Volunteer in Primary Schools

Schools in developing countries lack the amenities and resources which students in developed countries take for granted. Children often take notes sitting on the floor and are grouped in classes counting up to 50 students. Resources are scarce and teachers aren’t always qualified in subjects like English. They are doing their best with the means available but in many cases, elementary schools and teachers lack modern teaching approaches. This results in monotonous classes with a lot of board copying.

On top of that, children in these parts of the world often come from homes where there’s abuse or have family members suffering from HIV or AIDS. Their parents are in many cases illiterate or unemployed and would prefer their children to find jobs as quickly as possible.

Their priority is generally not to ensure their children get an education but get a job that can help support the family. This has a negative impact on student attendance and often results in behavioral problems. Undernourished children with poor concentration are very common because most families are poor and don't have access to a balanced diet. Many students need extra attention which is where volunteers for education come into the picture.

English skills are becoming increasingly important in our society and learning English from a young age exponentially increases the chances of retaining it. Volunteers are encouraged to communicate with the students in English whenever possible to expose them to the language as often as possible. Frequent exposure to the English language will positively affect their future job opportunities. Developing countries rely heavily on the tourism industry which creates many jobs and where English is the main language. By connecting with the local community as a volunteer you will soon understand the situation of the volunteer country better and gain insight into prevalent issues.

Volunteers with teaching experience or those with a desire to teach in the future can gain valuable experience abroad by being an assistant to the teachers at the local schools. If you are eager to find a job abroad as a teacher or a teaching assistant, volunteering is an excellent start. Work together with local teachers and other volunteers to give children better chances in life. Elementary students are counting on your positive energy and work spirit!

Classes you will teach will depend on the needs of the school. Opportunities are endless and volunteers are counted on to offer the school their point of view and share new ideas. Subjects can range from English to math, science, computer skills, environmental studies to physical education to more creative subjects like art, drama, and music.

Some programs are focused on elementary school teaching while others are directed toward providing after-school learning support. The latter is a wonderful opportunity for a volunteer teaching assistant. Some students struggle with their performance at school due to difficulties at home. Help children with learning difficulties by giving them extra attention and the support they need to succeed. Simply giving them a different view on a topic can help them on their way.

One of the things a primary school teacher volunteer can really make a difference in is connecting with the students on a profound level. The thing they are lacking most is attention so when there is time, volunteers are encouraged to spend time with them and just have fun. Expose them to western culture and allow an exchange between both worlds to unfold. This will create a better understanding from both sides and take down communication barriers.

Share your passions with the children as a primary teacher or an assistant volunteer and organize arts and crafts activities, sports and field trips to allow students to escape the daily grind and experience something new.

Are you a volunteer who wants to teach and brush up on some high school Spanish? Volunteer for one of the many primary school teaching opportunities. The lush jungles of Costa Rica, versatile Venezuela or authentic Bolivia are options within your reach. Explore these locations and help students gain access to a better education.

Set foot on the African continent and leave your mark by inspiring young children to take their education seriously. Make learning fun for elementary students in Africa. Travel to places like Ghana and Egypt or head south of the continent to experience Africa in all its rawness in Tanzania and Kenya. Volunteers driven by nature and curious to experience the biodiversity of South Africa have several teaching options to explore and teach. You'll soon realize that a teaching job abroad is one of the most exciting jobs to have.

Volunteers with a passion for Asia will find primary school teaching opportunities in enchanting areas like India and Nepal or travel to touristic hotspots like Vietnam and Indonesia. Experience a different side of these destinations and dedicate some of your time to creating a meaningful impact on elementary students.

Plenty of programs await your input and countless children need your attention. Don’t hesitate and pack your bags for a life-changing adventure abroad. Volunteer as a teacher or assistant and it will be sure to positively impact future job opportunities.

As a volunteer for primary school, you will learn a lot about the culture and the country you are volunteering in. You will get a different view on the situation abroad. You will also gain useful teaching experience as a teacher or assistant which will benefit those looking for future job opportunities. In some cases, the volunteer experience can count for credits if your university acknowledges it as a valid internship. Your experience will also positively benefit future job opportunities for volunteers who are open to teaching jobs abroad.

Are you a social creature? Volunteering will put you in touch with lots of people. First of all, you’ll be connecting with the local community on a profound level but you will also meet other like-minded volunteers. Get ready for some great relationships to unfold.

Volunteering will bring you to places you would otherwise never go to and experience situations that are out of the ordinary. Getting outside of the comfort zone is important for your development and will not only give you another worldview but also prepare you to be more resilient to future challenges to come.

Different reviews show that a sense of purpose has a very positive influence on people’s happiness. Volunteer and witness the difference you are making in so many lives. We guarantee you that you will be floating on a cloud of happiness when you realize what kind of an impact you are making through your volunteer efforts.

This is your chance to explore the world and discover some of the most interesting places the world has to offer. You’ll be doing this while contributing to a meaningful cause. What are you waiting for? Get out your luggage and start packing!

We recommend getting both health and travel insurance. In fact, this is even a requirement for all volunteer programs abroad. Get in touch with your program contact person to find out if an insurance plan is already in place for volunteers.

Once you know your destination, take the following 3 steps before setting off on your life-changing adventure!

1. Look into the visa requirements for the country you will volunteer in.
2. Make sure you have a valid passport considering the requirement of the host country.
3. Make sure you prepare the correct documents to fulfill the visa application.

That’s it! You’re ready to explore the world and work your volunteer magic as a teacher or an assistant with countless young children around the world. Get elementary students excited about going to school and trust that it will make a difference, however small it may be.