Education is a powerful tool in the fight against poverty and can give disadvantaged groups access to better employment and a voice in local politics. You could transfer your skills to teaching English as a foreign language or train local secondary school teachers in methodology and participatory learning techniques.
You could be working in Rwanda, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Namibia or Vietnam.
Skills needed to volunteer in Education
You'll need a degree and a teaching qualification. If you have less than 2 years' experience we'll also ask you to have a TEFL qualification as you'll most likely be placed in an English teaching role and a TEFL course will equip you with the additional skills needed to teach English as a foreign language. Your course must be Trinity TESOL or Cambridge CELTA.
If you have more than 2 years' classroom experience, there's no need for a TEFL qualification as you are likely to work in a teacher training role.
Heard about our new pension offer? Thanks to a new Government initiative you can now get your public sector pension reimbursed for the duration of your overseas placement - there really has never been a better time to apply. Find out more
Sample volunteer jobs for Secondary Humanities Teachers
English Teacher – Ethiopia As an English Language Improvement Programme Co-ordinator you'll be based at Madawalabu University. Working alongside a local counterpart, you'll design and implement language training for university academics, support staff, students and local schoolteachers.
Read the full volunteer job description:
ELT Teacher – Vietnam Working at the Hanoi University of Education, you'll build the English Language skills of lecturers based in the Faculty of Special Education, enabling them to access resource materials that will positively impact on the quality of education. Read the full volunteer job description:
Primary English Methodology Trainer – Eritrea As a Primary English Methodology Trainer, based in the Ministry of Education Offices, you’ll make a direct contribution to improving the quality of English Language training in the Keren district. Read the full volunteer job description:
English Teacher – Rwanda At Mushubi Lower Secondary school you’ll divide your time teaching English to students and improving the English language and methodology skills of your colleagues.
English Teacher - Eritrea English Language skills are essential for Eritrea's development. You'll improve the English language abilities of students and share your skills with local colleagues in a village school near Elabered.
Whether you are ready to apply now, would like an information pack or would like to be kept informed about our work, please register your interest now.
Any Questions?
If you have any outstanding questions about voluntary work abroad with VSO, take a look at The VSO Experience.
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If you haven’t found what you’re looking for, use the search box below to search again or call us on 020 8780 7500.
The volunteer jobs displayed on this page are examples of our current opportunities for voluntary work abroad and all last for 24 months. For information on volunteer jobs lasting one to six months please visit our Specialist Assignments pages.
