Spoken English Immersion Program

Application Status: Actively Recruiting
Status Closed for 2026, Open for 2027
Application Deadline November 30, 2025

The Spoken English Immersion Program at The School of St Jude in Arusha, Tanzania, is a new initiative, which we plan to run every year. The inaugural program will take place in June-July next year.

Volunteers will support around 300 newly enrolled secondary students, mostly aged 15 and older, who come from government schools. The students have written English skills but limited chances to practise speaking with native speakers, so they lack confidence in their oral English. They are bright, respectful, and eager to improve, knowing that strong spoken English greatly enhances their future job prospects in Tanzania. The program aims to help students build fluency and confidence through fun, interactive sessions like storytelling, role plays, skits, interviews, and games.

Volunteers must commit to a teaching program for two full weeks including Saturdays, as well as a two-day planning program prior to the arrival of the students. Volunteers will work in a small team, rotating through student groups, and supported by the program’s leaders. In addition, the school will offer late-afternoon and weekend activities where volunteers can experience Tanzanian culture firsthand, plus enjoy the bonus of exploring the local area and seeing world-renowned African wildlife nearby.

Position Details
The Spoken English Immersion Program at The School of St Jude in Arusha, Tanzania, is a new initiative, which we plan to run every year. The inaugural program will take place in June-July next year. Volunteers will support around 300 newly enrolled secondary students, mostly aged 15 and older, who come from government schools. The students have written English skills but limited chances to practise speaking with native speakers, so they lack confidence in their oral English. They are bright, respectful, and eager to improve, knowing that strong spoken English greatly enhances their future job prospects in Tanzania. The program aims to help students build fluency and confidence through fun, interactive sessions like storytelling, role plays, skits, interviews, and games. Volunteers must commit to a teaching program for two full weeks including Saturdays, as well as a two-day planning program prior to the arrival of the students. Volunteers will work in a small team, rotating through student groups, and supported by the program’s leaders. In addition, the school will offer late-afternoon and weekend activities where volunteers can experience Tanzanian culture firsthand, plus enjoy the bonus of exploring the local area and seeing world-renowned African wildlife nearby.
Volunteers must be:
  • Native English speakers
  • Passionate about youth education (preferably with some teaching or training experience with teenagers and young adults)
  • Willing and able to teach around 6 ½ hours each weekday with two short breaks and 3 ½ hours on Saturdays
  • Able to interpret and implement a set of lesson guidelines and engage students in interactive activities
  • Good team players who enjoy sharing ideas and working with others
  • Friendly, conversational, and outgoing with a sense of humour
  • Flexible, creative, and resilient with the ability to change and adapt to the unexpected
  • Open-minded and culturally respectful (e.g., school norms, greetings, clothing)
What's Provided:
  • Free accommodation at the school and airport transfers from either Mt Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airports
  • Three meals per day at the school for US$25/day
  • Support with planning and teaching strategies
  • An unforgettable experience with eager-to-learn students and fellow volunteers
Costs you'll need to cover:
  • Return flights to Tanzania
  • Tanzanian Business Visa (US$250)
  • Personal medical and insurance costs
  • Some optional activities provided by the school

St Jude's is located in Arusha, a town that serves as the gateway to popular East African national parks and game reserves such as Ngorongoro Crater, the vast plains of Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, and Arusha National Park. It is also near Mt. Kilimanjaro—the largest free-standing mountain in the world. You'll have the opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty of Africa before or after your volunteer period at the school.

How to apply:

The 2026 intake has closed. The 2027 program will be advertised mid-2026. If you have any questions, contact the program leaders, Annette and Geoff Hilton annetteandgeoff@gmail.com

How to Apply:

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. Please email your CV and cover letter (briefly outlining your background and why you’re interested) to Annette and Geoff at annetteandgeoff@gmail.com by 12 September 2025. We’ll be in touch to arrange a video chat. We hope you’ll consider joining this meaningful new program and help us make it a success for years to come.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.