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volunteer REQUIREMENTs

DO I NEED A SPECIAL TYPE OF VISA TO VOLUNTEER?

 

If you are not a Colombian citizen then, YES!

Visa PIP-6 - volunteering for less than 90 days

 

For those interested in contributing to the foundation by volunteering at the school in Barrios Fundadores can obtain th Visa PIP-6. This visa is FREE of cost! For those interested in volunteering for less than three months, this might be a better option depending on the type of work you wish to do with us.

 

Additional Details: 

 

  • If you're interested in pursuing the PIP-6 it is important to let us know before you visit Colombia.

  • After initial correspondence, our director or international coordinator would send you a letter of permission if they think the work you're proposing to do here would be a good fit for us.

  • You need to bring this official letter of permission with you when you first come into the country. You are not able to apply for this option while already here as this document is of concern to those working in immigration at the airport. 

  • The duration of this permission is between 1 and 90 days.

 

 

 

*Important Legal Information Regarding Volunteer VISA's 

 

If we learn that this documentation is being used for other purposes, we will report this activity to the Colombian authorities, as well as the authorities of the applicant's native country. If a foreigner receives a TP6 Visa under the name of Fundación Mariposas Amarillas, enters the country, but does not report to work with us --we are obligated to report this to Colombian Immigration. We are now required to file a report when a volunteer begins working with our foundation as well as when they finish, even if the visa itself lasts for one year. If you are also planning to travel around the country while here, or mean to return to volunteer with us after your initial experience please speak with our director and coordinator about your plans.

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We deeply appreciate the individuals who are interested in giving back and helping out local organisations in Colombia. We believe that volunteers work out of the goodness of their hearts. So please consider our words as the first and oldest non-profit in Santa Marta to work with foreign volunteers: Please be wary of any organization that does not require the volunteer visa. Authorities are cracking down on "Ilegal" volunteering throughout the country, but especially in Santa Marta. Consequences of volunteering without this Visa include a sanction/fine of $350,000COP and potential deportation.

 

 

 

IS THERE A VOLUNTEER FEE? 

 

  • We require a one-time, non-refundable $80USD donation from all official TP-6 volunteers. This fee directly supports the Foundation by helping pay for water and electricity bills, our large classroom materials such as chairs and desks, building repairs and maintenance, along with our local director's modest salary. For more information, go to the how we use our funds page.

Information Regarding Additional Cost's 

 

  • Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation and the cost that goes along with it, to and from the school. We suggest you budget about 4USD a week for this (This only includes trasportion to and from our site of work --Not your personal trasnportation outside of work hours.) The bus to the school costs 1.600COP each way. 

  • Volunteers can also contribute towards their class materials such as paper, pens and crayons, footballs and post-class refreshments for the kids. This is optional. We are already so thankful for volunteers paying to volunteer their time. 

  • Visit the Accommodation and Costs tab for more information on potential

 

DO I NEED AN ADVANCED LEVEL OF SPANISH? 

 

  • The local directors of the organization do not speak English, so at least basic Spanish is necessary for all volunteers. While it is not a requirement to speak an advanced level of Spanish, without an intermediate level, communication with the children and the community can be extremely difficult. We do not provide translators therefore it is basically necessary to know Spanish to effectively teach in the classroom or in the community in general.

​However, some of the local fundraising activities will actually require knowing English as they involve interacting with other travellers. Other activities can also be done in English, but obviously it would be best to know both languages or to be committed to learning the one you lack.

  • The "Costeño" accent is very strong and even experienced Spanish speakers can struggle in the beginning. We look for volunteers who are up for a challenge and who are very self-sufficient. We can help you out with Spanish lessons from local teachers at discounted prices.

WHAT KIND OF VOLUNTEER'S DO WE LOOK FOR? 

 

  • Mariposas Amarillas is a locally-run, grassroot organization, not a typical international volunteer organization. As our staff and resources are small, we ask for a great deal of independence from our volunteers. Although we can help out with advice, ultimately our volunteers are responsible for their own accommodation, transportation, living costs, supplies, and visas. 

  • We have no minimum age requirements, but volunteers must display independence and maturity. 

  • Since the foundation is not run from an office, most of the work is done independently or on-site working in Santa Marta’s poorest neighbourhoods. The ideal volunteer will be flexible and self-driven. Independent projects and ideas for the foundation and the neighbourhoods where we work are encouraged, though outside funding is always needed.

WHAT WILL MY WORK WITH FMA LOOK LIKE?

 

  • Most volunteers will assist in basic academic support and tutoring of the children. 

  • If you have extensive teaching experience and sufficient Spanish, you are welcome to organize specific classes on topics or subjects under the supervision of our local coordinator Helga. In that case, though, we ask you to commit to a minimum two month volunteer period to ensure consistency and effectiveness of said class. 

  • Volunteers can also teach English to adults in Barrio Fundadores and Barrio Oasis. This, too, requires at least intermediate Spanish. When inquiring about volunteer placement, the volunteer coordinator can let you know if we are currently hosting English classes or not. At the moment these programs are dependent on volunteers, if there are no volunteers, they are not taking place. If new volunteers arrive and are interested, they can reinstate these activities. 

  • Please visit the Volunteer Activities tab for more details

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