LIFE IN MYANMAR
Myanmar is one of Asia's greatest civilizations and one of the most diverse countries in our world. Its borders stretch from the sparkling islands of the Andaman Sea in the south, right up into the Eastern Himalayan mountain range in the north. It is a country that remains one of the most mysterious and undiscovered destinations on our planet. For those who venture to this far away land, they will quickly be rewarded with breathtaking scenery, beauty, charm and incredible landscapes. Myanmar offers all the traditional delights of Asia in one fascinating country. Spectacular monuments and ancient cities add to a vibrant culture that is still home to 135 different ethnic groups here. Only until recently, has this country began to reach out and emerge themselves into the modern world. Wherever you go in Myanmar, whether it be cruising down the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River in style, drifting over the ancient city of Bagan by hot air balloon, or searching for that elusive tiger on the back of an elephant, there is always a feeling of adventure. Other activities can include Mountain trekking, rafting in the far north or world class diving in the Mergui Archipelago. Myanmar also boasts one of the lowest tourist crime records in the world, so visitors can rest assured their holiday will be safe from start to finish.
MAKE YOUR NEXT VOLUNTEER TRIP COUNT BY BECOMING PART OF A WORTHWHILE CAUSE AND JOINING OUR TEAM IN myanmar TODAY!
ISSUES FACING MYANMAR
The country is in a transition from military rule to representative democracy. It is a complicated process and a difficult political situation. The people of this country have been living for several decades under long internal conflicts and dictatorship rule. Poverty levels are estimated at 26% of the population. Poverty is twice as high in rural areas where 70% of the population lives. In the remote border areas; mainly populated by Myanmar's minority ethnic groups, and areas emerging from conflict are particularly poor. As a volunteer, you can provide one of the greatest gifts to the people in this country, which is Education. It is believed that Education alone cannot eliminate poverty but is one of the greatest contributors to it.
help you can help
As a volunteer, you will be given an opportunity to make a difference to the lives of others and in doing so, the people you will work with will also make a difference in yours. The programs we offer are designed to provide an ethical volunteering experience whereby volunteers will not only share their skills but will also learn about the local communities getting to know the people and their culture. We are actively looking for enthusiastic and empathetic volunteers who want to experience community life while getting involved to make a difference with local projects, which are designed to help the most vulnerable children in Myanmar.
ESSENTIAL COUNTRY INFORMATION:
CAPITAL CITY: Nay Pyi Taw
POPULATION: 50.51 million
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 57
CURRENCY: Burmese Kyat (MMK)
TIME ZONE: UTC +06:30
LITERACY PERCENT: 83
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE(S): Burmese, minor languages
RELIGION: Muslim, Christian, Buddhism
WEATHER AND CLIMATE: The climate can be described as tropical monsoon climate. It is characterized by strong monsoon influences, a considerable amount of sun, high rainfall, and high humidity. The annual average temperature ranges from 22 - 27 °C / 72 - 81 °F year-round. There are three distinct seasons in Myanmar: The Cold/Dry season is between the months of November to February where average monthly temperatures range from 20 - 24°C. The Hot/Dry season is between the months of March to April where average monthly temperatures range from 30 - 35°C. The Wet season is between the months of May to October where average monthly temperatures range from 25 - 30°C
SCHOOL TEACHING PROGRAM
PROVIDE EDUCATION, CARE, SUPPORT, PLAY AND LOVE TO UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN
Location: Yenangyaung, 2 hours south of Bagan
This program is designed and built for people who are interested in helping to support local life in this part of Myanmar. First of all, you should come because of the people – that’s what community-based tourism is all about. Wander down the hill, into town and you will encounter smiling faces everywhere: Children waving to you from the back of horse carts; old, toothless men sitting in front of obscure shops; labourers with teeth red from chewing betel nut; teenagers zipping by on scooters, shouting “hello”; women in colourful dresses, their faces white with Tanakar, the traditional make-up, balancing rice bags on their heads. Although Yenangyaung is a very poor town in this land of daily toil, everyone is smiling at you, because you will possibly be the only stranger here. Sit down on the front steps of a shop and watch everyday life. There’s always something happening.
If you volunteer on this program, you will be encouraged to teach English, play with kids, and the most important thing is to have fun while enjoying a unique sharing and caring experience with so many hopeful children who you may come in contact on a day-to-day basis. With help from foreign friends, the owner and regular donors have been subsidizing poor families in the area, offering education and sustainable life for many underprivileged children, along with providing food to more than 60 elderly locals. Parent less children thrown off their land are slowly being brought back into society, going to school, finding apprenticeships, becoming properly nourished and above all, finding the dignity and happiness which all children should enjoy. As a volunteer on this program, you will be required to assist and provide the following: care and support to the school children, teaching English, playing games with the children, future project development, and/or assist with ongoing community or other projects.
PLEASE NOTE:
This program is only available during the school season which begins june 1ST and runs until the end of FEBRUARY the following year. this particular program is not OFFERED DURING THE PERIOD OF march 1st to may 31st AS THE SCHOOL IS CLOSED FOR THE SUMMER holidays.
School Teaching Program Fee
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$220.00 CAD TO $275.00 CAD
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$405.00 CAD TO $520.00 CAD
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$590.00 CAD TO $765.00 CAD
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$780.00 CAD TO $1,010.00 CAD
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$180.00 CAD TO $240.00 CAD
PLEASE NOTE: The program fees vary depending on your budget and accommodation preference (single or double/shared room).
Volunteers are required to pay a Registration Fee of $225.00 CAD, which will be added to the program fee. This fee helps to cover the registration, enrolment, administration and processing costs. To find out what’s included in the program fees, scroll down for additional details.
To convert these prices to your currency click here. Fees may vary depending on the USD exchange rate.
If you wish to volunteer for a minimum of one month, you can take advantage of the following exclusive offer:
1 Month Program Fee
$ 875.00 CAD
Included in this program fee:
- Single accommodation (bed linen, towels, laundry).
- breakfast, lunch and dinner (water, breakfast beverage, myanmar green tea).
OUR PROGRAM FEES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
Registration Fee - (refundable if you cancel your program), ongoing support from VWB staff, program marketing costs, digital information package, administration costs, travel costs to develop additional programs as well as ongoing costs to sustain programs.
Program Fee - airport pick-up (only from Yangon International Airport), orientation, program supervision, accommodation (private or dormitory style) and meals during volunteer program period, in-country 24/7 volunteer support and in country administration costs.
Additional Costs to the Volunteer - visa, flights, travel insurance (mandatory), immunizations / vaccinations, in-country trips or tours, transfer to other areas and spending money.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Our enrolment and registration process begin by applying online. Once you have filled out and submitted the online application form, you will receive a confirmation email. To continue on in our enrolment process, all volunteers will be required to pay a Registration Fee of $225.00 CAD, which will be added to the Program Fee. This fee helps to cover the administration and processing costs. Once we receive both the registration and program fee payment, we will send you a confirmation email with the program details and encourage you to book your flight at that time. Our team will be readily available to correspond with you and answer any questions you might have from the time you apply until you reach the project. If you have any further questions or concerns please don't hesitate to contact us at: info@vwbinternational.org.