Moldova English Program
OPEN NOW!
Moldova has reopened to international arrivals. See the additional info. section for procedures in place.
This fantastic project was created with the goal of helping to improve the English-speaking abilities of the people of Moldova. As is common in many of the world’s poorer communities, an ability to speak English unlocks a new world of possibilities – in education and in job opportunities, as well as opening themselves up to learning more about the world. Volunteers on this highly inclusive program have the opportunity to get first-hand experience in teaching English classes in a Community Language Centre, located in the picturesque town of Causeni, roughly eighty kilometers from Moldova’s bustling capital city of Chisinau. At the Language Center, which has been established by Love Volunteer’s local partner, volunteers will meet more than one hundred and fifty motivated students of different ages, from seven right through to fifty-five! Volunteers will have the ability to change lives for the better in Moldova, giving participants additional options in life.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide free English language classes to the residents of Causeni
- Improve the future prospects of some of Moldova’s most impoverished people, and help them to break the poverty cycle,
- Expose non-English speakers to native English speakers in order to improve pronunciation and conversational skills,
- Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both residents and international volunteers alike.
How You Can Help
Volunteers play an integral role in achieving the goals of this project. Most students in Moldova will have commenced learning English at about ten years old, so the role of the volunteer is mainly to teach conversational English. Volunteers all receive assistance and guidance from the local teachers, especially regarding lesson preparation and content. Whilst there are typically five to fifteen students in a class, volunteers usually have some say in what age group they teach, but should maintain a flexible outlook. Moldovan students have rarely had the opportunity to travel and are avid to learn about life in the volunteer’s home country, making the newcomer a popular addition to the teaching team! Volunteers will find that teaching English is an extremely important and rewarding role to play in this developing nation. The students will gain so much from being taught English from native speakers and will take these skills to advance their lives for the better.
Volunteers on this project provide a valid and effective means of English language tuition. They will contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Teach English to classes of 5 - 15 students (per class)
- Design games to teach English, especially for the children
- Network with local residents and local project staff
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to help create a brighter future for children through the power of education. This project best suits those with experience and/or qualifications in the field of childhood development and education, though volunteers who simply wish to explore an interest in this field are also welcomed as there are many ways you can assist in the classroom. Whist not mandatory, completing a TEFL course prior to joining this project would prove to be highly beneficial. Ideally, volunteers on this project will have at least a basic knowledge of the local language in order to communicate effectively with staff and students, though this is not a pre-requisite. Importantly, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
- Resume
Project Location
Our volunteer projects in Moldova are centered in and around the city of Causeni (pronounced “Cowshani”) which has a population of around twenty thousand people. It is 80 kilometres South-East of the capital, Chisinau. Its name translates to “cooking pot”, so-called because it nestles in the valley between several hills.
Causeni is divided into four main districts: Central, Old-Causeni, Micro and Plani. The river Botna flows through the center of the town and although it is now a very small river, it was once sizable and so it is bordered by a large flood plain.
There are numerous small shops, including some very modest supermarkets. A daily market runs in the center from early morning and closing about 13.00. There are various bars, billiard halls and discos. Amenities include cyber-cafes, a pharmacy, hospital, many banks, the “house of culture” and a neglected park.
The 17th century Assumption of Our Lady Church is the oldest surviving building in the town. It is set more than 3 feet (0.91 m) below ground level and preserves the only medieval fresco in the Republic of Moldova. The beautiful painted frescoes on the inside walls feature religious scenes and iconography in vibrant reds, gold, and blues.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon your arrival in Moldova, you will be collected at the airport and delivered to your accommodation. Here you will receive an orientation to help you settle in, find out about your volunteering placement, the local surroundings and meet your fellow volunteers. A representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have.
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Chisinau International Airport, Chisinau, Moldova (Code: KIV)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this program are accommodated with trusted local host families who are experienced at welcoming international volunteers into their homes and sharing their hospitality and expertise. Volunteers have their own private room in the house.
All the necessary amenities are available in the host family homes including hot showers, western style bathrooms, bed-linen, laundry facilities, use of the kitchen to store and prepare snacks and Wi-Fi (which is also available at the offices of the local team).
Breakfast and dinner are provided each day by the host family and lunch can be purchased near to the program site with varied and in-expensive options available.
This is a wonderful opportunity to sample the local Moldovian fare. Be sure to try Mititei, delicious rolls of grilled meat and spices, traditionally served with peppers and onions. You are sure to encounter Mămăligă, which is similar to polenta or couscous and often used a side dish or served with sour cream or the local cheese, Brinza.
Fees
That’s just USD 54 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.
Additional Info
Moldova COVID-19 entry requirements:
- A negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within the previous 72 hours
- OR Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
- OR 14 days of self-isolation.
- Measures on the wearing of face-masks, social distancing, sanitising and limitations on group sizes are in place