Overview
Volunteer Long Term on a Teaching Position in Honduras

Although education is free in Honduras, families in the areas surrounding Copán (where volunteers will be based) are often unable to buy the basic materials required for their children to attend school. Volunteers on this program will teach at GVI funded schools, where these materials are supplied, providing long term assistance (for 9 or 12 month placements) which greatly aids the children’s development. Volunteers will live with a local family in the old Spanish colonial town of Copán Ruinas and travel to nearby rural areas to teach literacy and maths. Two weeks vacation is scheduled every three months and this is a great opportunity to explore other areas of Honduras and the rest of Central America. This includes diving in the famous bay islands. You will also work in ‘open classrooms’ or ‘aulas abiertas’ in which children who need educational reinforcement are able to come and receive help.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, stories from the field, video diaries and more at the programs media centre

My Spanish now, after 6 months into the program, is, dare I say it, getting fluent!

Elmer White, GVI Volunteer

What Difference Does This Project Make?

All funding of these projects comes directly from Global Vision International and volunteer contributions, included in the program fee. We receive no other outside source of income. Most of your teaching will centre around literacy, numeracy, basic mathematics and English. Many of the children have fallen way behind, as, due to the lack of teachers no real attention can be given to them. Long-term volunteers provide valuable assistance and, more importantly, continuity throughout the academic year. This enables volunteers and staff to closely monitor the children's progress.

Highlights

Living with a host family in Copán; learning Spanish (optional); visiting the ancient Copán ruins; working with indigenous children; take adventure side trips; optional cultural workshops and excursions; amazing community interaction.

Location

Volunteers live in Copán Ruinas, Honduras, a tiny colonial town close to the Copán Ruins, which is one of the more detailed Mayan ruins in the Americas. Located half an hour from the Guatemalan border and a few hours from the stunning Caribbean Bay islands of Roatan and Utila, Copán serves as an ideal base for exploring Central America. Project work will commence in the Chortí community of San Rafael, which is within a half-hour pick-up journey from the town.

Field Conditions

Living with local families in comfortable but basic accommodation enriches the volunteers’ cultural experiences and gives them the valuable opportunity to practice their Spanish! All accommodation provided is private, has washing facilities and includes three meals a day.