Primary School Teaching Vanuatu

Currently not running in Vanuatu but hoping to open back up in 2023. Check back soon or join another exciting project!

WHY we need you in Vanuatu

teaching in Vanuatu

HOW can you help?

WHAT can you do?

Why Involvement Volunteers International?

teaching in Vanuatu

  PROJECT NAME: ENGLISH TEACHING 

LOCATION: PORT VILLA

  START DATES: WEEKLY ARRIVALS (SAT/SUN)

  ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE

  MIN DURATION: 1 WEEK

  MIN AGE: 16+

  SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required

Overview

Many schools in Vanuatu suffer from a lack of government funding which reduces opportunities for young children to reach there full potential. In this program, you’ll volunteer within a primary school or pre-school in the villages surrounding Port Vila.

You’ll have the option to pick pre-school or primary school. Pre-school is perfect for volunteers of all backgrounds as you’ll engage in playful activities with the kids and encourage creativity and confidence. The primary school volunteers will assist teachers in developing lessons in English and other subjects as well as assisting the slower learners in small groups or one to one.

The mornings are generally spent in the classroom, with the afternoon preparing for next day’s lessons. As an honorable guest of the school you will be welcomed by hundreds of smiling and appreciative enthusiastic faces.  The areas were we work are typically under-privileged so you can be assured that your assistance is greatly needed. You’ll be encouraged to be creative and design lessons to suit your personal interests or background in language, sports, arts, hygiene, disciplines etc. 

Location

Port Vila, the capital and main hub of Vanuatu is situated on Efate island. The architecture has mainly french with the population quite multicultural including ni-Vanuatu, Chinese, Vietnamese, British and French. Port Vila has all the standard facilities you’d expect from a commercial hub such as hospitals, shopping districts (note Vanuatu is a tax haven so duty free!), sports stadium, hotels, casino, museums and cultural centers. The town is a great base for divers who come for the trips to Mele Cascades, a large rain forest water fall with rock pools and incredible scenery.  As the commercial hub tourism plays an important role, however it does not feel ‘touristy’ especially in the areas where IVI services. Here you can get to know the locals and truly experience the authentic lifestyle from outside of the tourist resorts.

Project Tasks

  • Assist teachers with English classes and other subjects
  • Work in a pre school or primary, creating daily lesson plans
  • Get creative with drawing, painting and other fun activites
  • Be a pair of extra hands, supporting the local staff, whilst also teaching lessons by yourself

Food & Accommodation

Accommodation is in a dedicated house very close to the beach! Volunteers will share a bedroom with up to 2-4 persons per room (single gender rooms). There is WiFi included in public areas, laundry facilities (at small additional fee), lockable rooms, cold/warm showers, bed linen, mosquito protection and fans included. Volunteers are requested to bring their own towel. Living with other volunteers in a dormitory-style house is heaps of fun and a great way to meet like minded travelers. The volunteer house is in close proximity to a basic supermarkets, ATM, fresh fruit and vegetable stands, petrol stations and bus stop.

*For couples or those wanting more privacy, private rooms in the volunteer house are available for an additional US$150 per week, subject to availability.

*You will be expected to clean up after yourself, and to play your part to keep the accommodation neat and tidy.

3 meals a day on weekdays and 2 meals a day on weekends will be provided for the duration of your placement. Food will be mainly authentic to the local culture which includes plenty of chicken dishes, coconut based curries, dhal (lentils), fresh fish, saffron rice and tropical fruits. Meals are served at your home stay each day or at the project site. There is also filtered water available at the volunteer center. Bottled water is also readily available in Vanuatu.

*If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply for the program so we can make arrangements for you.

 

All prices in USD
  • 1 Week - $445
  • 2 Weeks - $555
  • 3 Weeks - $765
  • 1 Month - $975
  • 2 Months - $1895
  • 3 Months - $2775
Vol House
What's Included
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Airport Pickup
  • Local Transportation
  • 1 Day Orientation
  • 24/7 In-Country Support
  • Project Materials & Equipment
  • Pre-departure Expert Advice
  • Preperation Tools & Checklists
  • Certificate of Completion

Testimonials...

FAQ

Anyone can participate in this project so long as you enjoy working with children and are open minded with lots of energy and enthusiasm! Volunteers with a background in teaching or student teachers are particularity needed.

  • Accommodation  (Home Stays – Sharing with other volunteers)
  • 2 meals p/day (Breakfast & Dinner)
  • Arrival Airport transfer
  • Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea daily
  • Full day orientation & training + cultural sightseeing
  • In country 24/7 coordination & emergency assistance
  • Fundraising support
  • University course credits (where applicable)
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Airfares
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tours, Souvenirs & spending money

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 Bauerfield International Airport (VLI). You must arrive between 08:00 to 20:00 on either the Saturday or Sunday. If arriving during the pickup times on the Saturday, we charge US$50 for the extra night’s accommodation.

If arriving outside the pickup times on Sunday, you can book a private transfer for US$50.

If arriving during the week, or outside the pickup times on Saturday, we charge US$50 for any extra night’s accommodation before or after 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).

From Bauerfield International Airport to your accommodation it takes around 1 hour by road.

On the Monday of the first week of your program, you will receive a full day orientation. This includes advice on safety, cultural do’s and don’ts, house rules, introduction to projects and a tour of the local area. It is also time to settle in and meet the other volunteers.

For a much more in depth orientation and to explore some more of the local sites, you can also add on the culture week before your project. The one week orientation is a great way to prepare yourself better for the coming weeks where you will be more engaged with the local communities. Learn more about the culture of Vanuatu including a city tour and visits to interesting locations. You’ll have the opportunity to learn the local language, take Melanesian cooking classes, visit the blue lagoon and spend time being a tourist before your volunteer experience begins. 

Volunteering is generally 4-6 hours per day.

Monday to Friday

Teaching basic English phrases to kids

Coming up with creative activities to make the learning process interesting

Playing educational games with children to enhance their learning process

Supporting the teachers with daily activities

Planning the lesson activities together with the coordinator and preparing curriculums

Weekends are always free for relaxing or sightseeing of your choice. Our team on the ground will help you organize additional trips at local rates! There’s heaps of things to see and do in Vanuatu, from museums and cultural centers to island hopping, hiking, water sports like snorkeling, diving, boating and fishing etc. 

Appropriate dress must be worn, particually for women. No short skirts or shorts, cropped t-shirts or sheer clothing. This includes having shouders and legs covered. Long skirts/ sarongs will be need for village visits. 

Covered in tropical rain forests, mountains and volcanoes, Vanuatu is a stunning group of 88 islands in the South Pacific. With the vast majority of islands uninhabited, the total population stands at approx 250,000. With the Solomon islands to the north, Fiji in the east and New Caledonia to the south, Vanuatu is known for it’s mostly volcanic archipelago, incredible diving, stunning scenery, warm and friendly hospitality and laid back rural lifestyle with calm atmosphere.

For most in Vanuatu, farming is the main source of income, hence significant economic issues exist in most parts of the country. With the main export crops consisting of beef, timber, copra, squash and cocao, many crops are highly influenced by local weather and cyclone damage and flooding are common. Tourism is becoming a major component of the local economy however there is not the strong tourism undertone that you would find in Fiji for example. It’s much more low key.

Very few employment activities exist outside the towns and regional government centers. Most villages outside Port Vila (the capital) have no electricity, and access to piped water is a luxury in many parts. Local traditions are strong and have been heavily influenced by colonization by the British and French. Christianity is the main religion practiced. 

Vanuatu is warm year round and has a tropical/ sub tropical climate.

Novemeber to March is summer, which has an average temperature of 28 degrees. This brings hot, humid and rainy weather, as well as cyclones. Most of the resorts are in the South of the island, due to it’s cooler climate, less rainfall and less chance of extreme waether.

Winter is from April to October, with much cooler temperatures of around 23 degrees. The sea is warm all year round- perfect for swimming! 

Vanuatu is recognized as one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. Dances, ceremonies, artistic styles, authority status, and cultural traditions can vary from island to island and district to district. The locals are so friendly and welcoming to tourists. Within villages, tribal alliances are still intact and money does not play a significant role in their daily lives. The pace and lifestyle is also very laid back. Do not worry too much about this, enjoy the island time!

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

See More

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

Weekends & Extra Tours

Ready to Volunteer in Vanuatu?