As a volunteer teaching English in Tanzania, you’ll play a key role in helping students build a skill that can shape their future success. Interacting with fluent, native English speakers significantly enhances their language abilities, which are vital for future job opportunities. This project offers an incredible chance for international volunteers to teach English in Tanzania, fostering meaningful connections and making a lasting impact. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop your leadership skills while enriching the lives of disadvantaged children in Arusha.
Teaching Volunteer Program Highlights
- Support The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 Through Education
- Build Practical Teaching Skills With Students Across Arusha Primary Schools
- Plan & Lead English Lessons While Supporting Learning & Classroom Activities
- Explore More Of Tanzania With Weekend Trips To Zanzibar & Safari Adventures
- Experience Tanzanian Culture Through Cooking Classes & Swahili Lessons
Background to the Teaching Program
At the start of this century, the Tanzanian government made a significant push to enrol all children in education. This was largely achieved by reducing primary school education fees nationwide. As a result, approximately 96% of primary-school-age children are now attending school. However, this progress has come with challenges: the average primary school class now has around 53 pupils per teacher, and in rural areas, this ratio is even higher. Additionally, international aid to the education sector has decreased since the global recession, raising concerns about the overall quality of education in Tanzania.
Teaching methods in Tanzania often rely on repetition, aimed solely at passing exams. While students can memorise information, they often lack real understanding, especially when it comes to learning English. This becomes a significant issue as most secondary school classes are taught in English. By improving teaching methods, volunteers can help lay the foundation for better comprehension and learning potential, ultimately enhancing students’ employability in the future.
More than one-third of Tanzanians live below the national poverty line, making education a vital pathway to brighter futures. Tourism is a major industry in Tanzania, and the ability to speak English greatly increases young people’s chances of securing meaningful employment in this sector.
PMGY’s volunteer teaching English abroad program in Tanzania supports local schools and childcare centres to maximise their impact. As a teaching volunteer in Tanzania, you will teach English, Maths, and other subjects, while transferring valuable skills and sharing cultural perspectives. No previous teaching experience is required. All you need is creativity and enthusiasm, and our team will help you settle into your role so you can make a meaningful contribution while gaining valuable experience yourself.
We primarily support primary schools, but volunteering at secondary schools can be arranged upon request. Additionally, many of the childcare projects we work with include nursery schools for preschool-age children, where volunteers can also assist and teach English in Tanzania.
Teaching Volunteer Placement Examples
Good Hope School – Located in the Ngusero Region of Arusha, an area known for being disadvantaged and having limited educational opportunities, Good Hope School was founded in 2005 and now accommodates over 1,000 students. The school includes a nursery for children aged 3–5 and a primary school where the main teaching placements occur with students aged 6–14. The school is conveniently located about 15 minutes from both the Volunteer House and the centre of Arusha.
High View School – Situated in the Mbauda Region of Arusha, around 20 minutes from the Volunteer House, High View School was also established in 2005 to provide affordable, high-quality education to the local community. The school features a nursery for children aged 3–5 and a primary school where most teaching placements take place with students aged 6–14. On average, over 300 children attend this school and daycare.
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Your Volunteer Role & Typical Teaching Day
As a volunteer teaching English in Tanzania, you’ll be expected to plan and lead lessons. While volunteers sometimes assist local staff and English teachers, there is generally an expectation for international volunteers to take the lead in most lessons. To teach English in Tanzania successfully, you’ll need to be creative, proactive, and prepared to use your initiative. At times, you may also work as an assistant to local teachers.
All lessons are taught in English, except for Swahili language classes. Schools follow a basic curriculum, but volunteers are encouraged to introduce new ideas and topics. Spending an hour or two each day preparing for the next day’s lessons is key to ensuring smooth and effective teaching.
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While each volunteer abroad program in Tanzania may vary slightly, typical working hours are 8:30am–1pm, Monday to Friday. Volunteers usually spend 3–4 hours teaching basic English, with the rest of the time dedicated to assisting with mealtimes and organising activities. If you wish to stay longer at the project, you are generally welcome to do so.
Staff shortages are common in the under-resourced schools where we work, so flexibility and adaptability are essential. If you’re new to teaching, your confidence will grow quickly after teaching a few classes. Planning your lessons thoroughly will make running classes much easier and more enjoyable.
Transport to your project is not included in the Program Fee. The majority of projects are within walking distance from the Volunteer House, but some are further afield. In these latter cases, you can take a local bus (dala dala) or a tuk-tuk to your placement, with travel times of up to 45 minutes for your volunteer work in Tanzania. During your orientation, the local team will guide you through the transport system and provide advice on costs. If you’re ever unsure about fares, they’ll be happy to assist.
Other Things to Consider When Teaching Children in Tanzania
Return Airport Transfer – Your return airport transfer is not included in your Program Fee. However, our local team can assist in arranging onward transfers to the airport or another destination. Making arrangements once you’re in-country allows for greater flexibility, especially as plans can often change, and some participants may share similar flight schedules. Costs will vary depending on your chosen method of transport and destination, and they can often be split if you’re travelling with fellow trip participants. It is strongly advised not to use public transport or tuk-tuks for airport transfers, as they are less convenient and pose additional safety risks.
Experience – Prior teaching experience is not required for the English Teaching program, as the presence of a fluent English speaker is invaluable. As long as you are creative, determined, and resourceful, you will have a positive impact on the children's educational development.
TEFL Course – We recommend that volunteers prepare thoroughly for their teaching program overseas. To maximise your impact, consider completing our convenient, affordable, and internationally accredited 60-hour Online TEFL Course.
Resources – On the teach English in Tanzania project, resources can be limited. We recommend that volunteers bring materials with them each day to enhance productivity and involvement. Preparing in advance will help you get the most out of your teaching English overseas experience.
Project Locations – Participants on the Tanzania volunteer program may find that childcare and teaching placements are based at the same site. In such cases, volunteers can travel together. At the project, childcare volunteers typically work with preschool-aged children, while teaching volunteers assist slightly older children. Though similar, these roles follow distinct daily itineraries and activities.
All schools supported by PMGY volunteers are privately run, as Tanzanian government legislation prohibits volunteering at government-funded schools, even though these schools often appear to need more support.
Yellow Fever – Tanzanian authorities have updated their Yellow Fever Vaccination requirements. The vaccination is only legally required for:
• Travellers arriving from countries with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission
• Travellers transiting through at-risk countries for 12 hours or more
Despite this, some participants outside these criteria have been asked to show proof of vaccination upon arrival. To avoid confusion or entry issues, it’s advisable to obtain the Yellow Fever Vaccination before your trip. Ensure you plan ahead to secure the vaccination in time. While there has been ongoing debate about this requirement, PMGY’s team has consistently been asked for proof upon arrival, so we recommend obtaining the vaccination to avoid complications.
Weekend Trip Opportunities
Explore three world-famous national parks in Tanzania with a specially tailored three-day safari to Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire. Enjoy stunning scenery, an excellent chance to spot the Big Five, and evenings around the campfire. Accommodation is in comfortable glamping tents with hot meals prepared by a private chef and expert guides leading the way in open-roof safari jeeps.
Getting There
• 3 hours by private jeep
Where to Stay
• Accommodation included in trip price
Things to Do
• Game Drives in Three National Parks – Included
• Big Five Sightings – Included
• Evening Bonfire and Star Gazing – Included
Just a short flight from Arusha, Zanzibar is a tropical island escape with white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and rich Swahili culture. Whether you want a lively weekend or a relaxing break, our team can help arrange flights, accommodation, and activities.
Getting There
• 4 hours by private taxi and flight
Where to Stay
• Hostel Dorm – 10–25 GBP per night
• Guesthouse – 40–60 GBP per night
• Beach Hotel – 70+ GBP per night
Things to Do
• Snorkelling Trip – 25 GBP
• Sunset Dhow Cruise – 15 GBP
• Kite Surfing – 50 GBP per hour
• Stone Town Tour – 25 GBP
• Spice Farm Tour – 15 GBP
Hike through lush rainforest at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro to Materuni Waterfalls, one of the tallest in the region. Enjoy a traditional Chagga coffee-making experience and a local lunch before returning to Arusha.
Getting There
• 3 hours by private vehicle
Where to Stay
• Day trip from Arusha
Things to Do
• Waterfall Hike – Included
• Coffee Experience – Included
• Local Lunch – Included
Spend a relaxing day at the Chemka Hot Springs surrounded by palm trees and crystal-clear geothermal pools. It’s the perfect way to recharge before a new week of volunteering.
Getting There
• 3 hours by private vehicle
Where to Stay
• Day trip from Arusha
Things to Do
• Swimming in the Hot Springs – Included
• Float Hire – 5 GBP
Experience the thrill of Mount Kilimanjaro with a one-day hike to base camp. Led by an experienced guide, you’ll explore different ecological zones, enjoy lunch on the trail, and take in incredible views without the full summit trek.
Getting There
• 4 hours by private vehicle
Where to Stay
• Day trip from Arusha
Things to Do
• Hike to Base Camp – Included
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- Six friends smile and embrace at sunset on a scenic hillside, capturing a joyful moment of friendship and outdoor adventure.
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- Tourists photograph a tranquil elephant in Tanzania’s lush savannah under a partly cloudy sky.
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- Joyful snorkeler holding a vibrant red starfish in crystal-clear tropical waters, celebrating marine beauty and underwater adventure.
Accommodation - Shared & Comfort Options Available
Volunteer House
During your time on the Tanzania volunteer program, you will stay at our Volunteer House in Arusha, the city where our volunteer programs are based. Located at the foot of Mount Meru, the house is in a peaceful residential neighbourhood with restaurants, supermarkets and ATMs nearby.
You will share the Volunteer House with other international volunteers, creating a friendly and social environment throughout your stay. The house has communal areas where you can relax and spend time with other participants, as well as a refrigerator for storing food and drinks and access to filtered drinking water. A laundry service is available onsite, or you can choose to hand wash your clothes.
Free Wi-Fi is available at the Volunteer House, although the connection can occasionally be unreliable. Volunteers are also provided with a local SIM card for use with an unlocked phone. Power cuts can occur from time to time in Tanzania and are usually resolved within a few hours.
Both shared and private room options are available within the Volunteer House. All volunteers are provided with bed linen, a locker and a mosquito net. For added security, a nightguard is on duty at the house, and valuables can also be stored securely with our local team. We recommend bringing a small padlock for personal use.
Most volunteer projects are within walking distance of the Volunteer House, while some require a short drive. The local team will explain the most suitable transport arrangements for your placement during orientation.
🛏️ Shared Option - Standard Offering (Recommended for 18-25 Year Olds)
Our Shared Option offers the most social way to experience life at the Volunteer House. Bedrooms are arranged dorm style and separated by gender, with up to 10 volunteers sharing a room. This makes it easy to meet other participants and become part of the volunteer community from the beginning of your stay.
Bathroom facilities are shared with other volunteers and include western style toilets and showers. Hot water is available whenever possible. This is our standard accommodation option and is particularly popular with younger volunteers who enjoy the communal experience of living alongside a larger group.
🔒 Comfort Option - Private Room Upgrade 150 USD100 GBP120 EUR210 AUD170 CAD Per Week (Recommended for 26+ Year Olds)
For volunteers who prefer additional privacy and their own space to unwind, our Comfort Option provides a private bedroom within the Volunteer House. You still share all of the communal areas and social aspects of the house, while having your own room to return to at the end of the day.
Comfort rooms can accommodate a solo traveller or two people travelling together and contain a single bed. Each Comfort room also has its own private ensuite bathroom with a western style toilet and shower, with hot water available whenever possible.
Wi-Fi
Yes (Free)
People Per Room
Up To 8 (Shared) or 1 (Comfort)
Single Sex Rooms
Yes
Western Bathroom Facilities
Yes
Airport Transfer
1.5 Hours
Nearest ATM & Shops
5 Minute Walk
Meals
Volunteers enjoy breakfast and dinner prepared on-site by our cook. Meals are a mix of Tanzanian and Western cuisine. For lunch, you can visit the restaurant opposite the Volunteer House or explore nearby eateries near your placement. Alternatively, Western supermarkets in Arusha offer supplies if you prefer to prepare your own meals at the house.
Meals follow a rotating weekly menu, providing a variety of dishes. Dinner portions are divided equally to ensure everyone gets their fair share. Filtered water is available at the Volunteer House for a small cost.
* Our team will do their best to cater for dietary requirements, but this cannot always be guaranteed. Volunteers may need to purchase additional ingredients at their own expense. Please note any dietary requirements in your application and re-iterate them to the local team on arrival. For major concerns, contact the PMGY International Team before confirming your place on the program.
Here is an example of the meals you can expect:
Breakfast
Pancakes, Eggs, Toast, Jam, Coffee
Lunch
Not Included
Dinner
Pasta, Beans, Rice, Chapati, Sweet Potato
Program Location
FAQ's
PMGY welcomes teaching volunteers in Tanzania of all nationalities, religions, and backgrounds. The minimum age to join the program is 17, with no upper age limit. Additionally, all volunteers need to have good English, although it does not need to be your first language. While it’s not necessary to speak the local dialect, you’ll find that learning a few local words during your time in Tanzania will go a long way in building connections and enriching your experience.
As a Tanzania teaching volunteer, you must provide a clean criminal background check before volunteering with us abroad. This ensures the safety and well-being of the children and communities we work with. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept anyone with previous criminal convictions.
In general, no formal experience or qualifications are required to join the teaching projects — just lots of energy, enthusiasm, and a proactive approach to preparation!
Volunteering overseas can be a rewarding yet demanding experience. It can be physically and mentally challenging, so all participants must be fit in both areas. If you have any medical or mental health conditions that may affect your participation, these must be disclosed to us during your online application. This ensures we can best support you and assess the program’s suitability.
If you have any concerns or queries regarding your eligibility or suitability for the Tanzania teaching program, we recommend that you contact us before committing to the program. Our team is always happy to assist you in making an informed decision and ensuring a positive and enriching experience for all involved.
For your volunteer trip to Tanzania, you should book your flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (airport code JRO) to arrive on the designated Sunday start date. This is the official arrival day for the program, ensuring a smooth and well-organised beginning to your experience as a Tanzania teaching volunteer.
Please check out our Chaperoned Flight options for group flights from London Heathrow on selected start dates.
Upon your arrival, you will be warmly greeted at the airport by a member of our local team or an appointed driver. They will be easy to spot, holding a sign with your name to ensure you feel welcomed from the moment you land. From there, they will escort you to your accommodation, where you will have the rest of the day to relax, settle in, and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
The program officially ends on the Sunday of your final week. This means you will need to vacate the accommodation on this day to make way for new participants arriving for their own life-changing experiences. Our local team will be available to assist with arranging transport to the airport or providing guidance for any onward travel plans you may have.
Whether you’re just arriving or bidding farewell to Tanzania, our team is here to ensure your transition is as seamless and stress-free as possible. Your time as a Tanzania teaching volunteer will leave you with unforgettable memories, meaningful connections, and a lasting impact on the communities you’ve helped.
You can apply anytime for most of our programs, including the Tanzania teaching volunteer program. However, we highly recommend applying soon to secure your spot. Some of our programs have limited capacity, and spaces can fill quickly, especially during our peak travel period from June to August. If you plan to join us during this time, applying early is even more important to avoid disappointment!
When you embark on this experience, you must be 100% committed to joining the program. To apply, locate the “Apply Now” button on the individual project page. This will guide you step-by-step through our online Application Process. We’ve made it as straightforward and user-friendly as possible so that you can easily secure your place.
Based on feedback from previous Tanzania teaching volunteers, we’ve found that 4-6 weeks is the ideal amount of time to fully immerse yourself in the experience of volunteering in Tanzania. This duration provides ample opportunity to integrate into the local community, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to your chosen project. Over this time, you’ll be able to make a lasting positive impact while having plenty of time to explore Tanzania’s incredible sights and culture during your weekends.
Many of our Tanzania teaching volunteers who joined us for just 2 weeks often expressed that their time was too short. They leave wishing they had stayed longer to further engage with the projects they’ve grown passionate about. If your schedule allows, we highly encourage you to consider a longer stay to make the most of this life-changing experience!
While our programs are available for longer durations, volunteers can initially sign up for a maximum of 12 weeks in each destination. In the past, we’ve found that some volunteers commit to extended placements but later wish to adjust their plans for independent travel or to join another program. Please note, however, that Program Fees are non-refundable once committed. If you arrive and find yourself loving the program (as many do!), you are more than welcome to extend your placement. Extensions are subject to availability at the time of your request, but our team will do their best to accommodate your desire to stay longer and continue making an impact.
For those considering an even more adventurous journey, we recommend exploring our Encounter Programs. These unique opportunities allow you to experience 2-4 week stays across 3-10 destinations, offering a perfect balance of travel, cultural immersion, and volunteering.
At PMGY, we understand the importance of safety, especially for first-time travellers, and we work diligently to ensure that all our programs, including those in Tanzania, provide a secure and enriching experience. Our programs are carefully designed to balance structure and independence perfectly. This means you’ll enjoy a guided and supportive environment while free to explore and immerse yourself in local culture. For further details, please refer to our Safety & Wellbeing page.
Volunteer safety in each destination is a top priority and is monitored regularly. A member of our International Team has thoroughly inspected every PMGY program to ensure it meets our high standards. We also stay current with advice published by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office. Through constant communication with our local teams, we ensure that our volunteers are always placed in secure and stable regions.
Our International Team has personally visited and participated in every program we offer, paying close attention to every detail—from the living conditions and local neighbourhoods to the food you’ll enjoy. These meticulous checks ensure that all aspects of your stay meet our rigorous standards. Additionally, our local teams are experienced professionals with years of experience hosting international volunteers. They serve as PMGY’s trusted representatives, offering 24/7 support to all volunteers throughout their stay. To further enhance your safety, PMGY provides a 24-hour international emergency line accessible at all times. In-country staff also maintain connections with local medical professionals, ensuring that immediate assistance is available should it be required during your placement as a Tanzania teaching volunteer.
Before you embark on your journey, you’ll receive a comprehensive Volunteer Handbook, which covers key topics such as health, safety, visas, and dress codes. If you have additional or specific questions, our dedicated support team is available 24/7 to assist. Furthermore, on a monthly basis, PMGY hosts an Introductory Webinar and a Safety Webinar. These interactive sessions offer invaluable information about our projects and practical tips for staying safe abroad.
When you arrive in-country, you’ll participate in a detailed orientation session. This introduction will cover the general volunteer program and your specific project, including essential safety advice tailored to your destination. During this session, you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase a local SIM card — a step we highly recommend to ensure you remain contactable at all times. Additionally, you’ll receive a comprehensive list of essential contact numbers to keep on hand during your stay.
While no travel experience can ever be guaranteed 100% trouble-free, PMGY has taken every precaution to ensure that your time as a Tanzania teaching volunteer is as safe and enjoyable as possible. We strongly suggest following the local team’s guidance and advice to ensure your safety throughout your journey.
