Mongolia - Altai
Applications are currently open and will close on April 26th.
In Mongolia’s vast countryside of seemingly endless green plains there is not much more to find than a few nomad family’s ger. Whenever you knock on a ger’s door, whether you know the family or not, you are welcomed into their home and they share their food and milk with you. Sharing and caring for each other is deeply rooted in Mongolian culture. Even if they do not have a lot they are happy to give whatever they have to help out. This generosity can also be seen by the behaviour of students from rural areas. They help each other out in solving tasks and share their pencils or books with others, who do not have any. Also, teachers have to be very generous as they have to pay for teaching material themselves, e.g. printing or even chalk for the blackboard. As teachers in Mongolia do not have the same level of education as in Switzerland the knowledge they teach is limited. Therefore students are eager to learn English in order to go to university and learn more.
In Switzerland we are privileged with our education system which gives everyone the same opportunities. In Mongolia students from rural towns have it more difficult to gain the same level of education as students from the capital in Ulaanbaatar. It is important to provide the students from rural areas, such as Altai, with opportunities to learn more. Not only does the project teach English to students, but also to English teachers. By giving them insights into alternative teaching techniques the project's goal is to have a long lasting effect.
Why participate?
A practical approach to making a difference
By participating you are actually filling a need in the local community. You are not taking away opportunities from local teachers but enriching the local education environment by offering your time and your resources!
Volunteering for students
We adapted our volunteering offering to fit the busy schedule of students at the University of St. Gallen. Volunteering will take place during the semester break and will not extend further than one week into the next term. All projects have a duration of 3-4 weeks.
Additonally, Pieces covers the volunteers lodging and food costs for the duration of their stay.
Non Profit
As opposed to other volunteering platforms we are completely run by students on a voluntary basis. All funds we collect goes directly to our partner schools and to finance our organization. We DON'T give money to third parties but are directly in contact with our partnerschools.
Experience a new culture
Experience new food, new customs and meet new people. This is an incredible opportunity to leave your comfort zone and to truly commit to something you have never experienced before.
You will also be dealing with different important problems you might not have been confronted with before.
Educate yourself
Before leaving for your project you will receive pedagogical training during our mandatory bootcamp during which you will receive the tools required to communicate and teach in an effective manner.
Important Dates
Application Period for Volunteers
Please upload your CV and a motivation letter, both in English, in a single PDF document named 'firstname.surname' (for example, 'frida.kahlo.pdf'), to the application form by April 26th 2024. Introduce yourself in the motivation letter (1 page A4), and mention one or two preferences regarding the project destination, as well as why you are interested in going to these countries.
Application period: March 25th 2024 - April 26th 2024
Interviews of Volunteer Candidates
Your English level will be tested while we get get to know you. We will also assess if you are fit for teaching at one of our projects. The interviews will take place on a weekly basis. If you meet our internal application standards we will send you a selection of possible interview time slots from which you will be able to freely choose. The later you apply the less choices you will have so keep this in mind when applying at the end of our applicaiton period. The interviews will take place in person at the University of St. Gallen.
Selection of the Volunteers
Volunteers will receive a confirmation e-mail with the final Board decision and respective details (including volunteering contract and further travel details).
Bootcamp
The Volunteer Bootcamp will take place in person at the University of St. Gallen. During the duration of the bootcamp you will receive the tools required to effectively teach and communicate in a foreign environment. Former volunteers will also give you insights and personal advice for your specific project destination. You will also get the opportunity to meet your new volunteering team members. Attending the Bootcamp is mandatory for all prospective volunteers! This year‘s Bootcamp is scheduled for May 17th 2024.
Dates of volunteering: July 15th - August 8th 2024
Warning: Exact dates will be subject to change but will fall within the lecture-free period after the exams. We highly recommend that applicants keep the dates around the advertised ones open.
Questions and Answers
Q: Which expenses are covered by PIECES?
The organisation covers all expenses on-site, e.g. accommodation and food. Volunteers are expected to pay for their travel costs, i.e. airplane tickets, visa, etc.
What Our former Volunteers say
Jessica Raimann (Volunteer Summer 2019)
"This has been one of the most unique experiences that I have ever had the pleasure of being a part of! The Pieces team did an amazing job organizing the whole trip!"
Disclaimer
PIECES does not engage in “voluntourism” but real volunteering, which requires volunteers to adapt to extremely precarious living conditions, discomfort, and enter foreign and sometimes hostile social environments dealing with serious issues. This is a risk of volunteering abroad and PIECES cannot issue any explicit safety guarantee or accept any kinds of liability. We are also not liable for organizing your trip and travel documentation – we are, of course, here to help, but you remain responsible.
While applying to one of our projects, you should keep in mind that you will be giving up many conveniences we are used to in Switzerland. While on the project site, you are likely to have limited access to hygiene appliances, medical help, electricity, and transportation. You will also work long teaching hours. Make sure you are able and willing to deal with these kind of problems if you apply for volunteering.