Special Education Internship
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Collaborate with seasoned mentors to craft and deliver captivating lessons to students, igniting positive transformations in the lives of children with special needs.
Looking for a fulfilling journey where you can truly impact the lives of children facing diverse developmental challenges? Look no further than this Special Education Internship. Partnering with a reputable school that offers specialized classes catering to varying developmental levels, you’ll have the unique opportunity to provide close support to children navigating conditions such as Down syndrome, visual or hearing impairment, autism, and intellectual disabilities. As a dedicated classroom assistant, you’ll offer invaluable one-on-one guidance to students, enriching their educational journey and actively contributing to personalized learning plans tailored to their specific needs.
As an integral part of the team, you’ll collaborate with experienced educators to exchange insights on effective teaching methodologies. You’ll also engage with parents, under the guidance of teachers, facilitating discussion about their children’s conditions and exploring collaborative strategies for further improvement. This internship experience is optimal for students pursuing careers in special needs education, social work, psychology, and occupational therapy. It provides hands-on learning opportunities and the chance to foster profound positive change in the lives of these exceptional children, leaving a lasting impact on both you and the community.
ORGANIZATION
VFV is a dedicated organization offering a wide range of placements across diverse fields and environments. Through the cultivation of vibrant partnerships with local entities and governmental agencies, they not only embrace but champion a holistic approach to alleviating poverty in Tacloban, Philippines. Their mission goes beyond mere service provision; encompassing a commitment to delivering a comprehensive array of services. From vital hunger relief initiatives to the promotion of children’s healthcare and the facilitation of education opportunities, this organization strives to address the multifaceted challenges faced by communities.
Whether it’s providing educational resources to underserved schools or spearheading initiatives to enhance healthcare accessibility in remote regions, VFV remains steadfast in its goal: to uplift and empower members of various communities facing adversity. By nurturing a culture of collaboration and empathy, they foster meaningful connections between volunteers and the communities they serve, creating pathways for positive change that extend far beyond geographical borders.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
Interns gain invaluable knowledge and skills through active engagement with educators, hands-on experiences, and close collaboration with professionals. During this internship, you’ll be involved in a variety of tasks focused on offering support to students with diverse conditions.
Responsibilities
- Teaching (Depending on the placement test and understanding of English language structure and function)
- Assisting in creating personalized learning plans tailored to each child’s specific needs
- Engaging with parents to discuss their children’s conditions and explore collaborative strategies for improvement
- Collaborating with experienced educators to exchange insights on effective teaching methods
- Offering individualized support to each child
Requirements
- Proficient in English
- Skilled in computer usage
- Collaborative team player
- Dependable and ready to offer practical assistance as required
- Empathetic and aware of the intricacies of working with children with diverse needs
- Diligent and committed to supporting children’s needs while working alongside a diverse team
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
You will reside with an experienced host family who has graciously opened their home to international volunteers for many years. These families embrace volunteers as cherished members, eager to share Filipino culture and include them in daily routines and special festivities. Shared meals provide an opportunity to enjoy authentic local cuisine while respecting dietary preferences. The accommodation provides access to electricity and running water with private bedrooms or shared quarters, each furnished with a mosquito net for comfort. While air conditioning is not available, fans are provided to cope with the tropical weather. Bathroom facilities are shared among family members, offering basic amenities and cold-water bucket baths. Although these adjustments may initially challenge your comfort zone, you can expect a safe, clean, and comfortable environment throughout your stay.
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
Prior to starting your internship, it’s essential to schedule a check-up with both your doctor and dentist. During these appointments, ensure you receive all recommended vaccines and medications to maintain your health throughout your stay. During your internship, you’ll receive a warm welcome into the neighborhood of Bliss, the heart of the community. With its lively atmosphere and low-income status, Bliss boasts a commendable low crime rate and a vibrant sense of communal spirit. The homes and surroundings are meticulously maintained, reflecting the neighborhood’s pride and cohesion. The Bliss community center and staff, along with your host family will provide any support necessary to make you feel comfortable and at home.
Communication
Communication
The VFV main center has Wifi for interns to use, however most homestays do not have Wifi available. It is recommended that you purchase a SMART SIM card upon arrival in the Philippines to be able to access the Internet and mobile network during your internship and stay connected with family and friends while abroad. Before traveling, ensure your phone has been unlocked for international SIM cards.
Meals
Meals
Your host accommodation will offer two daily meals (breakfast & dinner), consisting of traditional Filipino cuisine. We are happy to accommodate individuals with special dietary restrictions; however, we kindly request prior notification to ensure we can meet your needs accordingly.
Location details
Location details
Nestled in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines, Tacloban is a vibrant hub of resilience and vitality. Renowned as the commercial epicenter of the area, Tacloban boasts rich history and culture. Spare time in this city offers a wealth of attractions and activities to explore, from the Santo Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum for history buffs to Leyte Landing Memorial Park and the serene vistas of San Juanico Bridge for nature lovers. Dive into local life at the bustling markets, catch stunning sunsets at Cancabato Baywalk, or venture to Kalanggaman Island or hike Tacloban’s lush hillsides. There’s also plenty of opportunities to spend your weekends visiting nearby islands.
DATES & RATES
FEE BREAKDOWN
Start and end dates for the internship with this organization are flexible and will be discussed during the application process. Note: placements are unavailable in July/August 2024 and April/May 2025 due to school holidays.
What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
4 WEEKS USD 1,923
8 WEEKS USD 2,550
12 WEEKS USD 3,177
16 WEEKS USD 3,804
20 WEEKS USD 4,431
26 WEEKS USD 5,371
Inclusions
- Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
- Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
- An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
- Accommodation with a host family in a single or shared room (2 pax).
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- Daily breakfast and dinner (traditional Filipino meals)
- Waray-Waray Basic Language Lesson
- Project Tour (to explore the different projects)
- City Tour
- Excursion to f.e. beach/resort
- Assistance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
- An orientation program with your supervisor
- Supervision and support during your stay
- Regular check-ins during your internship with your supervisor
- Troubleshooting if needed
- A reference letter at the end of your internship
Exclusions
- Flights to Tacloban DZR Airport
- Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Transport to the office
- Lunch, drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
GALLERY
FAQs
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Philippines.
What can I expect from an internship in the Philippines?
During your internship, you can expect to get a glimpse into what it’s like to live and work in the Philippines. You’ll step out of your comfort zone, gain practical work experience, explore a new culture and environment, contribute to the UN SDGs, and learn valuable skills to apply in your personal life and professional career. All this, while getting to explore some of the 7,000+ islands found in the Philippines. Take walks on sandy white beaches, wander through rice terraces, dip into crystal clear waters, try tasty new foods, immerse yourself in history and culture, and enjoy every second of it! For more reasons to intern in the Philippines, check out this blog post.
Will I be able to travel around the country during my internship?
We believe an internship is more than just about your office work – it’s also about discovering and experiencing a new culture. So you’ll absolutely be able to travel during your internship in the Philippines! Each island in the archipelago is unique, so hop on a boat or quick flight to get exploring. Be sure to ask your host organization for recommendations and must-sees.
Does my internship in the Philippines qualify for university credits?
It sure does! However, you’ll want to double check with your supervisor that your university approves the program. We can also assist you in purchasing transfer credits to add onto your internship experience.
Will I receive compensation during my internship abroad?
Unfortunately, no. When interning for a nonprofit organization, the placement will be unpaid, but there are different ways to fund your internship. Don’t forget, the wealth of knowledge and opportunities for both your professional and personal growth will be invaluable!
QUICK FACTS
HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore personal growth and self-awareness through immersive and impactful experiences in special education
- Cultivate problem-solving skills while gaining a deeper understanding of children’s diverse needs
- Expand your professional network by connecting with experts and practitioners in the field
- Develop practical proficiencies in social work, psychology, and education to address individual needs effectively
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant and culturally rich environment of the Philippines, living and working amidst its dynamic communities
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
APPLY
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
INTERNSHIP MATCHING
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
PAYMENT
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
CONFIRMATION
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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