Teaching English in Bangalore

  India

• Other Cities in India: 
Bangalore

Length of Position: 4-12 Weeks
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: multiple dates year round

Description: Bars, restaurants and a buzzing nightlife will lure you to downtown Bangalore as much as the more familiar landmarks of Hindu holy men and tuk-tuks. Its a city able to satisfy your every need; especially if you love a good curry! You'll be working in either primary, secondary, boarding or nursery schools, and be in charge of small classes of students aged between 6 and 16. As well as English you'll get the chance to teach IT and maths and to set you on your way, we'll even throw in our internationally recognized TEFL training certificate which you can complete before you start your adventure.

*Project details:
In Bangalore the teaching projects exist in local primary, secondary, boarding and nursery schools. The majority of these schools are local schools which are not-for-profit schools, some of which are funded by local donations and fundraising. Some of the schools are Christian schools and are quite religious, but do not expect volunteers to get involved with prayer or religious services.

The majority of the children who attend the schools come from disadvantaged backgrounds. The school pupils are aged between five and 18 and the average classes have between 15-20 pupils.

Private schools are often well equipped and students have an advanced level of English, making teaching easier. Facilities in the poorer schools however are often basic - so you may find yourself with little more than a blackboard and piece of chalk.

During the school holidays, April and May, there is work with local community projects and street children.

*Why the project needs volunteers:
Despite the fact that English is one of the official languages of India, the standard of conversational English in schools is usually very poor. As a teaching volunteer, you will play a vital role in improving the spoken skills, and therefore the life-chances of the children, and teachers, in the schools of Bangalore. Volunteers can help shape young lives in India by sharing their English skills and teaching talents. Native or fluent English speakers with or without formal teaching experience can contribute greatly to a child's educational development.

Find out more about i-to-i, watch their short video here: http://video.i-to-i.com/site-videos/video.html

Highlights:
* Exploring the diversea and fascinating city of Bangalore
* Living in India - one of our favorite places in the world
* Weekend trips to Hampi, Mysore or even, for a long(!) weekend, Goa - great fun!

Qualifications: What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
Volunteers are not required to be fluent in any of the Indian languages as English is widely spoken and understood by most Indians. Volunteers on the teaching programme will be trained before they go on their project through i-to-i's International 40-hour on-line TEFL programme (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). This course is included in the cost of the venture.

Volunteers are required to have a desire to help the people and environment of India. Be flexible, have self-motivation and an openness to a new culture and a willingness to learn.

Your role as a volunteer:
Your main roles will be assisting local teachers in the instruction of classes. Most of the schools welcome volunteers who want to get involved in other aspects of school life, or run extra-curricular activities such as sport, art and crafts, drama etc.. As the standard of English is quite poor it is recommended that you come with ideas such as games and fun activities for the classroom.

Please Note; the Diwali Festival (Festival of lights) takes place every year either at the end of October of beginning of November where the projects will be closed for a week.

Projects will also be affected for a week over the Christmas period December 25, please be aware of these dates when making your booking.

Cost in US$: USD 1,755.00 for 4 weeks, USD 220.00 for every week thereafter

Salary / Pay: Position is voluntary. Accommodation, food, TEFL/TESL Training, insurance, pre-departure training, airport pick-up, orientation and full support both in the UK and in-country is included.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian and European Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to India Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Year Founded: 1994