Description

Imagine teaching children in a stunning country like Morocco, with it's Arabic culture that is totally different to what you're used to - you'll help the children and they'll give you a North African experience that you'll never forget!

You'll assist in government schools based in Errachidia where you'll get a true Moroccan experience. Many of the children are from agricultural backgrounds and the opportunity you provide for them to learn English is very valuable, because these children don't have the advantages that children in the more touristy cities have to learn from native English speakers. You can make a huge difference here!

PROJECT OVERVIEW
The project is based in the city of Errachidia, which is situated in the ZIZ valley, in between the mountains of High Atlas and the dessert sand hills in South West Morocco. The landscape is dominated by red coloured mountains, rocks and fields of stones. In the middle of this dry environment you can find oases of palm trees which produce delicious dates.

The schools we work with are public, Government-funded schools, which means that all the equipment, teachers, school uniforms, school lunches and class materials are provided by the government. Because of this the children come from all walks of life - however the majority of them come from poor agricultural backgrounds.

WORK CONTENT:
You will work in one of a number of schools in Errachidia and your role will be to assist the children to learn English.

The schools that you'll assist in are for students between the ages of 13 to 18 years old. The schools have between 100 and 400 students in each. Overall the level of English is low, with the majority speaking Arabic and tribal languages. English is their third or fourth language (after French.) However, English is becoming more and more important to Morocco due to increased international trade and tourism.

None of the schools have state-of-the-art equipment, but they do all have electricity! You'll work as an assistant in the language lessons, teaching English. The school really needs volunteers and the students will benefit greatly from your help!

Youll walk or cycle to school, which shouldnt be more than 2km away from your accommodation.

LOCATION:
The region of Errachidia is a cultural and linguistic mosaic. Every tribe, every valley, every village has its own unique characteristics, identifiable by its music, architectural features and its customs. Ethnic diversity is considerable with many races and colours in evidence: the Chorfas Alaouites, natives of the Arabic peninsula mixed with the Berber tribe of Ait Morghad (from the region of Goulmima), the Ait Izdeg (the area around Rich) and the Ait Atta (around Aoufous).

Errachidia is a simple city, with many cafés, mosques, some hotels and restaurants, internet cafés, shops and a few swimming pools. People move around the city by bicycle, motorcycle or petit taxis. In summer in daytime the streets are quiet and everybody stays in the houses. The quiet of the day is a contrast to the lively of the evenings. In the evenings everybody, man, women, youth and children go outside. Many of them stay at the rond point, a field of grass in the middle of a roundabout. The palm trees around the roundabout make the place a little bit cooler than the rest of the city!

QUALIFICATIONS:
Don't worry about not having special qualifications. The whole idea of Travellers is to provide any help possible, whether it is merely enabling children to hear English pronunciation from native English speakers, or providing additional help with other academic subjects or showing them how to use a computer - anything you can offer is very much appreciated and everyone knows you're not a qualified teacher. The emphasis is on much-needed language development, additional learning and cultural contact. It gives your pupils valuable experience.

We provide you with a Teaching Guide and Suggestions which will help you plan lessons and advise on inexpensive resources to take with you. Children are always fascinated with volunteers and want to learn as much as possible about you. They love to hear stories about you, your family and where you are from so it is ideal to take pictures, maps, magazine articles and photos of your family and friends with you. You can also use these as excellent resources for a lesson to promote discussion and interest.

Although you don't need any qualifications to participate on a teaching project, a great way to become more confident in the classroom is to take part in a weekend TEFL course. Not only will this help you with how to go about lesson planning, it will also give you an introduction to teaching abroad as well as ways to get the children inspired and eager to learn! You'll be reminded of fantastic childrens games, tips on how to remember everyones names as well as an opportunity to look through all the latest teaching books. Even if you have had experience in a classroom before, its always reassuring to take part in one of our courses to help you prepare for teaching overseas.

ACCOMMODATION:
You'll either stay in a house with other volunteers, in a privately run hostel, or with a host family, depending on your own preferences and availability at the time you're there. All of the accommodation is usually between 10 and 30 minutes from your Project (depending on whether youd like to walk, ride a bike or take a taxi!)

Accommodation with host families means that Travellers volunteers get to eat, sleep, work, socialise and generally live like a Moroccan! Many of our volunteers remain friends with their host families long after they leave Morocco and in some cases they return to the country later especially to visit their family.

Whichever accommodation you choose, you're sure to enjoy a great stay in Morocco!

Highlights

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:
- An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into the diverse culture in Morocco and Northern Africa.
- 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!

Qualifications

Don't worry about not having special qualifications. The whole idea of Travellers is to provide any help possible, whether it is merely enabling children to hear English pronunciation from native English speakers, or providing additional help with other academic subjects or showing them how to use a computer - anything you can offer is very much appreciated and everyone knows you're not a qualified teacher. The emphasis is on much-needed language development, additional learning and cultural contact. It gives your pupils valuable experience.

We provide you with a Teaching Guide and Suggestions which will help you plan lessons and advise on inexpensive resources to take with you. Children are always fascinated with volunteers and want to learn as much as possible about you. They love to hear stories about you, your family and where you are from so it is ideal to take pictures, maps, magazine articles and photos of your family and friends with you. You can also use these as excellent resources for a lesson to promote discussion and interest.

Although you don't need any qualifications to participate on a teaching project, a great way to become more confident in the classroom is to take part in a weekend TEFL course. Not only will this help you with how to go about lesson planning, it will also give you an introduction to teaching abroad as well as ways to get the children inspired and eager to learn! You'll be reminded of fantastic children's games, tips on how to remember everyones names as well as an opportunity to look through all the latest teaching books. Even if you have had experience in a classroom before, its always reassuring to take part in one of our courses to help you prepare for teaching overseas.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Varies depending on length. Starting from USD 895.

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 on this placement. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, or homestay).

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

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

Typical Volunteer

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

Age Range

17+

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

• Group living
• Guest House
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of various sizes

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview
• Resume

Typically The Application Process Time is

within 5 working days

Post Services Include

• 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