- Sitemap:
- Projects Abroad /
- Volunteer in South America /
- Teaching /
- Bolivia /
International Volunteer Work Teaching in Bolivia with Projects Abroad
You can work as volunteer English teacher in Bolivia without previous experience and do not need to have a TEFL certificate or other qualification. Whether you want to volunteer abroad teaching during your gap year, career break, or as part of an extended vacation, you will have a role to play on one of our international volunteer placements.
Bolivia is one of the poorest and least developed countries in Latin America. With English being the language of much international business and commerce, students are very eager to learn. The standards of conversational English teaching are usually not high, so students are eager to develop good spoken language skills wherever possible, which is where you can help as a volunteer English teacher.
Any volunteers who speak good French can also teach some French classes. Volunteers who speak languages like Italian, Dutch, German, and Japanese have the opportunity to arrange introductory language courses in these languages.
Teach English Abroad in Universities and Local Schools
Volunteers taking part on our Teaching project in Bolivia can choose between working at a local school or at the University of San Simon in the town of Cochabamba.
Projects Abroad has been supporting the Universidad Mayor de San Simón through volunteer assistance since 2002. As a volunteer teacher at the university you can expect to teach between about 18 and 20 hours a week, but remember you'll need more time to prepare structured lessons. Teaching students who might be a similar age to you can be fun and rewarding. University students are there by choice so will be committed to their studies, but just because they are not school children doesn't mean they won't enjoy playing games – your creative, fun lessons will provide a welcome change from their regular lectures! Your supervisor will be happy to guide you with lesson ideas if necessary.
Teaching volunteers working at the university provide extra-curricular courses as well, based on topics covered in classes, including intercultural topics and international affairs. Volunteers also assist both professors and students in carrying out additional educational and academic activities related to language learning or the present curriculum. For example, volunteers can help students prepare presentations, proofread papers, and assist with organizing student fairs.
Projects Abroad also works with local primary and secondary schools providing education to children from low-income families. Volunteers can therefore help provide a head-start for students at these schools. This is an opportunity for you to be as creative as possible, helping to make learning English fun and enjoyable; in exchange you will learn a great deal about Bolivian culture. Whether you are assisting a teacher, have a class of your own, or are leading extra curricular activities, your help will be greatly appreciated by your students and colleagues.
The main school and university holidays take place from mid December to the end of March. During this time we run our own popular Projects Abroad language classes. These are entirely run by Projects Abroad and are managed by Bolivia Director Daniela Viljoen.
Volunteering on a Teaching Project in Bolivia
The level of English in Cochabamba, a vibrant university town in the central highlands, is generally low. This is because Quechua - a language indigenous to this region of the Andes - is the native tongue for most local people. Spanish is their second language, leaving little time for English.
English, however, is viewed as an increasingly important language to learn. It is seen as a gateway to learning - to more books, to different professions, and to international jobs. Away from the tourist trail, Cochabamba doesn't generally attract a lot of native English speakers so as a Projects Abroad volunteer you will be welcomed with open arms!
At the University the level of English varies from beginner to advanced, so let us know if you have a teaching preference. Similarly, if you are - or have been - a university student yourself, let us know what you studied and we may be able to match you with groups of students from that subject area. Then you can use your common interests for conversation and to help them build up relevant vocabulary.
Taking part on a Teaching project is also a great way to improve your level of Spanish. Your conversational Spanish will rapidly improve through socializing with your Spanish-speaking students and teachers. Staying with a Spanish-speaking host family will greatly improve your Spanish language skills as well.
You can also join the Music Project in Bolivia, where you will teach music to children in an orphanage.