WorldTeach
(1)
The Organization
While in Namibia, I volunteered through an organization called WorldTeach. WorldTeach partners with governments and other organizations in developing countries to provide volunteer teachers to meet local needs and promote responsible global citizenship. This non-profit NGO was created by Harvard University students in 1986 and is now located in Cambridge, MA. Currently, WorldTeach offers three programs-summer, semester, and year-long- in 17 countries throughout Asia, Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Pacific. WorldTeach volunteers teach a wide range of subjects including English, mathematics, science, computers, and more. Participants receive training, language preparation, and field support, empowering them to make an impact that will last long after they leave their sites.
WorldTeach in Namibia
The support and guidance I received from the WorldTeach staff before, during, and after my summer in Namibia were key in making my service a success. Before departure, I received several handbooks about the culture, teaching, and living in Namibia as well as a tour book with many of the popular destinations in the country. I was able to correspond regularly with the WorldTeach office in MA concerning vaccinations, paperwork, and packing closer to the departure date. When I arrived in Namibia with the other volunteers we participated in a week-long orientation in the capitol covering everything from Namibian history to classroom management skills. Although it was a brief overview, this orientation proved extremely helpful during my service as I dealt with culture shock and various challenges in the classroom. In addition, the site directors were always available for a phone call or text message if the volunteers had any questions or concerns. Half-way through our service, WorldTeach held a mid-service orientation for the volunteers to gather together and discuss our experiences thus far as well as strategies for the remainder of our time in Namibia. Additionally, our site director visited each of the volunteers at their schools to observe their teaching skills and offer feedback, and discuss living situations or any other challenges we encountered. At the conclusion of our service the volunteers gathered once again in the capitol for an end-of-service orientation to share stories, personal development, and future directions. Upon returning home, I have become a WorldTeach representative at my university and receive weekly correspondence from the organization on job openings, WorldTeach news, and similar volunteer programs as a WorldTeach alumni. Overall, this organization provided me with excellent support while in Namibia and I highly recommend others interested in teacher abroad to become a WorldTeach volunteer.
Check out www.worldteach.org for more information.
While in Namibia, I volunteered through an organization called WorldTeach. WorldTeach partners with governments and other organizations in developing countries to provide volunteer teachers to meet local needs and promote responsible global citizenship. This non-profit NGO was created by Harvard University students in 1986 and is now located in Cambridge, MA. Currently, WorldTeach offers three programs-summer, semester, and year-long- in 17 countries throughout Asia, Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Pacific. WorldTeach volunteers teach a wide range of subjects including English, mathematics, science, computers, and more. Participants receive training, language preparation, and field support, empowering them to make an impact that will last long after they leave their sites.
WorldTeach in Namibia
The support and guidance I received from the WorldTeach staff before, during, and after my summer in Namibia were key in making my service a success. Before departure, I received several handbooks about the culture, teaching, and living in Namibia as well as a tour book with many of the popular destinations in the country. I was able to correspond regularly with the WorldTeach office in MA concerning vaccinations, paperwork, and packing closer to the departure date. When I arrived in Namibia with the other volunteers we participated in a week-long orientation in the capitol covering everything from Namibian history to classroom management skills. Although it was a brief overview, this orientation proved extremely helpful during my service as I dealt with culture shock and various challenges in the classroom. In addition, the site directors were always available for a phone call or text message if the volunteers had any questions or concerns. Half-way through our service, WorldTeach held a mid-service orientation for the volunteers to gather together and discuss our experiences thus far as well as strategies for the remainder of our time in Namibia. Additionally, our site director visited each of the volunteers at their schools to observe their teaching skills and offer feedback, and discuss living situations or any other challenges we encountered. At the conclusion of our service the volunteers gathered once again in the capitol for an end-of-service orientation to share stories, personal development, and future directions. Upon returning home, I have become a WorldTeach representative at my university and receive weekly correspondence from the organization on job openings, WorldTeach news, and similar volunteer programs as a WorldTeach alumni. Overall, this organization provided me with excellent support while in Namibia and I highly recommend others interested in teacher abroad to become a WorldTeach volunteer.
Check out www.worldteach.org for more information.
1. http://www.worldteach.org/site/c.buLRIbNOIbJ2G/b.6150591/k.5DFB/WorldTeach_Organization_Information.htm