WorldTeach: American Samoa Volunteer Teaching - Year

My year as a WorldTeach volunteer on the small island of Ta'u has been incredible. I taught eight second-grade students at Faleasao Elementary. My students were incredibly well-behaved and such a pleasure to teach. Many elementary students do not speak English beyond a basic, intro level, and are very much behind in other subjects. Words cannot express how incredible it was, as a first year teacher, to see improvements in my students' skills. I was able not only to teach foundational knowledge (reading, addition and subtraction, etc) to my class, but also to begin preparing them for their educational careers (how to be a student--how to study, how to ask questions about a text, etc.) It was difficult at times, but teaching here has been one of the most important things I've ever done.
The schools in American Samoa are under the American Department of Education, and due to the small enrollment at outer-island schools, elementary resources were abundant. We had up-to-date text books for most subjects, new computers and other technological resources, and regular professional development training from the Department of Education.
We lived in a small village, in one of the nicest houses on island, about 30 yards from the ocean. There is no night-life to speak of on Ta'u, but we were surrounded by beautiful beaches, lush vegetation, and a welcoming community of Samoans. We had every opportunity to learn traditional cultural practices--spear fishing, baking in an umu, weaving, Samoan dances (siva Samoa), and speaking the Samoan language. As far as safety goes, there is very little crime on our island (some teenagers broke into a store once but that's all that's happened in 11 months), and there is a tsunami warning system and evacuation procedure in place. I never felt unsafe here. The community is incredibly welcoming.
While is much harder to get certain basic items on an outer-island, the WorldTeach field director was always available to ship whatever resources (either classroom or personal) that we needed. We had extensive cultural and classroom training during orientation, and knew that our Field Director was just a phone call away. I never felt unsafe, unprotected, or alone in the program. Every effort is taken by WorldTeach to ensure that all volunteers are given the information and help they need on island; I can't tell you how wonderful it is to have the support of field staff while living in a new country.
I would recommend this program to anyone who cares about global education and wants to travel with a purpose. WorldTeach is a wonderful organization, and American Samoa is an incredible place to live. I've enjoyed living here so much that I've decided to stay on as a contracted teacher.

I am a current WorldTeach volunteer in American Samoa. I teach English to 105 high school juniors and let me tell you - each and every day is a new, exciting, and challenging adventure. Upon arriving in AmSam, I was nervous to start teaching and to become part of the Samoan community. Now that I have lived here for almost three months, I feel as if I have been here for many years. While the island is extremely small, I always know someone wherever I go and the Samoans are always quick to help or even just say hi. The WorldTeach program has been incredible. Our Field Director and the home office keep in contact with the volunteers and make sure that we are comfortable and happy with our teaching placements and with our living arrangements. No question goes unanswered and there is always someone to talk too if we need to ask for teaching tips or resources! Besides teaching, American Samoa has a lot to offer. I have already climbed mountains, snorkled in turquoise blue water, eaten delicious food from the Samoan umu (the underground oven where they cook their food), and met many friends that I will keep for the rest of my life. What better way to spend a year of your life than on a tropical island in the South Pacific? You won't regret it!