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Teaching Volunteer Program in Tanzania - Arusha

Teaching Volunteer Program in Tanzania - Arusha

Want to be a volunteer Teacher in Tanzania? International Volunteer HQ’s Teaching project is a fantastic way for volunteers to assist in schools in Arusha where classes are often large and understaffed. Volunteers gain teaching experience by leading classes or helping local teachers with lessons in a range of school subjects. Alternatively, volunteers are also able to work in a school for students with disabilities who need a great deal of attention and support to thrive and succeed at school.

Highlights:
  • Programs start on the 1st and 15th of every month
  • Affordable fees from AU$473 for 1 week
  • Includes accommodation, meals, airport pick up, orientation and 24/7 support
  • Teach and help students learn in large classes

  • Experience Tanzania’s incredible landscapes and wildlife

  • Stay in a town near the spectacular Mt Kilimanjaro

Key information

Improve access to quality education
Based in local schools
Volunteer house or homestay
Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Fully hosted experience from AU$473 for 1 week
Durations from 1 - 16 weeks
Add on a safari in the Serengeti
Up to 4 hours volunteering a day

This program is ideal for:

Volunteers who are passionate about teaching and you want to help increase access to education in under-resourced communities in Tanzania. As you will be volunteering with the support of the local team and placement staff, you don’t need to be a qualified teacher to participate on this project. However, some relevant experience or training like a TEFL course would be useful.
Who is this program suited to?

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

Children in Tanzania love going to school and highly value the education they receive. However, once they become teenagers, many students leave school to support their families. Volunteers bring a unique variety and perspective to the education children receive while they’re at school, fostering their love for learning, broadening their minds, encouraging them to further their education and build better futures.

As a Teaching volunteer you will be based in English-medium or government schools. These have busy classes of between 30 and 50 students, where volunteers make a real impact by enabling more focused teaching. You’ll assist local teachers or leading classrooms in a range of subjects, including:

  • English
  • Math
  • Science
  • Geography
  • History
  • Art
  • Physical education

There is also an opportunity for volunteers to work in a special needs school, helping students with a range of mental and physical disabilities. These students require a great deal of attention and support in their studies. If you have experience in working with disabled people, or are interested in this option, please make a note in your application.

Please note, schools in Tanzania all have different holiday periods, so your project may be closed for a time. If your project coincides with a holiday, you can either take the time off to enjoy tourist activities around Tanzania, or transfer to another teaching placement in a school which is open.

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education

More than half of all children and teens do not meet minimum proficiency standards in reading and mathematics. Quality education provides an opportunity to learn and grow in a safe environment and is key to preventing poverty, securing long-term employment and improving quality of life.

Why do Teaching volunteering in Arusha with IVHQ?

As a volunteer teacher in Tanzania you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

  • Improving educational outcomes for disadvantaged students
  • Helping students develop life skills in a safe place
  • Developing your communication skills
  • Gaining teaching experience
  • Immersing yourself in Tanzanian culture
  • Discovering Africa’s incredible wildlife

Volunteer requirements

  • Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or friend who is over 18 to participate in this program
  • Volunteers aged 16-18 are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program independently, and may be asked to provide additional documentation to the local team
  • All volunteers are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure, or if aged under 18 need to provide two character reference letters instead
  • All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
  • All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

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What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

RL
Remy Lawless
04 Mar 2024

IVHQ was amazing to deal with, everything being online in a checklist made it so easy to follow and I felt prepared and understood what I was getting myself into before coming! I would definitely book through them again.

The local team was beyond amazing, could not recommend them more. They were just a message away and made us feel safe at all times.

At my school, it felt like we made a difference in the kids' lives. Simply donating items and money to contribute to them was amazing and turning up everyday to hundreds of smiling kids was heart warming.

The accommodation was great. The team always fixed any problems that happened or had the generator going for us if the power was out. Our accommodation was way better than I thought. The meals were amazing, there were so many options and I was never left hungry. The mamas fed us so much and always cooked anything extra or helped out with dietary requirements and went above and beyond.

I feel like I gained a sense of gratitude and to appreciate everything I have at home. I was able to be put out of my comfort zone in many areas and I am so forever grateful as I feel like I’m returning home a better person. Experiencing a new culture that is so different was completely new to me but I loved every second of it. After this experience I’m so excited to look into where I can go next - this program brought me to Africa when I don’t think I ever would’ve come otherwise. I will forever be grateful and wish I could stay longer.

...
VL
Victoria Lane
14 Feb 2024

I feel as if I not only gained perspective and the opportunity to travel whilst supported by others and locals but also so many friends! We had so many different people whilst I was there volunteering and some of them have become my closest friends. The program in Tanzania is well set up and very supported and there were so many things to do and explore from Arusha including amazing safaris in the Serengeti and beach getaways to Zanzibar. I gained so much love for the children at my placement and felt so much love in return. This experience showed me the potential for travel and the ability to have fun and explore whilst helping and supporting others.

...
MM
Mikiko Morimura
16 Nov 2023

The program enabled me to learn the new culture and the way of living that I have never imagined. It wasn’t a touristy show, it was their real lives where I was able to live and experience the reality of totally different cultures. The most inspiring experience for me.

...
CO
Clare O'Sullivan
12 Sep 2023

The guidance and preparation resources from IVHQ prior to traveling was fantastic. All the information provided was comprehensive and relevant. All questions were answered and I was made to feel completely at ease. The local team in Arusha, Tanzania were absolutely amazing and really added to my trip. I because so friendly with the team and I felt safe and supported by them for the entire duration of my trip.

This experience has been the most eye opening, fulfilling experience of my life. It was more than I could have ever expected. The teaching project in Arusha, Tanzania was incredibly well organized and I really feel I made an impact in the community. Arrangements were very flexible and made to meet your needs. I loved every second.

...
LJ
Lindsay Johnson
28 Jun 2023

I was super impressed with my Program Manager and the process on the website. The local team is phenomenal! My kids (ages 13 and 14) and I adored the team! The homestay was spectacular. I am so grateful to IHVQ for suggesting that my kids and I consider a homestay. For future families, I highly recommend it.

I loved teaching in Tanzania. Our vision was to be of service to the schools in Arusha, but, in the end, we learned more. Our eyes are opened wider, we are more alive, more grateful and reflective. It has been life changing, rewarding, and fulfilling. We have been outside our comfort zone, which has pushed us and helped us grow. In Tanzania students cherish school (very different from the U.S.). Even with 80-100 kids per class, they are attentive, engaging, joyful, and respectful. The most touching question a student asked: “What is the name of your tribe”? Outside of volunteering, we also loved getting out and exploring. I also enjoyed watching my teenagers embrace the culture, food, volunteering and never complaining. You grow when you get outside your comfort zone. My children did it, so I know you can too. Volunteering means you get outside of yourself, yet also get to know yourself better. You get to be of service to others, which is so fulfilling. It won't be easy, but it will be worth it (and life-changing). Honestly, it was so much smoother than we thought, and so much support and communication from IVHQ, and the local team.

...
SK
Sinead Keohane
21 Apr 2023

Any questions that we asked my Program Manager were answered very quickly which was a great help and put us at ease. Everyone from the local team was fantastic from the start to the very finish. I wasn’t sure what I could bring to my placement in order to help but my school and other volunteers put me at ease. I was given books and a plan to follow which really helped me. I am a plain eater so I was a bit concerned before arriving. I came with an open mind and I was willing to try foods but I didn’t have to worry as I never struggled with any of the food and there was a good variety. I can say that my last day of placement was my favourite! The whole school gathered and sang the national anthem to us to say thank you and it was a moment I will never forget. I loved learning Swahili and the culture. Our experience was excellent because we really had to immerse ourselves with the locals and learn from them which is the best way to learn. I will never forget the kindness of the Tanzanian people.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Academic course credit through International Volunteer HQ and Intern Abroad HQ.

Academic course credit

Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!

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Volunteer Abroad in Tanzania with IVHQ

Location

The IVHQ Tanzania volunteer program is based in Arusha, a small city often used as the base of many safari trips into the Serengeti and other national parks. It’s also near Africa’s highest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro. Tanzania as a whole is known for its seemingly boundless areas of wilderness where African animals roam, sometimes migrating in vast groups across the plains; and also being the country where the oldest human skull and even older fossils of human ancestors were found.

Despite its many attractions, communities in many parts of Tanzania still lack access to the basic necessities of life. Volunteer projects based in rural and urban areas around Arusha and nearby help to provide better access to healthcare, education and childcare.

Arrival and orientation

The program orientation begins on the 1st and 15th of every month and volunteers need to arrive in Arusha on the day before orientation.

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) in Arusha. Your airport pick-up is included in your program fee. We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation. When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Arusha. Your accommodation is covered by your program fee and includes the night before your program orientation.

If you are travelling in Tanzania prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Arusha on the day before your program orientation. Orientation is hosted by our local team at one of the volunteer houses in Arusha. Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date. If your start date falls on a weekend or a public holiday, your orientation will begin on the Monday or day following the public holiday. Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Tanzania – an introduction to Tanzania, Tanzanian customs, rules and expectations, language lessons (Kiswahili), safety, travel opportunities in Tanzania, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.

Volunteer schedule example

First Day

On the first day of the volunteering placement, you will be escorted to the project by our local staff and introduced to the staff at the project you will be working with.

Weekdays

Work and hours are dependent on the project and placement that each volunteer is working at. A typical volunteer day would be as follows:

7:30 AM Breakfast at the volunteer house or homestay.
8:00 AM Volunteers leave home and travel to their placements. Work and hours are dependent on the project and placement that each volunteer is working at.
1:00 PM Work at the placement usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel home for lunch at their accommodation, prepare for the next day or do some shopping and sightseeing.
8:30 PM Dinner at the volunteer house or homestay

Weekends

Tanzania is a wildlife lover’s dream. In your free time you can venture out on a safari and see Africa’s Big 5 - lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhino - as well as the mind-blowing number of other species that call Tanzania home.

In Arusha itself you can find great markets, take a few days to hike up the nearby Mt Meru, or learn about the Maasai and Meru tribes of the area. You can also take take a short flight down to Zanzibar for a weekend of sun and sandy beaches or save some time before or after your program to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Accommodation and WiFi

Volunteers in Tanzania are accommodated in dorm-style volunteer houses or homestays located in Sakina, Arusha. In the volunteer houses, volunteers can expect to share a room with one to ten other volunteers of the same gender; however, the majority of rooms accommodate 4-6 people.

Currently, there are two homestays available, located next to each other. One homestay can accommodate up to 10 volunteers, and the other can accommodate up to 6, with rooms also being separated by gender. Typically, rooms can fit a maximum of 4 people.

Living conditions are basic, but the volunteer houses and homestays have running water and electricity. It’s important to note that there are often power outages, which can affect the availability of hot water and electricity. There are cooks who prepare meals for the volunteers, and each volunteer house has a security guard.

Please be aware that private room upgrades are not available in Tanzania.

If you would like to stay connected during your stay, we recommend bringing an unlocked mobile phone and purchasing a local SIM card when you arrive in Tanzania. The local team can assist you with purchasing a SIM card and data during your program orientation. Additionally, you can access WiFi at cafes and restaurants in Arusha.

If you wish to arrive a day earlier than your recommended arrival date or spend a few extra nights after finishing your program, we can arrange extra nights of accommodation for you at US$35 (approximately AU$56) per person per night, including meals, subject to availability. You will be able to book extra nights via your profile after you register.

Meals

Tanzanian cuisine varies across the country due to differences in produce found inland and along the coast. The immigration of Khoja Indians has influenced local dishes with Indian flavors. Staple foods in Tanzania include rice, ugali (maize porridge), chapatti, and beans. Please keep in mind that rice and beans are significant components of meals in Tanzania, so you can expect to be served these quite often.

Volunteers are provided with three meals a day at the volunteer houses and homestays. Breakfast typically consists of eggs served with pancakes, mandazzi (deep-fried dough balls), or cake, along with plenty of fresh fruit, bread, and a selection of jams and other spreads for toast.

Lunch and dinner usually feature a traditional meat dish (chicken or beef) alongside a vegetable dish, beans, lentils, or cooked vegetables served with rice, pasta, chips, or chapatti.

Meals are served at the accommodations, but lunch boxes with fruits and sandwiches can be provided upon request if your placement is scheduled to finish after lunchtime.

Bottled water is readily available in Tanzania, and volunteers should budget approximately $5 per week for 2 liters a day. Filtered water is also available at the accommodations, and you can choose between purchasing bottled water or using the free filtered water provided in the houses.

If you have any special dietary requirements, please inform us so that the local team can make arrangements for you. They can provide vegetarian meals and options that are dairy and gluten-free; however, please note that vegan, halal, and kosher options are not available. Keep in mind that your eating experience may differ from what you’re accustomed to at home. The local team will do their best to accommodate your needs and ensure volunteers are well taken care of, but it’s essential for volunteers to remain flexible.

Pricing

  • USD
Duration
Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
  • USD
1 week AU$472 Equivalent to AU$68/day
2 weeks AU$664 Equivalent to AU$47/day
3 weeks AU$945 Equivalent to AU$45/day
4 weeks AU$1169 Equivalent to AU$42/day
5 weeks AU$1410 Equivalent to AU$40/day
6 weeks AU$1650 Equivalent to AU$39/day
8 weeks AU$2155 Equivalent to AU$38/day
10 weeks AU$2683 Equivalent to AU$38/day
12 weeks AU$3212 Equivalent to AU$38/day
16 weeks AU$4270 Equivalent to AU$38/day
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • In-country program orientation
  • Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
  • Airport pick-up
  • Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
  • Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
  • Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
  • Certificate of International Volunteer Service

Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.

  • All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately AU$528) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services. IVHQ fees are priced in USD but you may elect to pay in AUD.
  • A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
  • Independent volunteers under the age of 18 will have an additional cost of US$80 per week added to their program fee to cover extra logistical support provided by the local team.
  • Additional things to budget for include: Visa, flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check, public transport to and from your placement each day and return to the airport when your program finishes.
  • Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Tanzania generally find US$75-100 per week to be sufficient for expenses.

Free-time experiences & tours in Tanzania

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Tanzania! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Tanzania program.

Kifaru Safari
Kifaru Safari

A 2 day safari in Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater where you will have the opportunity to see amazing wildlife in their natural habitat.

AU$558
Maasai Village Tours
Maasai Village Tours

Gain an authentic insight into the Maasai way of life. Volunteers can choose between half or full day trips.

From AU$128
Moshi Trips
Moshi Trips

An opportunity to visit Moshi Town, the last village before the Kilimanjaro National Park. Volunteers can choose between 1 or 2 day trips.

From AU$112
Maasai Village Tours
Maasai Village Tours

Gain an authentic insight into the Maasai way of life. Volunteers can choose between half or full day trips.

From AU$128
Kifaru Safari
Kifaru Safari

A 2 day safari in Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater where you will have the opportunity to see amazing wildlife in their natural habitat.

AU$558
Rafiki Safari
Rafiki Safari

A 4 day safari in Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater where you will have the opportunity to see amazing wildlife in their natural habitat.

AU$1091

Check what's required to visit Tanzania

Safety and support with IVHQ

Safety and support

IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.

  • All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
  • All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
  • All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
  • All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Learn more about IVHQ's safety

Essential country information

Capital Dodoma
Population 58 million
Languages Swahili and English
Currency Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Time zone UTC+03:00

Weather and climate

Tanzania is hot throughout the year and is humid on the coast and dry on the central plateau. The heavy rains last from March to June and can make unsealed road travel difficult. The hot, dry weather in January and February attracts the most tourists. The best time to visit the Serengeti is from January to March, when the grazers are calving and there are plenty of lions around. Or witness the wildebeest migration to and from Kenya, which occurs at the onset of the dry season and again with the first rains, usually around the beginning of June and mid-November.

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How to get started

Pick a destination + project and apply for free
Meet your personal volunteer travel expert
Pay the Registration Fee to secure your place and upgrade your MyIVHQ account
Get ready to volunteer abroad, we’ll support you every step of the way!