from 1,568€

Brilliant 4.7rating (201)

Island English Teaching

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Help give an education to underprivilaged children
  • Stay on a stunning and unique island in Madagascar!!
  • The kind of volunteers we expect - energetic, enthusiastic, motivated, open-minded and friendly.
  • Teach local children and adults English conversational skills, pronounciation, basic grammer, sentence forming and basic phrases

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
50+

About the program

Teach English in small village schools on Nosy Be and Nosy Komba, including classes for adults. You may also assist staff at the Oceanographic Research Institute.

Teaching English in Madagascar presents a meaningful opportunity that benefits both the community and the volunteers. You will collaborate with the local team and do not need prior teaching experience, only a good command of English is necessary.

Due to increasing tourism, there is a high demand for ...

About the program

Teaching English in Madagascar presents a meaningful opportunity that benefits both the community and the volunteers. You will collaborate with the local team and do not need prior teaching experience, only a good command of English is necessary.

Due to increasing tourism, there is a high demand for English in the Nosy Komba and Nosy Be communities. Learning English significantly enhances local job prospects in the tourism sector. Volunteers have already made a notable impact on language skills in these areas.

You will teach English in small village schools on Nosy Be and Nosy Komba, including classes for adults. You may also assist staff at the Oceanographic Research Institute on Nosy Be to improve their English for international collaboration. We have 14 different classes around Nosy Komba, ranging from basic to advanced English. Volunteers travel to classes by boat and Tuk-Tuk, with transportation expenses included in the program fee. Additionally, a packed lunch is provided by the camp’s canteen staff.

While beginner classes follow a structured curriculum, advanced classes take a more informal approach, focusing on conversation and practical usage. Volunteers also have the chance to learn Malagasy during their free time at our accommodation camp. Teaching schedules are prepared each weekend for the following week. Volunteers can expect to teach with at least one other volunteer, although this may vary depending on the number of volunteers available for the project.

We seek volunteers who are energetic, enthusiastic, motivated, open-minded, and friendly.

Location

Nosy Komba, a charming island off the northwest coast of Madagascar, is known for its lush greenery, stunning beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. Often referred to as “Lemur Island,” it is home to a thriving population of lemurs that roam freely. The island’s picturesque villages are inhabited by friendly locals who practice traditional Malagasy crafts and fishing. Our location is fairly remote, being a 30 minute hike over rocky terrain or accessible by boat.

Project Tasks

  • Teach English conversation, reading and writing to children and adults
  • Create lesson plans for fun and educational classes and activites
  • Interact with the local teachers, sharing ideas

Typical day

Each program generally includes morning and afternoon activities. After dinner, we hold a briefing to discuss the activities for the following day.

NOTE: The schedule may vary widely depending on the project, tides, and other factors for that day.

Sample Schedule:

  • 06:00-08:00: Breakfast at the camp ...

Typical day

Each program generally includes morning and afternoon activities. After dinner, we hold a briefing to discuss the activities for the following day.

NOTE: The schedule may vary widely depending on the project, tides, and other factors for that day.

Sample Schedule:

  • 06:00-08:00: Breakfast at the camp prepared by our in-house cooks
  • 08:00-11:30: Morning activities on the project
  • 12:00: Lunch at the camp prepared by our in-house cooks
  • 13:30: Afternoon activities on the project
  • 16:00-17:00: Volunteer activities for the day usually conclude
  • 18:00: Dinner at the camp prepared by our in-house cooks
  • 18:45: Board briefing to review activities for the following day

NOTE: There will be varying amounts of downtime during the listed morning and afternoon program activities depending on the day and project.


Free-time activities

Volunteers have weekends off and can explore various areas of Nosy Komba and the nearby islands during their free time. While volunteers must organize these trips independently, contact information from past volunteers is available at the camp, providing guidance on how to arrange excursions and ...

Free-time activities

Volunteers have weekends off and can explore various areas of Nosy Komba and the nearby islands during their free time. While volunteers must organize these trips independently, contact information from past volunteers is available at the camp, providing guidance on how to arrange excursions and whom to book through.

Popular activities and destinations include:

  • Lokobe Forest Reserve
  • Discovery Scuba Dive (with MRCI)
  • Tanikely Natural Reserve
  • Visits to Nosy Iranja or Nosy Sakatia (for swimming and snorkeling)
  • Whale Shark Watching (seasonal from September to November)
  • Sacred Tree or Sacred Waterfall on Nosy Be
  • Hiking up Mount Passot on Nosy Be
  • Visiting Lemur Land Park on Nosy Be or the Lemur Park in Ampang Village on Nosy Komba
  • Ankarana National Park
  • Amber Mountain National Park
  • Plantations on the mainland in the city of Ambanja
  • The city of Diego Suarez

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Education Requirements

at High School level

Criminal Background Check

required

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Involvement Volunteers IVI

Accommodation
3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
1 day orientation
Daily transportation to project
In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
Fundraising support
University course credits (where applicable)
Certificate of Completion

Airport Pickup at Fascene Airport

You must arrive to Fascene Airport (NOS) airport before 12 noon, on the Sunday before your program.

The last boat departs from Nosy Be to Nosy Komba at approximately 3pm daily, so you need to arrive before 12pm to be able to go directly to camp. If you cannot arrive before 12pm on Sunday, we suggest arriving on Saturday and staying the night in Hellville, Nosy Be at your own expense. You will be able to meet the team at a nearby cafe the next morning (Sunday) and they will escort you to the boat across to camp on Nosy Komba.

If you are arriving before 12pm on Saturday, you can still get picked up from Nosy Be airport and be taken to the island but will need to pay an additional charge for the Saturday night.

Accommodation

The primary camp, is located on Nosy Komba Island, about 6 miles from Nosy Be, where the international airport is situated. Our facilities include a main house, staff accommodation, and a dining area, along with cold water showers and flush toilet units. You will stay in single gender open air huts, with two to three double bunks in each. Private room upgrades are also available for an additional cost (subject to availability).

Volunteers need to bring their own bedding (thin sheet), pillows, pillowcases, bath towels, mosquito nets, and a lightweight sleeping bag (this is suggested for the cooler months of June to August). Outside of these times you can get away with just a thin sheet as it is hot and humid in Madagascar. 

Power for lights is supplied by solar panels, with a backup generator for the local team that runs 1-2 hours per week. The camp has limited power points available for charging devices and since there is no other electricity at camp, we recommend volunteers bring solar chargers for their devices and to minimise the use of electronic devices. The accommodation is accessible by boat or a 30-minute walk across rocky terrain from the village. WiFi can be found in the local village, and you can also purchase a local SIM card with data when you arrive in Madagascar. The main house accommodates senior staff and serves as a meeting place for volunteers during the day. Large decks line the front of the main house, complete with hammocks, bean bags, and benches. There is also a work area for volunteers, as well as lockable storage boxes available for each hut to store small valuables. Volunteers should bring a padlock to secure personal items in their luggage when not in use.

Please conserve power and water as much as possible during your stay. This includes not leaving lights on unnecessarily, limiting showers to one per day, and turning off the water when not in direct use (e.g., while brushing teeth or lathering up in the shower).


Food & Beverages

Volunteers are served three meals per day, prepared in the traditional Madagascan style by an on-site Malagasy cook.

Meals are tasty but may be more basic than what you are used to, with rice served most meals. Breakfast ranges from pancakes to eggs or bread with condiments. Lunch is typically rice or pasta-based, while dinner is usually rice with beans and a sauce. Meals will generally include chicken, zebu (beef), or fish, along with vegetables. For programs where you will be away from camp during lunch can arrange for a packed lunch through the local team the night before. Please keep in kind supplies in Madagascar are limited, and meals will change seasonally depending on the ingredients available on Nosy Be.

Please note that the local team cannot cater to special dietary requirements or requests. Vegans can eat the vegetarian meals, but will may need to buy extra food off site. We ask volunteers to be flexible or prepared to supplement the provided food. If supplementing food, be aware that there is no refrigerator, and the kitchen is not available for volunteer use as it is a traditional kitchen. Volunteers can store non-perishable items at camp or eat out at local restaurants. A small canteen is available on Nosy Komba where volunteers can purchase snacks. Snacks should be stored in containers located in the dining area.


What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Internet Access

Sorry, no access at the project site

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Fascene Airport (NOS) in Nossi-be. We assist you to find cheap flights to Madagascar. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Madagascar provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Madagascar you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Madagascar. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

Program starts every 1st & 3rd Monday of each month. Arrivals on Sat/ Sun. If arriving on Sat, an extra night is charged.

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

4 weeks (min. stay) 1,568€
8 weeks 2,631€
12 weeks (max. stay) 3,703€
Average fees 350€/week

Program fees

350€ per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

4 - 12 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Involvement Volunteers IVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Involvement Volunteers IVI

Brilliant 4.7 rating (201 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 1989

Verified by Volunteer World

  Excellent response rate

Coordinated by

Lauren

Spoken languages: English

About the project

IVI are a non profit org with 28 years experience providing responsible volunteer placements in 15 countries worldwide. We help you connect with inspiring opportunities

Meet your organization

Involvement Volunteers International delivers positive social change to developing communities and vulnerable populations through local, national & international volunteering.  Our projects empower the skilled & un-skilled to catalyse the efforts of local partners in creating a better world.


WHO WE ARE

Founded in 1989, IVI is a pioneer of overseas volunteering.  Back when there was no internet and phones were a luxury in many parts of the world, we traveled to developing countries in search of credible NGO's in need of manpower and global volunteer resources.  Some of the many relationships we forged are utilized to this day. 

We are passionate about volunteering and giving back to society and in particular developing communities which are less fortunate than us.  In this way, we combine travelling with volunteering to help people make a positive impact overseas.

SOCIAL EXPERIENCES
All of IVI’s projects have a strong social element at the core.  With more manpower (& womanpower!) we can truly catalyse the efforts of our local partners.  This means you're sure to meet loads of like-minded people from all parts of the world.   This type of experience truly broadens your understanding of the world and yourself, opening your heart to new enlightened ways of thinking .   With your new found travel companions, you'll have plenty of opportunity to explore and have fun!  

Our projects create a unique platform to experience the true heart and soul of a destination rather than simply the tourist areas.   We'll involve you in meaningful & responsible volunteer work that really benefits the local communities.

AFFORDABLE VOLUNTEER TRAVEL
As a non profit org, we are not motivated by shareholder profits.  Our fee structure is fully transparent to ensure volunteers hard earned money is going directly to the areas where it is most needed.  It is vitally important to us that the presence of volunteers has a positive and sustainable impact on the local communities we work with.   

We charge a one off US$275 application fee per volunteer to cover the running of IVI including administration overheads, project inspection costs, marketing, and salaries.

The program fee starts at $150 p/week and goes straight to the in country management to cover arrival airport transfers, on the ground coordination, orientation, accommodation, meals, in country 24/7 project support, project development, donations and related administration costs.   

In comparison to many of our competitors, our programs are incredible value.

SAFETY & RESPONSIBLE PROGRAMS
With approx 80-90% of our volunteers being single young female travelers, volunteer safety is of the utmost importance.  All of our projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management support contact as well as a dedicated placement manager pre/post journey.  This ensures you will be cared for every step of the way.    The local teams are highly experienced and qualified to manage emergency situations.

All IVI projects have been personally inspected to ensure the standards meet necessary guidelines for quality and safety.  In addition, we monitor and maintain communication with local embassies to oversee potential issues in order to notify volunteers and their families accordingly.   

Our Australian team are available 24/7 and only a phone call away.

Our responsibility also extends to the local people which is why volunteers working in childcare related fields must provide a criminal background check before they travel.   Our ultimate goal is the long term development of the communities we work with, hence we work closely with our local partners to ensure that projects are needs driven and sustainable. 

SUPPORT

From your very first inquiry, right through to your welcome home, you'll have the same dedicated volunteer manager at every stage.  We are experts in the field and will provide you in depth insights about what to expect and how to prepare to ensure you have an amazing experience overseas.  Every project includes a detailed welcome pack which provides all aspects needed such as in country contacts, what to pack, cultural values, basic language guides and much much more.   

On arrival at your destination, you'll be greeted by one of our in-country team and in many cases 1 week orientation is provided to help ease you into the way of life and ensure you're equipped with the right customs to ensure a successful volunteer abroad experience.  

FUN!
Volunteering abroad is quite possibly the most rewarding experience you will have in your life!   We know this not only through our own experiences, but through the testimonies from thousands of volunteers we have successfully placed worldwide over 27+ years in operation.  Volunteering overseas is not only rewarding.   It's fun!   You're meeting new people, you're seeing new sights, and you're expanding your understanding of yourself and the world.  You're experiencing something real and life changing in many ways...  

GET INVOLVED WITH IVI TODAY!

201 reviews · rating4.7

What a fantastic trip. Getting the opportunity to live in a village for a week was so incredibly special, and all of our hosts quickly became like family. The work itself was challenging at times but very rewarding, and I felt like we were making a difference within the communities that we worked ...
The team of us who were placed in Moala were instantly taken in by the family we were living and were made to feel part of the family. I am grateful for this experience, for the people I met and for the wonderful people who cared for us throughout the 2 weeks. This trip has inspired me to pursue ...
What an incredible experience to be able to live in amongst the island community, fully immersed in village life. I really really enjoyed my stay and it was so amazing to explore the island in my free time. In the classroom, it was mostly helping kids one on one with the work assigned by the ...
I am so blessed to have been lead by amazing dietician and naturopathic professionals who have inspired what I hope to be in this field one day. Words and pictures could never capture how life changing this experience was, and what beautiful souls these people hold. Pictures also don’t capture how ...
There were so many highlights to this trip! However the one that stood out the most was living in Moala village for one week. The team of us who were placed in Moala were instantly taken in by the family we were living and were made to feel part of the family. The people we visited in Moala, Yako ...
hannah rupp rating5

2024 at Primary Teaching Support

I had such a great time in Zanzibar. The accommodation is really good, it’s clean, you have a very sweet balcony and the bedrooms are good. Also the roommates and coordinators are were really nice 🥰 I really enjoyed my time at the school and I loved to work with the kids 🥰 I made so many ...

Location

Africa > Eastern Africa > Madagascar > Nosy Komba

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