Different career paths within TEFL: Volunteering in Tanzania

Have you ever considered volunteering as a TEFL teacher?  teflhub is running a series of articles and interviews to help you decide if you’d like to take the next step in what must be an incredibly rewarding experience. Here we interview a teacher from the Red Sweater Project which is based in Tanzania.  A position here would offer you the opportunity to go on safari in the Serengeti with Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, as a backdrop.  Does that whet your appetite? Then read on: 

1              What do you think is the biggest draw for TEFL teachers aiming to volunteer in Tanzania?

Red Sweater Project makes its home in northern rural Tanzania, whose biggest tourist draw is that it features some of the best safaris and rare wildlife game viewing in the world. Tanzania boasts beautiful weather year-round and is considered one of the safest countries for visitors to Africa.

2              Is the voluntary position supported by subsidised meals, transport, etc?

Volunteer teachers are provided housing free of cost at the staff house as well as a cook and housekeeper. Meals and other costs of living are the volunteer’s to cover, but communal meals are shared as is the cost, keeping living expenses low. Once teachers arrive in Tanzania, their transportation to and from work each day is provided. In-country costs are also kept low by the fact that the exchange rate of the Tanzanian shilling (TZS) is approximately 2,100 TZS to 1 USD.

3              Will a volunteer have to pay anything to be involved with Red Sweater Project?

A volunteer's only expenses are their round trip ticket to Tanzania, living costs, visas and incidentals during their stay.

4              How long are the standard contracts?

6 months – 1 year.

5              What would be an average day at work for a volunteer TEFL teacher?

A typical work day is spent teaching English at the school campus in a rural Maaasai community. The work week is Monday through Friday with weekends and holidays off. Additional time off can be provided.

6              What are the challenges of the position?

Most challenges are typical to travelling abroad -- you'll likely be far from home and one of few native English speakers. Beyond that, you will need to adjust to challenges that can be common in rural Africa, such as limited electricity, piped plumbing, etc., though these are improving.

7              What do most TEFL teachers describe as the most rewarding aspects of the position?

Teachers love the connections they build with the students; they believe in the community and feel they have truly become a part of it. Over time, teachers can see the difference that they're making, and they recognize the level of education being received at Red Sweater Project, especially compared to the area's public schools. 

8              How much support do volunteers receive when they are in-country?

The level of support is significant. Organizational management handles in-country orientation and helps facilitate language training, if requested. Red Sweater Project is a small organization but has as team of 20 local and international staff members supporting the school, students, and programs we offer. The organizational vehicle provides work transport whenever needed. Volunteers live in the staff house where meals, cleaning, and laundry services are provided.

9              What should a TEFL teacher bring with them to Tanzania?

Sensible clothes that can survive the African bush, a laptop computer, and a sense of adventure. We provide a full volunteer tutorial for all volunteer needs.

10           Do volunteers get time to explore the country?

Yes! We’ve had volunteers summit Mt. Kilimanjaro, visit local game reserves, and travel to the Serengeti, Zanzibar Island, and other areas of Africa.

11           Do volunteers return again and again?

Yes! For example, a recent volunteer just extended her session from a six-month commitment to a full year.  We understand that it can sometimes be financially challenging for a volunteer to repeat service, given the length of commitment, but we strive to provide the highest quality volunteer program we can and, often, our volunteers return.

To find out more about volunteering with the Red Sweater Project in Tanzania visit http://www.redsweaterproject.org/  .