I once told you about the perfect volunteer opportunity with the Manatee Literacy Council. Well, now I have yet another incredible experience to share: VaughanTown.
VaughanTown offers a six-day English immersion program where native English-speaking volunteers help Spaniards refine their language skills. In return, volunteers stay at a beautiful, remote retreat in Spain, enjoying all meals and activities—completely free!
Why VaughanTown Stole My Heart
This experience exceeded all expectations. It felt like an adult summer camp—only much better! Everyone there, staff, volunteer or learner, was deeply committed to language and cultural exchange.
While I didn’t get to practice Spanish myself (the program’s goal is for Spaniards to speak only English), I left more inspired than ever to immerse myself in Spanish. In fact, I’m seriously considering spending three months a year in Spain. For now, I’m starting with 10 days in Valencia—but if I truly want fluency, I’ll need to create my own immersion experience!
Here are just a few of my favorite aspects of the program:
- Breathtaking setting – A serene retreat, perfect for learning and connection.
- Delicious food – Three full meals a day, each one an experience of its own.
- Engaging activities – A mix of structured sessions and playful moments.
- A well-organized agenda – Every day was full with interesting challenges.
- Meaningful connections – With both learners and fellow volunteers, forging bonds that felt deep and genuine.
The Power of Connection
At this stage in life, it’s easy to feel invisible. As I wrote in The Yes Quest Challenge, I no longer have a traditional workplace or a team looking to me for guidance, and my children are fiercely independent. Meanwhile, the world—and my own family—often feel like they are in a state of constant flux, full of challenges I have no control over.
But in VaughanTown, my sole purpose was to help others. And that was healing in ways I hadn’t expected.
Each day, I had one-on-one conversations with nearly every learner. Regardless of their English proficiency, I felt an immediate fondness for them as they shared their passions, interests, and stories. I understood their struggle—because I, too, am on the journey of learning a second language.
Their diversity amazed me: different ages, backgrounds, and personalities, yet all sharing the same drive and determination. Some were mischievous and playful, others quiet and humble—but each had a unique soul that shone through.
I also realized how much of our personality transcends words—through our eyes, tone, body language. Even when words fail, a glance or a gesture can convey powerful empathy and understanding.
Play, Creativity, and Laughter
Many activities involved short skits and group assignments, led by Lucia, our vivacious emcee. With her background in acting, she encouraged playfulness and creativity—often kicking off sessions with singing and dancing.
One of my favorite assignments was group presentations on difficult to describe concepts such as Music, Free Will, or Identity.
Our group was assigned Color. We began hunched over, lamenting, “Imagine a world without color—so dull and lifeless!” Then we leapt up, arms wide, donning colorful wigs: “Now imagine a world FULL of color!”
Each of us described what our favorite color represented. Naturally, I was purple. I was tempted to mention how purple reflects my Centrist political stance, but I stuck with the safer explanation—February birthdays, amethyst, violets. My teammates followed suit with their own creative interpretations, highlighting the beauty of diversity.
We ended with Susan singing I Can Sing a Rainbow, while the rest of us locked arms and danced behind her.
Other presentations were equally moving—some brought me to tears with laughter, others with sheer admiration for the brilliance and creativity of my fellow participants.
Lessons in Listening
After the final “graduation ceremony,” I shared a reflection with the group that went something like this:
At a time in my life when I often feel unheard, having a volunteer opportunity where the primary task was to listen was not a chore—it was a gift.
As someone who has tried speed dating, I can tell you—VaughanTown is a much better way to fall in love. Not in the romantic sense, but in the way that deep, meaningful conversations create bonds. Through our shared love of languages and our willingness to listen, I feel like I’ve fallen in love with each of you—as a mother, a sister, a friend.
This experience also made me realize that listening is an underutilized skill—especially in times of conflict. When we share the same language, we often focus more on expressing our own opinions than truly hearing one another. But in VaughanTown, where language barriers forced us to be more patient, more engaged, and more empathetic, I saw firsthand the magic of true listening.
Final Thoughts
VaughanTown was more than a volunteer program—it was a masterclass in human connection. It reminded me that no matter where we come from, we all have stories to tell and a deep longing to be heard.
For anyone who loves language, culture, or meaningful conversations, this is an experience I can’t recommend enough.
As for me? I may just be packing my bags for a longer stay in Spain…
