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Philippines

Volunteer Teaching in the Philippines

As a volunteer in the teaching program in Philippines you can get involved with education to help enhance and develop students’ skills, particularly in reading, writing and speaking in English, as well as Mathematics and Science.

Highlights

  • Volunteer to teach students in the Philippines
  • Placements are provided in local schools, both elementary and secondary
  • Responsibilities include helping the in-house faculty in conducting lectures, designing curriculum, and creating a fun-filled environment for children
  • Involve students in out–of–the–class activities to teach them the importance of physical activity
  • Explore the city and surrounding provinces on weekends and travel around
  • A great opportunity to live with volunteers from all over the world
  • Engage with the local community and get an immersive volunteering travel experience
Freiwilligenarbeit como Lehrer op de Filipijnen

Overview

Education is one of the most effective ways to support the under served communities of the Philippines which are poverty stricken. As a volunteer in the Teaching Program in the Philippines, volunteers will get to assist local teachers in developing students’ reading, writing and speaking skills in English. Additional classes are also facilitated for Mathematics and Science. Placements are also offered in Special Education (SPED) schools to assist teachers in mentoring students with physical and mental challenges. Special schools that coach and mentor deaf, mute, and autistic children also need enthusiastic volunteers. A fulfilling and impactful way to help rural communities, volunteering for Filipinos will certainly be a learning experience for all.

The Teaching Project was initiated in response to the call of public schools for foreign volunteers who can render service. The schools believe that foreign volunteers have a positive impact on the pupils,serving as role models and inspiration. They also help the children improve their English language skill.The project may take you out of your comfort zone as it will require you to actively deliver lessons every day in front of many children. The first week is important. It will allow you to know your pupils and see how you can better cater to their needs. We encourage you to take the initiative and be proactive, that way the school will know that you are ready to take on tasks that you are capable of performing. You will observe how things are done and can ask questions about things that you don't fully understand. The classroom teacher is readily available to support you throughout your program.

Sample Placement Profile : Tugop Elementary School
Tugop Elementary School is located in the rural village of Barangay Tugop in the municipality of Tanauan, Leyte. The school can be reached via jeepney and motorcycle. Travel time is between 45-60 minutes depending on the pace of the vehicles. This is a public school under the supervision of the Department of Education. It is in place to serve the community of Tugop.  

The school staff is composed of the head teacher and grade school teachers including the kindergarten teacher, with a total of 207 pupils. For concerns while on the project, it is recommended that the volunteer speak with any of the teachers, in particular the homeroom teacher of the class he/she is handling. 
The local program coordinators opened the teaching project to provide support to the school. There is only one teacher per class handling several subjects in a day. Class population varies but usually between 25-35 in rural areas. The subjects the teacher handles include Math, Science, English, Physical Education, History, Music. Class is open from Monday to Friday except during holidays and school activities. Class starts at around 8AM, pauses for a break at 12 noon and resumes at 1PM to close at 4PM.  

As a placement, the school benefits from having an extra teacher who can help in teaching English, Math, Science, or Music depending on the preference of the volunteer. Having a foreign volunteer who speaks English is useful as it gives the children the chance to learn and practise the language. In the Philippines, a good grasp of the English language is an advantage in employment. At the same time, the volunteer serves as a role model and inspires these children to study for a better future.  


Volunteer Work Schedule

Volunteer Work Schedule

A typical volunteer schedule under this program is as follows;

  • Saturday/Sunday - Arrival and transfer to host family accommodation

  • Monday - Orientation. An orientation session will be conducted by the local coordinator, covering topic areas; such as safety, culture, language, places to visit, behaviour, food, and other suggestions over things to do in the Philippines

  • Monday to Friday - Volunteer Work
    Breakfast - 6:00 am
    Volunteer work - 08:00 am to 12:00 pm and 01:30 pm to 04:00 pm
    Lunch - 12:00 pm to 01:00 pm (volunteers need to arrange lunch at their own cost. Participants usually choose to eat at a restaurant or take packed food.
    Dinner - 06:00 pm onwards
    Weekends - Free to explore the city

The same volunteer work schedule continues from the second week onwards.

Note: Please note, the schedule may vary depending on the particular project the volunteer is participating on.


Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

Given the poor condition of the rural elementary schools, volunteers will be providing valuable and important support to teachers. Volunteer duties in the program depend on the participants experience and skill level. Some of the major roles and responsibilities of the volunteers in the Teaching program include :

  • Teach any of the following preferred subjects: English, Maths, Science, Geography, Arts, Computer

  •  Literacy, Music, Dance, Programming, Carpentry, Sports etc.

  • Conduct classes on your own or assist teachers

  • Teaching special education classes

  • Making the teacher student sessions more interactive, engaging and challenging

  • May conduct after- school tutorials
     


Project Requirement

Project Requirement

Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the time of joining the project. You need to have an open mind and a flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference and have a passion for working with children. Participants must be fit and healthy at the time of joining the program. Participants should have no criminal convictions and should provide a clean criminal background check report. A parental consent form shall be required for Under 18 participants joining the program. Any student or professional with a passion to teach young minds, who loves working with children and teenagers, including children with special needs are eligible to join the project.

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Living

Living

Airport Transfer
Volunteers are picked up from and dropped off at Tacloban Airport by a local representative staff member. Volunteers can arrive on Saturday or Sunday before starting their orientation on Monday.

Orientation
Orientation takes place on the Monday and includes comprehensive coverage of a number of relevant topics. It is given by a qualified staff member of the local team. Orientation includes the following activities:

  • Introduction to the program, its history, structure, and organisation

  • Introduction to the Philippines and the Filipino Culture

  • What to expect from the Volunteer Program

  • Health and Safety Briefing

  • Behavior Policy Briefing

  • Introduction to the actual placement, with special attention to transportation

  • Introduction to the placement staff and volunteers

Accommodation
Volunteers will live with homestay families residing in the Tacloban area. The homestays have been thoroughly evaluated before they were accepted into our homestay program. are experienced in accommodating international volunteers. Prior to your arrival, you will receive a profile outlining the specifics of your homestay family.

Your homestay will welcome you into their home and treat you as a member of the family. By living with them, you will be able to experience Filipino culture and participate in their daily activities. You will eat the same food they are eating, though your homestay family knows what foreigners like to eat. If you have special dietary requirements, it is best to inform us beforehand so we can meet your needs. You will be served only two meals per day, breakfast and dinner. Your homestay will also provide you with filtered drinking water, as it is best not to drink tap water. All the homestays have electricity and running water. You will have a private room by yourself or shared with a fellow volunteer. You also are provided a mosquito net and electric fan. The bathroom or toilet, commonly called “comfort room or CR” will be shared with all the family members.

Bathroom accommodation is basic and the volunteer will take cold, bucket baths because hot running showers are uncommon in Filipino homes – don't worry too much about this as cold bucket baths are often refreshing after being in the tropical heat all day. Finally, volunteers will also have to get used to the sound of roosters crowing even before the break of dawn.

Meals
During your time as a volunteer, you will be provided with two meals a day (breakfast and dinner) by your homestay. Aside from this, access to safe drinking water will also be provided by your homestay. All meals will be served with rice and typically include fish, chicken or pork. Homestays can cater for special dietary restrictions, however, we require that you include this in the application form.

During your Free Time 
The local coordinating team in the Philippines arranges for the volunteers to go on two excursions. On one of the trips, volunteers visit the local areas of interest such as San Juanico Bridge, the Santo Nino Shrine and the MacArthur Landing Memorial Park. Volunteers will get an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the tropical island of Leyte.  


Dates

Dates

November

17

24

December

01

Available

Filling Fast

Booked Out


Costs

Duration
Program Fee
Choose your currency
2 Weeks $890
3 Weeks $1040
4 Weeks $1190
5 Weeks $1340
6 Weeks $1490
7 Weeks $1640
8 Weeks $1790
Extra Week $200

Please Note: An application fee of is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

What are you Paying For?

  • Airport Pickup and Drop Off
  • Welcome Orientation – Program Orientation
    City Tour & Placement Orientation
  • Accommodation in a Filipino Host Family
  • 2 Meals a Day
  • Detailed Pre Departure Info Pack
  • Project Placement
  • 24 hrs Assistance and support from in country staff
  • Travel and Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost)
  • Certificate of Participation(On Request)

What's NOT Included?

  • Visa
  • Vaccinations
  • Flights
  • Local Transportation
  • Personal Expenses

FAQ's

Application and Program Details

Can I know more about Tacloban?

When do I need to arrive in Tacloban for my program? What will happen once I arrive in the city?

How long will it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted?

For how many hours will I volunteer every day?

When should I apply for the volunteer programs in Philippines?

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Philippines -Tacloban City volunteer programs?

What are the program locations in Philippines?

Can I volunteer as part of a group?

Health and Safety

What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?

Do I need to buy health insurance?

How safe is the Philippines and Tacloban City in general?

Accommodation and Living

Are there more expenses once I arrive in Tacloban City?

What all are included in the fee I pay?

How do I get to the program location?

Can I know more about accommodation and food arrangements?

Will I have access to the internet?

Would I have free time during my program ? Can I do sightseeing during my program ?

Will I have access to clean drinking water?

Flights and Visa

Do I need a Visa to travel to Philippines?

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