VESL’s Volunteer Projects Overseas
Where can I volunteer?
We currently have projects available in Northern Thailand, Sri Lanka and Southern India with various start dates and lengths ranging from 4 weeks to 12 months depending on the country you’re interested in.
How long can I go overseas for?
VESL has long and short term projects available, ranging from 4 weeks – 12 months depending on the country. 4 – 6 week projects are available between June – September in Thailand or during July in Sri Lanka. 3+ month projects are available in Thailand, Sri Lanka and Southern India throughout the year.
Although it’s possible to organise a 3 – 12 month project to begin at any time throughout the year, we do have a number of projects with specific start dates that we aim to recruit towards.
What would I be doing?
Volunteers can work as English language assistants supporting local teachers or teach English to whole class lessons depending on their level of confidence and experience. Volunteers are typically placed in pairs to run activities and games focusing on spoken English, working to improve confidence levels and helping to make English lessons fun and engaging. Volunteers are able to run after-school games, sports, music + art activities etc.
Where would I stay?
Volunteers live within the local community during their project and are usually placed with a family in a homestay placement. This offers a unique opportunity to experience a culture first-hand and allows communities to quickly get to know volunteers. A number of our Thai schools also have dedicated teaching accommodation which volunteers can be placed alongside local teachers.
Although we can work outside these dates if needs be, we have the following key start dates :
- Jun/Jul/Aug/Sep dates for 4-6 week programme in Thailand
- Jun/Jul for 4-6 weeks in central Sri Lanka
- Jan, May, Sep/Oct start dates for 3-12 months in Thailand
- Jan, Jun, Sep start dates for 3-5 months in Kerala and Tamil Nadu (Southern India)
- Sep or Jan start for 3-12 months in Sri Lanka
- 3-5 month projects at any time in Andhra Pradesh (Southern India)
Do I need previous experience or qualifications?
The application process is open to anyone aged between 18 – 70 and we receive a healthy balance of university students, recent graduates, career breakers and retirees. Although previous volunteer experience or experience of working with children / teaching would be helpful, specific qualifications and experience are not essential.
Each application is judged on its own merit - enthusiasm and adaptability are key attributes in any volunteer… we have a great deal of experience at judging an individuals strengths and we take a lot of care in placing volunteers in the right project to match their skills, experience and character.
Can I use my own initiative?
Yes – we positively encourage it in fact… there’s always room to grow and to use your own strengths in new ways. We are always keen for volunteers to extend their project and many volunteers set up out-of-school clubs / young adult or teacher lessons / community outreach sessions / drama workshops etc. If you have something in mind - speak to us as we may be able to match you to the right project…
Do I receive support overseas?
Volunteers receive pre-departure training and the VESL teaching pack. Volunteers are also given comprehensive backup and support from our local in-country co-ordinators who welcome them on first arrival, get them to their projects and provide ongoing support throughout the project.
Are there any special cases?
Almost all of our projects involve working in primary or secondary schools, however, we do also work with a number of orphanages and hospices in Andhra Pradesh in Southern India. Although these projects are still education based there is a pastoral care role and volunteers are also able to support local NGOs in community development roles and other NGO support work.
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