When is the deadline to apply?
There is no deadline. Applications are reviewed as they come.
Does the semester or course cycle begin soon?
Since we offer different types of courses, classes begin on different dates all year long. Check out starting dates at www.cva.org.ve
What qualities do you look for in potential interns?
We look for independent, challenge-oriented people who can live under a lot of pressure without being overwhelmed by this challenge.
Pre-plan your classes thoroughly and be ready for sudden changes of schedule as we depend on registration.
You should be: Self-reliant, creative, flexible, assertive, adventurous, self-motivated, critical without being judgmental.
What is it like to be an American in Venezuela?
It depends on a lot of factors. There is no universal "American" experience here.
Our advice is “safety first.” Try to travel in groups. Do not walk on the streets by yourself at night. Go to the beach, to the museums, to concerts. Practice your Spanish as much as possible. As in any other big city, use your common sense. Enjoy each experience and learn from it!
What is the most challenging aspect of the experience?
At the beginning, the challenge is to find permanent housing. Then, preparing well for all your classes is a must.
What is the most rewarding aspect of the experience?
It depends on your attitude. Some interns go back to the US to teach Spanish, or to graduate school. Two of them went back married to a Venezuelan!
How can I get in touch with current interns?
We always ask current interns if they allow us to share their email addresses.
What kinds of classes are you responsible for teaching? How many students, what ages, what kind of English content? How many classes and how long?
We have adults’, kids’ and teens’ courses, from beginner’s to advanced levels, on site or at different private elementary and high schools throughout the city.
Classes have a maximum of 20 students. Advanced levels are usually smaller. You will teach 20 classes a week that last for 1 ½ hours each. Some classes are everyday and others are every other day.
What kind of teaching support do you get from the CVA?
Besides the initial Pre Service Teacher Training Program, we visit classes to help instructors improve their classroom teaching skills, offer additional information if needed, or select teachers that can share their experience with colleagues.
What is the cost of living in Caracas versus what you make as an Intern at CVA?
The stipend, the housing bonus and the food bonus are enough to make ends meet. Remember, this is not a job; it’s an internship. You will not become rich but you will definitely survive quite well if you administer yourself properly.
Can I fax, email or mail my documents?
We prefer email, but you can always fax them too. Regular mail might take up to 3 months to get here…if at all!
How much time would be needed to consider my application?
We review cases as they come.
Will the teaching hours be located at one place or will there be travel involved?
If you are assigned to a school (elementary /high school,) you will not be asked to come to the main site except for your Spanish classes.
What kind of Visa would I get?
Interns usually get a student visa. However, government regulations may change at any given time without notice.
Am I guaranteed a specific number of classes to teach every session?
Yes!
Do the Spanish classes cost money and if so, how much?
As part of the contract, Interns enroll in our Spanish as a Second Language for free. You only buy the course materials.
Is it difficult to renew the six month contract?
No, it is not, provided the experience is positive for both the Intern and the CVA.
If I decide that I need to stay in the US in order to pay off loans, can my application be deferred until the following year?
In that case, you will have to re-apply.
Why a picture?
It’s required by the Ministry of Education.
Can you please explain the emergency health insurance plan to interns?
It covers emergencies only; this means, for example, that a headache or the flu are not covered. It doesn't cover dental work either.
Previous interns who have needed to use the insurance plan were those who had a car accident or required to be checked in in a hospital. There is a small fee for each emergency; and you pay for it only in case you use the insurance plan. We suggest you keep the one you might have in the States.
Are taxes taken out of the stipend?
No, taxes are not deducted.
Am I expected to go to Venezuela with substantial funds?
Yes, landlords usually ask for a 3-4 month deposit up front. Also, you get your first stipend at the end of the first month with us.
