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?

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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.

Zambia photo gallery

Volunteers having a joyful time with the local kids at the childcare project in Zambia with IVHQ

IVHQ Childcare project

Volunteers having a joyful time with the elders at the childcare project in Zambia with IVHQ

IVHQ Elderly Care project

Volunteer in Construction with IVHQ in Zambia

IVHQ Construction and Renovation project

Childcare volunteering with IVHQ in Zambia

IVHQ Childcare project

Volunteer as a teacher with IVHQ in Zambia

IVHQ Teaching project

IVHQ Medical project

IVHQ volunteers doing volunteer work at the Elderly Care project in Zambia

IVHQ Elderly Care project

IVHQ volunteers doing volunteer work at the childcare project in Zambia

IVHQ Childcare project

Volunteer in Childcare with IVHQ in Zambia

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ Teaching project

Childcare volunteers in Zambia with IVHQ

IVHQ Childcare project

Teaching volunteers working in Zambia with IVHQ

IVHQ Teaching project

IVHQ Teaching project

IVHQ volunteer orientation

Free time on the weekend on a safari in Zambia

Exploring Zambia on the weekend

What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

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.

...

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.

...

Kimberlee Sample

18 Sep 2024

The experience to Zambia allowed several different opportunities to volunteer at the local level and give back with a hands-on approach, all while being able to explore and experience the local culture. Great local team, excellent accommodation support, lodging and food. Highly recommend.

...

Connor Smith-Traill

16 Aug 2024

My Program Manager was amazing, and the local team was very helpful - I had a great experience.

...

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.

...

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

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 credit

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 online

Location

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

IVHQ Zambia sitting room in the volunteer house

Typical volunteer living room

Bedroom in the Zambia volunteer house with IVHQ

Typical volunteer bedroom

Typical volunteer breakfast

Typical volunteer lunch

Typical volunteer dinner

Volunteers serving food

Pricing

USD
- United States Dollars - $
- Australian Dollars - AU$
- Brazilian Reals - R$
- British Pound Sterling - £
- Canadian Dollars - CA$
- Chinese Yuan - CN¥
- Euros - €
- Hong Kong Dollars - HK$
- Mexican Pesos - MX$
- New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
- Singapore Dollars - SG$
- Swiss Francs - CHF
- UAE Dirhams - AED

Duration	Program Fee Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you. USD United States Dollars - $ Australian Dollars - AU$ Brazilian Reals - R$ British Pound Sterling - £ Canadian Dollars - CA$ Chinese Yuan - CN¥ Euros - € Hong Kong Dollars - HK$ Mexican Pesos - MX$ New Zealand Dollars - NZ$ Singapore Dollars - SG$ Swiss Francs - CHF UAE Dirhams - AED
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 £247) 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.

£304

Rhino Game Drive

Experience Mosi-Oa-Tunya guided game drives, home of most of Zambia’s white rhino population.

£109

Airport Drop-off

Enjoy a stress-free ride from your accommodation to the airport, organized by the local team.

£14

View all add-ons & experiences

Check what's required to visit Zambia

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.

Learn more about IVHQ's safety

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.