TEFL Teaching Internship In Zanzibar

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As a TEFL student in Zanzibar, Tanzania, you will contribute towards community development initiatives by providing opportunities, support, and one-on-one attention that otherwise wouldn’t exist for the communities we work with. By applying for the online TEFL course and undertaking your practicum and teaching internship with us, you’ll teach young children as they start their education journey in nursery schools, as well as work with adults and women’s groups at our very own Education Centre in the heart of a beach-side village. These TEFL practicum hours also allow you to gain first hand teaching experience with real students in actual classroom settings. 

Please note: This program is only available to those who have booked their online TEFL course through African Impact.

Read more about volunteering as a teacher in Zanzibar.

Project Highlights

  • Complete the final requirement to become qualified to Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), undertaking a minimum of 28 hours of practical teaching experience across two weeks
  • Apply learned teaching principles to real-life situations
  • Build confidence in your teaching skills through teaching children aged 4 – 7, as well as adults and members of the Maasai tribe
  • Work from African Impact’s very own Education Centre in the village of Kizimkazi, helping adults learn the English language, and ultimately, helping them to access job opportunities
  • Support local teachers in a variety of nursery schools, developing lesson plans and then delivering them
  • Obtain exposure to varied classroom situations and diverse learning and cultural contexts
  • Support a rural community in a seaside fishing village while gaining valuable teaching experience
  • Learn how to make traditional Swahili food, and try some of the vibrant language, in your downtime
Volunteer in classroom with students.

Quick Facts

Zanzibar

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport

Specific Start Dates

2 weeks 

Impact: Teaching

$3,390 – $6,390

Destination

Zanzibar is a tropical paradise, an island just off the coast of Tanzania that is rich in culture, history, and also home to some of the most beautiful coastlines in Eastern Africa. When you think of crystal, turquoise oceans and endless white sandy beaches, Zanzibar is it. The bustling city of Stone Town is where you will fly into and the area itself is a hub of activity, with traders selling spices, fruits and fish caught fresh that day on every street corner, while also boasting the impressive title of a World Heritage Site. Just over an hour from Stone Town is the beautiful coastal village of Kizimkazi – your home during your stay in Zanzibar. Whether you are exploring the area or life beneath the waves, Zanzibar is the perfect location to ‘get off the grid’, while making long-lasting and sustainable change.

Due to its beauty and appeal, this region is dependent on income from tourism, with hundreds of thousands of tourists flocking to this stunning island each year. As such, many local people rely on jobs in the tourism sector; in hotels, lodges, restaurants, and tour companies. Yet, Tanzania’s national level of English proficiency is very low and many adults struggle to access these types of jobs due to their poor literacy rate and inability to interact with tourists. This program will see you teaching at nursery schools, women’s groups, and at the African Impact Education Centre that offers free English lessons to adults.

sunset in zanzibar taking in the view of the trees on the beach as well

During your TEFL practicum placement, you’ll be living in a private beach house that steps right out onto the seafront, with the area itself known for its world-class snorkelling, scuba diving, and marine-spotting opportunities. When you’re not in the classroom, make sure you try out some of the incredible weekend activities on offer; jumping into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean to explore the coral reefs, snorkelling with the resident dolphins, or sunning yourself on the beach! Zanzibar is the perfect location to ‘get off the grid’ while also making long-lasting and sustainable change for the community through education.

You will stay in a private beach house surrounded by white sandy beaches that has everything you need for a comfortable stay. You’ll be sharing an ensuite dorm room with other volunteers and we provide daily housekeeping for your comfort.

You will receive three fresh and delicious meals a day cooked by chefs from the local community. Breakfast is typically fresh fruit, eggs and toast with a selection of toppings while lunch and dinner are a mixture of local and international cuisine. You can expect to eat anything from burgers, pizzas and pasta dishes to stews, fresh seafood and fragrant curries. Vegetarian options will always be available and we can cater to many other dietary requirements, please just let us know your requirements in advance. Once a week there is also the option to go to one of the preschool teachers’ or Kanga Ladies’ homes for dinner. It is a brilliant evening of eating a homemade meal together while sharing stories and laughs.

There is free WiFi available at the volunteer accommodation, but the connection is slow and volunteers often choose to use WiFi at nearby cafes or restaurants.

Kizimkazi, Zanzibar lies 9m above sea level and has a tropical climate. The summers are much rainier than the winters in Kizimkazi. The best time to visit Zanzibar is from January to March and June to December when the temperature is warm and there is limited rainfall. The highest average temperature in Kizimkazi is 30°C in March and the lowest is 27°C in June.

Project Impact Areas

Teach Kids At Nurseries And Schools

Education is the foundation of everything we do. With full support from our team, you will promote positive early childhood development by teaching children in the local community – both a nursery schools and after school clubs. You will work alongside local teachers each morning to provide fun interactive classes to nursery school children, helping them prepare for primary school. You can expect to teach basic English vocabulary, handwriting and teamwork skills, as well as basic motor skills, and arts and crafts. Class sizes can be big which makes your assistance incredibly valuable as children can be given more one-on-one guidance and attention during their lessons.

tefl-practical-teaching-internship-zanzibar
tefl-practical-teaching-internship-zanzibar

Teach English To Adults

Tourism is considered to be the sector with the highest job potential in Zanzibar, which is why we teach English to young adults in the area, in the hope that this will improve their skill-set and make them more employable. As part of our education program and with the help of donations from previous volunteers, we recently built an outdoor education center where we offer free English lessons to adults. You will get involved in teaching at all levels, from complete beginners through to advanced English speakers. These classes have become so popular that students travel all the way from mainland Tanzania to attend classes. You will play a big part in empowering the community by teaching these classes that help locals expand their English abilities, and ultimately, their chances of finding jobs and improving their lives.

Women's Empowerment

As a volunteer in Zanzibar, you will strengthen and promote women’s empowerment in the village through group discussions that are relevant to the community and explore subjects such as the role of women in society. On Wednesday mornings, you will spend time with the Kanga Ladies – a women’s group who are empowering themselves by making mkeka mats (traditional Tanzanian mats) out of recycled material they sell for an income. You will also help to strengthen and promote women’s empowerment in the village through additional English classes that are held in the afternoon for older women in the community. We believe in a holistic approach to education and equal opportunities, and therefore teaching and supporting all ages and genders.

tefl-practical-teaching-internship-zanzibar

Other Activities

Recent Volunteer Reviews

Dates & Rates

When would you like to volunteer?

Give us an idea of your travel plans, you can also say ‘I’m not sure yet.’ We’ll take it from there.

How long would you like to volunteer?

This is the place to select your preferred duration(s). The African Impact team recommend at least 4 weeks for a truly memorable experience!

2 weeks $3390
3 weeks $3690
4 weeks $3990
5 weeks $4290
6 weeks $4590
7 weeks $4890
8 weeks $5190
9 weeks $5490
10 weeks $5790
11 weeks $6090
12 weeks $6390

Personal Information

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Project Fee Includes:

  • Online TEFL course
  • 20+ hours of practical teaching experience abroad
  • 14-nights of accommodation
  • 3-meals per day (Mon-Fri)
  • 24/7 support from live-in staff
  • Guidance and mentorship throughout

Project Fee Excludes:

  • Flights
  •  Medical or travel insurance
  •  Visa-related costs
  •  Weekend trips or tours, or any other non-placement activity
  • Snacks, soft drinks, gifts or souvenirs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Across Africa, there is a great need for teaching support in schools. Many schools in Sub-Saharan Africa struggle with under-funding from governments and a shortage of teaching staff. As a result, there can be upwards of 40 students to one teacher in a single classroom. With this disproportionate ratio of teachers to students, many children in Africa – at no fault of the incredible teachers who work in these schools – do not receive the one-on-one attention they need to thrive academically.

Additionally, English literacy is quickly becoming an essential skill for employment in the African tourism sector. Many locals are eager to develop their English-speaking abilities to increase their employability in this income-generating industry and support personal economic development. However, with a lack of formal classroom environments and qualified teachers, achieving this goal is often challenging.

When you join us for a TEFL Internship, you’ll not only complete the requirements to become TEFL certified, but you’ll make sustainable impacts on a local community while doing so! Teaching English in various environments, from primary schools to English literacy classes for adults, you’ll support locals in improving their English speaking abilities and empower them to follow their dreams. While staying in a local community with fellow travellers, there will be endless opportunities to have incredible adventures and build meaningful relationships with volunteers and locals alike. If you are looking to gain your TEFL certification, joining us on one of our TEFL internships is the ultimate teaching adventure!