“I strongly believe in ICBIE and in the positive difference it makes in the lives of those who study or work there, and for all those who come across it whilst travelling, who fall in love with the people, the place and the human goodness within it.”
– Claire Bertaud, volunteer and friend of ICBIE
Living and working as a volunteer English teacher in ICBIE was one of the most human and rewarding experiences I’ve had. The groups I taught were very diverse in age and this, rather than being an obstacle, gave the lessons even more energy and dynamism in every activity and material we explored. The students always arrived to class with a friendliness and enthusiasm to learn, which made everyone feel familiar and comfortable working and communicating with each other from the start. Even those who came after a long day of work came with the desire to learn and improve their English. Our conversation classes transformed from the beginning into a more creative and dynamic space, with singing, language games, and most importantly, theatre, which inspired the students in the most creative and expressive ways.
In five weeks I feel that we achieved our goal for the students to improve their spoken English but much more than this, we had all used the language to learn more about each other; about each other’s daily experiences and personalities; to bring life to a story of “The three little pigs”; to build bridges between our two cultures and to express ourselves.
I strongly believe in ICBIE and in the positive difference it makes in the lives of those who study or work there, and for all those who come across it whilst travelling, who fall in love with the people, the place and the human goodness within it. I write with hope that the ICBIE will receive the necessary help and support to regain the strength and energy it needs to survive. It’s time for all our friends and supporters of ICBIE and for all those who believe in art and culture and who believe in making a positive change in people’s lives, to give a hand to ICBIE and to the little universe of culture and friendship being built on the other side of the ocean.
