Q: Will I get any training in teaching? Or in languages?
A: Yes. When you arrive in Namibia, you will have approximately 1-2 weeks of orientation before departing for your site. During orientation, topics will be covered including orientation to the country and culture, Namibian local language classes and teacher training. Teacher training will focus on TEFL teaching methods, lesson planning, teaching resources, and a teaching practicum. The orientation will encompass an experiential approach, with opportunities for volunteers to learn through experience so that they are prepared to live and teach in Namibia.
Q: Will the volunteers meet again during the year?
A: Yes. The whole group will reconvene for an End of Service meeting to debrief the year. Most volunteers will keep in touch and be able to meet up during the year as well.
Q: Where are the schools that I might be assigned to?
A: Most of our placements are in North-Central Namibia, called Ovamboland where nearly 60% of the population lives. Placements also span the Kunene Region where the Ovahimba people live and all the way to the far south in the Kalahari Desert, home to the Nama people.
Q: Will I be near any other volunteers?
A: This varies. Some volunteers may be placed in the same town and may even live together, while others will be several miles away from the nearest volunteer. With that said, volunteers are clustered in regions to provide a support network for one another.
Q: What subjects will I teach?
A: Many schools request that volunteers teach English, however some schools ask for Math and Science (Life and Physical) teachers, especially for the higher grades. In addition, many volunteers also teach non-promotional subjects like Life Skills, Art, Computers, or Basic Information Science. Some volunteers can assist on the ICT project which will train teachers to use computers effectively.
Q: What will be the ages of the students I teach?
A: Because 'learners' are taught in their home language until Grade 4, volunteers teach from Grade 5 through Grade 12. You will request your preference for which age group or grades you prefer before you leave and the Field Director will try to match you accordingly.
Q: How big will my classes be?
A: Class sizes tend to be quite large due to lack of teachers and classrooms. A typical class size ranges from 30 to 40 'learners.' Grades 11 and 12 tend to be smaller because not as many 'learners' pass Grade 10.
Q: What will my daily schedule look like?
A: School starts between 7am and 8am and ends between 1pm and 2pm. As a volunteer, you will teach about 4-6 periods a day in an 8 period day. Some schools have required an afternoon study for learners until 3pm or 4pm. After school, you may choose to start or run a club like an HIV/AIDS awareness club, or coach a sports team.
Q: Will I be expected to run extra-curricular activities?
A: Most schools require teachers to assist with extracurricular activities such as an HIV/AIDS awareness club, drama club, or help with the Science Fair. In addition, many volunteers get involved with the library and form a library committee of learners. Many volunteers find these activities to be the most rewarding parts of their experience.
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 may express 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 or 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 about one month prior to departure. Until then, please be flexible and keep an open mind.
Q: What languages are spoken in Namibia?
A: Although English is the official language, it is rare that it is a Namibian's first language. Nearly all Namibians have a home language or mother-tongue, and this depends on their tribe. Each tribe has its own language or dialect. The largest Namibian tribe is the Ovambo tribe and they speak Oshiwambo. Other native languages include Otjiherero of the Herero tribe, Nama-Damara of the Nama and Damara tribes, and Silosi of the Caprivians. Afrikaans was the language used during Apartheid which means that nearly 60% of the population also speaks Afrikaans. There is also a small German-Namibian community who speak German.
Q: Do I need to speak another language to participate in the program?
A: You do not need any language proficiency other than English in Namibia. Although the official language of Namibia is English, most Namibians speak multiple indigenous languages plus Afrikaans. You are not required to learn any of these local languages, but it may come in handy, and your 'learners' will love it if you try a bit.
Q: Where will I be living?
A: Nearly all volunteers live in government housing on or near their school property. They may be placed by themselves or with other teachers. All volunteers will have their own room furnished with a bed, wardrobe, desk, and a chair, and may share a common room with other teachers or staff. Each volunteer will also have access to a stove and refrigerator, although they may share it with housemates.
A few volunteers may live with host families in the community, either on traditional homesteads or in more western-style houses. In this case, you will still have your own furnished room.
All housing arrangements have electricity and running water.
Q: What will I do for meals?
A: Most volunteers will cook for themselves. If a volunteer stays at a hostel school (boarding school), they may get meals provided for them by the hostel. Most Namibians eat a lot of meat, as well as maize porridge and oshifima, a porridge made of a local grain called mahangu. You can buy a variety of food at any of the grocery stores in towns, including fresh fruits and vegetables.
Q: Is it difficult to accommodate special diets there?
A: Although the Namibian diet is based on meat, vegetarians can be accommodated. However, your options may be limited. The same is true for those who keep halaal or kosher.
Q: Do I need a visa?
A: Yes, you will need a visa to teach in Namibia. You will receive details on the visa requirements from WorldTeach shortly after your acceptance into the program, and WorldTeach will assist you in attaining the visa. You will be responsible for collecting the required items for your visa application and please note that some documents can take some time to get, such as a police clearance certificate, and health exams and tests. You should allow yourself at least a month to gather all the required paperwork. You will submit this paperwork to WorldTeach by a deadline (usually a month or two before departure) and will then receive your visa and work permit upon arrival in Windhoek, barring any obstacles.
Please note that visa requirements change frequently. WorldTeach will keep you up to date as you go through the process and make it as smooth as possible. Non-US citizens may have very different visa requirements and should contact both WorldTeach and their consulate for more information.
Q: Does WorldTeach arrange travel to Namibia?
A: Yes. WorldTeach arranges travel for each group departing for Namibia from a departure city in the USA. 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 3 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 Student Universe or STA Travel.
Q: Can I make my own travel arrangements?
A: Yes. If you 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: What are the vacation times I will have during the semester?
A: There is a break in school between the 2nd and 3rd term in August, for about 2 weeks. School ends at the beginning of December and does not start again until mid-January. There are also several national holidays throughout the year that will provide you with long weekend breaks.
Q: Can I come home during the semester?
A: You are 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 semester (during the school vacation, for example) this will be at your own expense. WorldTeach provides one round-trip ticket for each volunteer.
If friends or family wish to visit you during your time in Namibia, we recommend that they plan their trip during the school vacation, so that you will have time to spend with them.
Q: Will there be a chance to travel to other places?
A: Absolutely! You will have opportunities to travel during weekends and school holidays. You may want to stay in Namibia and visit Etosha National Park for game drives, or go sand boarding in Swakopmund. Or you may choose to visit neighboring countries like Botswana, Zambia and South Africa to experience completely different cultures and lifestyles. Some may even choose to go Eastern Africa to countries like Tanzania and Rwanda to visit mountain gorillas or hike Mt. Kilimanjaro. Any travel you choose to do will be at your own expense . You should budget this prior to leaving to decide how much money you will need to bring. Please take note that volunteers are not allowed to miss school for any personal travel.
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. 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 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 USA.
Q: Will I have health insurance?
A: As a World Teach volunteer, you will have health insurance coverage that includes emergency medical evacuation insurance. For medical expenses, such as doctor's visits, prescribed medicines, etc. you pay up front, keep the receipt, and then file a claim to get reimbursed by the insurance company, which is Global Underwriters. All volunteers are covered under the WorldTeach group insurance policy, this is not optional. 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: 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 probably get sick at certain times; it is unavoidable. While Namibia's public hospitals can be under-resourced, there are several private hospitals and clinics that provide high-quality health care. 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.
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) 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 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.
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: How much money should I bring?
A: The amount of spending money you will need is very subjective-- it depends on your lifestyle and traveling choices. Previous WorldTeach volunteers recommend taking (or having access to) $1500 to $2000 in spending money. This should allow you to buy things you need for your room, travel during vacations, call home occasionally, and cover any unforeseen expenses. The stipend provided by your host institution should be enough to cover your basic living expenses, but you may need to subsidize it with money brought from home. During your first two months in country, it is possible that you may not be paid right away. Your first stipend paycheck will likely come after your first month of teaching, but it is not uncommon for stipend payments to be delayed. You will want to have enough spending money to get by should your stipend payments be late.
Q: Will there be access to ATM's?
A: Yes. There are ATM's all over the country. However, it is important to check with your bank before leaving to ensure that you are able to use your card in Namibia. Some banks must activate this specifically.
Q: Will I have access to email there?
A: Yes. Internet access in Namibia is spreading fairly rapidly. Some placements will even have internet at your school. If not, you will have access in a nearby town at an Internet cafe. Keep in mind that the speed will probably be much slower than you are used to in your home country.
Q: Are there mobile phones there?
A: Yes. Nearly every volunteer buys a cell phone, which can be purchased for under US$80. Some volunteers are able to use their own cell phones from home and put a Namibian SIM card in it.
Q: Is there a participation fee?
A: Yes. The program fee cost is $4,990. This includes pre-departure information and preparation, round-trip international airfare, health insurance, in-country orientation, and End-Of Service Conferences (including transportation, meals and housing) as well as meals and housing throughout your teaching service and 24-hour field support.
Q: Are there any scholarships or matching funds available?
A: Unfortunately, there are not any scholarships or matching grants for the semester program.
Q: Will I receive a stipend during the year?
A: As a volunteer you will receive a stipend for the months that you teach. This stipend will vary between sites (depending on whether you have to purchase your own food) but is usually about $340 per month. Stipends are modest; they are designed to cover your basic living expenses.
Q: Can I speak with someone who has done this program before?
A: Because the semester program is new, we can put you in contact with a returned WorldTeach Namibia summer or year volunteer who can answer specific questions for you. Contact the office by phone (1-800-483-2240 or 617-495-5527) or send a request by email to info@worldteach.org.
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