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Brilliant 4.72rating (254)
  • Quality Education

Island English Teaching

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Help give an education to underprivilaged children
  • Stay on a stunning and unique island in Madagascar!!
  • The kind of volunteers we expect - energetic, enthusiastic, motivated, open-minded and friendly.

Highlights

  • Help give an education to underprivilaged children
  • Stay on a stunning and unique island in Madagascar!!
  • The kind of volunteers we expect - energetic, enthusiastic, motivated, open-minded and friendly.
  • Teach local children and adults English conversational skills, pronounciation, basic grammer, sentence forming and basic phrases
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    50+

    About the program

    Teach English in small village schools on Nosy Be and Nosy Komba, including classes for adults. You may also assist staff at the Oceanographic Research Institute.

    Teaching English in Madagascar presents a meaningful opportunity that benefits both the community and the volunteers. You will collaborate with the local team and do not need prior teaching experience, only a good command of English is necessary.

    Due to increasing tourism, there is a high demand for ...

    About the program

    Teaching English in Madagascar presents a meaningful opportunity that benefits both the community and the volunteers. You will collaborate with the local team and do not need prior teaching experience, only a good command of English is necessary.

    Due to increasing tourism, there is a high demand for English in the Nosy Komba and Nosy Be communities. Learning English significantly enhances local job prospects in the tourism sector. Volunteers have already made a notable impact on language skills in these areas.

    You will teach English in small village schools on Nosy Be and Nosy Komba, including classes for adults. You may also assist staff at the Oceanographic Research Institute on Nosy Be to improve their English for international collaboration. We have 14 different classes around Nosy Komba, ranging from basic to advanced English. Volunteers travel to classes by boat and Tuk-Tuk, with transportation expenses included in the program fee. Additionally, a packed lunch is provided by the camp’s canteen staff.

    While beginner classes follow a structured curriculum, advanced classes take a more informal approach, focusing on conversation and practical usage. Volunteers also have the chance to learn Malagasy during their free time at our accommodation camp. Teaching schedules are prepared each weekend for the following week. Volunteers can expect to teach with at least one other volunteer, although this may vary depending on the number of volunteers available for the project.

    We seek volunteers who are energetic, enthusiastic, motivated, open-minded, and friendly.

    Location

    Nosy Komba, a charming island off the northwest coast of Madagascar, is known for its lush greenery, stunning beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. Often referred to as “Lemur Island,” it is home to a thriving population of lemurs that roam freely. The island’s picturesque villages are inhabited by friendly locals who practice traditional Malagasy crafts and fishing. Our location is fairly remote, being a 30 minute hike over rocky terrain or accessible by boat.

    Project Tasks

    • Teach English conversation, reading and writing to children and adults
    • Create lesson plans for fun and educational classes and activites
    • Interact with the local teachers, sharing ideas

    Typical day

    Each program generally includes morning and afternoon activities. After dinner, we hold a briefing to discuss the activities for the following day.

    NOTE: The schedule may vary widely depending on the project, tides, and other factors for that day.

    Sample Schedule:

    • 06:00-08:00: Breakfast at the camp ...

    Typical day

    Each program generally includes morning and afternoon activities. After dinner, we hold a briefing to discuss the activities for the following day.

    NOTE: The schedule may vary widely depending on the project, tides, and other factors for that day.

    Sample Schedule:

    • 06:00-08:00: Breakfast at the camp prepared by our in-house cooks
    • 08:00-11:30: Morning activities on the project
    • 12:00: Lunch at the camp prepared by our in-house cooks
    • 13:30: Afternoon activities on the project
    • 16:00-17:00: Volunteer activities for the day usually conclude
    • 18:00: Dinner at the camp prepared by our in-house cooks
    • 18:45: Board briefing to review activities for the following day

    NOTE: There will be varying amounts of downtime during the listed morning and afternoon program activities depending on the day and project.

    Free-time activities

    Volunteers have weekends off and can explore various areas of Nosy Komba and the nearby islands during their free time. While volunteers must organize these trips independently, contact information from past volunteers is available at the camp, providing guidance on how to arrange excursions and ...

    Free-time activities

    Volunteers have weekends off and can explore various areas of Nosy Komba and the nearby islands during their free time. While volunteers must organize these trips independently, contact information from past volunteers is available at the camp, providing guidance on how to arrange excursions and whom to book through.

    Popular activities and destinations include:

    • Lokobe Forest Reserve
    • Discovery Scuba Dive (with MRCI)
    • Tanikely Natural Reserve
    • Visits to Nosy Iranja or Nosy Sakatia (for swimming and snorkeling)
    • Whale Shark Watching (seasonal from September to November)
    • Sacred Tree or Sacred Waterfall on Nosy Be
    • Hiking up Mount Passot on Nosy Be
    • Visiting Lemur Land Park on Nosy Be or the Lemur Park in Ampang Village on Nosy Komba
    • Ankarana National Park
    • Amber Mountain National Park
    • Plantations on the mainland in the city of Ambanja
    • The city of Diego Suarez

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Education Requirements

    at High School level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Accommodation
    3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
    Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
    1 day orientation
    Daily transportation to project
    In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
    Fundraising support
    University course credits (where applicable)
    Certificate of Completion

    Airport Pickup at Fascene Airport

    You must arrive to Fascene Airport (NOS) airport before 12 noon, on the Sunday before your program, in order to go straight to the island. 

    The last boat departs from Nosy Be to Nosy Komba at approximately 3pm daily, so you need to arrive before 12pm to be able to go directly to camp.

    Volunteers arriving between 12 PM and 7 PM on Sunday will be transported from the airport to a hotel/accommodation of your choice in Hellville, but the overnight stay will be at your own cost. You will be able to meet the team at a nearby cafe in Nosy Be the next morning (Monday) and the team will escort you to the boat across to camp on Nosy Komba.

    If you are arriving before 12pm on Saturday, you can still get picked up from Nosy Be airport and be taken stright to the island but will need to pay an additional charge for the Saturday night accommodation.

    Accommodation

    The primary camp, is located on Nosy Komba Island, about 6 miles from Nosy Be, where the international airport is situated. Our facilities include a main house, staff accommodation, and a dining area, along with cold water showers and flush toilet units. You will stay in single gender open air huts, with two to three double bunks in each. Private room upgrades are also available for an additional cost (subject to availability).

    Volunteers need to bring their own bedding (thin sheet), pillows, pillowcases, bath towels, mosquito nets, and a lightweight sleeping bag (this is suggested for the cooler months of June to August). Outside of these times you can get away with just a thin sheet as it is hot and humid in Madagascar. 

    Power for lights is supplied by solar panels, with a backup generator for the local team that runs 1-2 hours per week. The camp has limited power points available for charging devices and since there is no other electricity at camp, we recommend volunteers bring solar chargers for their devices and to minimise the use of electronic devices. The accommodation is accessible by boat or a 30-minute walk across rocky terrain from the village. WiFi can be found in the local village, and you can also purchase a local SIM card with data when you arrive in Madagascar. The main house accommodates senior staff and serves as a meeting place for volunteers during the day. Large decks line the front of the main house, complete with hammocks, bean bags, and benches. There is also a work area for volunteers, as well as lockable storage boxes available for each hut to store small valuables. Volunteers should bring a padlock to secure personal items in their luggage when not in use.

    Please conserve power and water as much as possible during your stay. This includes not leaving lights on unnecessarily, limiting showers to one per day, and turning off the water when not in direct use (e.g., while brushing teeth or lathering up in the shower).


    Private Room Upgrade: please contact us directly for options and pricing

    *Please note: Upgrade prices can change, so please check the price with us first

    Food & Beverages

    Volunteers are served three meals per day, prepared in the traditional Madagascan style by an on-site Malagasy cook.

    Meals are tasty but may be more basic than what you are used to, with rice served most meals. Breakfast ranges from pancakes to eggs or bread with condiments. Lunch is typically rice or pasta-based, while dinner is usually rice with beans and a sauce. Meals will generally include chicken, zebu (beef), or fish, along with vegetables. For programs where you will be away from camp during lunch can arrange for a packed lunch through the local team the night before. Please keep in kind supplies in Madagascar are limited, and meals will change seasonally depending on the ingredients available on Nosy Be.

    Please note that the local team cannot cater to special dietary requirements or requests. Vegans can eat the vegetarian meals, but will may need to buy extra food off site. We ask volunteers to be flexible or prepared to supplement the provided food. If supplementing food, be aware that there is no refrigerator, and the kitchen is not available for volunteer use as it is a traditional kitchen. Volunteers can store non-perishable items at camp or eat out at local restaurants. A small canteen is available on Nosy Komba where volunteers can purchase snacks. Snacks should be stored in containers located in the dining area.
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Internet Access

    Sorry, no access at the project site

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Fascene Airport (NOS) in Nossi-be. We assist you to find cheap flights to Madagascar. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Madagascar provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Madagascar you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Madagascar. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Program starts every 1st & 3rd Monday of each month. Arrivals on Sat/ Sun. If arriving on Sat, an extra night is charged.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $438 per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    4 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
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    Location

    Africa > Eastern Africa > Madagascar > Nosy Komba

    Meet your project coordinator

    Lauren
    254
    reviews
    4.72
    Brilliant
    1989
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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