Travel Teacher: Volunteer Teaching | Aitutaki, Cook Islands

Name: Travel Teacher: Volunteer Teaching | Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Brand: Travel Teacher
SKU: 157379
Rating: 4.9 (10 reviews)

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4.90 Rating

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Location

Cook Islands

Length

2 to 4 weeks

Project Types

Community Development Youth Education Teaching

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Program Details

Language

English

Age Min.

Timeframe

Spring Break Summer

Housing

Guesthouse

Groups

Small Group (1-15)

Pricing

Starting Price

800

Price Details

What’s included?
- Shared accommodation
- Airport Transfers
- 24/7 Support
- Location Orientation
- Expedition Activities
- T-shirt
- Pre Departure Training
- Access to online members area

What’s not included:

- Flights
- Visas
- DBS (Background check)
- Travel Insurance
- Meals

What's Included

Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Equipment Transportation

What's Not Included

Airfare Meals Travel Insurance Visa Wifi

Last Updated: Aug 20, 2019

Last Reviewed: Sep 11, 2019

Wish List

11 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Volunteering abroad will change your life. It gives you the opportunity to learn new skills, immerse yourself in unfamiliar cultures and develop as a person. On top of this, it is a fantastic way to travel and see the world, experiencing countries in a way that is impossible on the heavier trodden tourist trail, all whilst giving something back to local communities.

During the service portion of your programme, volunteers will get the opportunity to teach children fundamental academic and life skills, making a heart connection with the needs of others. Half of your day will be spent in school whilst the remainder will be spent exploring with your fellow group members and our expert team. We pack a huge amount into our expeditions to make sure you get the absolute most from your experience.

This programme is open to anyone who is passionate about education, travel and helping global communities.

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Video and Photos

Program Highlights

Join a group of like-minded travellers
Discover life on a remote island
Island hopping
Snorkelling
Whale Watching

Program Impact

As a volunteer you will play a vital role in the success and long-term sustainability of our projects in The Cook Islands. You will provide support to teachers in delivering fundamental academic and life skills lessons to students in a local school whilst contributing to valuable community development projects. Your role as a volunteer will include teaching, working as a classroom aid, supervising children’s activities (academic, sports, arts, crafts) and assisting with homework. All participants will receive the necessary training, resources and support.

Program Reviews

4.90 Rating

based on 10 reviews

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Rating Spread Volunteer

5 rating 90%
4 rating 10%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Impact 4.9
Support 5
Fun 4.9
Value 4.5
Safety 4.9

Showing 9 - 10 of 10 reviews

This trip has been one I will never forget!
There has been so much positivity to take away from Aitutaki starting with the people! Teaching the children has been amazing! They are always excited to see you and embrace everything that you are trying to teach them!
Away from the school, no matter where you go, you are treated like a celebrity because everyone on the island is so thankful for everything you are doing to help the children, and as you learn when you come here, everyone knows each other and news travels fast!
When it comes to the activities that are included in your trip, it's hard to believe water can be so clear and so blue! The snorkelling has been a real highlight, as well as exploring some of the surrounding islands like 'One Foot Island'. In the evening, it's always great to take in a cultural show, especially because some of the dancers are some of the students you are teaching and the teachers you are helping. But the one thing I will take away from this trip the most, like I said at the beginning, is just how happy the people always are, even though in quite a lot of cases they live very basic lives. It's makes you feel more appreciative of everything we have available to us back in the UK. I very much plan on coming back to the Cook Islands again! And I already cannot wait for that day when I do come back out here!

This is a life-changing experience that leaves you craving more. After my experience with Travel Teacher in the Cook Islands, I not only had the absolute privilege of teaching a number of kids that were eager and excited to learn and hear what I had to say, but I also was able to learn a lot more about myself and what I want to achieve in the coming years. The bright smiles running up to me each school day as we arrived is an image that I will never forget.

Outside of the classroom, Travel Teacher takes you to some of the most beautiful and sought after locations in the world. The ocean was beautiful, the people the friendliest I've ever known, and the food was fresh and gorgeous.

There is some of your traditional travel elements here of course, but what sets Travel Teacher aside from the rest is their culture. If you want a life changing experience that will push you out of your comfort zone, take you to places you have only dreamed of, and give you life long memories with new friends you'll never forget, then Travel Teacher is for you.

Questions & Answers

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose Travel Teacher because I wanted to travel but be more than just a tourist. What caught my eye was that Travel Teacher offered “Meaningful Travel”. I have also been considering a career in teaching for a while and thought that this would be a good “taster” to see if teaching was for me. It also gave me a chance to see a part of the world I may not have had the chance to see.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

Travel Teacher was very good at supporting me during the organization process. There was a pre-departure meeting during which the Program Director gave us all the necessary information – currency, budgeting, cultural pointers, etc. Travel Teacher also has an agreement with STA Travel so I was able to get help with my flights and insurance.

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What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

My one piece of advice would be to just get stuck in. I was nervous about teaching, but the students are wonderful and they try their best to make you feel comfortable. So I would say just go for it, and it’ll work out wonderfully.

Go for it with the activities; where else will you get the chance to swim in a lagoon paradise? Go for it with the other Travel Teachers; I’ve met some amazing people and gained some incredible friends!

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

One of the great things about Travel Teacher is that there’s no typical day. Usually, it is school from 9 AM until noon; then in the afternoon, there is more often than not a planned activity, followed by free time in the evening. If there is no activity, then it’s a free afternoon to relax. On weekends, there is usually a full day of activities. You will never be bored.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was actually the teaching. I’ve never been one to get up in front of the group, and the thought of not only getting up in front of the children but also teaching them something terrified me. It was a wobbly start but I got there eventually, and I now love teaching! I now enjoy it so much that I’ve decided I want to pursue a career in some shape or form.

What was the best moment during the trip?

My best moment was by far going out stargazing with some of the other Travel Teachers . There was no light pollution, and so the stars literally lit up the night sky. It was amazing just sitting there, no music, no distractions, with some amazing people I’m honored to call friends.

Joe Parker

2017 Alum

About Travel Teacher

Empowering you to pursue life-changing experiences around the world, leaving a positive mark on the communities you visit and the environments you explore. Travel Teacher connects volunteers, classrooms and communities through meaningful study abroad, and volunteer programs. We are passionate about providing opportunities for our volunteers to...