What is the Teach English in Rural Schools in the Philippines project all about?
Boost the futures of impoverished children by helping to teach English in rural schools in Tacloban, Philippines. English is the country’s second official language, and excellent written and spoken skills are vital in obtaining a well-paid job in the Filipino business, government, or academic sectors. Keeping a good standard of English in the country is difficult; many of the best English teachers move abroad for higher paying jobs. In poorer areas, teachers are often non-native English speakers. The presence of native or fluent speaking volunteers is extremely valuable to advancing students’ language skills.
School buildings were badly destroyed by Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013, meaning that education access has been particularly difficult since; lessons have to be held in less than ideal settings.
Why choose this Teach English in Rural Schools project?
Some teachers have left Tacloban following the destruction of Typhoon Haiyan, so extra support is needed now more than ever. Your knowledge as a native speaker will provide deeper English understanding for the students and the teachers. Better English abilities means these students have the chance to get jobs and create a better life for themselves and their families in the future.
Role of the Teaching Volunteer in the Philippines
You will teach English using formal textbook methods, class conversations, group work, activities and games. Getting involved in other subject areas, such as music, arts, drama or coaching/organising sports is an option. You will work to update teaching resources, improve the English of the local teachers, and help children with homework. The teachers and pupils are open to utilizing your skills and any creative ideas you have for the classroom.
What skills do I need to be a Teaching Volunteer in Rural Schools in the Philippines?
Competency in English is a requirement. It’s important for volunteers to have patience and be resourceful and energetic. Those with a teaching degree, PGCE, TEFL qualification or classroom experience are highly sought. You will need to submit your CV/resume and complete a telephone interview.
WHY JOIN THE PROJECT
FEATURED VIDEO
PROJECT TESTIMONIALS
Where will I work in the Philippines?
About the Location
The project is located in Tacloban City which was devastated in November 2013 when Typhoon Haiyan destroyed homes, livelihoods and community spaces on the island of Leyte. It has a population of over 300,000 and the local dialect is Waray-Waray, though English is widely spoken. Join our local team and gain an insight into the realities of living and working alongside those proving resilient following such a huge disaster. Travel around the Philippines is still possible so why not take time after your placement and visit areas unaffected by this tragedy while putting income back into the economy and therefore continuing your support of the Filipino people.
Accommodation
Whilst volunteering in The Philippines with Kaya, all volunteers will stay in a homestay environment with a friendly local family on the outskirts of Tacloban City. As these families are very familiar with receiving volunteers all year round, we can assure you that you will be welcome into the community with open arms. Inside, the homestay houses have electricity, toilets and running water, but the setup is quite basic. You will only be a 2-minute walk away from other volunteers and the community centre (which acts as a home base for volunteers in the area), which is one of the great aspects of this accommodation.
What to do in your spare time
If you are into sports and keeping fit then you can take part in a variety of different activities during your time in The Philippines. You could head downtown, alongside other volunteers, to use the climbing walls and badminton court and engage in a bit of friendly competition. Alternatively, you could join the local gym (which has hot showers!) in the astrodome. Otherwise, you could also take part in a few friendly basketball games with the locals in your homestay community alongside other volunteers. If you’re a surfer, you could also venture out to the town of Guiuan to sample some of The Philippines best surfing destinations!
If you want to venture further afield in your free time then we advise that you visit the remarkable islands of Bohol and Malapascua. These are common trips for volunteers to go on in groups, which is a great way to make friends and get to know other volunteers in the area.
For those of you who want to relax, you can visit some of some of the spectacular white-sand beaches and crystal clear water that The Philippines has to offer. Why not take a trip to Tadjow Beach or Tanuan Beach as these are quite close to your accommodation.
For those of you that have time, take an extra week or two and visit some of the country’s beautiful areas. Put income back into the economy to support the people of this wonderful country.
Details & Costs
- Duration: 4+ weeks
- Cost: £1368 / $2136 for 4 weeks
£169 / $264 for each week thereafter - Requirements: Age 18+
- Location: Tacloban, Leyte, Philippines
- Working hours: Monday - Friday, 4-5 hours per day
- Project availability: All year round, apart from the Christmas to New Year period and for a few days over Easter.
- Arrival day: Saturday
What is included
- Accommodation: single or shared room in a homestay
- Food: 2 meals per day- breakfast and dinner
- Airport pickup and drop off from Tacloban City
- Training: pre-departure pack, on-site orientation and project induction
- Support: 24 hour support from on-site coordinators, access to local office in Tacloban City
- Excursions: staff may be able to help plan weekend excursions
- Fundraising Guide
What is not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visas
- Police/Government Background Check: US and UK citizens will be processed through Kaya (admin fee applies); all other nationalities must provide local police check.
- Any costs for COVID-19 PCR tests required pre-departure and in-country
Pictures from our Teach English in Rural Schools in the Philippines project
Easy 4-step application process
APPLY ONLINE
Apply for a Kaya program and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW
Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.
CONFIRMATION
Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.
GET PREPARED
When you have confirmed your project dates we'll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.
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