Trip Details

Volunteer Teaching in Palawan Philippines

Fancy doing something rewarding on a small tropical island with lush rainforests, sandy beaches, and majestic mountains? Then our Volunteer Teaching project in Palawan, Philippines is the perfect place!  The local children here do not have adequate access to education, and even less so, native English speakers. Hence, your input will be invaluable as you teach them the basics of the language, whilst building their confidence at the same time!

Teach English to young Palawan Children, Eager to Learn!

The Palawan Volunteer Teaching programme will give you the opportunity to improve your teaching skills as you help these children – from primary to secondary – to make a start in the English language. Don’t worry if you don’t have much experience; kids here are really grateful for volunteers’ help and are a joy to teach! You’ll also take lessons in other activities such as music, games, art and sport, but the key thing is to make all of this fun and engaging! So, if you’re the creative type, and love working with children, you’ll find this project a cinch.

Explore Palawan’s Stunning Cities, Beaches and Lush Rainforests

Once you’ve finished your day of teaching, you’ll still have plenty of time to explore the area and enjoy all that Palawan has to offer! Visit underground rivers, bustling markets, museums, churches and temples for a bit of culture. Alternatively, head straight for one of the many beautiful beaches here, for snorkelling, swimming – or just chilling with a cold drink!  And guess what? We will even put on some evening activities for you, like bonfires and sing-songs to while away your tropical evenings! You’re welcome:)

Why Volunteer Teaching in Palawan, Philippines?

  • Help children in Palawan to get a basic grasp of the English language
  • Improve your teaching skills and learn new techniques from local staff
  • Explore Palawan during your free time in the evenings and on weekends
  • Enjoy Filipino cuisine with meals and beverages* included in the programme

*tea, coffee and drinking water

Get in touch to find out more or browse through our many other volunteer experiences.

Trip Itinerary

Each day of this project has the same schedule, although you may take on different tasks depending on what’s needed! You will start with breakfast at 08:00 before heading to classes at 09:30. There, you’ll teach English and other activities, like singing, games, and arts and crafts.

Mandatory Orientation Day

On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to get accustomed to your surroundings as well as local culture. Thereafter, your Kindergarten Volunteer Programme will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.

Schedule

  • Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and handling of documents.
  • Philippino Do’s and Don’ts, Philippino Culture Lessons and Philippino Language Lessons.
  • Tour around the compound and local area; where to find local shops, and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
  • Lunch
  • Workshop: Weaving Coconut leaves or broom making
  • Philippine Cooking Classes

Daily Schedule

Tuesday to Friday

  • Breakfast
  • Volunteer Teaching Project 2-3 hours
  • Lunch
  • Volunteer Teaching project 2 hours
  • Dinner
  • Free Time

Evenings and Weekends

After a day of volunteering, you can choose to explore the area or head further afield on the weekends. Many of our volunteers enjoy mixing with their new volunteer friends during the week and plan their weekend adventures as they go!

Please note: This schedule can change depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Places to Visit

Coron Bay

Fancy a dive? Found at the northwest of Palawan (between Busuanga and Culion islands) is known for being one of the best wreck diving locations in the world.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Located 50 km north of the city of Puerto Princesa and has recently been voted one of the new 7 wonders of nature. Don’t miss this beautiful park – public transport is available to take you there, and the journey itself is worth the visit!

Trip Accommodation

During your Kindergarten Volunteer programme in Palawan, Philippines, you will be staying in Tigman Village in the Aborlan District, which is a small and laid back area just outside of Puerto Princesa City. Palawan is a special island dotted with fishing villages and plenty of beautiful places for you to explore.

About the Accommodation

Our accommodation is in keeping with the area, built with many natural elements and with a tropical beach at your feet! Here, you’ll have a single-gender dorm-style room with bunk beds, although private rooms are available, subject to availability.

You’ll be doing your own washing, so get practising now if this is something that is normally done for you:) However, there is a laundry service here, too, which you can use for a small fee, if prefered.  You will be living like a local with basic facilities including “bucket showers.” – not really a hardship in this good weather! Due to our tropical setting, WiFi service may not be what you are used to at home, but it is available. However, we recommend purchasing your own local SIM card if you want to stay connected throughout the day.

Importantly, please be advised that due to jellyfish in the water, it is unlikely that you will be able to swim at the beach close by the accommodation. There is an area near the river or on the other side of the village, which is about a 15 minute walk away, where you will be able to enjoy a cool dip more safely.

Food Arrangements

Filipino cuisine is utterly delish, and you’ll have the chance to try cooking some authentic food of your own whilst you’re here. The food will consist mainly of local cuisine (lots of vegetables, meat, egg and rice) and you will have three meals per day served to you through the week, with two meals at the weekends (brunch and dinner).

Facilities

There are many forms of local transportation such as jeepneys, buses and vans which depart every hour to the town of Aborlan or to the next town Narra.

Further, you’ll find ATM’s & Western Union transfers available in the town of Nara, which is about 30 minutes away by car. Here, you can also find all necessary amenities.

Activities & Events

Tuesday Night

Join us for a fun night under the stars, with a Bonfire and plenty of great banter!

Thursday Night

You don’t have to have a great singing voice to take part in a musical trip down memory lane. In fact, it’s the ones who can’t sing who make our evenings the most fun:)

 

Trip Country Info

Philippines

Capital: Manila
Language: Filipino
Currency: Peso (PHP)
Time zone: PST (UTC +8)

The Philippines is made up of a total of 7,107 islands, only 2000 of which are inhabited. The islands are broadly categorised under 3 main geographical divisions: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. It is the 7th most populated country in Asia and the 12th most in the world.

As a newly industrialised country, the Philippine economy which was once founded upon its agriculture is now moving towards an economy based on services and manufacturing.

It is unsurprising that the Philippines attracts tourists due to its incredibly rich biodiversity found across its islands. The mountains, rainforests and diving spots as well as its impressive cultural heritage all add to the reasons why the Philippines is such an incredible place to experience.

Climate
The Philippines experiences a tropical maritime climate meaning that it is normally hot and humid and there are 3 distinct seasons:

Hot, dry season from March to May
Rainy season from June to November
Cool, dry season from December to February
The southwest monsoon lasts from May to October and the dry monsoon in the northeast from November to April.

Temperatures in the Philippines normally range from 21°C to 32°C with the coolest month being January and the hottest, May. The yearly average is 26.6°C..

The Philippines sits on the typhoon belt and so most islands experience torrential rains and storms from July to October.

Culture
The Philippines is a secular state and stemming from its Spanish cultural influence and it is one of only two Roman Catholic countries in Asia. Its Christian population is at about 90%. The country displays a mixture of Eastern and Western culture. Whilst it undeniably preserves cultural aspects found elsewhere in Asia, its Hispanic influence is perhaps most noticeable especially in the architecture and names of streets, towns and provinces.

Participant Criteria & Requirements

Standard Requirements

Under 18, Parental Consent is Required
DBS, Police Background Check
Travel Insurance

Additional Requirements

No requirements have been provided.

What's included

  • 24/7 support in case of emergencies
  • Accommodation
  • Airport Pick up
  • English speaking coordinator
  • Meals
  • Orientation

What's not included

  • Airport drop off
  • Departures/ drop offs
  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Meals and drinks not listed in the trip itinerary
  • Travel insurance
  • Vaccination
  • Visa