Teaching - MOLDOVA Project Information for Teaching in Moldova

Our Voluntary Teaching in Moldova

Visiting Moldova as a volunteer presents various opportunities. Firstly you will help the local children by teaching them, but equally, you will learn from them, learn about Moldova and learn about yourself.

Projects Abroad first started sending volunteers to Moldova in March of 2006. Teaching placements are all in Chisinau, the capital city of Moldova in either government-funded high schools, or private schools. Most of the schools were constructed in the Soviet era and appear similar to schools across the former Soviet empire. Facilities are basic with the main resources being a blackboard and a piece of chalk although increasingly schools have computers and video recorders.

Most volunteers work in secondary schools where students start to learn English at the age of ten. The main role of the volunteer is to teach conversational English. There are typically thirty students in a class with a wide range of language skills. Volunteers work mainly in language lessons although if you have other skills let us know and we can see if you can help out in those areas. It may be that you want to coach the football or basketball team or also help with the music department. Volunteers are expected to work at least 3 hours per day.

The local staff are keen on having volunteers to help out and Moldovan students are enthusiastic to learn from volunteers about life outside of Moldova as most haven't had the opportunity to travel. You will find yourself a popular addition to the school!

Over the summer holidays which run from late June to August volunteers often work at different centres in the city teaching English. There are opportunities working at orphanages, disabled centres and a centre for African children based in Moldova. We have other volunteers joining groups of students going to summer camps which are based in the countryside not far from Chisinau. This is a good opportunity to combine teaching English with drama, music or sport.