Volunteering abroad in Education
Can you believe that there are still kids in this world that don't have the opportunity to go to school? Access to education is expanding worldwide but shockingly, 263 million youth worldwide is still not attending school. This is the equivalent of a quarter of Europe’s population! Political conflict and socio-economic reasons compromise the development and ability of the youth to move ahead in life. Volunteer for education and provide students of the local community with the education they need to move ahead.
Do you have a heart for people and an eagerness to teach? Whether your strengths lie in teaching English, math or sports, you can make a difference. Pack your bags for Africa, Asia, South America or even Europe and head to the schools and projects that are in desperate need of your teaching skills.
Why volunteer for education?
According to the
Kids in many cultures are deprived of secondary school because they have reached the legal working age and are counted on to support their families.
Countries in Sub Saharan Africa have the highest rates of exclusion in the entire world and
Basic education and English skills have become the ticket to the future and independence. People lacking an education and general educational development are unlikely to progress in life as the requirements and expectations of employers are continuously becoming more demanding. Add to that the constant change in technology which leaves those who are untrained with poor prospects. Unfortunately, this is the fate that awaits the majority of the population of developing countries.
The developing world is blessed with an excellent education, fluent English-speaking skills, and reputable schools. Are you convinced you have a duty to teach those who are less fortunate? Take a look at more than 350 volunteer teaching opportunities. Volunteer for education and become a crucial part of leading youth towards a promising future.
What will I do as a volunteer for education?
Volunteer for education abroad and play an important role in the lives of children and young adults in developing areas. Activities will depend on the project but they all require efforts to teach the youth. There are more than 350 different programs abroad that need your assistance. These range from programs focused on teaching English to school students, assisting in primary school classes, teaching various school subjects, sports and so much more. Students from Africa to South America are waiting for your teaching support to learn more.
Although it’s not always required, some programs prefer volunteers who have teaching experience. Most schools and organizations are thankful for all helping hands willing to teach local children and young adults. Volunteers who are eager to work with those less fortunate will find exactly what they are looking for. There are projects out there with excellent reviews. Continue reading to find out more about the different focus areas:
English teaching
Most of us will agree that English continues to be a very important global language. Those lacking English skills tend to lag behind and miss out on career opportunities. The majority of the population in developed countries usually speak English fluently. This means most volunteers speak English well enough to teach children or young adults the basics of the English language. Volunteers with teaching experience can count on a huge number of organizations waiting for English language support. Even those without teaching experience will find a community that will welcome them with open arms if they are eager to learn.
Primary school
Many schools simply lack resources to teach important subjects and are unable to provide children the basics of math, geography, science and information technology. As our world is becoming increasingly more technical, students without a firm base and a lack of IT skills don’t stand a chance in our high-tech environment. If you feel like you have it in you to teach, don’t hesitate and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
Special needs
Sports is an excellent way for children to engage in a constructive way and channel their energy. It has proven helpful in keeping children off the streets and develops values like dedication, teamwork, and focus. Volunteers eager to share their sports skills will find a great number of interesting volunteer programs in the most enchanting destinations. Dedicate your time to teaching children sports ranging from soccer to surfing and get ready to have a blast.
Youth teaching
Volunteers who want to learn how to be a mentor or a coach will find their calling in a project focused on teaching youth. Tasks can vary from teaching certain school subjects, helping youth become more tech savvy to creating awareness about their health. Activities will differ according to the needs of the community. The youth is the future but they are also the most vulnerable group in society. Play an influential role in these kids’ lives and guide them toward a better future.
Business skills
Teach young adults practical business skills to create opportunities that generate personal income. Volunteers who have an affinity with business can bring across important business insights to those determined to set up their own business.
A typical day as a volunteer for education
Depending on the project focus, your days will vary greatly. Most programs are based at a school or community center and require volunteers to be flexible and help out where it is most needed. Here are a few tasks that you will face as a volunteer:
- Helping teachers and staff of the volunteer project
- Preparing lessons
- Teaching lessons to students
- Speaking English with students
- Helping with homework
- 1-on-1 tutoring during or after lessons
- Connecting and spending time with the students
- Organizing games and activities for students
Most programs will expect volunteers to work a set number of hours a day, similar to a school day. After their work day, volunteers are free to explore their surroundings. Teaching programs will often give you the weekend off so you’ll be free to travel, learn more about the culture and make the most of your adventure abroad. Destinations in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe are at the tips of your fingers.
Who can volunteer in education?
You may wonder if you are cut out to be a volunteer. We have listed a few personality traits which are great to have as a volunteer for education programs:
- a social mindset
- teaching skills or interest in teaching
- passion for working with children/youth
- empathy
- a good work ethic
- the ability to work as part of a team
- great communication skills
- adaptability to different types of tasks
- problem-solving ability
- willingness to learn
- enthusiasm
- resilience
- a non-judgmental approach and respect for diversity
- great cultural awareness
- a professional attitude to work
- a strong regard for health and safety
- eagerness to travel abroad
- dedication
What language skills are required?
English is the main language in all programs so it’s important that volunteers have a good understanding of the English language. This is important to communicate with the staff at the project center and other volunteers. For programs in South America, it’s useful if you have a basic knowledge of Spanish prior to going as most locals don’t speak any English. Knowing some Spanish words will kickstart your volunteer adventure and save you valuable time.
Best places to volunteer for education
Are you excited yet? You’re probably wondering where in the world this adventure will take you. There are over 350 volunteer programs focused on different types of education. The areas most deprived are situated in developing countries. Let’s take a closer look at what volunteering for education may have in store for you:
Caribbean
Volunteers who have always wanted to experience the island life can head to the Caribbean where there are several organizations and schools dedicated to providing youth and adults with the education they lack. Grab your swimwear for after classes and get yourself ready to teach!
South America
South American countries like Peru, Chile, Bolivia, and Brazil foster countless projects for adventurous teaching volunteers who are eager to brush up on their Spanish. Disadvantaged locals in South America are waiting for you to teach them. Get ready to explore some of the most breathtaking landscapes and give back to the local community.
Africa
Sub Saharan Africa has seemingly endless teaching opportunities for volunteers who are dedicated to making a difference where their help is needed most. Countries like Ghana are well represented as are Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa. Discover the real side of Africa and apply your teaching skills where they are sorely missed.
Asia
Volunteers who have lost their hearts to Asia will always find volunteer opportunities in India and various South East Asian countries where there’s an enormous demand for English teachers. Allow yourself to be humbled by Asian hospitality while you provide locals with the education they desperately need.
Europe
Volunteers who prefer sticking to developed regions, no need to despair. There are options out there for you too. Several communities in developed regions rely on organizations for help and support. The need for teachers is especially high in South and Eastern Europe where English speaking skills are poor. Pack your bags and head to one of the English language schools in some of the fascinating European countries.
Top 5 benefits of volunteering for education
There’s no doubt that volunteering in itself is a fantastic thing to do. By volunteering abroad for education, you are providing locals with the most important aspect of their future development. Schools in developing countries are constantly lacking resources to teach local children and will welcome enthusiastic volunteers with open arms. Let’s take a look at the benefits you will encounter once you decide to volunteer for education:
1. Mutual Learning Opportunities
You will help with educational progress by teaching at a rural school but you will be surprised by how much the experience will teach you. Teaching at a school abroad will not only improve your teaching skills but you may be able to gain credit if the program is acknowledged by your university. This unique experience will also teach a lot about the culture of your destination.
2. Meet other people
If you volunteer for education abroad, you will not only connect with the students but you will meet other volunteers. This will be a life-enhancing experience where you will make a difference in a community while you get in touch with different cultures and create long-lasting connections.
3. Travel
If you’re an adventurer and love to travel, nothing will stop you from discovering your surroundings. Volunteering abroad for education will lead you to some of the most interesting destinations. Africa, Asia or South America? You decide!
4. New Experiences
Volunteering is a brilliant way to expand your perspective of the world. Issues that seemed huge problems before, may seem trivial after your volunteer experience. Life experiences like this provide valuable baggage that can prove helpful in the future. Volunteer for education and watch how you become a stronger individual.
5. Health Improvements
Multiple research has demonstrated that volunteering leads to better health and a healthier state of mind. Those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, function better and suffer less from depression later in life. Volunteer in education and experience the satisfaction of knowing you are helping students acquire life-changing skills. See what your adventure abroad does for your health and happiness!
How do I get started as a volunteer?
You’ve decided you want to volunteer for education and teach students abroad. Once you’ve taken a look at some of the available projects you would love to be part of, let’s take a look at the first 3 steps which will send you on your way to volunteering for education:
- Check whether there’s a match between the project or school and your skills.
- Take a look at the location of the project and decide whether it would be a location you are willing to travel to.
- Get in touch with the organization and see whether your expectations and your schedule match up.
Once you know your destination, take the following 4 steps before setting off to the projects that need help!
- Look into the visa requirements for the country you will volunteer in.
- Make sure you have a valid passport.
- Check out your health and travel insurance.
- Get any necessary vaccinations.
Travel safe and get ready to volunteer for education abroad and make a tangible difference in many lives as you embark on your adventure. Work with students from around the world and teach them English, math, sports, IT or business. Explore a completely new part of the world and let this experience abroad teach you invaluable life lessons.