hours you volunteer and report to GeoVisions, the higher you move up. This is an ongoing service to you, our volunteer. No matter how many years it takes, you will move on up to a higher level and receive the new awards. All by being a volunteer with GeoVisions right now.
Are you a member of The Conversation Corps? Are you a Conversation Partner? Then you have already received our book, A Tutor's Guide: Teaching English To Families and Children. To augment the book, you now have access to the ESL-Lounge's Premium Area. With your special username and password you can download PDF lesson plans with full teacher notes; download hundreds of flash cards; use Business English lesson plans, download and use audio mp3 files.
The ESL-Lounge has been around since 2001. All materials have been prepared by teachers with at least eight years of experience. This shows in the lesson plans themselves: these have been produced by teachers for teachers and those teachers who have contributed understand the requirements of teachers in the classroom. All Conversation Corps members and Conversation Partners received this $29 membership FREE.
There are still a few spots available for this summer. Many have already started to secure their place for the fall. We encourage you to contact GeoVisions for more information on these new benefits and spaces that may still yet be available during the summer...or make your decision for the fall today. September placements are almost full, believe it or not!
Remember, you can apply for FREE! It never costs to make your application and start the process.
The Global Work and Service Programs Team
GeoVisions