By Melissa Lewis
How to Teach English As a Volunteer in Africa
is a diverse continent made up of more than 50 countries, and in most, volunteers are needed to teach English. Volunteering to teach English in Africa is an open opportunity for adults of all ages. Doing so gives others the educational advantage to provide for themselves and their families. It gives them a needed skill to obtain jobs that have international connections, to seek higher education in an English-speaking country, and to access knowledge through the Internet and other forms of media.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Things You'll Need:
- Application
Visa
Passport
Immunizations
Anti-Malaria Drugs
- Application
- Visa
- Passport
- Immunizations
- Anti-Malaria Drugs
Step 1
Select an organization to volunteer with. Examples include the Peace Corps, where you are required to commit 27 months to the program, and World Teach, where you can commit two to 12 months to teach English in Africa. Learn what teaching English would be like with this organization and what skills and requirements you need prior to volunteering.
Step 2
Acquire any required training necessary to successfully teach English. Some programs have mandatory training after you're accepted into the program. Others may not. If yours does not, you may wish to take a teaching English as a Second Language course at a local community college prior to applying.
Step 3
Apply to become a volunteer if you are 18 or older. Most organizations have an application process on their web sites. For example, with the Peace Corps, you fill out your contact information and education background. After the group responds you continue the application process, giving more details about yourself and providing references. Wait to be approved.
Step 4
Obtain a passport and visa right after you are approved. Visit the U.S. Department of State to verify if you need a tourist or work visa, which depends on your length of stay. It takes four to six weeks to obtain a passport after applying; however, it can take three to four months to obtain your visa, depending on the African country.
Step 5
Check the travel requirements page on the U.S. Department of State's web site to see if any immunizations or anti-malaria pills are needed for the African country you are volunteering in. Be current in your routine shots such as the MMR and polio vaccines. Visit your doctor at least six weeks before you leave to receive any needed shots or medicines.
Resources
About the Author:
Melissa Lewis is a former elementary classroom teacher and media specialist. She has also written for various online publications. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
Photo Credits:
http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1160468
