Ukrainian universities and pedagogical colleges are dedicated to academic excellence, democratic values, and international collaboration. Their strategic goals include expanding international partnerships, strengthening interdisciplinary research, and modernizing teaching and learning practices. They are focusing on faculty and student mobility, creating joint academic and research initiatives, developing curriculum development based on international best practices, and strengthening institutional capacity in digital education, university governance, and resilience during periods of crisis.
The universities are interested in enhancing English-language instruction, specifically with spoken English and intercultural communication. They believe that engaging with Peace Corps’ Virtual Service Pilot Participants (VSPPs) introduces authentic linguistic input and cultural perspectives that support the development of linguistic accuracy, pragmatic awareness, and cultural literacy beyond the traditional classroom. Of the institutions included in this engagement, two are pedagogical colleges which aim to prepare highly qualified, compassionate, and innovative educators who will foster the growth of young children in inclusive and engaging learning environments that support the diverse needs of all students. They view the engagement as a unique opportunity for students from rural communities affected by war to get access to modern educational practices and international pedagogical experience and thus to grow both personally and professionally.
All educational institutions are requesting VSPPs to work with a group of 15–20 self-reliant, motivated, and change-oriented university and college students. Prior to orientation, VSPPs will be assigned to a university or combined universities/colleges. Each of three groups will meet with their respective VSPP twice a week for a 60-minute session for four weeks. Virtual summer club participants are eager to be immersed in engaging activities that cover topics such as art, social media, youth life, traveling, natural wonders, holidays and traditions, sport, education, and others. The VSPPs will work with local teachers to create interactive activities for the summer English clubs which will cover topics of interest to the students. These partnerships are vital to give their students a global perspective and keep education quality high, despite the challenges in Ukraine.
All educational institutions have previously collaborated with the Peace Corps. They all understand that the role of a VSPP is very different than a two-year Volunteer.
Essential qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in any field
Experience: 1 year of TEFL/English teaching to university students
Intercultural skills and motivation: Flexible, strong cross-cultural agility, high tolerance for ambiguity, able to work independently, resourceful, creative, and genuinely motivated and capable to serve virtually
Desired qualifications
Desired qualifications
Education: Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in English, Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL), or Education
Experience:
• Virtual engagement and communication
• 2 years teaching university students
• Previous VSPP for education engagements
View the full Peace Corps job posting here.
Read the full article at: https://www.peacecorps.gov/ways-to-serve/service-assignments/browse-opportunities/virtual-service-pilot/co-teach-cultural-awareness-to-college-and-university-students-9912br/