Did your son or daughter just notify you that they are thinking of going to the other side of the world to teach English? Did you hear about us and are you considering suggesting it to them as a meaningful experience? Here is a little information that we compiled specifically for parents to answer some key questions.
The Volunteer Experience
What is the first step?
The first step is to fill out a brief application. The beginning application is so we can connect with you with your potential opportunity with Wild Rose School.
How long is the opportunity?
Our trips range between 30 and 90 days. This is long enough to really make an impact with the students at Wild Rose School and truly see the country. We want you to get past being a tourist, and immerse you in the experience.
What are the costs?
As a 5013c Registered Nonprofit organization, our tax-deductible fee will cover accommodations, meals, training, instruction, cultural activities, and a visa. Our pricing is listed on the website under “Program Costs”. Airfare is charged in addition to this cost. We negotiate the best possible rate with the airlines for you and arrange the flight, but you are responsible for the cost. The cost typically ranges between $800-$1800 depending on time of year and advance bookings. We suggest that applicants also have $1500-$2000 available to them they can access throughout the semester for any additional expenses or travel that they want to do. There are many ATMs throughout Cambodia that your son/daughter can use to access money from their bank accounts in the USA if needed.
How does it work?
Our school is focused on teaching impoverished children the English language. This is done in a classroom environment and your son/daughter will be the teacher! We follow a curriculum and intersperse that with fun games and activities. Because your son/daughter already has fluency in English, the children will be able to learn the proper use of the language from them. Their native tongue in English will greatly help in context, accent, phonics, and grammar.
Will they succeed?
We have all the pieces in place to help them succeed. We have a wonderful school set up with eager students and we have a local Cambodian teacher who speaks English that they will team teach with in the beginning. These initial steps will help them with lesson preparation and execution. We are dedicated to their success as well as the success of the local students.
What if my son or daughter has never taught English before?
English is best learned by speaking it. We really focus on conversational English, so just the fact that your son or daughter is there speaking with the students is a big help. Other aspects of English like accent and intonation are best learned by simply speaking with a native English speaker. In addition, we have trained full time teachers in place that your son/daughter will be teamed up with to learn the ropes. We also have regular training meetings and joint teaching activities to help your son or daughter succeed.
Health and Safety
General Safety and Political Stability
Cambodia is a safe place to travel. To ensure the safety of your child, our code of conduct policy informs our participants that there are measures in place to ensure their safety. These measures include curfews, restricted areas of travel, an agreement to not consume alcohol, drugs, or illicit substances that would impair judgment, and the restriction of romantic relationships while working with Wild Rose School.
Medical Facilities
Medical facilities and hospitals are available in-country.
High Standards and Expectations
All students are expected to agree to our code of conduct policy to ensure their safety.
In-Country Support
We have a team of in-country support staff that is available to help your son/daughter. Our staff is working with them daily in the country. They will also have contact with our staff in the USA regularly.
Safe Living Arrangements
We have arranged a safe housing arrangement. We rent houses in the general vicinity of the school and arrange private transportation to and from the school for our teachers.
Parent Interaction
We encourage you to continue to interact with your son/daughter throughout their experience. They will have access to wifi in their house and the school. We encourage our volunteers to purchase a data plan in the country if they don’t have an international cell phone plan. It is also very possible to stay in touch via wifi calling, social media platforms, and email throughout their stay. If you choose to come to Cambodia to see your son/daughter at any time throughout their experience, we would support that decision! This would be a great opportunity to see the sights with them and see the great work that they are doing.
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