Program Description
WorldTeach Volunteers in Bangladesh will be working with the Asian University for Women (AUW), an international university located in Chittagong that seeks to provide a world-class education to promising young women from diverse cultural, religious, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds from across South and South East Asia and the Middle East.
The AUW is a start-up initiative with the mission to prepare women of high ability and potential to meet society’s challenges and effect positive change. AUW aspires to develop thoughtful and ethical leaders through an innovative, rigorous curriculum that encompasses the liberal arts and sciences at the undergraduate level and professional training in fields such as computer science, environmental engineering and management at the graduate level. The University’s first pre-undergraduate class, comprised of students from six Asian countries, graduated in July 2009. Students in the inaugural undergraduate class began their studies in August 2009 and represent 14 countries.
Volunteer Role
WorldTeach volunteers at the Asian University for Women will take on multiple roles to contribute to the life of the school. Firstly, volunteers will teach modules from their areas of academic expertise to students in the university's Access Academy. The purpose of these classes will be to teach and solidify students' reading, writing, listening and speaking skills at a university level through engaging, content-based classes. Additionally, volunteers will serve as Teaching Assistants to support the undergraduate program for one or two classes in their area of academic expertise, attending classroom lectures, assisting with grading, and holding weekly sections to enhance students' learning of the material.
Additionally, beyond the university walls, WorldTeach volunteers will serve as ambassadors of AUW to the larger Chittagong community, teaching English and other skills to target communities including BRAC school students, Grameen women's self-help groups, and businessmen through the local Chamber of Commerce. Volunteers are also expected to serve as mentors and advisors in running community activities both within the university as well as supporting and expanding outreach activities. AUW currently has over 50 student clubs and initiatives, where volunteers are encouraged to take a leadership role and participate according to their interests.
Placement Site, Housing, Food
Volunteer teachers will also be housed in an apartment complex in Chittagong, a coastal city in southeast Bangladesh. Students will be housed separately in the same building. Volunteers will have their own private bedroom in a suite of three to four bedrooms, sharing a living room, kitchen, and bathroom with other teachers. These facilities will have running water. There will also be dining facilities on the ground floor, as well as gym/exercise facilities.
Length of Program
Volunteers will depart in the beginning of August for a three-week orientation preceding the start of the school year on August 22nd. The program will last approximately 12 months.
Cost of Program
This program is fully-funded by the Asian University for Women. There is a US$2,000 required deposit which will be refunded to volunteers upon completion of the program. During your stay, you will receive a monthly stipend to cover daily living and teaching expenses. Additionally, volunteers will receive a small travel stipend allocated toward travel in the region.
Requirements
The WorldTeach Bangladesh program only accepts female applicants, given the fact that Bangladesh is a conservative Muslim country, and the living situation is such that it would be impossible to separate males and females. Volunteers must have English fluency and at least a bachelor’s degree. Applicants must demonstrate flexibility, maturity, as well as an interest in women’s education and in Asia.
This is a highly competitive program due to the limited number of placements available and the high number of applications that are expected each year. Preference will be given to those with overseas living and TEFL/TESL experience.
