…And Make A Difference

The good news if you want to teach English in Africa is that there is tons of demand for English teachers. Actually, many countries in Africa need all kinds of educators to teach a wide variety of subjects. As they are modernizing, English is essential for them to be competitive. Students are highly motivated.

The downside is that there is no money. Teaching English in Africa is done on a volunteer basis. So, why would anybody want to volunteer to teach English? Isn’t it all about the money? Well, not to some people. Some of the reasons why teachers choose Africa include:

- The desire to learn about a culture that is radically different than your own. Africa is nothing like anything you’ve experienced before. If you can’t live without your creature comforts, you probably wouldn’t choose Africa. But, in cultural terms, Africa is a mind blower. Few people get a chance to live and work in a totally different world than what they know.

- The desire to contribute. Are you looking to do something meaningful with your time? Most of us work to chase a paycheck, but imagine working to actually make a difference in a community. Volunteers help out communities all over the world, and you could be part of it.

- The teaching experience. Africa is a world apart from wealthy, industrialized countries where studying English is a hobby to pass the day. Your efforts as a teacher will not go unappreciated in Africa. As a teacher there, you really will make a difference in peoples’ lives. Your students will not be spoiled and indifferent. In Africa, people are eager to learn English.

- Your resume. The teaching experience also helps build up your resume. Volunteering is a great way for new, inexperienced teachers to learn the ropes. And, it looks great when you start applying for other jobs.

Volunteering means working without pay, but in most places in Africa, you will be given free accommodation and meals. Some programs will pay for your plane ticket, and some will offer free training. On the one hand you don’t get paid, but on the other hand, you get a lot out of the deal if you look at it as a valuable learning experience.

Many volunteer programs are short-term and can be as little as 2 months. For a program like this, you don’t need to worry about your visa. For most countries, you can stay and teach with a simple tourist visa. If you plan to stay for longer, you’ll need an official visa. The bureaucracies of most African countries are notoriously slow, so you may have to help remind them to take care of your visa.

Africa is truly a different world than North America or Europe. Teaching in Africa can be a life-changing experience. It can also be a stepping stone in your career in teaching.