Volunteer teaching in Pakistan, Teach English with Projects Abroad

English Teaching Volunteer Work in Pakistan

Due to the influx of Pakistani immigrants into Britain in the 1970s and 80s, there are close bonds between the two societies, and there is great affection for both societies among the second - and even the third - generations of British Pakistani families.

For their relatives in Pakistan there is often a very strong desire to learn the English language, as many will come over to visit, or even to stay on a more permanent basis, as their ancestors once did.

This demand for English teaching is heightened by the burgeoning Pakistan economy, which is fast catching up with the economies of what we might describe as the "developed world", presenting the youth of Pakistan with more and more opportunities to work in companies from English-speaking countries. Until recent years, the benefits of this have only really been experienced by the wealthier parts of society able to afford to pay an English tutor, but Projects Abroad is aiming to bring these benefits directly into the classrooms of ordinary schools.

As a volunteer English teacher in Pakistan you will be helping us to achieve this goal. At the same time you will have a new perspective on this incredible country. You can gain invaluable development work experience without any previous qualifications, and you are not required to have undergone TEFL training. Whether you are coming to volunteering during your gap year, career break or an extended holiday, you will have a role to play in one of the schools that we work with, and you will be able to make a difference to people's lives.

Volunteering on a Teaching Project in Pakistan

Projects Abroad Pakistan is based in the city of Lahore, in the east of the country. Here we work in schools, with children who have a wide variety of English-speaking abilities, which means that no matter what your own level of experience, or confidence in your English-teaching, we can always match you up with a class that can benefit from having you there. The most important thing that you can give them is a chance to hear the language being spoken by a native speaker, whilst being both enthusiastic and approachable: this will give your students the confidence to try out words and phrases on you. Before long both you and they will notice dramatic improvements.

In most schools you will begin as a classroom assistant, supporting the teacher in lessons. However, as you get to know the children better and start to grow in confidence yourself, you may want to take on more responsibility. If you have any other interests, such as art, music, drama or sport, there will be opportunities to incorporate these into your classes too.