Vaughan Teachers & Volunteers

Madrid is slowly starting to open up and we are so happy that we'll finally be able to have our dear volunteers back in the city... Soon 🤫😉

Who else can't wait to come back this summer?!

Picture by

Madrid is slowly starting to open up and we are so happy that we'll finally be able to have our dear volunteers back in the city... Soon 🤫😉 Who else can't wait to come back this summer?! Picture by @Madridalpasar . . . . . . . . #Madrid #VolunteerinMadrid #VaughanTown #Summer2020 #HashtagExcitement

This is a life pause
A time to stop what we are doing
And take a rest
It's for the best

This is a life pause
A time to reflect and move away
From day to day
A life pause

We created a new world
Of life beyond our home
But now we must stop
And manage alone.

This is a life pause
Only a fragment of a short time
To take a step back
It's not all black
It's a life pause
Take each day as it comes
No rushing around
No sound
Just a life pause
Barbara Lee

A beautiful poem written by our lovely volunteer Barbara.

It really helps us appreciate this situation we're going through!

Thank you Barbara.

What about you? Any hidden talents that are resurfacing while being at home? .

This is a life pause A time to stop what we are doing And take a rest It's for the best This is a life pause A time to reflect and move away From day to day A life pause We created a new world Of life beyond our home But now we must stop And manage alone. This is a life pause Only a fragment of a short time To take a step back  It's not all black  It's a life pause Take each day as it comes No rushing around  No sound  Just a life pause Barbara Lee A beautiful poem written by our lovely volunteer Barbara. It really helps us appreciate this situation we're going through! Thank you Barbara. What about you? Any hidden talents that are resurfacing while being at home? . . . . #Volunteersinspain #VaughanTown #Poem #LifePause #Volunteer

She's Jenny Shaffeeullah, she's been coming to our programs for 12 years and has done more than 20 programs so far. Jenny is more than a volunteer, she's a part of the family.

When asked about her VaughanTown experience she tells us: "Informative exchanges of culture/friends/traditions/experiences. Fosters better communication, influence values, builds relationships and gives a better and stronger perspective of each and everyone's own discernment." Coming from Whitby, Ontario, Jenny works as a Child & Youth Counselor and Educational Assistant. What is she up to know?

She's looking to keep traveling around the world as she often does. "VT is a place I will always return to, as often as they would have me. In addition to giving to the eager Spaniards, it is always a humble opportunity for me to learn about each and everyone's life's experiences in an interactive way" she tells us.
Toronto Canada is her home which she loves dearly. It's where her roots are embedded, and it is where her family is.
Although she says:
"Spain has become my second home. In addition to participating in a VT program, I takes the opportunity to travel to several locations across Spain to immerse myself in the different traditions, meet new people, and learn as much as I can about this wonderful country that was merely just a history lesson in high school, but now theory has transformed into practice and I can feel, touch, and enjoy"

Thank you for countless hours of conversation, for giving us the greatest gift you can give someone which is your time.

She's Jenny Shaffeeullah, she's been coming to our programs for 12 years and has done more than 20 programs so far. Jenny is more than a volunteer, she's a part of the family. When asked about her VaughanTown experience she tells us: "Informative exchanges of culture/friends/traditions/experiences. Fosters better communication, influence values, builds relationships and gives a better and stronger perspective of each and everyone's own discernment." Coming from Whitby, Ontario 🇨🇦, Jenny works as a Child & Youth Counselor and Educational Assistant. What is she up to know? She's looking to keep traveling around the world as she often does. "VT is a place I will always return to, as often as they would have me. In addition to giving to the eager Spaniards, it is always a humble opportunity for me to learn about each and everyone's life's experiences in an interactive way" she tells us. Toronto Canada is her home which she loves dearly. It's where her roots are embedded, and it is where her family is. Although she says: "Spain has become my second home. In addition to participating in a VT program, I takes the opportunity to travel to several locations across Spain to immerse myself in the different traditions, meet new people, and learn as much as I can about this wonderful country that was merely just a history lesson in high school, but now theory has transformed into practice and I can feel, touch, and enjoy" Thank you Jenny for countless hours of conversation, for giving us the greatest gift you can give someone which is your time. Thank you for the past decade with us, see you soon 😊😘 . . . .. . A #VaughanTown #Volunteer #Volunteersinspain #travelandvolunteer #Canada #Spain #Gredos

Meet Ross Tillbrook from Edinburgh, Scotland a 51-year-old tour guide

When we asked him about VaughanTown he said: "For me, VaughanTown is a wonderful way to meet new people from all over the world, enable the learners to gain confidence in English and to have fun!" He's currently at VaughanTown in Gredos and after this week he's preparing for the 2020 guiding season where he works for months straight taking tourists through beautiful Scotland. If you're interested in visiting Scotland with a really great tour guide check out his website: http://www.rosstillbrooktourguide.com/
Ross Tillbrook - Edinburgh Tour Guide

Meet Ross Tillbrook @rosstillbrookz from Edinburgh, Scotland. This 51-year-old tour guide is one of my personal favorites volunteers. When we asked him about VaughanTown he said "For me VaughanTown is a wonderful way to meet new people from all over the world, enable the learners to gain confidence in English and to have fun!" He's currently at VaughanTown in Gredos and after this week he's preparing for the 2020 guiding season where he works for months straight taking tourists through beautiful Scotland. If you're interested in visiting Scotland with a really great tour guide check out his website: rosstillbrooktourguide.com . . . . . #VaughanTown #Volunteer #Culturalexchange #LanguageExchange #volunteerandtravel #Onetoone #Spain #Travel #Vaughan #Volunteersinspain #Culturalexchange #Tourguide #Scotland

Soraya Sophia Moghadass heard about us when she did a TELF course back in 2013. Once the course was over her tutor told them options to start teaching; she mentioned VaughanTown in Spain and it sounded incredible but within a few months an opportunity came up to move to the Cayman Islands where she was for 6 years. As soon as she knew she was moving back to England, in August this year, she signed up for the Puerta de Gredos course in October and was accepted. "The process was really quick and easy and there were so many weeks to choose from so the timing was perfect".

About VaughanTown she tells us: "The whole week was one of the most well-organized experiences I've ever been a part of. It was great to be immersed in Spanish culture - visiting the local town, eating and drinking local - but also have such an impact on the Spaniards learning experience. All the evening activities were so much fun - perfectly matched for the group. And of course, Puerta de Gredos was a stunning location!"



Sophia, 31, comes from England 🇬🇧 and has worked in Hotels for the last 5 years, in Lifestyle and Events and now is an HR Officer for Marriott. " I love languages - listening, learning, speaking and I love people's stories - where they have come from and what they like to do. I live in England with my Spanish boyfriend and we love all things cooking (he's a chef) I also am a huge local theatre supporter and act in local plays "
Next steps for her? She's looking into some of the Madrid DayTowns and perhaps doing the same week again in October. She has also looked into how to become a VaughanTown teacher if she ever moved to Spain!

Soraya Sophia Moghadass heard about us when she did a TELF course back in 2013. Once the course was over her tutor told them options to start teaching; she mentioned VaughanTown in Spain and it sounded incredible but within a few months an opportunity came up to move to the Cayman Islands where she was for 6 years. As soon as she knew she was moving back to England, in August this year, she signed up for the Puerta de Gredos course in October and was accepted. "The process was really quick and easy and there were so many weeks to choose from so the timing was perfect" . . About VaughanTown she tells us: "The whole week was one of the most well-organized experiences I've ever been a part of. It was great to be immersed in Spanish culture - visiting the local town, eating and drinking local - but also have such an impact on the Spaniards learning experience. All the evening activities were so much fun - perfectly matched for the group. And of course Puerta de Gredos was a stunning location!" . . Sophia, 31, comes from England 🇬🇧 and has worked in Hotels for the last 5 years, in Lifestyle and Events and now is an HR Officer for Marriott. " I love languages - listening, learning, speaking and I love people's stories - where they have come from and what they like to do. I live in England with my Spanish boyfriend and we love all things cooking (he's a chef) I also am a huge local theatre supporter and act in local plays " Next steps for her? She's looking into some of the Madrid DayTowns and perhaps doing the same week again in October. She has also looked into how to become a VaughanTown teacher if she ever moved to Spain! . . . . . #VaughanTown #Volunteer #Culturalexchange #LanguageExchange #volunteerandtravel #Spain #Travel #Vaughan #Volunteersinspain #Gredos #Avila #Profile #England

He's Ian Nightingale, a Vaughan Volunteer since 2013. He started volunteering 7 years ago and has done 10 programs.
During his program last week in Aranjuez we asked him about his experiences over the years.

"If you really want to understand the Spanish, then acting as a volunteer for Vaughan is a unique and rewarding way to do this." says the 61-year-old gardener and life coach from Leicester in the UK. 🇬🇧🇪🇸

Initially, he thought that it would be a good way to develop his Spanish🤓, but as speaking Spanish is forbidden this is what he's discovered at VaughanTown:

"It has however allowed me to meet some amazing Spaniards, visit nice locations and get to know what makes the Spanish tick, it's hard to describe just how rewarding it is seeing the dramatic improvement not just in the participant's skill level but in their confidence to use English."🤗

He has two warnings for future participants:
First of all, don't expect it to be a "walk in the park" ( although you do get the opportunity to do lots of walking if you want) 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️ and the most important one "It can be addictive!" Than you Ian for 7 years of conversation and laughter.

Ian is VaughanTown ❤

He's Ian Nightingale, a Vaughan Volunteer since 2013. He started volunteering 7 years ago and has done 10 programs. During his program last week in Aranjuez we asked him about his experiences over the years. . "If you really want to understand the Spanish, then acting as a volunteer for Vaughan is a unique and rewarding way to do this." says the 61-year-old gardener and life coach from Leicester in the UK. 🇬🇧🇪🇸 . Initially, he thought that it would be a good way to develop his Spanish🤓, but as speaking Spanish is forbidden this is what he's discovered at VaughanTown: . "It has however allowed me to meet some amazing Spaniards, visit nice locations and get to know what makes the Spanish tick, it's hard to describe just how rewarding it is seeing the dramatic improvement not just in the participant's skill level but in their confidence to use English."🤗 . . He has two warnings for future participants: First of all, don't expect it to be a "walk in the park" ( although you do get the opportunity to do lots of walking if you want) 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️ and the most important one "It can be addictive!" Than you Ian for 7 years of conversation and laughter. Ian is VaughanTown ❤ . . . . . . . . #VaughanTown #Volunteering #Culturalexchange #LanguageExchange #volunteerandtravel #Onetoone #Spain #Travel #Vaughan #Volunteers #Volunteersinspain #Culturalexchange #Volunteer #Profile #UK #Testimonal #Aranjuez

Volunteering this week?

Here are 3 super cool things to do in Madrid:

1.- Gatrofestival Madrid. Tapas, tasting menus, coffee, history, cocktails and so much more all around the city. https://www.facebook.com/Gastrofestival/

2.- Madrid Design Festival 20. Exhibitions, installations, showrooms, Museum Tours, MadridDesignPro, invited city Torino. https://www.facebook.com/madriddesignfestival/

3.- Serrat y Sabina. No hay dos sin tres. More than 1.000.000 people have enjoyed this wonderful Spanish duet. You can't miss it. https://www.facebook.com/GIRANoHayDosSinTres.SerratSabina/

I hope you get to enjoy at least one of these amazing events :)

She is Gabriella (Toni) Troje, 23 years old and hailing from Colorado Springs in the United States, heard about the programs during a meeting in the American Club of Madrid.
She currently works as an English teacher 👩‍🏫 and lives in Madrid. Says that volunteering with Vaughan is perfect for her because she's always looking for new ways to meet people.

When we asked her about her VaughanTown experience she told us: "Wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Alcazar de San Juan with my group. It was a great way to meet many other Spaniards living in Madrid. The people all had their own stories and it was very cool to hear them. I look forward to seeing several of the participants again!"

Her plan for the months to come is to change careers, hopefully with a job centered around mathematics. "Thanks to Vaughan for putting me in contact with many of the Spaniards who have already expressed interest in helping me with LinkedIn, networking, and helping in any way they can!" 👩‍💼 .
Thank you for your time and your great attitude. We wish you the best of luck on your job hunt and hope to see you again very soon. 🤗😊😊🤓

She is Gabriella (Toni) Troje @toni_troje , 23 years old and hailing from Colorado Springs in the United States, heard about the programs during a meeting in the American Club of Madrid. She currently works as an English teacher 👩‍🏫 and lives in Madrid. Says that volunteering with Vaughan is perfect for her because she's always looking for new ways to meet people. When we asked her about her VaughanTown experience she told us: "Wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Alcazar de San Juan with my group. It was a great way to meet many other Spaniards living in Madrid. The people all had their own stories and it was very cool to hear them. I look forward to seeing several of the participants again!" . . Her plan for the months to come is to change careers, hopefully with a job centered around mathematics. "Thanks to Vaughan for putting me in contact with many of the Spaniards who have already expressed interest in helping me with LinkedIn, networking, and helping in any way they can!" 👩‍💼 . Thank you for your time and your great attitude. We wish you the best of luck on your job hunt and hope to see you again very soon. 🤗😊😊🤓 . . . . . . #VaughanTown #Volunteer #Culturalexchange #LanguageExchange #volunteerandtravel #Onetoone #Spain #Travel #Vaughan #Volunteers #Volunteersinspain #Culturalexchange #profile #Mathematics #Alcázar

Meet Chris Drumm a first-time VaughanTown volunteer

"The VaughanTown week was an absolutely brilliant rewarding experience for a volunteer... It is that feeling of being acknowledged for helping others to speak English naturally by simply talking." Read his take on his whole experience in this article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/volunteering-vaughan-town-chris-drumm/

From: Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Age: 58
Occupation: Graphic Design / Print / Speaker Presentations / Technical Manuals / VOIP Phone Consultancy
Read about VaughanTown 10 years ago on an Irish Independent newspaper.

He is married with 4 adult children ranging in age from 26 to 36 years of age. He sais he's a really bad surfer but loves the Atlantic Ocean "I am a bit of an adventurer, I love new challenges, drove an electric car from Ireland to Girona, then across Spain to Santander." he tells us. You can read about his adventure here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/whos-taking-electric-car-france-spain-chris-drumm/

After VaughanTown:
He says he will be back to work with a fresh impetus, learning a lot from his experience with VaughanTown, "...it is all about the people you meet."
He's made loads of new friends, invitations to reunions and they all want to visit Ireland

New Year Resolution: Take at least a week each year to volunteer with VaughanTown

Chris's websites:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.drumm.94
Print Business Website: www.copylobby.com (main business)
Health & Safety Software Management: www.simpledata.ie
VOIP Phone Systems: www.voipkerry.com
Student Printing: www.collegebinding.com
Family Calendars: www.gr8calendars.com

Meet Chris Drumm a first-time VaughanTown volunteer . "The VaughanTown week was an absolutely brilliant rewarding experience for a volunteer... It is that feeling of being acknowledged for helping others to speak English naturally by simply talking." Read his take on his experience in this article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/volunteering-vaughan-town-chris-drumm/ From: Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland Age: 58 Occupation: Graphic Design / Print / Speaker Presentations / Technical Manuals / VOIP Phone Consultancy Read about VaughanTown 10 years ago on an Irish Independent newspaper. He is married with 4 adult children ranging in age from 26 to 36 years of age. He sais he's a really bad surfer but loves the Atlantic Ocean "I am a bit of an adventurer, I love new challenges, drove an electric car from Ireland to Girona, then across Spain to Santander." he tells us. You can read about his adventure here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/whos-taking-electric-car-france-spain-chris-drumm/ After VaughanTown: He says he will be back to work with a fresh impetus, learning a lot from his experience with VaughanTown, "...it is all about the people you meet." He's made loads of new friends, invitations to reunions and they all want to visit Ireland. New Year Resolution: Take at least a week each year to volunteer with VaughanTown #VaughanTown #Volunteer #volunteerprofile #Belmonte #Spain #Cuisine #Culture #Language

Hello, my dear volunteers!

Greetings from Madrid.

We are officially on Instagram.

Please follow us at

If you want to be featured on our Instagram send us a picture of yourselves followed by the answer to these questions to [email protected] or DM us on our Instagram

Name:
Country:
Age:
How did you hear about us?:
Occupation:
About you:
About your VaughanTown experience:
Next steps for you:

We can't wait to have you join our new community.

Hello Volunteers,

One of our legendary Daytowns is coming up this Saturday February 1st in Barcelona.

A DayTown is a reduced, intensive version of the original VaughanTown program where volunteers and participants come together for an unforgettable cultural and linguistic exchange.

Our volunteers will spend the night (Friday or Saturday) in the Beautiful NH Porta in Barcelona and the day with our students.

Would you like to join us?

Apply through our website and get ready to talk, talk and talk.

↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
https://volunteers.grupovaughan.com/