These answers to frequently asked questions will help inform you about the program in Namibia. If you have further questions, please contact our US office, as we can answer your questions and put you in touch with a returned Namibia Summer volunteer.
...
Q: When does the program start and end?
A: The Namibia summer program starts in early June and lasts for approximately two months. More information on exact dates of departure will be available approximately two months prior to departure.
Q: Do I need to speak another language to participate in the program?
A: No. You do not need any language preparation for the program in Namibia. The official language of Namibia is English, and most citizens speak multiple indigenous languages. You are not required to learn any of these local languages, but they may prove useful if you commit yourself to learning them (aided, likely, by your host family and friends in the community).
Q: When will I find out where I'll be teaching?
A: Teaching placements are determined by the WorldTeach Field Director in consultation with the various host schools that have requested a volunteer teacher. Once accepted to the program, you will have the opportunity to complete a Volunteer Profile Form expressing general preferences with regard to your teaching or living situation. The Field Director will take these preferences and your prior experience into account when matching you with a suitable school and host family. Since WorldTeach also has to take into account the needs of the host schools and communities, we cannot guarantee any particular placement. This process of matching volunteers with placement sites is done once the Field Director has received information on all the volunteers in the group. You will receive information about your placement site, teaching assignment and host family about one month prior to departure. Until then, please be flexible and keep an open mind.
Q: Where will I be living?
A: Volunteers are placed in a variety of living situations. Some volunteers may live in a government house on school property, either by themselves or with other teachers. Some may live with host families in the community, either on traditional homesteads or houses of more Western design.
Volunteers will have their own furnished room, although they might share common rooms with other teachers or staff. Volunteers live in quarters that have running water and electricity, and should expect to contribute a small amount (approximately US$20) to the use of these utilities over their two months.
Back to top
Q: Does WorldTeach arrange travel to Namibia?
A: Yes. WorldTeach arranges travel for each group departing for Namibia from a departure city in the US. The group will meet at the departure city airport and then travel together to Windhoek, Namibia. The international round-trip flight from the departure city to Windhoek is covered by the WorldTeach program fee. WorldTeach purchases round-trip tickets valid for one year at a discounted group rate. More details of the group flight arrangements will be available about three months prior to departure. You will then be asked to confirm your travel plans by a certain date so that WorldTeach can finalize the group air tickets.
Each volunteer is responsible for getting him/herself to the departure city. Many volunteers are able to find discounted or teacher/student fare domestic connections from the internet or student travel agencies such as www.studentuniverse.com or www.statravel.com.
Q: Can I make my own travel arrangements?
A: Yes. If you do book your own travel to Namibia you must plan to arrive in Windhoek on or before the date of the group flight's arrival, so that you do not miss any orientation activities. Be sure to buy a ticket that is valid for a full year and has a changeable return date, in case your travel plans change. Volunteers traveling independently must inform the program manager in writing of their travel plans. If you book your own ticket WorldTeach will reimburse you the cost of a ticket on our group flight.
Q: Can I come home during the summer?
A: You will be an employee of the Ministry of Education and are responsible for teaching full time for the duration of each school term. If you choose to travel home during the summer (during school vacations, for example) this will be at your own expense. WorldTeach provides one round-trip ticket for each volunteer who completes his or her teaching service.
Namibia is a beautiful country and you may wish to have visitors. If friends or family wish to visit you during your time in Namibia, we recommend that they plan their trip during a school vacation or at the end of your service, so that you will have time to spend with them.
Q: Will there be a chance to travel to other places?
A: Yes, you will have opportunities to see different areas of Namibia. You will spend the first week in an orientation program, in Windhoek or another location selected by the Field Director. After orientation you will travel to your individual teaching site. You will reconvene with the whole group for a Mid-Service Conference and again at the end of the summer for an End of Service debriefing meeting and the flight home. These conferences may be in different locations as decided by your Field Director. Your travel to attend these conferences will be covered by WorldTeach. Any travel you choose to do beyond these program activities will be at your own expense, and must be during weekends or school vacations. You may want to visit other volunteers on weekends, or explore another part of the country. You should bring your own spending money for personal travel.
Q: Do I need a visa?
A: WorldTeach summer volunteers are generally able to travel to Namibia without a visa or through a courtesy visa. WorldTeach will assist you in making visa arrangements should it be necessary.
Back to top
Q: What immunizations will I need?
A: The most comprehensive source of information on immunizations and travel health is at the Center for Disease Control's website. This site provides recommendations for travel to Namibia as well as detailed information on specific diseases. Also refer to the Healthy Travel guide that WorldTeach will send you when you confirm your participation in the program. You must consult your doctor or a travel health specialist about immunizations and other health needs. Please understand that WorldTeach staff are not qualified to give medical advice. All we can do is tell you what immunizations are usually recommended for travel to Namibia - only your doctor can give you specific medical advice.
As for travel to any developing country, it is generally recommended that you get immunized against Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid. We also recommend that you make sure your vaccinations for Polio, Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), and Tetanus-Diphtheria are still in date, and get a booster shot if needed. You should also have a TB test if you haven't had one recently.
There was an outbreak of Meningococcal Meningitis in Namibia in 2000, so that immunization is strongly recommended. There is malaria risk in the northern regions of Namibia, although risk is lower in the winter season. In case you will be placed or traveling to the north, get a prescription for antimalarial pills from your doctor. You can either take a supply of pills with you, or you can buy the pills in Windhoek once you know your placement and travel plans and therefore how many pills you need. Mefloquine pills ("Lariam") are available in Windhoek and are cheaper to buy there than in the US.
Q: What if I get sick? What are the medical facilities like in Namibia?
A: Adjusting to a new environment, diet, and climate places demands on your body and health. Living in a new culture and taking on new professional responsibilities will be tiring. You will get sick at certain times; it is unavoidable. But you will also learn how to look after yourself, maintain your health, and seek treatment for sickness.
Namibia has adequate medical facilities, although in extreme situations volunteers may be transported to South Africa for care. During orientation your Field Director will give advice on health and safety while living in Namibia.
As a WorldTeach volunteer you will have health insurance coverage that includes emergency medical evacuation insurance. For medical expenses such as doctors' visits, prescribed medicines, etc. you pay up front, keep the receipt, and then file a claim to get reimbursed by the insurance company. All volunteers are covered under the WorldTeach group insurance policy; it is not optional. The policy has been designed specially with WorldTeach volunteers in mind. If you have a pre-existing health condition that may require further treatment you should consider maintaining your own health insurance coverage as well. You will be sent the health insurance policy description when you are accepted as a volunteer.
Q: Is it safe?
A: While there is always some level of risk involved in traveling and living in a developing country, WorldTeach pays close attention to US State Department and Embassy advice and does not place volunteers in any area considered dangerous. Many people visit Namibia every year as tourists, students, or on business.
Namibia is a stable country, and the people are very welcoming. Risk of theft is present (as it is everywhere, in your home town too!) and you will need to take sensible precautions to look after your personal belongings. Do not take any belongings that you are not prepared to lose, and do not draw attention to expensive items. As in most countries, road accidents actually pose the greatest risk. You will need to use common sense, be responsible for yourself and aware of your surroundings, and travel with other people wherever possible. Your host family and community will know you and look out for your safety. All volunteers will be registered with the appropriate Embassy in case of a national emergency. WorldTeach has a 24-hour communication system and an emergency evacuation plan for the country.
Back to top
Q: What should I take with me?
A: When you confirm your participation in the program you will be sent a booklet called Living & Teaching in Namibia. This booklet will contain a suggested packing list with tips from former volunteers and the field staff. We do not recommend taking a lot of electronics, as they are easily broken or stolen. Try to pack light; you will need to be able to move your bags easily. In terms of teaching materials, the WorldTeach office in Namibia has some teaching books and materials that you can borrow or copy. You might want to take your own books, activities, or other materials that you think will be of use to you during your year. Posters or pictures from magazines, popular songs, or videos are valuable teaching tools that are harder to come by in Namibia! You can also speak with a returned volunteer for advice on packing.
Q: Will I be paid?
A: Each volunteer will receive a living allowance of approximately US$200. However, many volunteers find that they qualify for scholarships and international travel/internship funds from their universities or other funding agencies. Volunteers are encouraged to look into these possibilities, and look at the fundraising section of this website.
Q: How much money should I take with me?
A: The amount of spending money you will need is very subjective, as it depends on your lifestyle and traveling choices. Previous WorldTeach volunteers recommend taking (or having access to) US$1000 in spending money. This should be enough to allow you to buy things you need for your room, travel during vacations, call home occasionally, and cover any unforeseen expenses.
Q: Can I speak with someone who has done this program before?
A: Absolutely! We can put you in contact with a returned WorldTeach volunteer who can answer specific questions for you. Please feel free to contact the office by phone or send a request by email to info@worldteach.org.
Back to top
...
