Ipswich, ENG, United Kingdom
£58,569 – £63,070ExecutiveFull Time
6 hours agoView role
Kyrgyz Republic
Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any discipline and a strong desire to teach English
Competitive candidates will also meet or exceed the following criteria:
• At least 30 hours of English, foreign language, or literacy tutoring experience with primary, middle, or high school students, or adults.
• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education with concentration in English, TEFL, TESOL, ESL, TESL, or foreign language.
• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any discipline with secondary education state certification in English, TEFL, TESOL, ESL, TESL, or foreign language.
• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any discipline with classroom teaching experience at the secondary level in English, TEFL, TESOL, ESL and TESL, or foreign language.
• Youth mentoring and engagement experience.
• Experience working with youth ages 5-18 in after-school activities or other areas of non-formal education.
• Experience working with youth in summer camps, clubs, sports, music, art, theater, volunteerism, and/or service learning, including their development and organization.
• Successful applicants will demonstrate a positive attitude, patience, flexibility, creativity, cultural sensitivity, openness to challenges and self-motivation for independent language learning and practicing new skills and knowledge at work and life.
Please view the Kyrgyz Republic Country Page to learn more about living conditions in the Kyrgyz Republic: https://www.peacecorps.gov/kyrgyz-republic/preparing-to-volunteer/living-conditions/
In the Kyrgyz Republic, families are generally large and extended family members maintain strong relationships. Several generations often live in one household, which may include cousins, aunts and uncles, as well as immediate family members. Children are seen as a blessing and 3-4 children are considered a small-to-medium sized family. Most rural families have some area to raise crops and farm animals, predominately chickens and sheep. The family structure tends to be traditional, with household chores done by women and outside chores done by men. While Islam is the predominant religion, the practice has been influenced by the long association of Russia blended with Arabic traditions. Women may or may not decide to wear scarves to cover their hair. Neat, professional dress is mandatory for teachers. During their off hours Volunteers should expect to dress conservatively, especially in rural environments.
Traditional Kyrgyz food relies strongly on meat, noodles, potatoes, and bread. Meat is a big part of most meals, and sheep are often slaughtered for celebrations. Vegetables and fruits are available seasonally, with families preserving food for the winter months. Bread holds significant traditional importance in the Kyrgyz Republic. While vegetarians and those wishing to avoid gluten have successfully served in Kyrgyz Republic, many find it challenging to be strict in their diets and to find sufficient produce in rural areas in winter months. Families pride themselves on their hospitality. Guesting (visiting friends and relatives) is a traditional pastime. Visits last for hours and involve conversation, traditional foods, drinks, and toasts. Alcohol is generally available in the country, but it may not be culturally acceptable depending on the host family. There may also be different expectations regarding alcohol for men and women. In the summer, some families may ‘go to jailoo’ – taking the family and animals to the mountain meadows-- or to Issyk-Kul, the second-largest alpine lake in the world, for vacation.
Volunteers live with a host family for the full 2 years, either in the family home or on the grounds of a family home in a separate building (compound housing). Be aware that compound housing is not available in all communities. PCVs will have their own room but share the kitchen and bathing facilities. Toilet facilities are normally in outhouses, behind the house, with squat toilets. Homestays enrich the cross-cultural goals of the Peace Corps, give Volunteers an established social position within their communities, and provide them with a secure and supportive living environment, including continued language learning.
There is electricity and water in all regions of the Kyrgyz Republic. However, in some areas the electricity and water supplies are limited to certain hours of the day or water is available from a local well or stream. Houses are heated either by gas, electricity, or coal. Volunteers may not have access to hot water for showering every day. Traditionally, people will bathe weekly or bi-weekly in a bathhouse called a banya—similar to a sauna--that can be located either on the property or elsewhere in the village. Some Volunteers will only have access to public banyas, but most will have showers in their houses. At public banyas, there is usually the option to pay a little extra for a private banya to bathe alone. Mobile phone access is generally good with internet available throughout the country.
Public transportation is widely available in the regional centers and consists of mini-vans or shared taxis. Transportation in rural areas may not run regularly. Peace Corps currently provides weekend transportation in private taxis to regional centers for essential shopping needs, though this is subject to change.
None
Education
Yes
Kyrgyz Republic
24
Yes
PCV
No
