Info

The flamboyance of Malaysia is breathtaking - this is a country where the sun shines, the sea is crystal clear and there are endless coconut, banana and palm trees!

Teaching placements are available in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, in rural primary or secondary schools located in rural villages in the northern part of the state.
We work with two schools in particular, one located close to the capital city, Kota Kinabalu, and one which is further north, towards Kota Marudu.


PROJECT OVERVIEW

English is taught in schools in Malaysia, but in rural areas the children have no opportunity to speak the language outside the classroom, so they get very little practice in pronunciation and speech. Thus having exposure to you as a native English speaker is very beneficial to them and helps them raise their grades. This is a big plus given that in the rural areas, the passing rate of English is only 60%.

You may have the opportunity to do some teaching to the whole class and might also be asked to help within other areas, such as sport, drama and music, if you have an interest in these. Both Science and Maths are taught in English, and assistance with these subjects at basic level is really appreciated. Some of the classes will be conversation based and some tuition based to groups or individuals formally and informally outside the classrooms.

If you don't want to teach in a conventional school, we also have some placements in other centres and institutions. For example, we could arrange for you to work with children who have mental disabilities, such as Down Syndrome, or if you have practical skills you could teach vocational subjects, such as woodwork to young male adults who have not successfully completed conventional schooling or who have severely underachieved.

This project can also be combined with any of our other projects in Malaysia, or you could even do a this Teaching Project and then follow it with another project in Kota Kinabalu. That way you’ll get both a rural and urban experience.


ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation will either be on site in school accommodation or you will live with a local family - it depends which school you're placed in. If you have a preference for one or the other we can ensure this is arranged for you.

There is a surprising amount of action in the evenings in Malaysian villages, including coffee shops, karaoke bars, and bustling open-air markets that are fascinating!


OUR PARTICIPANTS SAY

"I really had the best time out there, think I achieved all the things I wanted to, and feel a better person because of it. I would definitely do it again, despite the fact I got bitten on my legs more than any volunteer on record! So tell them to bring a mossie net if they ever want to be able to wear a skirt in public again! Thanks for all your help, I had the best time ever!"


WHAT YOU’LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT

► An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure!
► The rewards from helping others and Making a Difference!
► New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
► An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
► And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!


WHAT TO DO NEXT

►Talk to us - We're there to help you. Call +44 (0) 1903 502595
►Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!
►If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us!
►If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.
►It’s as easy as that.

Duration

Available all year round. Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates.

Start Dates

Flexible start and finish dates you choose. Our placements are flexible and can be tailored to match your preferences. For availability please contact the office.

Costs / Benefits

Costs vary depending on length of placement, but starts at £1195 for four weeks. You can participate for up to one year, subject to visa requirements.

Included is full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).

You’ll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you’ll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you’ll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Requirements

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.