Apply by
January 1, 2025
Know by
March 1, 2025
Depart on
July 11, 2025
Duration
2 years, plus 3 months training
Project description
The Samoan Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC) eagerly works with the Peace Corps to promote English literacy teaching and learning in primary schools across the country. Peace Corps Samoa is focused on the long-term sustainability and impact of Volunteer projects. Peace Corps follows a six-year project cycle in each school and community, starting with a First Generation (Gen) Volunteer and ending with a Third Gen Volunteer. Individual tasks, assignments and opportunities for secondary projects will depend on the generation and host community of the Volunteer – host communities will be determined during Pre-Service Training. The majority of Volunteers entering service in 2025 will be 2nd Gen Volunteers.
First Gen Volunteers set the groundwork of the project for schools and communities. During their first year of service, First Gen Volunteers work with small pull-out groups (select students who would benefit from extra, small group English literacy lessons) in years 3 to 8, and co-teach with an assigned counterpart in their second year of service to engage additional students. The 1st Gen Volunteer, in collaboration with the school principal, recommends teachers with whom the 2nd Gen Volunteer can work.
Second Gen Volunteers will pick up where the previous Volunteer left off - working with years 3 to 8 pull-out groups, continuing established secondary projects, and working closely with schoolteachers to exchange best practices for English language teaching.
Third Gen Volunteers will start co-teaching and community outreach programs at the beginning of service, in addition to small pull-out groups. They are also tasked with closing out all Peace Corps projects in the community, and ensuring teachers and community members are identified and equipped to continue programs.
Volunteers also work with counterparts to develop libraries and introduce different systems of arranging books, create before and afterschool reading programs, and, in some cases, teach computer literacy skills. Finally, Volunteers and their counterparts engage parents and other community members in English literacy by initiating family literacy activities and inviting parents to school-based events.
Peace Corps Samoa champions initiatives that promote gender equity, girls’ and boys’ education, and leadership development. Volunteers receive in-depth training on incorporating methods of gender analysis into community assessment and development efforts. Volunteers are encouraged to find culturally appropriate ways to incorporate gender awareness into their work. Samoa is the first Peace Corps country to have GLOW (Girls Leading Our World) clubs in schools that are co-run by Volunteers and local counterparts. In addition, GLOW clubs are managed by a board composed of Volunteers and prominent Samoan women leaders. Prior to the global evacuation of Volunteers, Samoa had more than 20 primary schools with active GLOW clubs and five primary schools with BUILD (Boys United In Leadership Development) clubs that met weekly. These clubs were supported by the local communities and schools, as well as our main partner agency, MEC.
Required Skills
- Competitive candidates will have a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any discipline and a strong desire to teach English
Desired Skills
- 3 months, 10 hours/month, or 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 Pre-school, Early Childhood, Middle School, or Elementary Education
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any discipline with Elementary Education state certification
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any discipline with one or more school year classroom teaching experience at the Early Childhood, Middle School, or Elementary level. Full time Montessori teaching experience is also acceptable
- Experience teaching literacy, especially at the primary school level
- Experience working with teachers and students and the ability to develop strong working relationships with teachers, students, parents and community members
- Experience and interest in developing extra-curricular activities to promote English language capacity and strengthen skill building for students and teachers
- Experience and interest in developing projects that promote gender equity
- Experience working with limited resources
Required Language Skills
There are no pre-requisite language requirements for this position. Peace Corps Samoa Invitees will receive a brief introduction to the Samoan language in the pre-departure course and receive in-depth language training during Pre-Service Training. While you will be teaching in English, speaking Samoan is an important means of integrating into your community. Volunteers will need an understanding of Samoan to follow staff meetings and discussions. Even if principals and teachers speak English, most of them prefer to use Samoan in meetings, and most staff meetings will be conducted in Samoan. Many villagers do not speak English fluently. In addition, language is a key to culture. Showing you are making an effort to learn the language both demonstrates respect to individuals and helps earn respect in your community. Volunteers are expected to engage in continual language learning throughout their service utilizing e-learning, community tutors, and immersion in their communities. A good control of Samoan is necessary to effectively work in the community and continual practice in Samoan will increase the impact of Volunteer activities. Additionally, consistent practice in the community is important to pick-up the colloquial or casual communication most often used.
Living conditions
Samoa is an island nation of about 200,000 people. Reefs fringe the shores and there are mountains in the center of the two main islands. Most Volunteers do not live on the ocean, but it is never far away. Samoa is hot and humid with two main seasons – rainy and dry. The country’s small size also means Volunteers’ travel and activities are scrutinized by community members. Living in a “fishbowl” environment can be challenging. Volunteers who are committed to their community integration and their work can build meaningful relationships in their communities and have a successful service. Integration into a community will help mitigate the attention Volunteers experience, create trust, and help the Volunteer and the community have an enriched, memorable experience.
Clothing
Personal appearance is important to Samoans. During Pre-Service Training (PST), the dress code is business casual. Women are expected to wear a wraparound “lavalava” or an ankle length skirt and top with sleeves, or an ankle length dress. Men can wear a wraparound lavalava and shirt with sleeves. Dressing appropriately after PST will help Volunteers gain respect in your community, facilitate integration, and increase your credibility and effectiveness.
Housing/Transportation
Volunteers live with host families during both the 11 weeks of PST and the two years of service. Volunteers live in a private room in a family’s house. Transportation to and from the villages is usually by bus. Taxis are available but are more expensive. Within the village, Volunteers get around on foot or bicycle.
Food/Diet
The diet in Samoa consists primarily of taro, breadfruit, yams, potatoes, rice, canned corned beef, fish, chicken soup, taro leaves, seasonal fresh vegetables and fruit and various meats. Vegetarians can fare well in Samoa with patience and creativity. For strict vegans, it’s harder, but doable.
Connectivity
While internet is becoming more widely available throughout the country, access is still expensive and may be limited by location and cost. Peace Corps Samoa does not provide Volunteers with a cellphone or data. Volunteers may bring an unlocked phone from the U.S. or buy one in country. Most Volunteers also bring a computer to use in Samoa. It is the Volunteer’s responsibility to maintain and insure electronics that they bring.
Culture/Religion
Samoa is culturally Polynesian and the majority of Samoans are Christian. Religion plays a strong role in village and community life. Most Volunteers attend church at least once a week, regardless of their own beliefs as a way of integrating into the community and participating in village life.
Diversity & Inclusion
Through inclusive recruitment and retention of staff and Volunteers, the Peace Corps seeks to reflect the rich diversity of the United States and bring diverse perspectives and solutions to development issues. Ensuring diversity among staff and Volunteers enriches interpersonal relations and communications for the staff work environment, the Volunteer experience, and the communities in which Volunteers serve. Our definition of diversity includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, education, ability, and more.
Volunteers who are of an American racial, ethnic, or national minority or whose religious or spiritual beliefs differ from the majority of their country of service may experience a high degree of curiosity or unwanted attention. Please be aware that American concepts of politeness and appropriate behavior are not universal. Ethnically, nationally, or racially diverse Americans may be asked where they are “actually from” or if they are “really” American. Many Volunteers have been able to turn these encounters into learning experiences, sharing American values and deepening local community members’ understanding of Americans.
Learn more about the Volunteer experience in Samoa: Get detailed information on culture, communications, housing, and health/crime statistics in order to make a well-informed decision about serving.
Medical considerations
Before you apply, please review medical clearance and legal clearance to learn about the process.
Couples information
