Philippines: Language & Cultural Exchange

Introduction

The Philippines is an incredible destination to discover and experience with bountiful flora and fauna across more than 7,000 islands of which only 2000 are inhabited. The Philippines attract tourists from all corners of the world with it’s breath-taking mountains, rainforests, diving spots and cultural sights. It is a country which bears the influence of the East and the West interwoven in all cultural aspects but mostly visible in the architecture and religion. Though it is a secular state, due to its Spanish influence the Philippines is one of the two Roman Catholic countries in Asia with a Christian population of about 90%. The country is the twelfth most populous country in the world and is divided in three main parts – Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

This project takes place on the beautiful island province of Palawan whose green mountains match with the surrounding clear blue sea. The local community can not always provide the necessary education for their children, who do not have many opportunities to learn or practice English. This project allows you to explore authentic Filipino life and to get involved in the day-to-day operations of a childcare facility in the Tigman area or teach English from grade 1 to 12 in the municipality of Aborlan.

You will have a truly unique experience teaching children on one of the most beautiful islands in the world!

Daily Life

You will teach English to the children in a fun and engaging way and contribute to enhancing their chances for personal and career development in the future. This is an opportunity to lead an informal and fun English class and arrange various activities such as conversation and grammar exercises, playing music and songs, playing games, sports and arts. You can come up with creative, fun and engaging ways to teach practical English to the children who are very curious to find out about your background, your country, family and friends.You can also choose to support the local kindergarten staff with taking care of the children (combing hair, cutting nails etc).

Your daily schedule for the kindergarten program includes breakfast, lunch and dinner; activities with the children in the morning including games and basic English and In the afternoon you will prepare activities for the next day.

The daily schedule for the primary school program includes breakfast, lunch and dinner; teaching English and activities in the morning and afternoon as well as preparing lessons/activities for the next day with the local coordinator. You will also support the kindergarten staff with managing and caretaking.

Travel and Accommodation

Your accommodation is located in Tigman Village in Aborlan District, outside of Puerto Princesa City. You will be sharing a room with 4-8 other people on a single-gender basis. There are Western toilets and cold-water showers which are very refreshing in the heat! There is wifi available. Laundry facilities are limited, so you should expect to wash your clothes by hand. You’ll be expected to clean up after yourself, and play your role in keeping the accommodation neat and organised.

There are three meals served at the accommodation mainly of Philippine cuisine which consists of vegetables, meat, eggs and rice.

There are ATMs and Western Union transfers available in the town of Nara which is about 30 minutes by car. There are other forms of transportation available – jeepneys, buses, vans – which depart every hour to Narra or Aborlan.

Requirements

• Minimum age 18.
• No previous skills are necessary, however you will need to speak English at a native or near-native level.
• Minimum 2 weeks commitment – 30+ hours a week
• CRB Police check (or equivalent) showing that you have no previous criminal convictions
• Necessary vaccinations.
• Necessary flight & visas.
• Full travel & medical insurance. Please see our info pages for more information and to get a quote.

Costs

€350 Euros per week

* Check the latest currency conversions with xe.com
** All payments incur a 5% bank transfer fee
*** Placements are confirmed with a 1 week deposit

What’s Included:

Project Fee includes food, accommodation, airport pickup, orientation, in-country support and project activities.

Private rooms are available for an additional €100 per week.

What’s not included:

Flights, insurance, visas (if applicable) and vaccinations. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged if you choose our Premium Support.

Premium Support Upgrade

We understand there’s a great deal to plan and organise for your trip. When booking a Placement, many of our participants choose to purchase our Premium Support Upgrade to benefit from the expertise, knowledge and experience of our Project Coordinators.

We can provide the personal advice you need to ensure your trip is organised with excellence and planned with efficiency; ensuring the very best experience possible. Read more about how we can help you.