Teach English in Rural Schools in the Philippines

Teach English Asia Philippines volunteer abroad Gap year

  • The Project

    Volunteer and give rural, impoverished children a valuable boost for their future by teaching them English, a necessity for most well paid work in the Philippines. English is the country's second official language, and therefore it is not surprising that most Filipinos can understand, speak and write at least some English. But teachers in poorer schools are often not native English speakers, and so the presence of native or fluent volunteers is extremely valuable and exciting for the children and teachers alike. Volunteers teach in elementary schools within rural villages where resources are low and the most help is required and appreciated.

  • Why the project needs you

    English is the primary language used in the Filipino business, government, and academic worlds, and so it is very important for Filipinos to learn English. The majority of the better jobs within the Philippines require excellent written and spoken English skills. Keeping a good standard of English in the country is difficult, however, as many of the best English speaking teachers move abroad for higher paying jobs. Therefore the quality and lack of teachers who remain in the Philippines, especially in public schools, is of concern. Volunteers can organise and schedule their own classes to provide a positive English learning experience.

    Project Location

    The placement is located in schools on the island of Leyte, about an hour by air southeast of Manila. The Leyte capital city, Tacloban, has modern amenities. Volunteers live in Tacloban with a family in a homestay within a barangay, or local community. In this small village atmosphere you will be surrounded by friendly locals and immersed in community activities. Tacloban is a historic World War II site, the beachfront city where the American General Douglas MacArthur liberated the Philippines in 1944 from Japan. It has a population of over 300,000 and the local dialect is called Waray-Waray, though English is widely spoken. Tacloban City is not typically a tourist destination and gives foreign volunteers a real chance to immerse in the one of a kind Filipino culture.

  • Project Facts

    • Duration: 2 - 26 weeks
    • Cost: £699 ($1223) for 2 weeks, £145 ($254) for each week thereafter
    • Requirements: age 18+
    • Location: Tacloban, Leyte, Philippines
    • Project activities: Teaching English and possibly other subjects, and/or leading extracurricular activities
    • Working hours: 08:00 - 13:00, Monday - Friday
    • Project Availability: Projects begin every Monday. Project closed April-May and 20th Dec-5th Jan due to school holidays.

  • What is included

    • Accommodation: Single or shared room in a home-stay
    • Food: 2 meals per day - Breakfast and Dinner
    • Airport pick up and drop off
    • Training: Pre-departure pack, On-site Orientation and project induction provided
    • Support: 24 hour support from on-site coordinators, access to office in Tacloban City (including free WiFi)
    • Excursions: 2 field excursions are included in your visit. You will have a beach trip with your host family or sponsor kids and you will have a project excursion visiting various many of our projects. Staff can also help plan weekend excursions.

  • What is not included

    • Flights
    • Insurance
    • Visas

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