“We want to see a generation of adults whose active, personal relationship with Jesus Christ is reflected in every aspect of their lives.” This is the vision of Centro Educativo Internacional (CEI) School in Villarrica, Paraguay.

Villarrica Bible Church started CEI in 2002 with just kindergarten and grade one classes. Each year since then, a new class has been added and now the school teaches a total of 174 students to grade eight, with grade nine to be included in 2010.

The school aims to provide an excellent education with a broad curriculum, including subjects like English, Dance, Art, and Computing, which are not ordinarily provided by the Paraguayan curriculum.

In the past eight years, CEI has developed a very good reputation around Villarrica. Some even say it’s the best school in the entire region. Catholic families send their children there, even though there are Catholic schools in town. Alongside the curriculum subjects, the school teaches the Bible and Christian values. CEI makes sure each student hears the gospel and is given a chance to respond. When the students leave, they will have a base of teaching on Christian values, which will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives.

English teaching by native speakers is the reason many parents send their children to CEI. The school needs at least three English teachers every school year (February to November), to teach grades three to nine. Can you help?

Teaching English at CEI is a great way to experience mission—it is something specific that you can pour yourself into, from the beginning, without wondering, “What should I be doing? How should I be spending my time?”

The impact of your ministry is tangible, as you see the progress the students make in their English. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in other ministries linked with the school or the church, depending on your particular interests. There are Bible studies to participate in and the students themselves enjoy getting to know their English teachers. As you develop relationships with the children, you can impart God’s love for them in a practical way. The school director, Carol Givens said, “We love it when our English teachers come with a heart to invest in the children because the students get to know them as people who have a genuine walk with Jesus.” There is a particular need for Christian male role models for the boys, many of whom come from families without strong male influence.

As a short-term English teacher, you would also get the opportunity to live with a Paraguayan family. This would give you a real insight into this unique culture and you would get to know a wide variety of people. It also gives the family a chance to see what being a Christian is all about, as they watch how you live your life. Previous short-term English teachers say the following about the experience:

“I’ve noticed a change in my students’ attitudes towards school: When I first got here, they wouldn’t talk in class and now I can’t get them to shut up!” Kristin, 20, from Canada.

“The Paraguayan people are very welcoming; even with a language barrier, they don’t find it a problem to include you. They’re very friendly people. I love that.” Melissa, 23, from the USA.

“Spiritually it’s been very good for me. I grew a lot because I had to depend completely on the Lord and I’ve seen him answer prayer in an amazing way.” Felicia, 22, from Germany.

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If you’re interested in this opportunity to help build God’s kingdom in Paraguay, click here.