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

WorldTeach, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, places volunteers at schools throughout the country.  This will allow volunteers to experience firsthand the beauty and diversity of Rwanda while becoming immersed in the community.

Based on their school's needs, volunteers will primarily teach math, physics, chemistry, and biology to high school students, though other subjects such as English and ICT will be needed, depending on the school.  A few primary school placements will be available as well.  You will be able to have a great impact on the future of young Rwandans by educating in the classroom and beyond with extracurricular activities, such as hosting after-school debate clubs or coaching sports teams.  You will also be a role-model and a mentor to many of the students whose lives were affected by the genocide.  Volunteers will most likely be living in furnished apartments or shared teaching houses provided by their school.

As a WorldTeach volunteer, you will experience life in a changing Rwanda.  You will have a respected role in the community and form friendships that bridge cultures.  By immersing yourself in the culture, you will gain unique insight into the Rwandan society and the challenges and opportunities of educational development.

Your service in Rwanda will begin in late December with three weeks of orientation.  Orientation will include introduction to life and culture in Rwanda, information on health and safety issues, as well as an opportunity to practice teaching.  During orientation, volunteers will stay in temporary housing at a local mission.  After orientation, volunteers will go to their permanent placement site and housing arrangements where they will begin their year of teaching.

Volunteers will primarily be teaching math and science subjects in high schools, though there will be opportunities to teach English and ICT as well.  A few primary school placements may be possible as well.  Volunteers are also expected to join and lead extracurricular activities such as HIV/AIDS clubs, sports teams, library committees, etc.

School is in session from mid-January through the beginning of November.  Most high schools begin early in the day, at about 8:00AM, and end at about 3:30PM, depending on afternoon classes.  There are several breaks throughout the day and a long lunch period.  Volunteers will typically teach between 24 and 30 periods per week, or 5 to 6 classes per day.

There will be two week breaks in both April and July where the volunteers will have the opportunity to travel around Rwanda and to neighboring countries.

During the year, there will be a Mid-Service Conference where all of the volunteers will come together to discuss their teaching experiences.  There will also be an End-of-Service Conference for the volunteers to conclude their year of teaching.

Teachers will be placed at various schools located throughout the country.  Most volunteers will be placed independently although there may be placements where a volunteer can be placed with another volunteer.  Volunteers will live in teacher housing either on their school campus or in a nearby village. 

Housing accommodation may vary depending on the placement site.  The most common arrangement is school-provided housing or a furnished apartment.  Volunteers will have their own room, although they might share common rooms with other teachers or staff.  Buildings typically have cement walls and electricity, but not necessarily running water; volunteers may need to use the community water well.

Most schools have been built since the genocide and are in quite good condition.  Many even have an internet connection.  Cell phones work and have good reception throughout the country.

Volunteers will receive a monthly living allowance which they can spend on food and other basic living necessities.  This should be enough to buy groceries and local food from the markets.

This highly cultivated land has ample potatoes from the north, and bananas from the south, as well as meat and vegetables.  People who need special diets may have a difficult time in this program.

The program will begin in late December 2009 and last one year, ending in November 2010.  You may choose to extend for a second year.

The program fee for December 2009 is US$5,990.  This includes pre-departure information and preparation, roundtrip international airfare from a US gateway city (e.g. New York City or Washington DC- you will be responsible for transportation to this city and airport), three weeks in-country orientation including food, housing, and transportation, year-long health insurance, housing during your year-long teaching service, and 24-hour field support from our in-country Field Director. Many volunteers are able to successfully fundraise all or a significant portion of their volunteer commitment. Please refer to our fundraising guide for more information about fundraising possibilities.

Please read more about costs and services.

The WorldTeach Rwanda Year program is open to qualified individuals between the ages of 18 and 74 who possess a bachelor's degree (in any subject). Volunteers must be native English speakers. Proficiency in upper level math, physics, biology, or chemistry courses is beneficial, but not required.  Prior teaching experience and speaking French is also helpful, but not required.  Successful volunteers should be mature, resourceful, and exhibit commitment to public service and community participation.  Interest in Africa, teaching, and international development is a plus. It is essential that volunteers be flexible and open-minded and are capable of adapting to new situations.  A positive attitude, even in frustrating or difficult circumstances, is vital.

Back to top