Teach English In Tanzania
Published: 01/02/2010
Home to Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa and one of the most famous places in the world, Tanzania is a challenging and stunning country to travel in. It's also bordered by the three largest lakes on the African continent: Lake Victoria in the north, Lake Tanganyika in the west, and Lake Nyasa in the southwest. As well as fantastic surroundings and biodiversity, Tanzania also has a great deal to see in country: Ruaha River Gorge, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Dar es Salaam's National Museum, the Ngorongoro Crater, the Bongoyo and Pemba Islands, and Tanzania’s other historically-famed attraction, Zanzibar island.
Nature lovers and adventurers alike will find plenty to marvel at, Tanzania’s world-renowned national parks contain the continent's biggest mammal population and the second largest number of bird species (around 1,500). With 503 miles of coastline there’s more than enough marine life to explore and a variety of water activities; travellers can snorkel at Mafia’s Chloe bay or indulge in a quiet spot of fishing with the locals on Pemba Island. Those looking for Safari need look no further: the Ngorongoro Crater has the largest population of Lion in Africa, while if you want to get up close and personal you can take a walking tour through Arusha National Park. Adventurers looking for a challenge will, of course, be setting their sights on the dizzying 19,340 foot Kilimanjaro. Climbing, trekking and walking tours abound and it certainly is an achievement to reach the peak and feast your eyes on one of the most beautiful views on the planet!
Its borders to 8 other countries and varied tribal and colonial history have given Tanzania a multicultural and vibrant heritage. Tanzania was born following the merging of Tanganyika and Zanzibar in 1964, and its traditions and cultural identity are preserved among the 120 different tribal groups living in the country, the biggest of which are the Bantu and Swahili-speaking people. Cultural experiences are many and varied from the modernized areas of Arusha to the centuries old trading centres of Zanzibar. The history and amazing scenery are very strong attractions for travelling in Tanzania but the warmth and friendliness of the people make it a superb place in which to teach. There’s nothing quite like being part of the community during the Union Day celebrations, commemorating the coming together of two nations with traditional food, dancing and music is a wonderfully different experience for those living and working amongst Tanzanians!
Culture
With the influences of the Assyrians, Sumerians, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Indians, Chinese, Persians, Portuguese, Omani Arabs, Dutch and English, as well as influences from other neighbouring African countries, Tanzanian culture is a veritable melting pot of different ways of life. Past colonisation has left its mark, such that the oldest building in Zanzibar is the mosque at Kizimkazi which dates from 1107, while its stone town is a combination of Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian, European and African architecture. Local food reflect the influences of other cultures and can include anything from typically African Kisamvu (cassava leaves) to more eastern pilau rice and chapati bread.
African traditions have also remains strong. The traditional dances of the Wasukuma tribe, such as the Bugobobobo (Sukuma Snake Dance), are still performed at the Sukuma Museum. Ancient artwork can also be found in the Irangi hills: the Kondoa-Irangi cave paintings, which range in age from 100 years old to 30,000 years old, are among the world's most first examples of human artistic expression. Art retains its cultural importance in styles such as Tinga Tinga, a form of primitive flat painting that is now widely practised throughout the continent.
Educational standard
In recent years, Tanzania has put education at the centre of its National Strategy for Growth and Reduction of Poverty, known as MKUKUTA (2005-2010). The first steps were taken with the introduction of the Primary Education Development Program (PEDP), which aims to improve the quality and accessibility of education throughout Tanzania. So far the scheme has had great success: Ministry of Education records show that enrolment in primary schools increased from 65.5 percent in 2001 to 96.1 percent in 2006.
The ultimate goal of improving the standard of education and the number of pupils going on to higher education is improving, though it still has a fair way to go. A larger percentage of pupils passing exams at the end of primary education has meant an increase in secondary school attendance, from only 99,744 in 2003 to 243,359 in 2006. However, the lack of secondary leavers going on to higher education and low teacher numbers are still major issues. Schools with less funding are still struggling to find teachers, especially for foreign language subjects, and consequently rural areas are suffering. The government is still working to improve the situation and a further investment of 18% in education last year was largely intended for the hiring of new teachers.
Teaching opportunities
With more than 100 dialects in Tanzania, there is a definite need for a unifying commercial language. English is used both in business and education, so its important that primary school children learn early. Teachers are in short supply and fluent English speakers are in great demand. The capital city Dar es Salaam, northern cities such as Arusha and bustling villages such as Moshi at the foot of Kilimanjaro are popular places to teach and are all in need of English teachers. Placements are unlikely to be well-paid as funding is stretched, but accommodation will be included in most placements.
Those with more experience may even be able to find positions at universities, where English teachers are needed and monthly pay is more likely to approach US$1000; while volunteer placements run for anything from 4 weeks to 12 months and are fantastic opportunities for exploration. Unless you’re from Hong Kong, Macao (SAR), Rwanda or Romania then you’ll need a visa, and if your being paid it must be a working visa. Entry requirements can be quite strict so it’s best to check what you’ll need in advance.
Facilities
Volunteering is not only a rewarding and worthwhile means of teaching, but you'll also often get a helping hand with accommodation! This is usually a shared room in a guesthouse, a room in a volunteer house, a room in a hostel or a room in a homestay. In the larger cities such as Bagamoyo, you're more likely to have the basics such as a TV, kitchen and bathroom facilities, but rural areas may not have any of these.
If you’re arranging your own accommodation, it'ss possible to find private rooms in guesthouses and backpackers’ hostels, although sharing is always a less damaging to your budget! if you're up for it, try the invaluable experience of staying with a local family, where you will usually have your own room. Staying in locally owned accommodation, whether it’s a dormitory room or a homestay, is also another great way of contributing to the local community and getting a taste of local life.
For information regarding Teaching English Overseas and TEFL courses please visit: http://www.onlinetefl.com
For information regarding Volunteer Travel please visit: http://www.i-to-i.com
