Volunteer English Teaching in Arusha

As a Volunteer English Teacher in Arusha, you will support local schools by helping students build confidence in speaking and understanding English. From leading classroom activities to assisting teachers with lessons, you will play an important role in creating engaging and interactive learning experiences. This placement not only allows you to share your skills but also immerses you in the vibrant culture of Tanzania while making a lasting difference in young lives.

Mandatory Orientation Day

On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day to familiarize yourself with the surroundings as well as the local culture.

Schedule

• Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety advice, and handling of documents.
• Tanzanian Do’s and Don’ts, Culture Introduction and Country history and Intensive Swahili Language Lessons.
• Tour around the compound and local area; where to find local shops; and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
• Hike up the beautiful Monduli Mountains if time and weather permit.

Weekly Schedule

Monday – Orientation Day

• Welcome and orientation with the local program coordinator

• Introduction to the placement and project goals

• Tour of the local area and cultural briefing

• Settle into accommodation and prepare for the week ahead

Tuesday to Friday – Program Days

• Breakfast at the accommodation

• Depart for the school at 8 a.m.

• Teach or assist with English lessons for a minimum of 4 hours

• Return to the center for lunch

• Afternoon teaching session for up to 2 hours

• Free time to relax, prepare for the next day, or explore the surroundings

• Dinner at the accommodation

Evening Activities

To balance your work, you’ll also join fun, social activities organized by the local team:

• Tuesday: Movie night on the big screen

• Wednesday: Game night with exciting group activities

• Thursday: Team building activities with fellow volunteers

• Friday: BBQ and movie night to close the week

***These activities can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

Weekends

Your weekends are free to explore Arusha and beyond. Options include:

• Safari adventures in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Tarangire National Park

• Hikes around Monduli Mountains or Mount Meru

• Cultural exploration at local Maasai markets, the Boma Museum, or Shanga craft center

• Relaxation trips to Kikuletwa Hot Springs or even a short flight to Zanzibar for beaches and spice tours

Places to Visit

Arusha is more than just a gateway to safaris. It is a city full of culture, history, and natural beauty waiting to be explored. Here are some highlights you will not want to miss:

• Arusha National Park – A peaceful escape filled with giraffes, zebras, flamingos, and the stunning backdrop of Mount Meru.

• Cultural Heritage Centre – A hub of Tanzanian art, jewelry, and crafts, perfect for soaking up culture and finding unique keepsakes.

• Meserani Snake Park – Equal parts education and adventure, this spot offers insight into reptiles while also sharing Maasai traditions.

• Mount Meru Waterfalls – Hidden trails leading to spectacular cascades where you can hike and cool off in nature.

• Shanga Village – A heartwarming social enterprise where recycled materials are transformed into beautiful crafts by artisans with disabilities.

• Local Maasai Markets – Bursting with colors, fabrics, spices, and fresh produce, these markets are an authentic taste of everyday life.

• Lake Duluti – A serene crater lake perfect for canoeing, birdwatching, or simply unwinding in a lush setting.

• Arusha Declaration Museum – Step into Tanzania’s history and learn about the legacy of Julius Nyerere, the nation’s founding father.

Please note:

• This schedule may be adjusted depending on weather, local conditions, and unforeseen circumstances

Monduli, in the Arusha Region of northern Tanzania, is where dramatic landscapes meet rich cultural heritage. Surrounded by the sweeping beauty of the Great Rift Valley, you’ll be living close to world-famous landmarks such as Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro, and the Serengeti. During your stay, you’ll experience everyday village life with the Maasai, while still having access to the vibrant city of Arusha just an hour away.

About the Accommodation

You’ll stay in a shared volunteer house located on a school campus in Monduli, with plenty of green open space and mountain views. Rooms are dormitory-style, shared with 2–6 participants, and separated by gender. The accommodation is basic but comfortable, with lockable rooms and shared bathrooms.

Bed linen is provided, but please bring your own towel. There is no air conditioning, WiFi, or mosquito nets provided, and showers are sometimes heated by bucket. Laundry facilities are available with buckets and brushes provided. Evenings in Monduli are quiet, with star-filled skies that often reveal the Milky Way right above your accommodation.

Available Room Types:

• Standard Room — shared with 2–6 participants

• Lockable rooms with shared bathrooms

• No air conditioning or fans

• No mosquito protection provided (bring your own)

• Bed linen included (towels not provided)

• Bucket showers with both western-style and squat toilets

• Laundry facilities available (self-service)

• No WiFi at the accommodation (local SIM cards recommended)

Food Arrangements

You’ll receive three meals a day during weekdays, and brunch and dinner on weekends. Meals are freshly prepared and mostly consist of traditional Tanzanian dishes, with regional flavors and ingredients. During outdoor activities, meals may be served at local restaurants in the city.

Special dietary needs can be accommodated with prior notice. Clean drinking water is always provided.

Facilities

Within walking distance, you’ll find small shops, local restaurants, pharmacies, salons, and an ATM. A local hospital is also nearby. For larger amenities, a dala-dala (shared minibus) takes you to Arusha city in about an hour, where you’ll find supermarkets, malls, markets, and even cinemas.

Electricity is available, but there may be occasional power cuts. Tanzania uses both Type D and Type G sockets (230 volts, 50Hz), so a universal adapter is recommended.

Volunteering in Tanzania with TRU combines meaningful volunteer work with unforgettable adventure travel in one of East Africa’s most iconic destinations. Designed for gap year volunteers, solo travellers, students, and anyone looking for ethical volunteering abroad, TRU’s Tanzania volunteer programmes focus on sustainable community projects, cultural immersion, and responsible tourism.

Volunteers have the opportunity to support local education programmes, youth development initiatives, community outreach projects, and conservation volunteering experiences while working alongside local communities. Every volunteer project is designed to create a positive impact while giving volunteers hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of Tanzanian culture and daily life. TRU promotes ethical volunteering and sustainable travel, ensuring projects are community-led and focused on long-term support.

Beyond volunteering, Tanzania offers world-famous safari experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant local culture. Volunteers can explore national parks, discover tropical beaches, experience traditional food and markets, and visit destinations like Zanzibar City. From wildlife conservation and community volunteering to adventure travel and cultural experiences, TRU creates the perfect balance of purpose, exploration, and authentic travel in Tanzania.