English Conversation Club
Teaching English to Students in The Riviera Maya, One Conversation At A Time
“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” – philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein, 1922, “Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus”
What is English Conversation Club (ECC)?
As an English speaker, you have the unique ability to transform the lives of local students by teaching them one of the most competitive skills in the world: how to speak English.
Learning a second language greatly increases students’ chance of professional success…and that’s why we need your help.
The KKIS English Conversation Club is where volunteers go to a local high school with the KKIS team and speak with students. It’s that simple!!
Don’t they get English classes in school?
Public school does not teach English as part of their regular curriculum. For students to learn English in public school they have to find additional sources.
We have students who have learned English by memorizing song lyrics, watching Netflix with translations, and going to coffee shops listening to nomads talk.
KKIS is changing that for some students in The English Conversation Club.
Every week, KKIS’ English Conversation Club in Riviera Maya pairs students from local high schools in Playa del Carmen and Tulum with volunteer English speakers to have immersive conversations.
There’s no need to know any Spanish一simply conversing with a student helps improve their English speaking and listening skills.
By volunteering for KKIS, a local non-profit to give back to the community, you’ll build meaningful relationships with local students and other volunteers. It’s a wholesome experience you won’t soon forget.
How do I get started?
KKIS is always looking for more English-speaking volunteers to help out with our English Language Club of Riviera Maya.
We have opportunities to volunteer every week in both Playa del Carmen and in Tulum.
To get started, contact our ECC Coordinator to learn more.
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Are there other ways I can help?
Of course! At KKIS, we strive to help people give back to the community in the way that suits them best. In addition to volunteering your time, you can also donate to help students in Mexico, help start a fundraising campaign, or even attend our annual fundraising gala.
Some other questions we get asked frequently:
Who can volunteer for ECC?
Anyone who speaks English can volunteer for ECC! There’s no need to have any teaching experience, and you don’t need to speak any Spanish either. You simply need to be patient and go into the volunteer experience with an open mind.
The volunteer commitment for ECC has the following requirements:
- 1-hour time commitment per session
- Volunteers can choose to participate just one time, or they are always welcome to come back multiple times
- Promptly meet at the assigned time and location. (location and time are provided via email upon sign up)
- Sign up at least 1 week in advance whenever possible
- Be open-minded and have fun!
Where does ECC take place?
The English Conversation Club in Riviera Maya is currently held in both Playa del Carmen and Tulum. However, we hope to expand our operations in the future, thanks to generous volunteers and donors like you.
We typically host ECC each week at a specified local high school.
To inquire about where ECC is currently being hosted, send us an email.
What impact can I have as a volunteer?
By serving as an English language volunteer, you’ll help complement the Mexican education system to help kids stay in school, secure scholarships, and increase graduation rates.
You will also have so much fun conversing with these students. There is a lot of laughter and fun in the room.
While speaking English with a local student may sound simple, as a volunteer, the impact that you can have on students’ lives is profound.
What impact can I have as a volunteer?
By serving as an English language volunteer, you’ll help complement the Mexican education system to help kids stay in school, secure scholarships, and increase graduation rates.
You will also have so much fun conversing with these students. There is a lot of laughter and fun in the room.
While speaking English with a local student may sound simple, as a volunteer, the impact that you can have on students’ lives is profound.
What is the role of a volunteer?
ECC makes volunteering fun and easy. There’s no need to prepare anything in advance, simply show up at the agreed-upon meeting place and we’ll help you do the rest.
To help make the learning experience as stimulating as possible, we’ll provide you with fun collateral such as conversation starters, whiteboards, markers, and introductions.
Together with the student(s), you’re paired up with, you’ll have interesting conversations as you learn more about each other’s backgrounds.
Learning about each others culture is a natural conversation and everybody learns so much.
Remember that some students may be shy at first, so be patient. Learning a new language and speaking with foreigners can be intimidating, but it’s your job to be warm and welcoming and make the student feel at home.
By making ECC an enjoyable experience for them, you increase the likelihood that they remain in the program.
About KKIS
Keeping Kids in School (or KKIS for short) is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance, community connections, and educational opportunities to improve high school and university graduation rates to help students in Mexico.
At KKIS, we envision a future where every student who wants an education, can get it. Students are supported from Kindergarten through University through a variety of programs that provide financial assistance, educational support and community connections.
How Can I Help?
Donations of all sizes are what keeps KKIS going and helping the children in Playa del Carmen.