Nomads Language Project
Volunteers helping local residents improve their English
Welcome to the Nomads Language Project, where language becomes a bridge to opportunity. In partnership with local leaders in small communities on the outskirts of Cuenca, Ecuador, we collaborate with both formal government entities and engaged resident groups. Our mission is simple yet profound: to empower communities through language.
Nomads Language Project focuses on leading English language classes for children, teens, and adults. By working closely with local leaders, we tailor our programs to meet the unique needs of each community. Whether it’s enhancing educational prospects for the youth or providing adults with new skills, we believe that language is the key to unlocking endless possibilities.
Join the Team
We are looking for Teachers, Assistant Teachers, and Local Directors
No experience necessary. We will train you and give you the resources you need to be successful
Teacher
Summary
The Teacher is responsible for teaching the class. The Teacher will use a variety of teaching methods and materials to help students learn conversational English, vocabulary, and pronunciation. The Teacher will also create a positive and supportive learning environment for all students. This is a volunteer position.
Responsibilities
- Conduct classes
- Develop and implement lesson plans
- Assess student progress
- Provide feedback to students
- Communicate with parents about student progress
Qualifications
- Educational philosophy that aligns with Nomads Language Project
- Love of learning
- A genuine desire to connect with students
- Ability to create a positive and supportive learning environment
- Spanish speaking ability is not required
Assistant Teacher
Summary
The Teacher’s Assistant helps the Teacher in teaching the class. The Teacher’s Assistant will provide support to students during class and encourage them to participate. The Teacher’s Assistant will also help the Teacher with classroom management and other tasks as needed. This is a volunteer position.
Responsibilities
- Assist the Teacher in teaching English to native Spanish speakers
- Provide support to students during class
- Help the Teacher with classroom management and other tasks as needed
Qualifications
- Educational philosophy that aligns with Nomads Language Project
- Love of learning
- A genuine desire to connect with students
- Ability to create a positive and supportive learning environment
- Spanish speaking ability is not required
Local Director
Summary
The Local Director is responsible for the overall success of the community level project. This includes overseeing the local budget, facilities, staff, and students. The Director is also responsible for building relationships with community leaders and businesses. This is a volunteer position.
Responsibilities
- Schedule classes and staff
- Collect tuition from students
- Arrange transportation for teachers and assistant teachers
- Manage classroom logistics
- Communicate with students and parents and community leaders
- Oversee the school’s budget
- Ensure the safety of students and teachers
Qualifications
- Basic computer skills working with the Google platform
- Educational philosophy that aligns with Nomads Language Project
- Speak Spanish well enough to communicate with community leaders and parents
- Strong organizational and leadership skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Contact us to volunteer
Communities We Serve
Barabon
Barabon is a very small community on the western side of Cuenca on the via Soldados. It is part of the San Joaquin Parochia and is about 30 minutes from the center of Cuenca.
Class Schedule
Monday & Wednesday
3:00 – 5:00pm
Llacao
Llacao is a small village in the Northeast part of Cuenca about 40 minutes from the center of Cuenca
Class Schedule
Saturday
9:00 – noon
Nulti coming September 2024
Nulti is a small community of 4,300 people about 45 minutes to the east of Cuenca. It sits at the base of the mountain named Guagualzhumi.
Class Schedule
Saturday
TBD
Chocarsi
Chocarsi is on the Eastern edge of Cuenca in the parochia of Nulti. We are working with the public school system to provide 2 hours of English instruction once a week.
Class Schedule
Thursday
10:30am – 12:30pm
San Juan Pamba
About 30 minutes to the East of Cuenca Center in the Parochia of Nulti. We are working with the public school system to provide 1.5 hours of English instruction once a week.
Class Schedule
Thursday
8:00 – 9:30am
Your Community?
Contact us if you are interested in bringing high quality affordable English instruction to your community. We would love to come out and meet you.
Our Language Teaching Philosophy
The best way to learn a language is to spend time immersed in it. Students are more likely to do this if they enjoy the learning process and have a genuine desire to learn. Nomads Language Project classes are designed to be fun and effective, using a variety of methods and teaching styles to help students reach their language goals at their own pace.
The Language Input Cascade
Key Principles
Immersion in Meaning
Language acquisition begins with exposure to meaningful language in authentic contexts. This exposure sparks curiosity and engages the brain’s natural pattern-seeking mechanisms.
The "Just Right" Challenge
Comprehensible input sits in the sweet spot between too easy and too difficult. It stretches learners’ abilities without overwhelming them, fostering a sense of progress and motivation.
Brain Bridges
The brain constructs neural pathways to link new language elements to existing knowledge and experiences. This process is enhanced by context, visuals, and emotions, creating strong and lasting connections.
Implicit Learning
Much of language acquisition occurs subconsciously, without deliberate effort. The brain absorbs patterns, structures, and vocabulary through repeated exposure and usage, leading to gradual mastery.
The Recycling Plant
The brain continuously recycles and reinforces previously encountered language through a process known as “recirculation.” This strengthens neural pathways and solidifies understanding.
The Output Amplifier
While input is crucial, output plays a vital role in accelerating acquisition. Speaking, writing, and creative expression allow learners to test their hypotheses, practice language production, and receive feedback, solidifying their knowledge.
The Affective Accelerator
Positive emotions, such as joy, curiosity, and satisfaction, enhance language acquisition by boosting attention, motivation, and memory. Fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment is essential.
Focus on meaning, not rules
Prioritize understanding messages and conveying ideas over memorizing grammar rules.
Provide abundant and varied input
Offer learners a rich tapestry of language experiences through stories, conversations, songs, videos, and other authentic materials.
Personalize the learning journey
Tailor input to individual interests and needs to maximize engagement and motivation.
Encourage active participation
Create opportunities for learners to interact with the language through discussions, games, role-playing, and creative projects.
Celebrate progress and embrace mistakes
Foster a growth mindset where mistakes are seen as opportunities for learning and experimentation.
Conclusion
Comprehensible input isn’t just a theory; it’s a powerful pathway to language acquisition that mirrors the natural way humans learn language. By prioritizing meaning, providing engaging input, and encouraging active participation, we can create optimal conditions for language learning that unlock the brain’s natural language-learning abilities. We want to acknowledge the foundational work done by Stephen Krashen in the development of the comprehensible input theory. It has had a huge impact on our thinking and practice.
Bring Classes to Your Community
Empowering Through Language
We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to learn English, a valuable skill that unlocks knowledge, opens doors, and empowers individuals and communities.
We work alongside local leaders
We build strong partnerships with local leaders. Local leaders could be the Mayor, the Librarian, or informal citizens in the community who are looked at as leaders.
Part of the Community
We love Ecuador and want to contribute to your community in a positive way. We want to learn about you and make friends
Fun and engaging classes
We believe in celebrating the unique needs and backgrounds of our students. We’ll tailor the lessons, explore engaging activities, and turn those classrooms into vibrant hubs of communication and laughter.