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Teaching English to middle school students in Myanmar (Chin State)

Myanmar
Last activity : 18 Jun 2026

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100 %
Last replied
18 May 2020
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8
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2026

Min stay requested: at least 3 weeks

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Description
My name is James. I am from Hakha, the capital city of the Chin state which is one of the states in Myanmar. I have a theology degree from New International Christian University in Bangalore (India). I am 35 years old. I am the director of a middle school in Hakha.

There are 46 students in the school. The students are from 4 to 13 years old.
Our school is lacking english teachers. Having volunteer English teachers will help the students improve their english in order to reach a better future. Even though most of the students are christians, we don't teach religion at school. So it does not matter if you are christian or not, everyone with good intention is more than welcome.

Food and accommodation will be provided to the volunteer teachers during their stay.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Teaching
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
They will learn from the chin culture ( music, food, landscape, traditions...)
By teaching they will help thr kids to reach a better future.
As teachers, the volunteers will develop a new set of skills such as self confidence, public speaking, creativity, etc.
The experience will be a great opportunity for cultural exchange. The volunteers will learn about the whole Chin Culture.
The volunteers will be free the afternoons during the weekdays and the weekends so they can easily move around and discover the surroundings.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
The volunteers will be teaching english from 8:30 am to 12 am (midday) from monday to Friday.
The volunteers will be running the english classes in collaboration with the main teacher. They will be the assistant english teachers. Classes will have between 4 to 12 students each. A normal class is usually an hour long.
The volunteer teachers will be free to teach their own way using their own methods and materials or they can also follow the school curriculum. The books and other teaching materials will be provided by the school.
The school is run using tuition fees as well as donations. Students are paying for the whole education, not specifically for the english classes.The school is a normal school and does not only teach english. Other subjects such as Maths, Chin language, Science, history, geography and others are taught. The volunteer teachers are needed as the local teachers do not speak a proper english and thus cannot teach english in a good way.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
This host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
The volunteers will be provided a private bedroom near the school. They will have access to bathrooms, toilets and small kitchen. The accommodation is very clean and has lots of light with big windows. The volunteers will also have access to a washing machine to clean their clothe. The volunteers must be aware that the shower is quite basic and hot water will have to be boiled prior taking the shower.
What else ...
The chin state is beautiful and authentic. If you like the nature, the green landscape this is the place to go.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets

Host ref number: 327357834339

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Feedback (7)

23 Oct 2019

Left by Workawayer (rtgoong) for host

I was here in October 2019 and it's winter, something like 13-19 degrees during daytime. Hakha is about 2,000 m above sea level, make sure that you have clothes to keep you warm with you. There was also a British guy who taught here for 1 month! I didn't have a chance to meet him coz he left early in the morning on the same day that I arrived.… read more

(Excellent )

24 Apr 2019

Left by Workawayer (Ludovic) for host

This was an amazing workaway experience, one that I will remember forever. As previously said by other volunteers, the food is delicious and healthy and Hakha is a beautiful city, surprisingly clean compared to many other cities in SEA. However, what really amazed me during my time in Hakha is the people. It's usually what makes the difference… read more

(Excellent )

31 Mar 2019

Left by Workawayer (Caleb) for host

James and NuNu are the most amazing and considerate hosts. Their students, family and friends were a delight to spend time with every day, and made me feel incredibly welcome. The city is beautiful, the food is great, the culture is friendly, new and interesting. It’s a new school and they could use as many native/proficient speakers as possible… read more

(Excellent )

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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)

Cultural exchange:
(5.0)

Communication:
(4.3)

23 Oct 2019

Left by Workawayer (rtgoong) for host

(Excellent)

24 Apr 2019

Left by Workawayer (Ludovic) for host

(Excellent)

31 Mar 2019

Left by Workawayer (Caleb) for host

(Excellent)

13 Mar 2019

Left by Workawayer (Jonathan & Amanda) for host

We had such a wonderful time with this Workaway! The 3 weeks we spent in Hakha with Mr. James and his wife Nunu have been the most memorable and rewarding weeks of our 4 month trip.
Since we were here during the “summer vacation”, which lasts from End of February through May I believe, we were running a summer school together with one other… read more

(Excellent)

13 Mar 2019

Left by Workawayer (Tony) for host

This was my first workaway and I could not have hoped for a better experience. I have travelled around the world and cannot recall feeling so welcome anywhere else.

The school: the students are bright, enthusiastic, respectful and keen to learn. Bear in mind you could be the first foreigner they have met so start slowly. Your patience will be… read more

(Excellent)

12 Mar 2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Anastasiya & Yegor)

It was real pleasure to have Anastasiya & Yegor at the school, they are incredible people... they came and did amazing things for the students, they both were so lovely, open minded with a great heart, such great people. The children love them so much. We requested them to only take classes from 9am to 12pm but they were willing to run the classes… read more

(Excellent)

5 Jan 2019

Left by Workawayer (Anastasiya & Yegor) for host

We had such a rewarding time volunteering at this School. But first off a little bit of details, this awesome workaway is located in the northern part of Myanmar. The mountain views are beautiful but the temperatures can get low and strong winds follow. You will be at the elevation of 6000 ft ( above the clouds, amazing views). So bring some warm… read more layers to wear for the morning and evening.
We set off for Hakha from Mandalay. We asked our hostel to help arrange a bus since they had English speaking skills and could get information faster than us talking to someone at the bus station who doesn't speak English. After a bit of calls back and forth , they found a company . There was actually three options of buses, a city bus, express bus and a overnight bus .. I think. We went with the overnight which left Mandalay bus station at 4pm and arrived in Hakha 13 hours later (early morning). I believe the ticket was around 30,000 kyat for two people
Tips: arrive early before the bus departure becuase the bus station is choas and finding the bus with no English writing anywhere was proven to be difficult. Ask for help as there are no signs anywhere . Also bring something warm to wear, and socks for the ride because once you leave hot and humid Mandalay and head for the mountains you will begin to shiver. The journey is very very bumpy and twisty as the roads have not been built yet in some parts. If you get motion sickness, you will need to get something for that. There are breaks for dinner and toilet . Most likely there will be no one on that bus who speaks English, so just do as locals do and smile :)
And now about Hakha itself.
The students are eager to learn and are very respectful. Their coursework/textbooks are already in English, so they have knowledge of many things. We taught 1- 6 grade, though there are kindergarten kids and high school kids also. The classes are small since there are only 46 student ( I think), good student - teacher ratio. The thing we focused on learning with them was proper pronunciation and conversation skills. There is no lesson plan to follow and we did some of our own homework preparing what to teach the following day. We covered time, directions, body parts, days of the week/month, how to order, food/drink, etc. The school hours are 9am-3:30pm, with lunch break at 12.
Sir James is very hospitable and kind, there is no pressure to work till you drop. He often encourages to take breaks and "take rest", "take a coffee". We enjoyed lunch and dinner prepared by his lovely wife Nunuzing everyday, she is absolutely remarkable. The food is healthy, portions are generous and are mainly vegeterian, and a lot of rice. The flavors, wow! We miss it already !
We stayed in a home a short distance from the school and James provided a motorbike for our convenience, though everything in town (New Hakha) is walkable and there are buses to Old Hakha several times a day. We went to Old Hakha to buy fruits and anything we could not find in our convenience stores. K-Mart was a store that we were able to find bread and milk, in case you will be searching also.
After school there is a lot of free time to get personal work done. The wifi is good and room has space heater to be comfortable.
Just ask James for drinking water since there is none in the house.
To be noted : there is a western toilet but showers are quite basic. Done by boiling some tap water and washing up while croaching over a basin. It gets the job done.
Because this is such a remote part of Myanmar and Myanmar itself being underdeveloped , you may want to bring some things with you. Imortant things like medicine or treats like was coffee, jam and chocolate. Although there are artificial alternartives.(this may make for a good gifts if you'd like to bring something. I think chocolate especially)
On weekends James, his wife and friends may take you to see things around hakha. Viewpoints, strawberry feild, dam, churches, and memorials. It's very nice to spend time with such friendly people and make friends. Make time to see viewpoint 2 at sunset/sunrise it's beautiful!!!!!!
Since Hakha/Chin State is perdominetley Christian , most everyone goes to church on Sundays, and you can too though you won't understand much of the service. Still a very unique experience and the people are very excited to see you and worship with you.
All good things must come to an end.
We took a bus from Hakha directly to Yangon to get to the airport in time for our flight/visa ending. The bus ride was 21 hours long, bumpy and twisty turny till we got out of the mountains. (Motion sickness: very likely) The bus was a lot more comfortable than the one we came on, and we actually managed to sleep. There is stops for lunch and dinner and toilet breaks in the middle of nowhere. So bring toilet paper and do as the locals do.
We stayed in Hakha for 3 weeks and really loved our time and would love to return in the future.
We miss the kids and all the lovely people we met.
Hope you have a great time !

(Excellent)

2 Dec 2018

Left by Workawayer (Dan & Carol) for host

This has been the best and most rewarding of the four Workaways we have done so far. The school, parents and most of the children are eager to learn and pleased to meet teachers from the world beyond their experience with classes that are interesting and interactive. The students, staff and parents are receptive to seeking new ways to develop… read more creativity and problem solving skills in their school and at home. The children love singing and dancing. Many of the teens listen to Western music. The staff gave us complete freedom to plan our lessons, and use our own methods. We taught three 45 minute classes from 9-12 am, and an optional class from 2-3 pm. Our weekends were free to explore and relax.

The staff eagerly helped us plan our teaching, accommodating our personal needs, and fitting into the local community.

The accommodations are quiet, spacious and convenient to the school. The staff prepared, delivered, and graciously served three delicious and healthy meals a day for us. Food can also be heated up in a steamer. Late fall and winter are warm in daylight hours, however, the evening, night and early morning hours are cold. There is no heat in the apartment or hot water. A space heater is available for the colder hours. It is advisable to bring warm clothes and sturdy shoes. Cleaning dishes and bathing is done in the bathroom, and water needs to be heated. People who bring food are often willing to wash the dishes. There is no shower or sink in the Western sense. Laundry services are available. Wi-Fi reception at the apartment is good with a Wi-Fi router the school loans to us when not teaching.

The town of Hakha is a wonderful place to explore with several shops selling longyis (regional dress worn by men and women, usually with hand-crafted fabric) restaurants with local food and gorgeous views. Transportation into the main part of Hakha is available from Hakha Thar 7 days/week. Staff can also provide motor bike rides and may be willing to occasionally lend you one. We also enjoyed picking strawberries, and visiting the rice fields outside of Hakha. Although Chin State is predominately Christian, we never felt any judgement about our different faiths (Buddhist and Jewish). I attended a church service where I enjoyed the joyful atmosphere with song and dance.

The school in Hakha, Chin State is in a beautiful mountainous remote area where tourists are rare, and you may find yourself socializing with some neighbors and an occasional person willing to try some English, but mostly we had each other and the warm, intelligent school staff for company. Parts of Burma are off limits, and in there have been occasional problems in remote areas of Chin State. We find Hakha and traveling in Burma to be quite safe Several online resources for understanding the politics and culture of Burma are available. This is not the first time I have taught Burmese ethnic groups, so I was not surprised by how socially supportive and cheerful they are living with considerable economic challenges.

We suggest you plan ahead a little on your own and in consultation with the school on how to get here, as there are various bus/ van or plane options all of which you can expect to take at least two days from Mandalay or Yangon. We took a short flight from Mandalay to Kaleymyo, spent the night there, and took a van to Hakha which was an eight hour trip. There are 4 hotels in Kaleymyo, and a few good restaurants. Some of the roads are paved, partially paved, and unpaved. The driver was very skilled at negotiating the hair-pin turns and curves. We live in the Rocky Mountains at 5,000 ft. elevation. We did not have difficulty acclimating to the 6,000 ft. elevation, however, this may be a challenge for those living at sea level.
In summary, this is not a comfortable place to be relatively alone, but it will perhaps be for you, as for us, one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences.

(Excellent)

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Teaching English to middle school students in Myanmar (Chin State)

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Last replied

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Details

Description

Types of help and learning opportunities

Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

Projects involving children

Help

Languages

Accommodation

What else ...

A little more information

How many Workawayers can stay?

My animals / pets

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

Feedback (7)

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