About Teaching in the Philippines

Many primary and secondary schools in the Philippines struggle with overcrowding and a lack of funding and staff, meaning students often receive little individualized attention from their teachers. World Endeavors Teaching volunteers in the Philippines make a difference in the lives of young people by helping provide greater educational opportunities. Volunteers provide support for local teachers, often in English classrooms. Most volunteers begin by assisting a local teacher in the classroom, though they may gradually take on more responsibility. Teaching volunteers may also help with small group work or one-on-one tutoring. Those with special areas of interest can also contribute to their school through leading or supporting after-school sports, music, or art programs.

A Typical Day in the Life of a Volunteer in the Philippines

World Endeavors volunteers in the Philippines can expect their days to be a combination of meaningful volunteer work, cultural experiences, and free time for relaxation and reflection.  The sample schedule below represents a typical day for a volunteer in the Philippines.  Keep in mind that when volunteering abroad, a typical day can be anything but typical!

6:30 am: Wake up and eat breakfast with your host family.  Breakfast in the Philippines usually consists of a combination of puto (a rice cake), breads, noodles, longganisa (similar to sausage), eggs, and fresh fruit.

7:30 am: Depart for volunteer project.

8:00 am – 12:00 pm: Volunteer work at assigned volunteer project.

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Eat a small lunch of rice, fish and vegetables.  Free time to hang out with other volunteers or explore.

3:00pm – 4:00 pm: Crash language course in Waray Waray taught by a World Endeavors Volunteer Coordinator.

4:30 pm – 6:30 pm: After school tutoring with a local child sponsorship program. (Optional for volunteers)

6:30 pm: Dinner with host family.  Dinners in the Philippines often consist of rice with meat (fish, pork, chicken, or shrimp), or vegetables (squash, carrots, amapalaya, eggplant, etc.)

7:30 pm – 10:30 pm: Free time spent at the beach, chatting with your host family, checking out the local mall to go shopping or enjoy a movie, hanging out at the community center and interacting with the children, or planning a weekend excursion to explore nearby caves and waterfalls.

Project and class schedules, meals, and free time activities may vary depending on the details of your placement.

Eligibility

Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. Successful volunteers are hardworking, flexible, and open to truly immersing themselves in Filipino culture.