Malaysia – Teaching Children in Kuching – Images

Kuching is the capital city in Sarawak, one of two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo, and is renowned for its natural wonders and cultural riches. The city of Kuching is simply unique, and functions in a relaxed manner which hasn’t changed in 160 years. No other city in Malaysia has such a romantic and unlikely history, nor displays its charms with such an easy grace.

Orientation (Included):
Following your arrival, our transfer coordinator will bring you to the center for a week of orientation to begin your immersion in the local Malaysian customs and culture. During this week, you will be introduced to the best of Sarawak through a number of exciting activities which may include a walking/cycling tour of Kuching, a boat trip along the river, a visit to the local bazaar, chances to taste the rich Malaysian cuisine, and even a trip to a local nature reserve and ancient caves. You will also be given an introduction to Bahasa, the local language.

The objective of this project is to help school children build their confidence and improve their level of English. A standard week will consist of preparing lesson plans and teaching children at a local school, either on your own or with other participants. Specific tasks may include:

• Creating lesson plans
• Managing English conversation and grammar exercises
• Teaching informal English classes
• Engaging in activities such as music, songs and games

A typical day: You will leave the center between 07:00 – 08:00 in the morning or 13:00 – 14:00 in the afternoon depending on the schedule and you will be teaching at the kindergarten/school for approximately 2-4 hours, five days a week. You will have the weekends off, giving you plenty of time to go on excursions around the country or to relax and unwind.

Important: All information about the project and various sites will be provided to you by our local coordinator upon arrival. You will not be allowed to select specific projects and are required to join ongoing projects or carry out work as required by the local community.

Holidays:
Volunteer work does not take place during national holidays, but you are always welcome to join in the local celebration.
Please note these consecutive holidays, which may impact short-term placements, before registering:
February 16-17, 2018
June 15-16, 2018
For long-term schools breaks, the program will run as a holiday program. The school term breaks are as floows:
March 17-25, 2018
June 9-24, 2018
Aug 18-26, 2018
Nov 24- Dec 31, 2018

Internet: Free WiFi available in public areas

Laundry: Laundromat located nearby for an additional fee

Accommodations: Volunteers will stay in shared rooms in a semi-detached house in Kuching. The rooms are single-gender and accommodate 4-8 people, with a shared western-style toilet.

Food: Three meals per day during the week, and 2 meals on the weekends (breakfast and dinner) are provided. A supermarket is also located nearby if volunteers wish to purchase their own food items.

Please take note of this project’s minimum requirements:

• Motivation to work with children
• Police clearance
• Positive and flexible attitude
• Good level of physical health
• Good level of English

Travel Extras (Not Included):
Explore Borneo: For an additional fee you can extend your stay with an exciting trip around Borneo. Embark on a two-week journey into Sarawak and Borneo. This unforgettable journey will introduce to you the wonderful art and culture of Sarawak and the greater Borneo region. The sights and surroundings, as well as the Malaysian spirit, will mesmerize you. You will get to visit a famous Orangutan conservation site, be thrilled by the flora and fauna only found in Borneo, go on jungle trekking tours and taste the natural, organic ingredients sourced from the lush forests of the region.