Be a volunteer teacher of film studies and production in Bolivia

Students with volunteers

This voluntary film studies and production project works with students at universities in Cochabamba, Bolivia. You will hold workshops with students to teach them about various aspects of cinema.

Young Bolivians have a passion for film but there is a real lack of resources and expertise. We need volunteers to teach them about the history of cinema and techniques of film production. We hope that this will inspire talented new film makers in Bolivia.

This project is ideal for anyone considering voluntary work abroad or film studies teachers on a career break. You can contribute to the development of cinema in Bolivia.

Here you will find answers to the following questions:

How can volunteer Film Studies teachers help in Bolivia?

What will I gain from this project?

What will Projects Abroad PRO provide?

What skills or qualifications do I need?

How do I apply to join this project?

How can volunteer Film Studies teachers help in Bolivia?

You can use your knowledge and training to help local staff as a volunteer Film Studies teacher. You can work on tasks such as:

• Teaching Film Studies and Production abroad with Bolivian Universities, including tasks such as:
  • Planning, preparing and delivering lessons to a range of classes.
  • Marking work, giving appropriate feedback and maintaining records of pupils' progress and development.
• Designing and implementing an appropriate curriculum based on your own area of expertise within the subject of Film Studies and Production. Possible areas might include:
  • Exploring genres – Hollywood, world cinema, European arthouse, experimental and avant-garde.
  • The impact of new technology on the art of cinema.
  • The cinema of a specific filmmaker – Hitchcock, Bergman, etc.
• Working with University staff to produce a long term plan to ensure the continuation of your work after your departure.

The Universidad Mayor de San Simon (UMSS) is a public university open to students from all over Bolivia. Students from Peru, Brazil, Chile and other South American countries also attend classes at UMSS. There are also other universities in the local area and a small film school. The idea of this project is to hold workshops with students from all of these institutions.

There is no official curriculum for this project so we are looking for someone who can design their own lessons. This will be a unique opportunity for the local students and you will have a lot of creative freedom.

During University Holidays we arrange private classes in the Projects Abroad office. These holidays run from the end of December through to mid-March (Summer Break), and mid-July to mid-August (Winter Break). Other than this we are completely flexible and you can join at any time. You decide how much time you can spare and we will help you get the most out of it.

What will I gain from this project?

This voluntary work abroad will allow you to gain experience of teaching film studies in the developing world. You will have the freedom to design and modify a curriculum. This will be a great learning opportunity and also a challenge. You will meet local film enthusiasts who will want to share ideas and learn from you.

Through educating the students, you will learn about Bolivia’s culture and way of life. Staff and students will want to hear about your life back home and your family and friends. We call this ‘cultural exchange’ and we think it helps our volunteers gain a new perspective on life.

What will Projects Abroad PRO provide?

We have over 20 years’ experience of running volunteer projects. We provide you with the following support to make sure your time in Bolivia is successful and enjoyable:

• Safe accommodation with a Bolivian family close to your project.
• Friendly and dedicated local staff available to help 24 hours a day.
• A member of staff to meet you at the airport when you arrive.
• Comprehensive medical and travel insurance.
• Social events with other volunteers such as a weekend trip to a local tourist destination.

What skills or qualifications do I need?

If you have at least a Bachelors degree in Film Studies, Film production or a similar area then you are perfect for this project. It would also help if you have attained Qualified Teacher Status (or the equivalent qualification in your home country). You will also need to speak Spanish to a high-intermediate level.

Please contact us if you think your knowledge may be useful on this project but do not have the required qualifications.