From Azerbaijan as a Peace Corps ESL teacher to Lafayette, Colorado, where she volunteers for Intercambio de Comunidades, Kate Swanson - whose day job is graphic design - is testing the waters as an ESL teacher.

Intercambio de Comunidades is a volunteer-powered Boulder-based non-profit dedicated to increasing opportunities for immigrants through language education and cultural exchange.

"Intercambio is a great program, a great place to start if you're interested in teaching as a career," says Kate.

When she returned to the US in 2006 after teaching English for over two years, Kate looked for an opportunity to continue exploring teaching as a profession. "I found that opportunity through Intercambio! I learn every time I go into the classroom!"

As a volunteer ESL teacher for Intercambio, Kate has helped upwards of 80 students learn English, most of them at the most advanced level, for which she prepares all class materials. "There is no book or curriculum, although there is a binder with a lot of great activities. We play a lot of games and sometimes we sing songs, but just letting the students talk, express themselves is really important," says Kate.

Intercambio appreciates Kate's efforts at the advanced level 7, in which she comes up with her own materials for each session, and is currently engaged in putting together materials for future level 7 instructors.

For information about volunteering with Intercambio de Comunidades or other agencies, call the Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904.