Description

As a former colony of France, French has long been the language of education, commerce and the media in Senegal. However, with the recent increase in tourism, Senegalese society is increasingly realizing the benefits of being able to also use the English language. English is compulsory for Senegalese school children from the age of eleven to the end of secondary education. Many university students continue to pursue English studies regardless of their majors.

There is also great interest among adults - particularly those working in internationals fields like tourism, trade and education - to improve their English skills. Educating the local population will have a positive effect on the many social problems in Senegalese society; half of the population is currently estimated to be living below the poverty line.

Our volunteer opportunities teaching in Senegal can be done without a TEFL and without having any previous teaching experience. All we require are strong English language skills and a passion for engaging with others. Whether you want to get involved with teaching abroad during your gap year, career break or an extended vacation you will have a role to play on one of our placements, and your efforts will be greatly appreciated.

Volunteers with a high level of French can also choose to teach French as a teaching assistant in Senegal.

There are many secondary schools in and around the urban island city of St Louis, Projects Abroad Senegal's base, in the north of the country. Some schools are private and some government-funded.

At the College AHL Guillabert, the school is open from 8am to 5pm, with classes running throughout the day. The children here range in age from about 12 to 18 years old with classes of thirty pupils on average, although sometimes you may find this can go up as high as sixty due to a lack of funds to pay for extra staffing. Volunteers will be expected to teach around four hours a day. There is a friendly staff-room where you can spend time with other teachers, mark work and plan lessons.

Highlights

As a volunteer in Senegal, you will work alongside local English teachers, encouraging the students' confidence in spoken English and helping to plan and teach lessons. Lessons are often based closely on textbooks and a set curriculum, but there are plenty of opportunities for volunteers to develop interesting themes over subsequent lessons, and to introduce more creative teaching methods.

Past volunteers have taught lessons on subjects as diverse as society, religion and women's rights, and found great enthusiasm among students to tackle such topics. Due to the fact that there are no organizations outside Dakar that offer English classes outside of school environments, Projects Abroad volunteers are in demand. You may get involved in Clubs d'Anglais in your school, as well as give lessons to adult learners in evening classes or workplace-based groups.

The schools take their long summer vacation from the end of June to mid October. During this time, summer school projects are arranged for children who want to take extra classes. The emphasis is on fun and variety and those interested in summer volunteering abroad tend to teach English and a second subject of their choice; which could be sports, drama or science, for example.

Whatever skills and talents you have, volunteer work in Senegal will give you the opportunity to put them to good use. Be imaginative with your teaching to make learning fun and enjoyable for the students and yourself!

Qualifications

Volunteers must be 16 years old and submit 1 letter of recommendation.

Languages

• English
• French

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

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Childcare/children
• Sports
• Teaching

Typical Volunteer

Anyone with an open mind and a desire to travel

Age Range

16-80

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Written Application
• Letters of Reference

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