Involvement Volunteers International WHY we need you in Malaysia
- Malaysia has an accessible public health system but wait times are often long with severe overcrowding
- In 2020, Sabah had the highest rate of people loving below the poverty line at 25.3%
- Deforestation, fires, poaching and the illegal pet trade are all threats to the orangutan population in Malaysia
- In a 2022 study, almost 60 % of households said that they were not at all or partially able to cover their monthly basic needs
HOW can you help?
- Help staff at various kindy, primary and secondary schools in beautiful Borneo
- Lend a hand to staff by teaching small groups
- Work alongside a local teacher, giving an extra pair of hands and increasing the students cultural awareness
- Teach other subjects like maths and science
WHAT can you do?
- Teach English conversational skills, writing, reading, drawing, through fun activities
- Inspire the kids to learn English and practice speaking
- Create daily lesson plans
- If teaching, assist a local teacher, with daily classes
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Org & Charity with 35+ Years Experience
- Impactful Projects to Choose From
- Social Experiences - Sharing with International Volunteers
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: ENGLISH TEACHING
LOCATION: SABAH, BORNEO
START DATES: WEEKLY START DATES
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE
MIN DURATION: 1 WEEK
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: N/A
Overview
The schools that we work with are located in a rural village environment in the northern part of the state, about an hour drive from the capital city, Kota Kinabalu.
English is a subject that is taught in all schools, including those in rural areas. However, students in these areas often don’t have the chance or need to speak English outside of the classroom, which means they may not get enough practice with pronunciation and speaking. This is why having a native English speaker around can be extremely helpful for them, as it can improve their grades. The school has a total of 360 students, with 60 in Kindergarten, 200 in Primary School, and 300 in Secondary School. Teaching sessions can be arranged for any of these groups.
You can typically expect to work around 10 to 15 lessons per week. Initially, you may notice that the children at the schools you teach at stare at you due to not being accustomed to seeing Westerners. However, rest assured that you will be welcomed with open arms and soon feel like Malaysia is a second home. The students and teachers alike are incredibly friendly and hospitable.
Initially, you will volunteer as an assistant to the local English teacher, helping take small groups to practice conversational English. If you desired you can also help with other subjects such as Maths, Sciences, Sport, Drama, Arts, Music, etc. If want to, you can also take the lead of the class. You will teach around 10 – 15 hours per week. The total participants accepted by the school are: Kindergarten (Maximum 4 Participants), Primary School (Maximum 8 Participants) and Secondary School (Maximum 8 Participants).
You don’t need any special qualifications for teaching. The main objective is to provide assistance in any way possible, whether that means giving students the opportunity to hear English pronunciation from a native speaker, providing additional help with academic subjects, or teaching computer skills. Any help you can offer is greatly appreciated. The focus is on promoting much-needed language development, facilitating additional learning, and fostering cultural exchange.
Please note the following dates for school terms and holidays for 2023-2024 (individual school holidays may vary by a day or two.):
Term 1 School : Monday (20.03.2023) – Friday (02.06.2023)
Term 1 Break : Saturday (03.06.2023) – Sunday (11.06.2023)
Term 2 School : Monday (12.06.2023) – Friday (01.09.2023)
Term 2 Break : Saturday (02.09.2023) – Sunday (10.09.2023)
Term 3 School : Monday (11.09.2023) – Friday (08.12.2023)
Term 3 Break : Saturday (09.12.2023) – Monday (01.01.2024)
Term 4 School : Tuesday (02.01.2024) – Friday (16.02.2024)
Term 4 Break : Saturday (17.12.2024) – Sunday (10.03.2024)
Location
Our programs are located on the island of Borneo, and most within the Sabah region, a state in East Malaysia which borders with Sarawak to the southwest and Kalimantan, which is the Indonesian part of Borneo, to the south. Sabah is a beautiful place, known for its lush rainforests, beaches and mountainous regions.
Project Tasks
- Support and assist rural schools through teaching basic conversational English
- Help with other subjects such as in arts, music and academics and engage in social activities such as playing games
- To help improve the rural children’s educational perspective through a multi – cultural exchange
- To help the local teachers through providing an extra hand for various school or classroom activities
Food & Accommodation
Our accommodation is Kota Kinabalu. This hostel-style accommodation also offers It is located about 8 km from Kota Kinabalu International Airport; it offers a shared lounge, non-smoking room and free WiFi. This property is almost centrally located; nearby points of interest (within 15-20 minutes walk) include KK Esplanade (a perfect spot to see beautiful sunset), Atkinson Clock Tower (a historical landmark), Jesselton Point (entry point to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park) and Signal Hill Observatory (bird’s eye view of Kota Kinabalu City). Rooms are shared between 4-8 people, and hot showers, bed linen and fans are provided.
You will have 3 meals on weekdays and 2 meals on weekends. Typical dishes include white rice served with meat or chicken or fish dishes (cooked in sauces like sweet & sour, dark soya, mild curry, etc.) and a vegetable dish. Some restaurants also cater for vegans but you MUST inform us so we can advise you accordingly. Breakfasts are varied, including toast, egg-dish, fresh fruit, and coffee & tea. Tea, coffee and purified water is available at the house. We do not recommend that you drink water straight from the tap.
The accommodation is centrally located in the city, so public facilities such as supermarket, gymnasium, swimming pool, saloon, laundromat, cinema, money exchange, ATM, sim card shop, and photocopy shops are all located within a 2 kilometers radius.
Standard
Projects
- English Teaching
- Special Needs Care
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1 Week - $525
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2 Weeks - $655
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3 Weeks - $955
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1 Month - $1275
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2 Months - $2495
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3 Months - $3675
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Airport Pickup
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Local Transportation
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1 Day Orientation
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24/7 In-Country Support
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Project Materials & Equipment
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
- Application fee is one off per person (unlimited placements)
- Click Here to convert the below prices to your local currency
- Discounts may apply if travelling in a pair or group!
- All credit card /international fees included in below pricing! 🙂
FAQ
If you have a passion for teaching others then yes! No specific experience is required as it’s more about getting the children used to talking with foreigners. Teaching experience is of course extremely welcome and even the local teachers could benefit from you, as many have a basic level of English.
- Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day & 2 p/day at weekends
- Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
- Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
- 1 day orientation
- Daily transportation to project
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
Most of our programs will include a 1 day orientation on the first day, which will include things like a walk around the local area, explanations of where everything is, ATMs, how to get local sim cards, etc, and lessons on cultural norms and what to expect.
Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.
A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KLIA and KLIA2). You must arrive between the hours 08:00 to 18:00 on Sunday. You will meet your transfer coordinator at KKIA.
If arriving outside the pickup times on Sunday, you can book a private transfer for US$50.
If arriving during the week, or on Saturday, we charge US$50 for any extra night’s accommodation before your program, and another US$50 fee for a private transfer.
Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).
Week 1
Sunday
Arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport
Packed Lunch and followed by KK City Walk – Visit nearby banks, clinics shopping centres, etc
Packed Dinner
Introduction by Country Manager
Overnight at the accommodation
Monday
Breakfast at Hostel
Transfer to Tamparuli
Lunch at Local restaurant
Dinner and Overnight at the accommodation
Tuesday to Friday
Teaching
Overnight at the accommodation
Saturday
Rest Day
Breakfast and Dinner included
Overnight at the accommodation
Week 2
Sunday
Rest Day
Breakfast and Dinner included
Overnight at the accommodation
Monday to Friday
Teaching
l Overnight at the accommodation
Saturday
Rest Day
Lunch (Personal Account)
Transfer to KKIA for return Flight
Things to do in West Malaysia…
- Visit the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur: These iconic towers are the tallest twin towers in the world, and offer stunning views of the city.
- Explore the Batu Caves: These caves are a popular Hindu shrine, featuring a massive golden statue and many colourful temples.
- Visit the historic city of Malacca: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to many historic buildings and museums, showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage.
- Go island-hopping: West Malaysia is home to many beautiful islands, such as Langkawi, Penang, and Tioman, which are perfect for snorkelling, swimming, and sunbathing.
- Try the local food: Malaysia is famous for its delicious cuisine, and trying local dishes such as nasi lemak, char kway teow, and laksa is a must-do activity.
Things to do in East Malaysia (Borneo):
- Climb Mount Kinabalu: This majestic mountain is the highest peak in Southeast Asia and attracts thousands of climbers every year.
- Explore the Borneo Rainforest: East Malaysia is home to some of the oldest rainforests in the world, teeming with diverse wildlife and fascinating plant life.
- See the Orangutan: East Malaysia is one of the few places in the world where you can see these fascinating primates up close in their natural habitat.
- Relax on the beaches of Sabah: Sabah is home to many beautiful beaches, such as Sipadan and Layang-Layang, which are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing.
- Experience the cultural diversity: East Malaysia is home to many indigenous tribes, such as the Iban, Kadazan-Dusun, and Murut, each with their own unique customs and traditions. Exploring their cultures can be a truly enriching experience.
Older participants are required to have a medical clearance.
No specific equipment required. However, you are more welcome to bring with you some educational materials to be used for learning activities such as games cards, colouring books, pencils, etc. Moreover, proper dress code covering the knees and shoulders is required for the local school.
Malaysia, a country in Southeast Asia formerly known as British Malaya and later as the Federation of Malaya. It is comprised of two regions separated by the South China Sea.
Peninsular Malaysia, also known as West Malaysia, is located on the Malay Peninsula and shares borders with Thailand in the north and Singapore in the south. Malaysian Borneo, also known as East Malaysia, is situated on the northern part of the island of Borneo, which is the third largest island in the world and part of the Malay Archipelago (Greater Sunda Islands). East Malaysia shares borders with Indonesia and surrounds the Sultanate of Brunei. Malaysia also has maritime borders with the Philippines and Vietnam.
The country’s total area covers 329,847 km², making it slightly larger than Norway or somewhat larger than the U.S. state of New Mexico. The highest peak is Mount Kinabalu (4,095 m) located in Sabah state on the island of Borneo. This mountain and the surrounding Kinabalu Park are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As of 2021, Malaysia’s population is approximately 33 million people. Kuala Lumpur is the largest city and the national capital. The official languages spoken are Malay, English, Tamil, and Chinese (Cantonese). The official religion in Malaysia is Islam, with approximately 60% of the population practicing the Muslim faith and 20% practicing Buddhism.
Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia are situated in the same tropical latitudes, thus experiencing a similar climate. Expect high temperatures, high humidity, and frequent heavy rainfall throughout the year, with a climatic pattern that revolves around the northeast and southwest monsoons. There are typically four seasons, the northeast monsoon (which occurs from November or December until March), the first inter-monsoon (from March to April or May), the southwest monsoon (which takes place from May or June to September or early October), and the second inter-monsoon (from October to November). The start and end of these two monsoons are not clearly defined. The best time to visit Malaysia is commonly between December to April.
Across the whole of Sabah, the ethnic groups and indigenous tribes (such as Dusun, Murut Rungus, Bajau, Kadazan) account for over half of the population. There are also immigrant communities such as the Chinese, Indian, Filipinos and Indonesians – Sabah is a real multicultural society. The official language is Bahasa Malaysia, but due to the fusion of religious and ethnic groups, English is widely spoken.
In Malaysia, extended families commonly reside together, and elderly members are held in high esteem. Parents prefer to be involved in their children’s decision-making process. In Malaysian households, cooperation and loyalty are highly valued. Young married couples typically reside near their parents, while unmarried adults remain with their parents until marriage.
30 Years Non Profit Experience
IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.
Affordable Volunteer Travel
We’re not motivated by shareholder profits. Our fees are fully transparent to ensure maximum benefit where it is most needed.
Safe & Responsible Projects
All projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management team, operational & risk assessment & overseas support contact. All projects are personally inspected to ensure very high quality.
Work Experience & University Credits
We place thousands of Uni students and can assist you with course credits and in-field experience points. Many of our project coordinators are qualified practitioners in their respective fields allowing unique in-field supervision and Uni accreditation options
Check out this amazing blog with step by step info on how to raise funds for your overseas volunteer experience to help maximize your impact abroad. Guide to Fundraising
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