VOLUNTEER MYANMAR
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. Those who venture to this far away land, 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. 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 rates in the world, so visitors can rest assured their holiday will be safe from start to finish.
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.
HOW 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. It is believed that education alone cannot eliminate poverty but is one of the greatest contributors to it. 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 by 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”; and 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, to have fun. You can do all this 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 and are going to school, finding apprenticeships, and becoming properly nourished. Above all, they are 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.
IF YOU WISH TO VOLUNTEER FOR 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).
School Teaching Program Fee
PLEASE NOTE: This program is only available during the months of June to February. This program is NOT available during the months from March until May as the school is closed during the summer holidays.
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$220.00 TO $275.00 CAD
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$405.00 TO $520.00 CAD
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$590.00 TO $765.00 CAD
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$780.00 TO $1,010.00 CAD
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$180.00 CAD TO $240.00 CAD
PROGRAM FEE EXPLANATION
The total cost consists of a Program Fee plus a mandatory $225.00 CAD Registration Fee. This amount is refundable if you cancel your program but must be paid upfront to move forward with enrollment. This fee covers the ongoing cost of support from VWB staff, program marketing costs, digital information package, administration costs, travel costs to develop additional programs as well as ongoing costs to provide sustainable programs.
Included in the Program Fee - airport pick-up (only from Yangon International Airport), orientation, program supervision, accommodation (private or dormitory) and meals during volunteer program period, in-country 24/7 volunteer support and in country administration costs. The program fees vary depending on your budget and accommodation preference (single or double/shared room).
Additional Costs: visa, flights, travel insurance (mandatory), immunizations and/or vaccinations, in-country trips or tours, and transfer to other areas.
THE ENROLMENT PROCESS
Apply: The first step is submitting an online application which takes 1-2 minutes and does not require a payment or commitment. As a volunteer, you will be required to choose your destination, a start date and the specific volunteer project (e.g., Teaching, Orphanage, Wildlife or Marine Conservation, or Medical).
Review: Within 24–48 hours, a VWB Program Manager will review your application to ensure there is space available and that you meet any specific requirements for that project. Once approved, you’ll receive an confirmation email.
Registration Fee: Submit the $225 CAD Registration Fee to continue the enrollment process.
Program Fee: This is a separate fee that covers accommodation, meals, airport pickup, and in-country orientation. It is typically due 30 days before your start date.
Confirm: Once both the Registration and Program Fees are paid, you will receive the final confirmation email which includes program details along with a pre departure package to assist with preparation for your program.
Book Travel: Volunteers are advised not to book flights until the final confirmation email is received.
Questions: 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. Contact us at: info@vwbinternational.org.