Become a volunteer English teacher in Tanzania

Ready to swap your everyday routine for a life-changing adventure? Join us in Tanzania to teach English and make a real difference in children's lives! ✨

Accommodation: Unknown
Location: Tanzania
Category: Education and literacy
Language: English, English, English
Season: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Minimum duration: Min. 1 month

About the project

Our Teaching Volunteer Program partners with local primary schools in Tanzania to improve educational opportunities for children. These schools, while basic in facilities, are run by dedicated staff committed to providing quality education despite resource limitations. By volunteering, you directly contribute to enhancing English language skills and general education for students aged 7-14. The program addresses significant challenges in the Tanzanian education system, including overcrowded classrooms, limited teaching resources, and insufficient individual attention for students. Your presence helps reduce student-teacher ratios and brings fresh teaching methods to the classroom. Beyond academics, this program creates cultural exchange opportunities where both volunteers and local communities learn from each other. Students gain exposure to different perspectives, while volunteers develop a deeper understanding of Tanzanian culture and educational systems. The schools typically operate year-round with breaks in December, Easter (April/March), July, and October/November. This schedule allows volunteers to join throughout most of the year, making it flexible for different travel plans. By joining this program, you're not just teaching—you're participating in sustainable development through education, helping create better futures for Tanzanian children while gaining invaluable professional and personal experience.

What you bring

Minimum age of 18 years
Intermediate level of English proficiency
Teaching qualification or education enrollment documents
Clean criminal record check
CV with photo
Genuine passion for education and working with children
Flexibility and cultural sensitivity
Ability to commit for a minimum of 4 weeks
Relevant work experience is advantageous
Enthusiasm, patience, and creativity
Willingness to adapt to basic living conditions

What you do

Assist or lead English classes for children aged 6-14
Prepare and deliver engaging lessons appropriate for different age groups
Support individual students who need extra attention
Collaborate with permanent teachers to develop learning activities
Work Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Participate in recess activities and school events
Teach other subjects based on your expertise (all taught in English)
Create opportunities for sports and creative activities
Help improve English language skills in a fun and interactive way

Gallery

What you get

Accommodation in a friendly volunteer house in Njiro, Arusha
Two meals per day (breakfast and dinner)
Airport pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport
Orientation and town tour upon arrival
Program certificate recognizing your contribution
In-country support throughout your stay
Access to weekend trips and safari opportunities
WiFi to stay connected with friends and family
Clean rooms with private ensuite bathrooms and hot showers
A chance to develop Swahili language skills
Invaluable international teaching experience

What you don't get

Flight tickets to Tanzania
Travel insurance
Required vaccinations
Visa fees
Lunch during weekdays (available at local restaurants)
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Safari tours and day trips (available at additional cost)
Extra language lessons beyond basic Swahili introduction

Program fees

Min 4 weeks

€149

Per week

Program availability: April 01, 2025 - November 30, 2026

Flight and airport

Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), the main gateway to Arusha and northern Tanzania. The program includes airport pickup service, so simply provide your flight details in advance. The White House hostel can help find affordable flights to Tanzania. While JRO is preferred, pickup from Arusha Domestic Airport is also available if needed. A driver will meet you with a name sign, making your arrival smooth and stress-free.

Visa

Most volunteers need a tourist visa for Tanzania, which can be obtained on arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport or online before travel. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. A standard tourist visa allows stays up to 90 days, perfect for the 4-12 week program. Check your country's specific visa requirements as application processes and fees vary by nationality.

Free time

Tanzania offers incredible free-time adventures! After school hours and on weekends, Arusha becomes your playground with numerous activities to explore. As one of the world's top safari destinations, you can join budget-friendly group safaris to world-famous parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. The White House hostel helps arrange these unforgettable wildlife experiences. For outdoor enthusiasts, hiking opportunities abound. Challenge yourself with guided treks up Mount Meru or even Mount Kilimanjaro if you're staying longer. Shorter adventures include hikes to the Mt. Meru waterfall, exploring underground caves, or visiting authentic Maasai villages to learn about traditional culture. Water activities offer refreshing breaks from teaching—swim in hotel pools (available for small fees), visit natural hot springs, or paddle around Lake Duluti in a canoe surrounded by monkeys and exotic birds. Shopping enthusiasts can browse local markets for unique souvenirs, colorful fabrics, and handcrafted items. In Arusha itself, visit the Museum of Nature and Wildlife or the Cultural Heritage Center for a deeper understanding of Tanzanian history and art. Many volunteers also enjoy horseback riding through scenic landscapes or simply relaxing at local cafés while practicing Swahili with new friends. The vibrant volunteer community at the White House hostel means you'll never lack for companions to join your adventures, whether it's a weekend safari or a casual evening exploring Arusha's restaurants and shops. These shared experiences often become the highlight of volunteers' time in Tanzania!

Activities

Swimming

Water sports

Hiking

Safari/Zoo

Shopping/Souvenirs

Sightseeing

A typical day

Your teaching day begins early, leaving the Tanzania Hostel at 7:30 AM to arrive for the 8 AM school start. On your first day, you'll be assigned specific subjects or classes based on your preferences and experience—perhaps English lessons, mathematics, or science classes. Mornings are typically spent assisting permanent teachers, delivering planned lessons, and engaging with individual students who need extra support. You'll work in basic but functional classrooms, often adapting to limited resources with creativity and enthusiasm. Lunch break offers a chance to interact with other teachers, learn about the Tanzanian education system, and possibly practice your Swahili language skills. Some volunteers bring packed lunches, while others try local food options near the school. Afternoons might include more teaching, organizing educational games, sports activities, or helping with extracurricular programs. The school day typically ends around 3 PM, giving you free time to explore Arusha, plan weekend activities with fellow volunteers, or prepare for the next day's lessons. Back at the White House hostel in the evening, you'll enjoy dinner with other volunteers, share experiences from your day, and perhaps collaborate on teaching ideas or materials for upcoming lessons. This community atmosphere is one of the highlights of the program, creating lasting friendships with like-minded volunteers from around the world.

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