Volunteer in El Nido: Teach Kids & Explore Stunning Beaches

Volunteer abroad for early childhood education in El Nido, Palawan. This program allows you to help teach children aged 3–5 through engaging lessons, interactive activities, and daily routines. Volunteers work alongside local staff to enhance foundational skills like basic English, hygiene, and creative expression. Experience the warm culture of the Philippines while exploring El Nido’s stunning landscapes.

Program Highlights:

Teach children basic English through fun and interactive activities.
Support children’s daily routines, including feeding and hygiene.
Facilitate songs, dances, storytelling, and games to aid learning.
Collaborate with local teachers to organize lessons and assessments.
Take part in cultural exchanges by sharing stories and traditions.
Develop creative teaching materials and engaging class plans.
Experience Filipino culture through activities like karaoke and traditional dinners.

Your Schedule at a Glance (Minimum One-Week Commitment):

Day 1, Sunday: Arrive at El Nido (Lio) Airport, where you will be picked up and transported to the volunteer house in Nacpan Village.

Day 2, Monday: Orientation day with cultural lessons, a local area tour, and a welcome dinner to meet fellow participants.

Days 3-6, Tuesday- Friday: Morning sessions include teaching English and managing activities for kindergarten children. Afternoons focus on first graders with lesson preparation and interactive learning. Evenings are free for reflection or social activities.

Days 7-8, Saturday and Sunday: Free time to relax, explore the area, or participate in optional activities. Volunteers completing their program depart on Saturday.

Remaining Weeks: Remaining weeks will follow the pattern of volunteering Monday-Friday and having weekends free. Departures are on a Saturday.
Recommended: Add our El Nido Culture Week before starting your volunteer program, see Travel Highlights below.

Location of the Project: Nacpan Village, El Nido, Palawan.

Project length: Min 1 week – Max 8 weeks

Arrival Airport: El Nido Airport

Volunteer Work: Teaching English, childcare, and lesson preparation.

Age: 18+ (parental consent required for minors aged 17).

Number of volunteers: Up to 20 international volunteers

What’s Included

Accommodations: Dorm-style rooms with shared facilities.

Food: Three meals during the week and two meals on the weekend

Airport Transfers: Airport pickup from El Nido Airport

Support: Comprehensive and professional pre-departure travel guidance, 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, experienced local field team.

What’s not Included

International flights
Visa (if required)
Travel health insurance
Daily transportation to and from project site
Personal expenses (budget around $100 per week)

Location

El Nido, in the province of Palawan, Philippines, is a tropical paradise known for its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and dramatic limestone cliffs. The picturesque Nacpan Village serves as a serene base for the program. Volunteers have access to iconic attractions like the Bacuit Archipelago, which offers stunning islands, lagoons, and coral reefs. The nearby town of El Nido features local markets, restaurants, and a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, hiking, and island-hopping, while those seeking relaxation can explore secluded beaches. From its vibrant marine life to its cultural richness, El Nido offers an unforgettable mix of natural beauty and community spirit.

Volunteer Work

About the Program
The El Nido Kindergarten Program focuses on early education of children aged 3–5 in the rural community of Nacpan Village. The program emphasizes building foundational skills in English, hygiene, and creative expression while fostering a positive learning environment. Volunteers play an integral role in improving educational outcomes and promoting cultural exchange.

About the Volunteer Work
Volunteers assist local teachers in delivering interactive lessons and organizing daily activities. Through hands-on teaching and creative planning, volunteers contribute to the children’s development while gaining insight into the local education system. Tasks also include helping with hygiene routines, preparing learning materials, and engaging with the community.

Key Volunteer Tasks:

Teach basic English and foundational skills.
Assist with hygiene routines like hand washing and combing hair.
Plan and deliver interactive lessons with games, songs, and stories.
Collaborate with teachers on classroom management and assessments.
Prepare creative teaching materials and activities.
Take part in school events and cultural activities.

A typical day: Mornings start with breakfast, followed by teaching kindergarten children through interactive sessions involving songs, games, and creative lessons. After lunch, volunteers work with first graders, focusing on language reinforcement through engaging methods. Afternoons are for preparing the next day’s lessons, with evenings free for relaxation or group activities.

Holidays: During public holidays in 2025, most teaching and kindergarten programs will remain active with special activities planned for children. However, programs will pause on major holidays such as New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Labor Day, and Christmas Day. During school breaks, holiday programs like an English Camp and additional student activities will be offered to maintain engagement beyond the regular curriculum. A detailed holiday schedule with exact dates will be shared after registration.

Recommended: Combine this program with our Kindergarten Care program in Tigman Village for a diverse volunteer experience in Palawan, Philippines. GoEco will help arrange the transfers.

Living Arrangements

Internet icon Internet: Wi-Fi is available at the accommodation but may be inconsistent because of local conditions. SIM cards with mobile data can be purchased locally.

Laundry icon Laundry: No laundry facilities are provided. Volunteers can hand wash clothes or use local laundry services.

Accommodations icon Accommodations: Volunteers stay in gender-segregated dormitories with 4–6 people per room. The accommodations feature shared bathrooms, running water, cold showers, and basic amenities. The location is within walking distance of the beach, offering a peaceful environment for relaxation.

Food icon Food: Meals include a mix of local Filipino and Western dishes, with a variety of vegetables, meat, eggs, rice, pasta, and seafood. Volunteers receive three meals daily on weekdays and brunch and dinner on weekends. Breakfast options may include eggs, sausages, oatmeal, bread, pancakes, coffee, and tea. Vegan, vegetarian, and other dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.

Requirements

Minimum age of 18 (parental consent required for minors aged 17)
GoEco interview
Police clearance
Travel and health insurance.
Basic English proficiency.
Motivation to work with children
Required vaccinations: Polio, Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Malaria, and Tetanus (please consult your local travel clinic)

Travel Highlights

GoEco Travel Extras
Elevate your adventure with these exciting options to extend your stay and explore more of El Nido.

El Nido Culture Week (Recommended before the volunteer program)
Begin your journey by diving into the rich culture and natural beauty of El Nido, Palawan. This week-long program includes learning essential Filipino phrases, cooking traditional dishes, creating local crafts, and exploring iconic beaches and lagoons through island-hopping tours. Combining cultural immersion with breathtaking adventures, this add-on is an ideal way to familiarize yourself with Palawan’s traditions and landscapes while preparing for your volunteer experience. The start dates for the Culture week are the first and third Monday of each month (arrival day is Sunday).

El Nido Experience Add-on
Wrap up your volunteering journey with this 5-day tour offering a balance of relaxation and adventure. Discover spectacular sites like Big Lagoon and Seven Commandos Beach through snorkeling, diving, and island hopping. Unwind at peaceful spots such as Lio and Nacpan Beaches, enjoy a welcome dinner and karaoke night, and explore El Nido’s vibrant town center. Conclude your experience with a soothing body massage, making this add-on a memorable way to end your time in Palawan.

See Additional Options below for fees.
The shared accommodations for these travel add-ons are located in the heart of El Nido town. Volunteers taking part in the Culture Week will stay in El Nido town before transferring to Nacpan Village for the volunteer program.

Fun Volunteer Program Activities

Karaoke Night (Thursday): Unwind at a local beachside bar with karaoke, music, and dancing. This lively social gathering serves as both a welcome for new participants and a farewell celebration for those completing their program. It’s a great way to relax, connect with others, and enjoy a fun night by the ocean.

Famous Sights & Excursions in El Nido
El Nido offers an array of attractions and activities to explore during your free time: