For students aged 18 and older
In our desire to be of service to others, perhaps our greatest contribution is our curiosity. When we ask a question, we show our interest, we allow for
reflection, we open dialogue and we invite collaboration. Our unique Teaching Internship Program offers an unparalleled exchange of knowledge and
friendship within the four walls of a classroom. Throughout the world thousands of children lack the basic necessities of education: books, pencils,
resources and teachers. Global Routes alumni, gap year and college students are invited to become a dynamic part of addressing some of these
needs. It does not require mastery to teach, only a genuine and humble passion for helping others to learn, a desire to be curious and an ability to ask
questions.Whether you are considering Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ghana, Kenya, India, Tanzania or Thailand, all of our internship programs share the same model:
In-Country Orientation (First Week)
You meet your leader along with your fellow teachers upon arrival in the host country and spend your first week together delving into the local culture
and landscape through excursions, language classes, cross-cultural training and teaching workshops. While exploring the natural and cultural
wonders of your surroundings, your time is simultaneously spent preparing for life in your host community: you design your first lesson plans, practice
teaching, brush up on the local language and customs and discuss strategies to help you acclimate to rural village life in another culture. This practical
preparation for teaching and thorough introduction to the country align to create the perfect foundation for your experience ahead.
Teaching Placement & Homestay (6 Weeks, summer program; 10 Weeks, fall and spring programs)
This is the heart of your experience. For the majority of your program you live in a rural village with one other intern and teach in the community’s
primary or secondary school. Taking on your own classes, you may teach English, math, science, or environmental education. You may also coach
sports, tutor, or lead art and music workshops. During this time you live with a host family, joining them in meals, chores, and simple time of leisure.
While your primary responsibility is teaching, we ask all interns to initiate an Independent Project. These projects may take on many different forms:
building a library or playground for your school, facilitating health education workshops, painting a world map, organizing an after-school program,
starting a reforestation project or initiating a recycling program. What you choose to do is dependent upon the needs of your local community as well
as your own interests. This is a wonderful opportunity to extend yourself outside of the school environment in a unique and meaningful way.
Some weekends are spent with your leader and fellow interns, sharing challenges and successes, collaborating on projects together or venturing out
on a fun excursion. Others are enjoyed in your community, going to the market, traveling to nearby festivals, working on your Independent Project or
simply relaxing at home with your host family.
Travel Adventures (Final Week)
A final week of travel enables your group to explore places within your host country of great natural beauty and cultural significance. Here, you and
your group begin to consider the joys and challenges of coming home. This provides valuable time for you to reflect on your experiences and prepare
for your return while celebrating your great contributions and discoveries.
Program Costs
Program fees range from $5950 to $6950, depending on the program. Please see our current Dates & Destinations webpage for pricing on your specific program of interest. Program fees do not include the
cost of travel to and from the host country, or internal air travel where applicable. Dates and destinations are subject to change, so please contact our office for the most up-to-date program
offerings.
Global Routes staff members are always available to talk with you, your parents, or your professors about questions or concerns you may have about
student travel and volunteer work abroad.
Global Routes offers international teaching positions for students who wish to volunteer in the following locations: