Global Routes Teaching Internship Program

  Costa Rica

• San Jose: 
San Jose

  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito

  Ghana

• Accra: 
Accra

  Peru

• Cusco: 
Cusco

  Tanzania

Kilimanjaro

  Thailand

• Bangkok: 
Bangkok
• Chiang Mai: 
Chiang Mai

Term: Fall, Spring 
Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: Fall and Spring semesters, 12 weeks

Description: In our desire to be of service to others, perhaps our greatest contribution is our curiosity. When we ask a question, we show our interest, we allow for reflection, we open dialogue and we invite collaboration. Our unique Teaching Internship Program offers an unparalleled exchange of knowledge and friendship within the four walls of a classroom. Throughout the world thousands of children lack the basic necessities of education: books, pencils, resources and teachers. Global Routes alumni, gap year and college students are invited to become a dynamic part of addressing some of these needs. It does not require mastery to teach, only a genuine and humble passion for helping others to learn, a desire to be curious and an ability to ask questions.Whether you are considering Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ghana, Kenya, India, Tanzania or Thailand, all of our internship programs share the same model:

1) In-Country Orientation (First Week)
You meet your leader along with your fellow teachers upon arrival in the host country and spend your first week together delving into the local culture and landscape through excursions, language classes, cross-cultural training and teaching workshops. While exploring the natural and cultural wonders of your surroundings, your time is simultaneously spent preparing for life in your host community: you design your first lesson plans, practice teaching, brush up on the local language and customs and discuss strategies to help you acclimate to rural village life in another culture. This practical preparation for teaching and thorough introduction to the country align to create the perfect foundation for your experience ahead.

2) Teaching Placement & Homestay (10 Weeks, fall and spring programs)
This is the heart of your experience. For the majority of your program you live in a rural village with one other intern and teach in the communitys primary or secondary school. Taking on your own classes, you may teach English, math, science, or environmental education. You may also coach sports, tutor, or lead art and music workshops. During this time you live with a host family, joining them in meals, chores, and simple time of leisure. While your primary responsibility is teaching, we ask all interns to initiate an Independent Project. These projects may take on many different forms: building a library or playground for your school, facilitating health education workshops, painting a world map, organizing an after-school program, starting a reforestation project or initiating a recycling program. What you choose to do is dependent upon the needs of your local community as well as your own interests. This is a wonderful opportunity to extend yourself outside of the school environment in a unique and meaningful way. Some weekends are spent with your leader and fellow interns, sharing challenges and successes, collaborating on projects together or venturing out on a fun excursion. Others are enjoyed in your community, going to the market, traveling to nearby festivals, working on your Independent Project or simply relaxing at home with your host family.

3) Travel Adventures (Final Week)
A final week of travel enables your group to explore places within your host country of great natural beauty and cultural significance. Here, you and your group begin to consider the joys and challenges of coming home. This provides valuable time for you to reflect on your experiences and prepare for your return while celebrating your great contributions and discoveries.

Highlights: Cross-cultural exchange; Teacher training; Teaching internship in a rural school; Homestay experience; Independent project opportunities; Support and guidance from an experienced in-country leader; Language immersion for Spanish-speaking destinations; Visits to important touristic, ecological and cultural sites.

Qualifications: This program does not require mastery to teach, only a genuine and humble passion for helping others to learn, a desire to be curious and an ability to ask questions. Volunteers should be open-minded, flexible, and have an interest in living and working in a rural community abroad. All participants must be at least 17 years old and have completed high school. Conversational Spanish is required for our Latin American program destinations (Peru, Ecuador and Costa Rica).

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: 6250 USD to 6750 USD for Fall 2009

Experience Required: yes

This program does not require mastery to teach, only a genuine and humble passion for helping others to learn, a desire to be curious and an ability to ask questions. Volunteers should be open-minded, flexible, and have an interest in living and working in a rural community abroad. All participants must be at least 17 years old and have completed high school. Conversational Spanish is required for our Latin American program destinations (Peru, Ecuador and Costa Rica).

Typical Volunteer: Volunteers are not required to have previous teaching experience but they should have a desire to live and work in a rural village, be flexible, open-minded, and have a curiosity for teaching.

Age Range: 18-23 years old (on average)

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Scholarships are Available. Scholarships are needs-based and offered on a case to case basis.

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Global Routes's Mission Statement: Global Routes, a tax-exempt non-profit, is a non-governmental, non-sectarian organization committed to strengthening our global community through voluntary work overseas. To this end, we design foreign exchange programs based on community service, bringing people with different world views together.

Year Founded: 1986