Volunteer teaching offers a great means of gaining
experience as a teacher and experiencing all that a country has to offer at a
very intimate level. You are required to work with children and learn for
yourself in the process of teaching them. If you are a person who loves
children and wishes to spend some time abroad engaged in meaningful activity, a
volunteer teaching jobs offers a
great opportunity in this regard.
Education holds the key to all forms of development
and is a subject that cannot be refuted any longer. Several developing
countries are faced with the problem wherein they are lacking in constant
supply of qualified teachers. With the help of volunteer projects this gap is
closed to an extent with teaching job in Thailand for volunteers to step in and provide support to the schools in
managing their daily routines. Volunteers can take English job abroad or impart knowledge in other subjects that may
be of need in the country.
An ESL job in
Thailand goes beyond primary education though most of the projects are
linked with primary schools. Secondary schools, universities, and kindergartens
employ volunteer teachers who have done TEFL course in Thailand for enhancing the quality of education offered. Certain
projects conducted after school hours also require these volunteer teachers to
help support students with their homework, keep them engaged and provide them a
safe playing environment to be in.
A volunteer
teaching job is seemingly a star in the sky – opportunities are so many
that you cannot keep up with counting them! However, here is a look at the five
best places that may be of interest to you.
- Jamaica
Regarded as the reggae capital of the Caribbean
Islands, Jamaica continues to be a developing country though it is an
English-speaking nation. Volunteer educators are very much welcome in this
popular tropical island country.
Pros: There’s more to life in Jamaica than the
beaches – you get to experience what it is like to teach and live in the
Caribbean. In the capacity of assistant teacher, you will be sharing the
teaching roles with an experienced Jamaican while sharing your culture with the
youngsters in the country.
Cons: Classrooms of public schools in Jamaica
often tend to be lacking in resources so you may find yourself dealing with
limited school supplies and teaching aids. Moreover, high crime rates make
certain parts of the country such as Kingston dangerous to stay in.
- Chile
If you can look beyond the gringo bubble, you stand a good opportunity to earn loads of
professional experience on a volunteer
teaching job in Chile, working with underprivileged kids. The kind of
placements you get will vary considerably across the country.
Pros: When you sign up for an English job abroad in Chile, you become
better acquainted with the local culture. Some volunteer programs are sought
after because of government sponsorship and UNDP support.
Cons: Some schools expect the teachers to be
long-term volunteers so that the students can benefit from a more lasting
impact. Many of the schools in the country have a largely chaotic atmosphere
compared to what you may have experienced in your home country.
- South Africa
There can be no ignoring the fact that the history
of South Africa makes for ugly reading. Nevertheless, the country is filled to
the brim with change and optimism. You can make a difference in the local
community by sharing your passion for teaching the youngsters in the more
underprivileged parts of the country and other rural areas that are at a
disadvantage. Volunteer teaching jobs are
available in plenty in the country.
Pros: South Africa has a great degree of
diversity, so you are likely to have students from different tribal communities
in your classroom. You can become a volunteer with the literacy program or in
the assistant teaching department. There is a lot to experience in the vibrant
South African culture and Cape Town, listed among the most beautiful world
cities, is worth exploring.
Cons: Poverty is still rampant in the country
as is substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and unemployment. Overcrowding is another big
issue in many of the schools. Don’t be surprised to experience some serious
culture shock.
- Guatemala
A country in Central America, Guatemala is revered
for its stunning beauty and historical cities. While teaching English, you can
also learn authentic Spanish and be a part of the daily life of the people.
Pros: This Spanish-speaking nation has largely
outspoken students and make it a lively place to be in. The cost of living is
low, so if you are not making enough dinero
you can still have a happy life.
Cons: Some parts of Guatemala experience
severe crimes and should be avoided by foreigners. You may be required to carry
teaching materials in large quantities from your native country since these are
difficult to source here.
- Indonesia
This is the largest archipelago nation in the world
with a highly multireligious and multiethnic population. Indonesia welcomes a
large number of international visitors every year and the number is only
growing steadily, making it more important for the locals to learn English.
Pros: Jakarta and Bali are the most popular
places for a volunteer teaching job, but
the 17000 odd islands give you plenty of opportunities to explore. The students
will be genuinely excited to have you as their teacher, especially if you are
volunteering at a preschool.
Cons: Often, Indonesian students have been
found to behave in an unruly manner. This volunteering job is best suited to
those who have a fair amount of experience in teaching job in Thailand. Also, being an Islamic state, they have
conservative laws and attitudes that need to be respected. Serious natural
disasters are another common theme in the country.
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