Unlike Guatemala and Costa Rica, El Salvador is not well equipped with language schools , although there are vague plans to set up schools in the more touristed areas like Apaneca and Panchimalco, with profits going to local communities - contact Corsatur to see how far things have progressed. The Academia Europea, 99a Av Nte #639, Col Escalón, San Salvador (tel 263 4355 or 264 0237, www.euroacad.edu.sv ) has schools in all the country's major cities with private classes for US$12 per hour and group classes starting at US$50 for a thirty-hour course; classes are aimed at business residents and accommodation isn't arranged. If you're looking to teach English , contact the Academia Europea directly, or check the listings for Academias de Idiomas in the yellow pages.

Of more lasting benefit may be voluntary work , particularly if you have specific skills. CIRES (Comité de Integración and Reconstrucción para El Salvador), 2a C Pte #2137 at 41a Av Sur, San Salvador (tel 298 9410) is a non-governmental agency with a remit to set up development programmes in the wake of the Peace Accords. It works in fifty areas around the country, with national and international funding, on credit loans, agricultural cooperatives, housing, potable water schemes and primary health-care schemes, particularly for women and children; they are always interested to hear from foreigners with relevant medical, technical and administration skills.