Teaching Volunteer Programs in 30 countries from $20/day

I was fortunate to volunteer to teach English at the Linda Community School. I arrived at school by 8am and usually joined the 2nd grade class. The local teacher extended not only English but any of the other courses she taught in English, for me to teach. This gave me an opportunity to push myself to prepare new lessons, adapt my style and teach. When classes were in the local language, I moved on and worked with older students, preparing for exams and pre-school children, wanting to learn new songs. It was a perfect blend of experiences and new learning for me. I had a chance to interact with teachers and contribute my ideas as well as better understand some of the local challenges. After just 2 weeks, I felt a part of the school and if I could have, would have extended my stay. I have already applied for a Booster Grant, offered by IVHQ, on a quarterly basis, to help the school meet some of its resource needs. Can't wait to volunteer again.

Teaching in Madagascar was an amazing experience. I loved working with the kids and the adults. I also truly became a part of the community in Ampangarina (village) which was an experience you can't replace. Hearing people's English improve was amazing. Plus, MRCI set up a great home and community for us. I would recommend this to anyone.

Arrived Sunday night, met everyone. Monday morning had breakfast (egg bahn mi at a local cafe) then we were taken round the city, see some sights and in the afternoon had a look at some places. On tuesday, orientation continued and we saw the place where we would actually work. Actual work started on wednesday, a guide was hired to take to and from work every day for the first week, after the first week we had to make our own way. I recommend volunteers plan to visit somewhere over the weekend as there isn't a lot to do unless you want to play 200 games of ping pong. Ha Long bay is good if you find a decent trip organiser. Hoi An is beautiful, I would save going there for the last days of your time in Vietnam like I did because you don't want to go back.

About teaching english, I was lucky to have a placement at a great kindergarten with inclusive teachers and kids who were mostly easy. My hours were 8-4 with a break from 1130-1430. Teaching entailed joining in with the students and singing nursery rhymes. Also had to housework in the classroom, sweeping, cleaning, setting the tables up, putting the tables back. While the break sounds good, unless you find something to do, its very boring and trying to sleep in the day, as the teachers and kids do during nap time, only makes you feel more tired. So you need to find something to do in those 3 hours.

After work each day, we came back and relaxed in the apartment lounge and then after dinner (provided by the organisation) we would usually go out to a bar.

I went to Colombia to teach English for a week. I will say that this has been the most rewarding experience I've had yet. Everything went smoothly. Thanks to IVHQ and Emerging Voices Colombia, I felt safe the entire time. The volunteer coordinators/supervisors are extremely helpful & caring. The volunteer apartment is great & safe. At the school I taught at, the kids were extremely loving & affectionate. That's what I love most about the Colombian culture. They welcome you like you're family. I made new friends from all walks of life. I got to hike a mountain (something that I normally would not do). This experience allowed me to try new things & interact with new people. I came home with a different perspective & memories that are priceless. I'm so happy I took part in this experience. The memories I came home with...you just can't put a price on it! I recommend for everyone to go!

I had a wonderful time in Cuernavaca, Mexico at Casa Hoy, an organic and beautiful hostel run by a warm and friendly family. Not only did Katie and Gerardo ensure that I felt welcomed but their generosity and cooperation made it undeniably easy to assimilate into Mexican culture. It is always slightly intimidating to enter a new family's home, let alone live with them for a prolonged period but not for a moment did I feel like I was not a part of their happy family. The food was excellent, Katie used the freshest and most wholesome of ingredients and prepared every meal by hand with effort and love. Our lodging was comfortable, toiletries, bedding, everything was provided by the family and I had no trouble whatsoever.

As for the project itself...I cannot thank Casa Hoy enough for sending me to Telesecundaria, a public school with children from low income families. I taught them English, learnt Spanish, played educational games and fell in love with every kid's inspirational story and ambition. Though the students lacked discipline, to a certain extent and at times I was frustrated and wanted to project utmost strictness, it was hard not to enjoy their childish antics and merry making. At the end of the day, I took a lot from the project, I gave a lot to the children and I was able to evaluate my own levels of patience and tolerance, which are necessary tools when dealing with children.

I have made life long relationships with Casa Hoy and Telesecundaria. I may not live in Mexico, but I know that Mexico is forever embedded in my heart. The people are hospitable and friendly, the culture is vibrant and fulfilling in every way and the IVHQ experience is unforgettable.

I only request that certain things be included in the package fees, such as pick up and drop off as well as a small budget for traveling to and from the projects.