Work Placements - Teaching / TEFL
Careerbreaker Teaching Volunteer Work Placements
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Nelson Mandela
Improving education standards is the key to the growth of many economically less developed countries. However, these countries often find it hard to recruit good people into teaching because of the poor wages. The teachers that they do recruit are often extremely dedicated but poorly resourced.
Class sizes of over 50 are common and text books can be 30 years out of date. In some countries, you may find yourself working with children who require special attention. For example in Peru teaching can be arranged in orphanages and children’s homes, as well as schools. This means you can work with children who have been abandoned or have learning difficulties, as well as with those who are trying to escape difficult pasts of drug abuse or prostitution.
Experienced teachers
If you are an experienced teacher there is usually the opportunity to choose to work in either primary or secondary schools. The pupils learning needs and taught subjects may vary from school to school but there is always great emphasis on the ‘Three R’s. The education system of developing countries is such that secondary school volunteer teachers may spend less time teaching their own ’subject’ in order to focus on core abilities but will bring new teaching methods, enthusiasm and diversity into the classroom.
There is usually some opportunity, whatever you’re area of expertise and experience to share this with your new school and pupils. Learning in many of these countries is by rote and children are not encouraged to be creative. You will be encouraged to bring your own skills and interests to the classroom. So if you have a particular interest in mathematics, science, drama, art or anything else, just let us know.
Volunteer Teaching Placements will offer you a chance not only to share your skills and expertise but to experience a working environment so different from your norm with some of the world’s most deserving and dedicated pupils and teachers. This is a real opportunity to make a difference and reinvigorate and refresh your own sense of purpose as a teacher.
Enthusiastic but with no formal teacher training?
If you have little or no teaching experience it is possible to participate in a Volunteer Teaching Placement, in a teaching assistant capacity. You will bring energy and enthusiasm to the classroom, exposing the pupils to a fresh style of teaching and helping to break the classes into smaller, more manageable groups. The ability to speak English is often incredibly important to pupils as they reach adulthood, providing much greater opportunity in the job market.
For those who are new to teaching, we suggest a weekend TEFL course (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), as the more confidence and skills you have, the more rewarding your placement will be. We canl also supply you with a teaching pack with lots of ideas to make you feel more confident To learn more about a TEFL course click here.
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