Vanuatu

Vanuatu is a collection of islands, made up of primitive rural villages and dramatic landscapes.  Outside of the capital island life has not changed for generations.  90% of Ni-Van children attend primary school, however due to limited places and cost many do not continue.  Volunteers work within poorly funded and resourced schools and help to directly educate Ni-Van children.

Placement locations

Placements are located on the islands of Ambae, Pentecost, Nguna and Tanna, click here to view a map.

Is it for me?

In Vanuatu you will work as a full-time teacher and draw upon your own educational background.  These challenging placements will suit academically confident, hardworking and responsible people.  You will discover if teaching is for you while truly immersing within the rich culture.  You must be willing to forgo most luxuries, even running water and electricity, and truly integrate into island life.  

Placements explained

Teaching placements are in primary and secondary schools which are basic and have limited resources.  Volunteers teach a range of subjects such as English, maths, science and geography.  Additional duties may include assisting with extra curricular activities such as sport (soccer, volleyball and basketball), music and drama.  Volunteers work full school days.

Accommodation & food

Accommodation is either provided within the host school or with local families in the surrounding community.  The accommodation is extremely basic and rudimentary; there are bush toilets, no hot water, bucket showers and little or no electricity.  Some food is supplied but volunteers may also need to supplement their diet with extra food which they purchase and prepare themselves.  The local diet is quite simple and often consists of rice, bread, local cabbages, vegetables, fruit and tinned meat. 
 

What’s included

Interview                                                                     
Pre-departure briefing                                                                                              
Airport pickup                                                 
Accommodation & food                                                
In-country orientation                                           
In-country support                                            
24/7 support       

Need to know

• Briefing camp - all volunteers are invited to a group briefing camp prior to departure
• On arrival - all volunteers travel together to Port Vila where they undertake a one-week orientation

Costs

These costs are for Lattitude placements in Vanuatu in 2012

Lattitude fees (exact costs):

You will also need to budget for the following (approx costs):

Travel

The main opportunity for travel is during the school holidays and at the end of your placement.  Vanuatu has a wide range of unique experiences to enjoy: swim through an underwater world of shipwrecked luxury liners, coral gardens and caves off Luganville; camp by an active volcano on Ambrym; or kick back and enjoy the beautiful beaches, waterfalls and jungles found on any of the tiny off-shore islands.  For a change of pace, head to Port Vila and immerse yourself in the French-inspired café scene or just wander the rambling streets of this attractive harbour-side town.