Description

The flamboyance of Malaysia is breathtaking - this is a country where the sun shines, the sea is crystal clear and there are endless coconut, banana and palm trees! Teaching placements are available in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, in rural primary or secondary schools located in rural villages in the northern part of the state. We work with two schools in particular, one located close to the capital city, Kota Kinabalu, and one which is further north, towards Kota Marudu.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Your teaching placement takes place in Sabah on the Malaysian island of Borneo. You'll teach in a rural primary or secondary schools, located in a rural village environment in the northern part of the state. This is an excellent project where you get to be immersed in the local way of life and at the same time gain some very valuable experience.

You will teach in a rural primary and secondary school, located in a village environment near Kota Murudu in the northern part of the state.

English is taught in all schools, but in rural areas the children have no need or opportunity to speak the language outside the classroom, so they get very little practice in pronunciation and speech. Thus having exposure to you as a native English speaker is very beneficial to them and helps them raise their grades, which is a big plus given that in the rural areas, the passing rate of English is only 60%.

The school that Travellers volunteers attend is from the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Christian group, and holds around 350 pupils. It comprises a Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary Schools and teaching can be arranged within any one of these areas. You will usually work about 10 - 15 lessons per week, and you'll be in demand wherever you go! The children at this school are not used to seeing westerners and so you may find that people stare at you at first, but they will welcome you into their school and you will soon find that Malaysia feels like a second home.

You'll be given a timetable of lessons and will have the freedom to plan and take your own classes (with assistance, if required). Your main focus is on assisting with conversational English but you may also be asked to help within other areas, such as sport, drama and music, if you have an interest in these.

Both Science and Maths are taught in English, and as such assistance with these subjects at basic level is really appreciated. Some of the classes will be conversation based and some tuition based to groups or individuals formally and informally outside the classrooms. You will be given plenty of assistance from the principal and teachers until such time as you have gained confidence in your own abilities.

Outside the classroom you can assist the pupils in language group work, debating, public and choral-speaking, pronunciation practice, reading aloud, discussions, games, e.g. board games for language practice, broadcasts on the school radio, drama productions and presentations, and quizzes and general knowledge competitions. You may also help with English camps, supervising study periods, assisting in the library and helping during tests and examinations.

If you have additional skills, such as Football and Music (or in any other subjects), these would be very much appreciated and the children would love some additional after school coaching.

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

=> An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into oriental Malaysian Borneo.
=> The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged children and knowing that you made a difference to them.
=> New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
=> An entry on your CV or resume that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
=> And best of all.. an unforgettable experience!

Highlights

WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS SAY...
"I really had the best time out there, think I achieved all the things I wanted to, and feel a better person because of it. I would definitely do it again, despite the fact I got bitten on my legs more than any volunteer on record! So tell them to bring a mossie net if they ever want to be able to wear a skirt in public again! Thanks for all your help, I had the best time ever!"

ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodation will either be on site in school accommodation or you will live with a local family - it depends which school you're placed in. If you have a preference for one or the other we can ensure this is arranged for you.

There is a surprising amount of action in the evenings in Malaysian villages, including coffee shops, karaoke bars, and bustling open-air markets that are fascinating!

WHAT TO DO NEXT
=> Talk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!
=> If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you'd like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we'll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.
=> It's as easy as that.

Qualifications

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.

Intern Types

• Anthropology
• Communications
• Education
• English as a Second Language
• Liberal Arts
• Music

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Varies depending on length of placement, but starts at 1,795 for for weeks.

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).

You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

This placement would suit people who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative. No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm and a love of children! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities.

Age Range

ALl our projects are available to those ages 17-70+!

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Group living
• Home-stays

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

Typically The Application Process Time is

within 5 working days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement

Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded

1995