I’ve gained a lot of self confidence during this trip. I would advise someone who is hesitant to just do it! Be brave! I felt the most anxiety I’ve ever felt when I got to the airport before I left, but the whole trip was a great experience. Solo travelling is not as scary as it seems and you’ll feel so proud of yourself for achieving a personal goal.
The trip highlights were the friendships I made! I loved seeing a part of the world that isn’t travelled to and see an authentic side the Philippines.
Teaching Volunteer Project in the Philippines - Palawan
Purpose
Improve access to quality education
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 1-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Accommodation
Dormitory-style volunteer house
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 are fluent in English and interested in teaching and sharing their language skills with students. You’ll be working alongside the local team and teachers so no teaching experience is required.
Project details
Want to be a volunteer Teacher in the Philippines? International Volunteer HQ’s Teaching project enables volunteers to help in local schools. Volunteers will gain valuable teaching experience while giving lessons in English as well as other school subjects. Filipino children benefit greatly from communicating with fluent English speakers and having volunteers teaching in schools means students get regular exposure to English expertise that can rapidly accelerate their learning.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
In the Philippines, schools struggle with large class sizes, poor infrastructure and a lack of affordability which can make it difficult for students from low-income communities to access. Volunteers can support local teachers by helping lighten their workload so they are better able to provide quality education to their students.
As a volunteer Teacher you’ll be leading the class under the supervision of the local teacher, with lessons that follow the government curriculum. It’s expected you’ll spend time each day preparing your lessons, and the local staff are available to help you with this. You may teach lessons in:
- English
- Math
- Science
- Arts and crafts
During school holiday periods, you’ll help to conduct classes in the community, where you’ll be free to use your creativity in delivering lessons that are outside the usual curriculum.
School holiday dates:
- 19th May 2025 to 20th July 2025
Christmas Holidays:
- 16th December 2024 to 5th January 2025
- 15th December 2025 to 4th January 2026
During holiday periods, the local team organize holiday classes which run at the same times and structure as normal classes. These holiday programs often have a bigger turnout than normal school lessons as children from further afield travel to participate in these lessons also as they are very well regarded by the locals. Volunteers can do different activities with the help of the coordinators and teach something different from the given school curriculum, for example, teach kids about sports, about your country, teach how to dance or sing, arts and crafts or painting.
Why do Teaching volunteering in Palawan with IVHQ?
When you volunteer as a teacher in the Philippines you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving educational outcomes for students
- Helping students develop life skills in a safe place
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining teaching experience
- Immersing yourself in Filipino culture
- Exploring the beautiful island of Palawan
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
- Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their program start date are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
- 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
- To respect the local culture and customs in Philippines, volunteers should be aware that they’re unable to have anything obstructing their face while at their volunteer placement.
- All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
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.
Philippines photo gallery
IVHQ Healthcare project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Environmental Conservation project
IVHQ Healthcare project
IVHQ Construction & Renovation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Healthcare project
IVHQ Construction & Renovation project
IVHQ Environmental Conservation project
IVHQ Healthcare project
IVHQ Healthcare project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Construction & Renovation project
IVHQ Healthcare project
IVHQ Healthcare project
IVHQ Environmental Conservation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Environmental Conservation project
IVHQ Healthcare project
IVHQ Healthcare project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Construction & Renovation project
IVHQ School Holidays project
IVHQ Healthcare project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Construction & Renovation project
IVHQ Healthcare project
IVHQ Healthcare project
IVHQ Healthcare project
IVHQ Healthcare project
Typical volunteer transport
Exploring Narra Market during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Estrella Falls during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Palawan during an IVHQ weekend
IVHQ volunteers exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Palawan during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Estrella Falls during an IVHQ weekend
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
GQ
Geena Quilliam
29 Nov 2024
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IG
Isla Gillespie
30 Oct 2024
I would like to be a teacher and I am going to study this at uni next year, so this was an amazing experience for me to get stuck in and have a taster of what I am going to be doing. I gained so much confidence in the classroom as the teachers gave us the freedom to teach the class ourselves, and I found the best part was to be able help the children that needed extra help, as I did when I was in school. The lesson planning ensured I was disciplined and I am glad we didn’t just get given a plan, but we had to create them ourselves; making our own powerpoints and worksheets made the experience much more valuable for me as I had to learn new skills and it allowed me to understand what I was teaching more thoroughly.
Advice: You have to remember that being an effective volunteer isn't easy, and there can be times which make you question the effectiveness of your work, however, if you remain patient and motivated you will make a difference! Be open to the new culture and cuisine, trying your best to learn more about it from the local people, and you will have a much more enjoyable time than if you’re closed minded.
...
CT
Cristian Tamasan
12 Sep 2024
I've learned new things about a different culture, including a few basic phrases in Tagalog. I've also learned and developed new skills like planting mangroves and working with pupils whose first language isn't English. I would encourage anyone to volunteer in the Philippines for a few weeks, it is totally worth it.
...
AJ
Aleigh Jordan
06 Aug 2024
Like so many others have said in reviews, honestly if volunteering abroad is something you have thought of doing for a long time just do it. You won’t regret it. There is so much support you just have to ask. You’re never alone there’s always people there that you will meet and who are in the same boat as you. It’s the most life changing experience. Do the best you can to help the communities, they really do appreciate it! I loved my whole experience and it is something I would like to do again through ivhq, something I will never forget.
...
SB
Shreya Banerjee
16 Jul 2024
I have changed completely as a person without even realizing it. From such a young age my whole perspective on life has shifted, I have been humbled completely, and I am everlastingly grateful for the opportunity I have been able to take part in, I believe I have grown as a person and made lifelong connections with people and kids I never believed I could have without the help of IVHQ. I too was hesitant about starting the programme at first, but truly all my fears disappeared as soon as I immersed myself within such a vast and unforgettable culture, filled with smiling people! No regrets!
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RR
Rocio Romero
17 Jun 2024
I’ve never traveled / volunteered in my life before, but pushing myself out of my comfort zone and looking for a great volunteering website was the greatest thing I could’ve ever done for myself! I’ve gone all the way around the world for 2 months and as scary as it was starting my trip I wouldn’t have done anything different. The kids I have taught while being there were the sweetest kids I’ve ever met, the people I’ve met from all over the world have become very special people in my life and the coordinators within my local program were very supportive and feel like a second family for me. I honestly can’t wait to do this all over again, my experience volunteering around the world will forever be the greatest thing in my 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
Set in the western Pacific ocean, the Philippines is a collection of incredible islands that are home to nearly 110 million people known for their friendly smiles. With a multicultural population and a newly industrialized economy, cities in the Philippines have been making great strides towards reducing poverty. However, in the country’s more remote areas low-income communities still struggle to access basic necessities like healthcare and education. Volunteers are valued in these areas for the help they provide to local schools, community services and initiatives that aim to improve the quality of life for those outside the main centers.
IVHQ’s Philippines program is set in the Arborlan District on Palawan - an island often considered one of the most beautiful in the world. With turquoise waters lapping at the edges of white sandy beaches, breathtaking scenery, UNESCO World Heritage sites and world-class diving spots, it’s a coastal paradise to rival any place you could dream of. Volunteers will stay near the remote Tigman Village on the east coast of Palawan.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation is held every Monday and volunteers need to arrive in Palawan on the day before orientation.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) between 10am and 5pm. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee. We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Tigman Village. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation. If you are traveling in the Philippines prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Puerto Princesa on the day before your program orientation.
There are two options for orientation in the Philippines, a One-Day Orientation and an Introduction Week.
The One-Day Orientation: This begins on your selected start date and all volunteers will attend. It covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in the Philippines, including an introduction to the IVHQ Philippines program, the local team, general rules and a class on the local culture and language. In the afternoon, you’ll learn about the projects, take a walking tour of the local area and arrange your SIM card. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
Introduction Week: The Introduction Week begins on the first and third Monday of each month and your volunteer program will commence the following week or you can start the week before if this works better with your schedule. The Introduction Week is very popular among IVHQ volunteers. We recommend all volunteers take advantage of this week to gain a deeper understanding of the Filipino culture, a true appreciation of life in the Philippines and bond with fellow volunteers while also taking a cooking class, necklace or bracelet making, and touring local attractions. It’s also a great way to help settle the culture shock you can face when arriving in the Philippines. The Introduction Week has an additional cost of US$367 (approximately CA$542).
If you wish to participate in the Introduction Week, you can indicate your interest in this option on your application form when you apply for the program or you can let your Program Manager know once you’ve been accepted on the program.
Volunteer schedule example
Weekdays: After the initial orientation week, you will work for approximately 3 to 6 hours per day, depending on the project and your placement. A typical schedule is as follows:
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast with fellow volunteers. |
| 9:00 - 11:30 AM | Volunteers work at their placements. |
| 11:30 AM | Volunteers break for lunch. If volunteers are unable to return to the volunteer accommodation, they will be given a packed lunch. |
| 1:30 - 2:00 PM | Work at the placement resumes (except Childcare volunteers, who use their afternoons to prepare for the following day) |
| 3:30 - 4:00 PM | Work ends and volunteers have free time to explore the local area. |
| 5:00 - 6:00 PM | Dinner with fellow volunteers. |
Weekends: Volunteers have weekends free to relax and explore Palawan and the Philippines. In Tigman Village, the closest place to your accommodation, you can visit the colorful daily local markets and shop for fresh tropical fruits and vegetables, clothes and street food. You’ll also be able to step out the door of the volunteer accommodation and onto the beach for a swim.
As well as this, there’s a stunning number of things to do further afield in Palawan. This incredible island is known for its natural beauty, exotic and endangered wildlife and having a wide range of interesting things to see and explore. You could find yourself battling frothy rapids while white-water rafting, island-hopping to visit the picturesque spots at El Nido where major Hollywood movies were filmed, wandering the length of one of the world’s longest beaches, cruising down an underground river or relaxing poolside with a cool drink in hand.
Accommodation and WiFi
You’ll stay in dormitory-style accommodation in Tigman Village. Volunteers should expect to share a room with up to seven other volunteers of the same gender. The accommodation has air-conditioning in the bedrooms. Bedding is provided and includes a bottom sheet, thin blanket and a pillow.
There is a shared bathroom with western toilets and showers with cold running water (nice and refreshing in the hot weather!) A fridge is available to store your personal food items and there is an area for hand-washing laundry.
Couples, families or individuals who want more privacy have an option to upgrade to private room accommodation. Private rooms are subject to availability and therefore you must arrange this well in advance of your program.
There is WiFi available at the volunteer house for volunteers to use during their time on the program. However it is important to note that power outages are common so this can’t be relied upon. We therefore recommend bringing an unlocked mobile phone and purchasing a local SIM card with data when you arrive in the Philippines.
Meals
Volunteers are served breakfast, lunch and dinner on weekdays with just two meals provided on weekends. Breakfast consists of bread and spreads with tea or coffee, while lunch and dinner are local Filipino cuisine. Rice is a staple in the Philippines and most meals will include a portion of rice, accompanied by two or more dishes which will be a combination of vegetables, meat or seafood cooked in local spices and sauces.
IVHQ volunteer accommodation
IVHQ volunteer social area
IVHQ volunteer accommodation
IVHQ volunteer accommodation
IVHQ volunteer accommodation
IVHQ volunteer social area
Private room upgrade
Private room upgrade
IVHQ volunteer accommodation
IVHQ volunteer resources area
IVHQ volunteer resources area
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Private bedroom upgrade
Private bedroom upgrade
IVHQ volunteer hotel upgrade
Typical volunteer bathroom
Typical volunteer bathroom
Typical volunteer bathroom
IVHQ volunteers eating a meal
IVHQ volunteers serve a meal
IVHQ local team prepares a meal
IVHQ volunteers eating a meal
IVHQ local team prepares a meal
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer transport
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately CA$441), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately CA$441) 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 | $390 Equivalent to $56/day |
| 2 weeks | $542 Equivalent to $39/day |
| 3 weeks | $734 Equivalent to $35/day |
| 4 weeks | $906 Equivalent to $32/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,078 Equivalent to $31/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,250 Equivalent to $30/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,594 Equivalent to $28/day |
| 10 weeks | $1,938 Equivalent to $28/day |
| 12 weeks | $2,282 Equivalent to $27/day |
| 16 weeks | $2,970 Equivalent to $27/day |
| 20 weeks | $3,658 Equivalent to $26/day |
| 24 weeks | $4,346 Equivalent to $26/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately CA$441) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Philippines generally find US$100 per week to be sufficient for expenses.
- Meals
- Airport pick-up
- Transport to and from volunteer project
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Return to the airport 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 Palawan
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 Palawan program.
Airport Drop-off
Enjoy a stress free ride from the accommodation back to Puerto Princesa International Airport arranged by our local team.
CA$106
Philippine Introduction Week
Introduction Week for the Philippines
CA$542
Self-contained private cabin upgrade
Upgrade to a self-contained private cabin
From CA$393
Check what's required to visit the Philippines
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 | Manila |
| Population | 108 million |
| Languages | Filipino, English |
| Currency | Philippine Peso (PHP) |
| Time zone | UTC+08:00 |
Weather and climate: The Philippines has a hot and humid climate all year round, with average temperatures between 25°C and 28°C (77°F to 83°F). The hottest months are April through to May, where the average temperature sits above 30°C (86°F). The dry season runs from January through to June. The wet season runs from July through to December.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
