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Program Profile

Micronesia is comprised of four states, two of which WorldTeach volunteers teach on: Pohnpei and Kosrae. Pohnpei hosts the national government of this central Pacific island nation. The island of Pohnpei is lush, with many waterfalls, mangrove swamps (home to mangrove crabs!) a high, mountainous center and small villages along the coast. It boasts the fascinating prehistoric ruins of Nan Madol, as well as the premier intellectual think-tank on Micronesia, the Jesuit-run Micronesian Seminar.

The island of Kosrae is lush with waterfalls, mangrove swamps, and a forested mountainous interior. Unlike Pohnpei, Kosrae has no barrier reef, but is ringed by sandy beaches and colorful coral reefs. The island also boasts the 20 foot high walls of the ancient Lelu Ruins.

In July 2006, WorldTeach began its first full academic year program on Pohnpei, with seven volunteers teaching at three schools in Kolonia, Madolenihmw, and Kitti. In 2008, WorldTeach expanded to the state of Kosrae. There is great need for native English speakers as instructors, and for volunteers who teach math, science, English, health, and social studies classes. WorldTeach volunteers may also be placed at the College of Micronesia.

The culture of Micronesia is in transition, with the resultant challenges to individuals, families and communities. Schools have also come under transition and we anticipate that the WorldTeach FSM program will continue to grow, with requests for more volunteers and placements in other FSM States (Yap and Chuuk).

As volunteers in Micronesia are not teaching English as a Foreign Language, they will not be eligible for WorldTeach TEFL certification.

Volunteer Role

Volunteers should be prepared to teach math, science, or English, and be flexible to the needs of the school. Pohnpeian and Kosraean are the native languages, but English is commonly spoken throughout the FSM. High school students will know English to varying degrees, from fluent to beginner. Classes will be taught in English.

There are both public and private schools in Micronesia. Primary education is compulsory for Grades 1–8. Children are required to begin first grade at the age of six. Entrance to high school is determined by achievement on a high school entrance examination. About one-third of the elementary graduates pass the examination annually.

placements & housing

Volunteers on Pohnpei will live in Kolonia, the main town, or in Madolenihmw or Kitti, the sites of the two rural high schools on the island. Volunteers will live together in apartments or houses.

On Kosrae, volunteers will live with either a host family or in a furnished house or apartment with other volunteers, all within relatively easy traveling distance to school. WorldTeach will make every attempt to accommodate volunteer  housing preferences, keeping in mind the needs of the community and our partners.

Micronesians are welcoming and thoughtful volunteers should have no problem getting to know the interesting culture of the FSM.

financial information

This program is fully-funded by the Pohnpei and Kosrae Departments of Education. This covers the cost of pre-departure support and materials, round-trip international airfare from a designated US departure city, health and emergency evacuation insurance, in-country training, and field staff support. Room and board are provided in-country. A stipend will be provided on a monthly basis to volunteers during the school year. This stipend is intended to help volunteers meet basic daily living expenses at the local standard of living.

There is a $2,000 required deposit that will be refunded to volunteers upon completion of the program.

Please read more about costs and services.

requirements

Volunteers in the Micronesia program must be:

• native English speakers
• holders of a bachelor's degree by the time of the program's departure
• between the ages of 21 and 59 by the departure date
• highly flexible, mature, and have a genuine interest in teaching
• A math or science degree is not a prerequisite but those who are comfortable with these subjects, and successful in their own college classes, should do well.
• For the four placements at the College of Micronesia applicants must have master's degrees.