Program Description      
Volunteer Role     
Placement Sites, Housing, Food
Length of Program
Cost of Program
Requirements
Supplemental Insurance Information

 Program Description

American Samoa is a US territory and just one portion of the Samoan archipelago. It consists of 76.1 square miles of land (about the size of Rhode Island). It includes five volcanic islands (Tutuila, Aunu’u, Ofu, Olosega, Ta’u) and two remote atolls (Rose, Swains). It is home to pre-historic star mounds and Vaitongi village, where it is said that if you sing Letuli’s chant a legendary turtle and shark will appear near the bottom of Vaitongi cliff. American Samoa exports a considerable portion of the world’s Starkist tuna from its cannery in Pago. It is home to lush rainforests and the rare Samoan flying fox.

The inaugural group departed in July of 2008. The Department of Education in American Samoa requested twenty WorldTeach volunteers to serve in its public education system. WorldTeach is the first volunteer organization to forge a relationship with the Department of Education.

Volunteer Role

Volunteers have the opportunity to serve as teachers in public elementary or high schools, beginning in early July. Program participants will  teach English, Math or Science, according to the Department of Education's needs and the volunteer's qualifications in a content area.

Volunteers must be flexible. While the Department of Education of American Samoa seeks to place each volunteer according to his or her preferences, the primary purpose of the program is to serve the local schools' needs. 

English is the language of instruction for schools, but Samoan is the vernacular. American Samoa ranks in about the 40th percentile according to the Stanford Achievement Tests designed for Native English Language Speakers.

WorldTeach encourages all volunteers to become involved in extracurricular activities and community life. The activities outside of the classroom greatly enrich the overall experience. In past programs volunteers have engaged in tutoring programs. They have started math and science clubs, student governments, coached sports teams and cultural organizations. Numerous volunteers have prepared students for the SAT and ASFAB exams.

Placement Sites, Housing, Food 

Volunteer teachers may be placed at any of the public schools in American Samoa. The majority of volunteers are placed in schools on Tutuila – the biggest island in American Samoa. Volunteers are also placed in Manua and on Aunu'u – smaller islands.

American Samoa abounds with breadfruit, taro, bananas, papaya, and mango. It is home to the Starkist and Samoa tuna packing canneries which offer a unique Wahoo flavor of canned tuna. Rice and fish make up a large part of the diet. For adventurous volunteers, traditional delicacies include bats and pork feet! Stores in the Tafuna area offer a wide range of imported foods. Fast food restaurants on the island include McDonald's, KFC, Pizza Hut, Carl’s Jr. and L&L. 

Community

Tutuila, approximately 13 miles in length, is American Samoa's main island. The villages of Utulei and Gataivai are located by the Pago harbor, near government headquarters. Though American Samoa has experienced significant westernization, Samoan culture is still alive and strong. The traditional matai system of chiefly titles and traditional ceremonies such as feasts, are still integral to the Samoan way of life.  However, much of the Samoan way of daily life is more subtle and pervasive. Volunteers will notice a different pace of life.  It is common to strike up long conversations with strangers and to be offered free food constantly.

For entertainment, the Pago Pago Yacht Club offers a seaside view with reasonably priced meals and drinks along with sailing, swimming, and paddling. Utulei beach is one of the two public beaches on the island and is surrounded by traditional Samoan fales. The beach and the fales play host to many family cookouts and activities on weekends. It is also a great place to relax with a book and cool off to a strong sea breeze.

Living Arrangements 

Housing accommodations vary in American Samoa. Some volunteers stay in a separate house on a family's communal land, while other volunteers have a separate room within the family's house. The majority of the volunteers are placed in groups of two to three per house. Though not an intimate host family situation, volunteers must recognize the importance of social life at home in Samoa. Most volunteer housing is a relatively short walk from the placement schools. Volunteer placements range from relatively rural, near mountains or the ocean, to somewhat urban, near the center of Pago Pago.

 Length of Program

One academic year, beginning with a month-long orientation.

Cost of Program

All costs (including airfare, insurance for volunteers aged 18-49, food, housing, training, conferences, and 24-hour in-country field staff support) are fully funded by the Department of Education of American Samoa. US$2,000 deposit required.

Requirements

WorldTeach year-long programs are open to qualified individuals between the ages of 18 and 74 who have Bachelor's degrees and are looking for meaningful volunteer teaching experience. English language fluency is required. Prior teaching experience is helpful but not required.

Interest in American Samoa, teaching and international development are desirable qualities. Successful volunteers will be mature, resourceful, and have exhibited public service and community participation. It is important that volunteers be flexible, open-minded, capable of adapting to new situations and able to provide sensitive leadership with various ages and groups. Experience in leadership is an advantage. A positive attitude, even in difficult circumstances, is vital.
 

Supplemental Insurance Information

While abroad, WorldTeach requires its volunteers to possess supplemental insurance. WorldTeach fully covers the price of this supplemental insurance for volunteers between the ages 18-49. Volunteers aged 50-64 should plan to pay an extra $100 a month for this supplemental insurance. Volunteers aged 65-75 should plan to pay an extra $300 a month for this supplemental insurance.

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