Teach English in the Philippines

  Philippines

• Visayas: 
Tacloban City

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks

Description: For a long time the Holy Grail amongst travellers looking to outdo their friends when comparing travel stories, The Philippines has a reputation for being a difficult place in which to travel. Thankfully that reputation is now undeserved although a few of the rough edges remain, like the street vendors who'll try and sell you everything from plugs to ice cream! Our partner project here provides classes for school-leavers and unemployed adults interested in learning the basics of the English language. We include our TEFL certification so that volunteers will be confident enough to organise and schedule classes and really make a profound effect on their student's lives.

* Project details:
The children in the Philippines begin learning English in grade one, so it's not a surprise that most of the population can speak and understand English. The benefits of learning English from a native speaker are inspirational for the local children who have rarely been exposed to foreigners. We place volunteers in rural elementary schools outside of Tacloban City and in surrounding towns to assist the local teachers with their English classes and other subjects. These volunteers are able to experience life in a rural village and will observe the true meaning of "community".

Another alternative to teaching in the rural setting is to teach the informal education classes in Tacloban. These classes are developed for the out-of-school youth and unemployed adults interested in learning the basic subjects taught in public school, as well as skills training.

*Why the project needs volunteers:
Our international volunteers can be role models for these struggling teenagers and adults. The non traditional education sector lacks the teachers they need to conduct regular classes for these students who have previously dropped out of school and are looking to continue their education. Our volunteers can organize and schedule classes daily and really have a profound effect on these student's lives. The support that our volunteers provide allows these young people to gain valuable English language skills, which will create more opportunities for them in the future. For some of the young people at the projects, learning English will allow them to participate in overseas exchange programmes and experience a different culture.

Highlights:
* Helping improve the language skills of the children at your project
* Enjoying the relaxed way on life in this part of the country
* Learning about one of South East Asia's gems!

Qualifications: What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
Volunteers at this project should have a genuine love of children and young people, and an interest in education. Although you do not require any special skills, any experience working with children or young people would be valuable. Volunteers must be able to use their initiative and be motivated to work without guidance. Volunteers should be patient, hard-working, resourceful and imaginative.

Your role as a volunteer:
You may become involved in teaching English through a variety of methods, including formal learning using textbooks, conversation classes, games and songs. Some of the projects have the opportunity to teach IT skills alongside English, or as a method of practising English. There may be the opportunity to become involved with drama or debates, and you might be asked to provide homework support for the children. You may also be required to help develop English teaching resources or improve the language skills of the permanent English teachers.

Cost in US$: USD 1260.00 for 2 weeks, USD 220.00 for every week thereafter

* Accommodation: Shared room in homestay
* Food: Breakfast and dinner. Please note that we are unable to guarantee a vegetarian diet, please enquire for further details
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation and Online TEFL course
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Philippines Independently

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994