Beginning in mid July 2008 WorldTeach will send twenty volunteers in partnership with the Department of Education of American Samoa to teach a variety of subjects in both elementary schools (ten volunteers) and high schools (ten volunteers).  English is the official language of instruction in the country, but most children speak Samoan as their native tongue and many local teachers may teach some lessons in Samoan. 

Fifteen of the volunteers will be assigned to schools on the main island of Tutuila and the other five to schools on the outer islands.

Volunteers will live in furnished apartments provided by the schools as teacher housing.  Each volunteer will have his or her own bedroom, but it is likely that two or three volunteers (depending on the number of bedrooms) will share an apartment.

American Samoa is a territory of the United States, and as such has access to many federal programs.  In particular, there are sufficient texts, teacher manuals, and school equipment and supplies for the various schools.  Additionally all schools, even those on the outer islands, have unlimited internet access.  Cellphones can be used throughout the islands.

Educational standards are moderately high for the Pacific.  Nearly 30% of high school seniors attend college. Of the 30 schools in the country, only two principals do not have master's degrees, although 69% of the teachers have only associate's degrees. 

The native Samoan culture is alive and vibrant in American Samoa and volunteers will receive language lessons in Samoan during orientation.

Volunteers will have a week of training by the Department of Education following the three-week WorldTeach orientation.  This first year the WorldTeach orientation will fall during the Pacific Arts Festival which is being hosted by American Samoa.  This two-week festival will attract over 3,000 artists and artisans from across the Pacific.  Volunteers will be able to enjoy attending various events at this arts festival.

This program is fully funded by the Department of Education, but volunteers will be required to make a deposit of US$1,500 which will be refunded upon successful completion of the program.

In addition to housing, volunteers will receive a living allowance of US$150 per month which will cover the costs of food, local transportation, and other personal needs.

If you are interested in joining us on the American Samoa Year program, please begin the online portion of your WorldTeach application now!