I know I’ve said before I don’t like to plan. And, I don’t. The beauty of travel is going with the flow … seeing what comes and then just doing.
However, when someone makes a suggestion that could make your trip even more awesome than originally thought, you DO IT.
So, I did.
Thus, I have once again broken my rule of not planning by confirming today my participation in a very exciting program, Vaughan Town. Located in the Soria mountains, the town of Valdelavilla is where this takes place. The village, which was abandoned for 30 years (1960 – 1990), is an English-speaking village and is four hours form Madrid. This program brings together Spanish business people who wanted to learn English through immersion. For six days, they spend time with native English speakers (no Spanish allowed) and just talk.
I’ve never taught English before, and it isn’t required. You don’t need any certifications, etc. You just have to come with the desire to help people learn. According to the site, I will be staying in a “rustic medieval villa” and my days will be PACKED with one-to-one conversations, group activities and more. To see what I will be doing, click here.
This is going to be such an incredible opportunity.
As a backpacker on a budget (and with the goal to extend my trip beyond Sept. 20) the only cost I have to cover is my transport to and from Madrid. I booked a flight from Dublin to Madrid on RyanAir for $150. Everything else — the accomodations, the food, the transport to the town — is complimentary.
And, come on!!! How cool is it to teach English to people by helping them develop conversational skills in SPAIN??!!??
I am so excited to participate in this program. Stay tuned … will most definitely be telling the tales of this experience.
Of course, since I have decided to take this little detour to Madrid and Valdeavilla, my itinerary has changed. Looks like I will be hanging in Spain for a bit before I make it down to Morocco. But, that’s cool with me. I live for last-minute awesomeness.
Besides, some rules are just made to be broken.
D Travels 'Round 
I hate planning too but that opportunity is worth it!
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Heck yeah!! Can’t wait!
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This sounds awesome! I am living vicariously through you until my kids are at a good age to travel, too. Take it all in and keep sharing with the rest of us. Most importantly, have fun!
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Thank you for reading and for the comment! Fun is a definite!!
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Holy crap!! AMY!! I just put it together it was YOU!!! 🙂
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That sounds like one of the coolest programs ever for a traveler! How did you find such a deal? Where the requirements hard to get accepted? Would love to look into this more and please do keep us updated on this.
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Someone told me about it and I looked it up. The application is nothing too difficult. Check it out and give it a shot!!
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O2BD Live the dream, baby!
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You know it!! Hope you are well!! 🙂
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Omg! That sounds AMAZING! Definitely an opportunity worth taking. I think some things NEED to be planned, you know? Besides, that in itself is an adventure.
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Agreed. 🙂 Looking forward to the experience.
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Very cool opportunity. I’m anxious to get started on my RTW, but really need to open myself up to finding positions and offers like this.
Great way to indulge in the local culture, have fun AND save money without a long term commitment.
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I think it will be really neat! When do you start your RTW??
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June 25-ish, depending on when I book my flight with my stored up miles. Hoping to get to Rotterdam for the start of the Tour de France to kick things off!
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Sweet! Stay in touch. Maybe we can meet up somewhere during our travels.
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This sounds like such a wonderful opportunity you really had to plan it. I have heard really good things about this program, I wish they had it in other countries.
I can’t wait to hear all your stories, I’m sure you’ll have more than a few.
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This sounds like such a wonderful opportunity you really had to plan it. I have heard really good things about this program, I wish they had it in other countries.
I can’t wait to hear all your stories, I’m sure you’ll have more than a few.
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The program sounds awesome – anybody know of a similar program outside of Europe? Namely South America or Africa.
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The program sounds awesome – anybody know of a similar program outside of Europe? Namely South America or Africa.
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lol the first solo trip I took through Europe I was so anal about planning I had EVERY single train I planned on taking and booked all the hostels (and a hotel in Barcelona) beforehand. I would have allowed more flexibility in hindsight, but I was able to see 13 cities and 10 countries in 6 weeks, but there were still some I would have spent less time in and others I would have loved to stay longer in (i.e. more time in Munich and less in Berlin, etc)
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Wow! You get A LOT done!! The first solo trip I did I booked the first part … but by the time I got to the hostel in Rome and realized it wasn’t what I wanted, I stopped planning so much and just started to roll with it a bit more and asking other travelers instead of just going off of what I thought would be best. I have an idea of where I want to go on this trip, but you never know … 🙂
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lol the first solo trip I took through Europe I was so anal about planning I had EVERY single train I planned on taking and booked all the hostels (and a hotel in Barcelona) beforehand. I would have allowed more flexibility in hindsight, but I was able to see 13 cities and 10 countries in 6 weeks, but there were still some I would have spent less time in and others I would have loved to stay longer in (i.e. more time in Munich and less in Berlin, etc)
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Wow! You get A LOT done!! The first solo trip I did I booked the first part … but by the time I got to the hostel in Rome and realized it wasn’t what I wanted, I stopped planning so much and just started to roll with it a bit more and asking other travelers instead of just going off of what I thought would be best. I have an idea of where I want to go on this trip, but you never know … 🙂
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