ELST Volunteering – Applications for Summer 2008

English Language Scholarships for Tibetans (ELST) is now welcoming applications from undergraduates and graduates for this summer's volunteering placements

An introduction to TEFL skills and some training sessions will be offered by ELST in advance of the placements and so no formal teaching experience or qualifications are required at this stage. Teaching need not always be limited to English Language since ELST encourages volunteers to create their own projects in accordance with the specific needs of the placement organisation. For example, past volunteers have run highly successful workshops on interview techniques and presentation skills.

ELST is also able to provide travel grants and advice on how to raise further funds to those students whose projects are satisfactorily planned and organised. We would encourage projects to run for a minimum of six weeks although dates can be flexible.

Here is an excerpt from a past volunteer's report:
"...the teaching was difficult but extremely rewarding and enjoyable…There is no doubt that there were many people there who are very keen to learn English. And when we left everyone was insistent that we should make sure someone went back next year. There is therefore a lot of potential to run further successful projects there."

You can read past volunteers' reports from 2006 and 2005.

Placement Details

ELST is able to offer to selected volunteers:

• A travel grant of £300, which is paid when the volunteering placement has been satisfactorily planned and organised, and information and guidance on further fundraising
• Introductions to relevant contacts, groups and institutions among the Tibetan communities in exile, assistance in planning placements, and co-ordination between the selected volunteers
• Information and guidance on teaching content, approach and materials, and also on relevant travel, health and cultural issues