I wouldn’t hesitate at all with joining this program, it really is a unique experience and the family and the community you stay with are so special. You forget about all the lack of electricity/running water and you just appreciate every little thing. The family I stayed with in the village - just incredible people.
Rural Teaching Volunteer Program in Zambia - Livingstone
This project is currently not accepting applications.
Purpose
Improve access to quality education
Start dates
Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
Duration
Choose from 1-8 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 8 hours a day
Age
Volunteeers aged 18+ and families
Accommodation
Homestay
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Volunteers who want to live with the local community and learn about their culture, lifestyle and traditions, as well as helping to teach children at the local school. As volunteers support local teachers, you don’t need to be a qualified teacher to participate. However, we encourage you to come prepared by completing some relevant training like a TEFL course.
Project details
Excited to be a volunteer Teacher in rural Zambia? International Volunteer HQ’s Rural Teaching project is an immersive experience where volunteers live in a remote Zambian village and help teach at the nearby school. Volunteers will stay with a local family and help them with their day-to-day activities, gaining a uniquely authentic insight into their lives. The school is understaffed and has a high need for volunteers who can assist with a range of lessons and tutor students.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
If you’re looking for a teaching project in Africa that goes beyond the ordinary, then the Rural Teaching project in Zambia is it. This is an immersive volunteer experience where you’ll be based in a Zambian village, getting a unique insight into African life while making a real difference in the education of children.
Volunteers are based in the village of Makumba, 40 miles from Livingstone. You’ll live as a member of the community, experiencing an authentic lifestyle and volunteering to support teachers in local schools.
You’ll assist local teachers in a school of around 200 students, who range in age from 4-18 years old. Aside from volunteers, international visitors are rare in Makumba, so your perspective and English language skills are particularly valuable. Due to the high demand for support staff and teachers in Zambia, you can expect to be volunteering for full days on a variety of different tasks and subjects. You’ll be primarily helping with:
- One-on-one tuition
- Assisting local teachers
- Occasionally leading lessons
- Helping with English, math, science, geography, history, art and physical education
- Marking work
- Helping with homework
- Playing games
- Supervising students during breaks and exams
You’ll also get a unique cultural experience outside of your volunteer hours. You’ll stay in a homestay with a local family, living in a basic house with dirt floors, no electricity, bucket showers and an outdoor toilet. Your homestay will be based around three miles from the school, and you’ll need to walk there each day. Volunteers can also expect to help out around the homestay with tasks such as the general running of the home, including:
- Cooking
- Cleaning
- Gardening
- Collecting firewood
- Collecting water from the well
- Feeding chickens
- Harvesting crops.
Why do Rural Teaching volunteering in Livingstone with IVHQ?
When you volunteer to teach in rural Zambia you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving educational outcomes for disadvantaged students
- Helping communities maintain their lifestyle
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining teaching experience
- Immersing yourself in Zambia’s culture
- Discovering Africa’s incredible wildlife
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
- All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
- All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
- All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
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IVHQ volunteer orientation
Exploring Zambia on the weekend
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
EW
Emma Webster
02 Dec 2024
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KP
Katie Potts
12 Nov 2024
I gained friendships and understanding of how a different part of the world lives. Even though it is scary because you might have no idea what to expect, Zambia was an amazing country with the friendliest people and support. I felt very safe there and have made connections with the local people.
The local team were very supportive. I loved how they let me call my boyfriend and my parents to let them know I was ok before I got a sim card. We had a thorough orientation. Our flight was delayed meaning we got there a day late but they worked around this to ensure we were settled. They also came to placement with me on my first day and were very lovely, chatty and approachable with any questions. Our toilet was broken on arrival and the local team fixed it immediately which was great.
I felt I connected to the local people and gained insight to their way of life. I feel like we learnt from each other. It was also a very eye opening experience from how things were so different from home and has left me with a more giving mentality and has made me more conscious about my future lifestyle, spending etc.
Volunteering was an amazing experience! There are other volunteers there and it was amazing sharing this experience with them and we often planned our weeks together, so you will not be alone.
...
AH
Amy Hughes
18 Sep 2024
IVHQ provided good communication and was very helpful pre-departure with the list of things to complete so you don't miss out on anything. The local went above and beyond - I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to look after me.
I feel like I've gained so much information and learned so much about their culture. I've learned to appreciate things in life a lot more and not take certain things for granted. The advice I would give is just go do it. You meet amazing people who all have the ambitions as you. Throw your self into the program you have chosen and don't be afraid to get stuck in.
...
CS
Connor Smith-Traill
16 Aug 2024
My Program Manager was amazing, and the local team was very helpful - I had a great experience.
...
SK
Sarah Kirk
30 Aug 2022
I realize despite how little the children and their families have in Zambia they are always happy and keen to welcome volunteers. Many of the people back at home could learn a lot from them. Go and try it out! You will meet many lovely people from around the world, can give something back and can also see and experience many great different things such as safari and water rafting.
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AA
Annabelle Ayliffe
11 Feb 2021
I had an amazing experience on the rural teaching programme. I am already planning on going back. The family are amazing and would do anything for you, but be prepared for a 5 1/2 km walk to school! I couldn't recommend this project enough. It will really change your outlook on life.
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
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!
Learn about course creditRecommended online TEFL course
Recommended online TEFL course
We encourage volunteers on IVHQ’s Teaching and Childcare projects to come prepared by completing some relevant training, such as a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. Although formal teaching qualifications are not required on these projects as volunteers are supported by local staff, taking a TEFL course enables you to gain more from the experience. Visit our Online TEFL Course page to learn how to gain an internationally recognized TEFL certification at a discounted rate.
Get TEFL certified onlineLocation
Location
The Rural Teaching project in Zambia is set in a small village called Makumba. The village is around 2 miles from the school and a 1 hour in a car from Livingstone.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of each month, and volunteers need to arrive in Livingstone on the Sunday before orientation. After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) in Livingstone. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Livingstone. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are travelling in Zambia prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Livingstone on the day before your program orientation.
Orientation is hosted by our Zambia team at the volunteer house in Livingstone. Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Zambia – an introduction to Zambia, culture and customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities, 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 your first day of volunteering (the day after your orientation), you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.
Weekdays - A typical volunteer day is as follows:
| 7:00 AM | Breakfast at the volunteer house |
| 8:00 AM | Volunteers travel to their placements to join local placement staff and begin work on their project. |
| 12:30 PM | Work at the placement usually ends for the day and volunteers return to the volunteer house for lunch. |
| 1:30 PM | After lunch, volunteers may spend their free time as they wish or if they are looking for extra volunteering hours, there are alternatives available such as working at a homework club. |
| 7:00 PM | Dinner at the volunteer house. |
Weekends
During the weekend, volunteers in Zambia have an endless list of activities to join. The area’s major attraction, Victoria Falls, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the largest waterfalls in the world. In addition to the wealth of nearby national parks, nature lovers have the opportunity to experience a range of safaris and tours in Zambia, as well as in other neighboring countries, such as Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Thrill seekers are also well catered to in Zambia, with an abundance of activities, such as bungee jumping, devil’s pool, white water rafting, abseiling, gorge swinging, zip-lining and microlight flights. Within Livingstone itself, a range of restaurants, curio markets and various cultural activities offer a lot to take in for those wish to stay around town.
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers who choose to join the Rural Teaching placement are accommodated in a basic homestay with dirt floors, bucket showers, an outdoor toilet and no access to electricity or running water in the village.
Volunteers will help with the general running of the homestay, including gardening, moulding bricks, milking cattle, collecting firewood, collecting water from the well, feeding chickens and collecting eggs, harvesting crops, cooking and cleaning.
Meals
Volunteers are served three meals per day, prepared by an on-site local cook. All meals will be a mix of western and traditional Zambian food.
Breakfast may include fruit, toast, spreads and cereal with tea, coffee and juice. Lunch is usually provided in the volunteer accommodation, although packed lunches of sandwiches and fruit are provided if requested for those who choose to remain at their placement. Dinners will commonly be a combination of meat, starches and vegetables.
The local staff are happy to accommodate special dietary requests (vegetarian, vegan, dairy free, gluten free etc). Please let an IVHQ staff member know of any special dietary requirements in advance, so we can ensure the local staff are prepared for you.
Volunteer accommodation
Typical volunteer living room
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer dinner
Volunteers serving food
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately AU$503), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately AU$503) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $595 Equivalent to $85/day |
| 2 weeks | $745 Equivalent to $53/day |
| 3 weeks | $925 Equivalent to $44/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,055 Equivalent to $38/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,195 Equivalent to $34/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,325 Equivalent to $32/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,585 Equivalent to $28/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately AU$503) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Volunteers staying for longer than 4 weeks will need to budget an extra US$400 (approximately) to obtain a temporary work permit from Zambian Immigration in order to stay up to 90 days.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Zambia generally find US$100 per week to be sufficient for expenses.
- Meals
- Airport pick-up
- US$200 one-off surcharge to cover additional transport, supervision and logistics involved in the project
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- 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.
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return airport transfer when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Livingstone
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Livingstone program.
Chobe Camping Safari (2 days, 1 night)
A memorable 2 day safari experience at the Chobe National Park, Botswana, known for its huge elephant herds.
AU$617
Rhino Game Drive
Experience Mosi-Oa-Tunya guided game drives, home of most of Zambia’s white rhino population.
AU$222
Airport Drop-off
Enjoy a stress-free ride from your accommodation to the airport, organized by the local team.
AU$28
Check what's required to visit Zambia
Safety and support
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.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Lusaka |
| Population | 17.86 million |
| Languages | English, Nyanja, Lozi, Tonga |
| Currency | Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00 |
Weather and climate
There are three seasons in Zambia: the dry season (mid-April to August), when temperatures drop at night, but the landscape is green and lush; the hot season (September to mid-November), when the best time to see wildlife as flora is sparse; and, the wet season (mid-November to mid-April), which is ideal for bird-watching.
