ETA4 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is it important for children in other countries to learn English?
What does the ETA4 curriculum involve?
How are the volunteer projects determined?
Where will I stay while teaching?
How many students will be in my class?
What is the responsibility of a volunteer?
Do I need to speak the language of the country to volunteer?
Where are some of ETA4's future locations?
ETA4 stands for English Through Academics, Athletics, and the Arts Abroad.
ETA4 is dedicated to promoting international goodwill and spreading education beyond borders. It is fundamentally important to ETA4 that the world become connected culturally. ETA4 hopes to enhance the lives and the education of students abroad who have less fortunate circumstances. Specifically, ETA4 hopes to teach English through a variety of methods that include traditional instruction and less intimidating, entertaining and enjoyable experiences such as athletics and the arts, as well as volunteering in the communities in which they teach. The goal of ETA4 is to globalize and help as many students as possible to change and better their lives.
Why is it important for children in other countries to learn English?
For various reasons, learning English is becoming more and more vital to achieve success in a increasingly globalized world. It is the second most widely spoken language in the world, with estimates of over one billion English speakers, either as their first or second language. It is the global language of communication. Not only economically, either; English is the dominant language of the Internet as well. Academically, the leading institutions of higher learning are in the West, and most academic publications across a range of fields are in English. Most English speaking countries require students to pass a basic English test before they can receive student visas. English is necessary in any global business work, as English is the "language of business", or the "lingua franca". Most travel and tourism industries around the world are English speaking. Speaking English can greatly increase one's chance of gaining employment in the fields of travel, international business, translation, science and medicine, and law enforcement, among other careers. English can be used as a tool to help escape difficult circumstances by increasing one's chances for employment and travel outside their home country.
What does the ETA4 curriculum involve?
ETA4's brings a diverse curriculum to the table, to keep students interested and excited to learn English. This is the reason ETA4 incorporates athletics and the arts, such as music, which takes a well-rounded and more enjoyable approach to learning. A student may learn words that begin with the letter "T" one day, work on writing a simple song the next, and the following day be playing basketball. It is this diverse environment of learning that motivates the student to learn and keeps them involved throughout the program's duration.
How are the volunteer projects determined?
The volunteer projects each summer are determined by people on the ground in those locations whose job it is to discover immediate need projects as well as long term projects for the volunteers to participate in. By waiting to determine what the best projects would be until the volunteers actually arrive on site, ETA4 members can discuss with people in the community what the best projects would be for that given time and place.
There are many ways to get involved with ETA4. One of the simplest things to do is to join our cause on facebook.com. But if you’re a do-er, we have many opportunities. We are currently in the process of recruiting volunteer positions. If you’re interested in getting involved, please begin the process by checking out the "volunteer" link below, or send us an email: info@eta4.org. One of the more challenging tasks for ETA4 is funding the program, so donations are always welcome.
This is the coolest thing about the ETA4 program. Volunteering for the summer is FREE. 5 weeks in a foreign country, teaching English, for free. How is this possible? Check out the volunteer information page to find out.
Their are two parts to the program, lasting a total of 7 weeks. The first part is 5 weeks, which is the teaching portion of the program and is required. The second part lasts 2 weeks, and is the volunteer portion of the trip. Attending the volunteer portion of the trip is not required (say, if you have a scheduling conflict like summer school), but is strongly recommended to get the full ETA4 volunteer experience.
Where will I stay while teaching?
ETA4 volunteers are housed in safe, quality rooms near the schools or youth centers where the classrooms are located. These rooms are provided for you free of cost. Depending on the region, this may be a hotel, a boarding school, or a guest house.
How many students will be in my class?
The typical ETA4 program will have 8-10 teachers instructing 25-35 students per class. You will be teaching on your own; however, there will be someone there whose job it is to assist you with anything you may need. If there are too many children to fit in your classroom, the program may be divided up into morning and afternoon sessions to accommodate as many students as possible.
What is the responsibility of a volunteer?
Teaching volunteers have the amazing opportunity of traveling the world, but more importantly the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many. Volunteers are given the chance to teach English to students all over the world, participate in athletics, music, and arts, while being exposed to new and diverse cultures. Volunteers are also active in the community in which they teach, helping with community projects and bettering the lives of people there. All our volunteers have special abilities; it is their job to use these to improve the lives of students and others in less fortunate communities. Volunteers are provided with a safe and affordable summer alternative to be active in the world, to change and improve the standard of life for all.
Domestic Volunteers have an equally important job. The comfort of staying at home, combined with the concept of being an agent for positive change in the world is the idea behind domestic volunteering. Vital to the program's success, it is these individuals that raise awareness about the program, help organize fundraising events, sell merchandise, and work directly with the ETA4 Board on how to improve methods of awareness.
Do I need to speak the language of the country to be a volunteer?
No! There are positions available for those who only speak English. However, we are looking for bilingual people as well, so it doesn't hurt!
Where are some of ETA4's future locations?
In 2010, we will be traveling to 3 cities in Vietnam and 1 city in Taiwan.
Programs for the future are currently being planned in Africa, South America, and Asia. To be a part of it, visit the volunteer page.