Description

Romania was one of the countries where Projects Abroad sent some of our first teaching volunteers back in 1992. Following the revolution in 1989 and the subsequent opening up of the country to the West, the importance of learning English was soon established. Today, with Romania in the European Union, speaking English is key to many of the best jobs. The problem for the majority of students is that many of the best qualified English teachers are tempted by the higher wages they can earn outside of the classroom. This is where voluntary English teaching can help.

Volunteering as an English teacher is a fantastic way to experience Romania and learn about its culture, while also contributing to its people's future prosperity. You can volunteer as part of a gap year, on a career break or during an extended vacation. We do not require that you undertake TEFL training and you do not need to have had any previous teaching experience; if you have this it's a bonus! All we require is strong English speaking skills and a real commitment to making the most of this wonderful overseas volunteer opportunity.

Based in the ancient city of Brasov, you'll work alongside local English teachers, building the students' confidence in spoken English. Most volunteers begin as a teaching assistant, but there are opportunities to take your own class once both you and your students start to grow in confidence. There are usually about thirty students in a class and we work mainly with children aged between 12 and 18, but there is sometimes the chance to work with younger students. Please ask us if this is your preference.

The hours of teaching work will be varied, but balanced; some days you will start early but on others you will get to sleep in and finish later instead! Weekends are free and there are always other Projects Abroad volunteers around and plenty to see within Brasov and the Transylvania region. Make the most of your free time while teaching in Romania, and plan some extra travel at the end of your placement to see the rest of the country.

As a volunteer on a teaching placement in Romania you can provide effective, practical help with spoken English to a large number of enthusiastic pupils. We will provide you with a teaching pack, containing ideas for classes and advice on preparing a lesson plan. Being prepared in this way will help to give you confidence and ensure that you and your students get the most out of the experience. By having a record of your lessons and activities we hope that future volunteers will also benefit from your best ideas.

As an English teacher, your most important resource is always yourself, your ideas and your interests. These can be utilized to help bring any subject matter alive and we recommend that you bring further resources from home to help with your lessons, such as postcards, photos, magazines, badges etc. It is always useful to have authentic material that the students can use to further understand the English language and culture.

If you enjoy sports, drama or art, volunteers often link up with these departments in the schools to help out. If you have any specialized skills or interests, let us know, as our local Romanian staff can then match you to the schools that would be best suited for you.

If you are interested on teaching sports or art, volunteers often link up with these departments in the schools to help out. If you have any specialized skills or interests, let us know as our local Romanian staff can then match you to the schools that would be best suited for you. If you are interested in drama, you may like to consider out dedicated Drama in Romania project.

Highlights

The ancient city of Brasov has many sights and museums, and a full cultural program of theater, music and puppetry performances. The town center contains a wide range of restaurants within walking distance, and it's also easy to explore more of the city with frequent buses and trolleybuses.

It's only an hour from the town to Dracula's castle, or the medieval home of Vlad the Impaler. Indeed, there are plenty of attractions in Transylvania, but it's also easy for you to visit Bucharest, the Black Sea or the Danube Delta. Other volunteers have even explored Hungary, Bulgaria and the Ukraine after finishing their volunteer placements.

Qualifications

No experience or qualifications required.

Languages

• English
• Romanian
• Russian

Languages Used as a Medium of Teaching

• English

Cost in US$:

Please go to our website for prices.

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Food, Accommodation, in-country Transportation, Travel & Medical Insurance, Constant Support of Full-Time Staff.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Childcare/children
• Education
• English Teaching
• Primary Education
• Secondary Education
• Teaching

Typical Volunteer

Open-minded with a desire to travel.

Age Range

16-70

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement

As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded

1992