Dive into the small town of El Nido which is surrounded by crystal-clear waters, stunning lagoons, white sand beaches, rocky islet, towering limestone cliff and grass like waters coupled with various marine species or rainforest. But, this town is more than that. It is also rich in culture, local dialects, heritage, traditions and handicrafts. Thus, it is your great chance to immerse yourself with the rich culture and history of the Philippines particularly, El Nido, Palawan and make life changing travel and inter – cultural experiences.

The Philippines is filled with beautiful sceneries, rich culture, and tons of friendly and welcoming people. Interacting with people is one of the most exciting and unique travel experiences in the Philippines, particularly in the small island of Palawan, which is hailed as the most beautiful island in the world for the second time. In fact, Palawan or EL Nido Palawan is more than just crystal-clear waters, stunning lagoons, white sand beaches, rocky islet, towering limestone cliff and grass like waters coupled with various marine species or rainforest.

EL Nido Palawan does not only have natural beauty or rich in natural resources to offer but it is also rich in culture, local dialects, heritage, and traditions. Moreover, Palawan has a very rich diversity due to its vast numbers of culture groups and handicrafts. Thus, it is your great chance to immerse yourself with the rich culture and history of the Philippines particularly, El Nido, Palawan and make life changing travel and inter – cultural experiences.

This week also offers a great opportunity for you to learn and understand more about Palawan culture and to become more familiar with your surroundings in and around Palawan. It is an enriching experience to get to know the way of living and customs and adapt yourself to the local environment. Similarly, throughout the week, you will experience going to the towns’ public market and immerse with local vendors wherein you can buy some souvenir items. In addition, Philippines Language class and cooking class will take place, trips and relaxations to the crystal-clear water and beaches, bonfires, and many more exciting cultural experiences.

Moreover, there are a lot of active outdoor activities in these programs, thus, it is advisable to make sure that you are Medically and Physically Fit to move around, dive and swim as there are island tour hopping activities.

This week acts as a recommended introduction to Palawan and Philippine’s culture but also as the perfect platform for meeting and bonding with fellow participants across the globe and to the community. More so, as you wait for the day to travel again, discover, and explore the wonders and rich culture that awaits you in the most beautiful island in the world, El Nido, from the comfort of your home. Stay at home, dream, and wake up on the beautiful island of EL Nido.

The Culture Week has fixed start dates.

2025: 6 January, 20 January, 3 February, 17 February, 3 March, 17 March, 7 April, 21 April, 5 May, 19 May, 2 June, 16 June, 7 July, 21 July, 4 August, 18 August, 1 September, 15 September, 6 October, 20 October, 3 November, 17 November, 1 December, 15 December

Schedule

Monday
Breakfast
Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice, handling of documents & Signing up of relevant documents.
Filipino Do’s and Don’ts, Dress Codes, Filipino Culture Lessons and Basic Filipino Language Lessons.
Tour Around Town’s center and Local Area, and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
Lunch
Project Preparations with assigned Local Program Coordinators.
Welcome Dinner

Tuesday
Breakfast
Filipino Cooking Class
Lunch
Filipino Language Class
Dinner

Wednesday
Breakfast
Enjoy island Hopping
Lunch
Continue Island Hopping.
Headed back to the Accommodation Center.
Dinner

Thursday
Breakfast
Hand Fan Making
Lunch
Bracelet/Necklace Making
Dinner
Karaoke Night

Friday
Breakfast
Project Orientation and Observation
Lunch
Project Preparation
Dinner

This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Immerse yourself in a life-changing experience with rural village children and the community in the breathtaking island of El Nido, Palawan. In this program, you will prepare creative teaching lessons, assist with daily activities, and engage in nurturing tasks like putting children down for a nap. From organizing classes and developing learning materials to playing games and engaging in practical activities, you’ll guide children in feeding, hand washing, combing hair, and more. Join us for a fulfilling and impactful journey.

Kindergarten is a preschool educational approach based on engaging in practical activities and social interaction as part of the transitions for the children from home to school and to slowly adjust to formal education. In the Philippines, children ages 3 – 5 years old are already attending pre – school and kindergarten so that they cannot miss crucial periods of development in the early years.

This program desires that you will teach and communicate with the children using English and teaching them the language in a fun way. Numbers, Coloring, Sing and Dance, Alphabets, Shapes, Basic Writing are the main focus of the curriculum in the Kindergarten which you may also be assigned to teach them. In addition, besides teaching, you will also support the local coordinator and staff with the care taking of the children with the age ranging from 3 years until 5 years old.

Moreover, you will also partake in the day – to day activities and operations of the Kindergarten. Through this, you will be able to have some glimpse and insights on the daily operations of the centers, ideas on the Philippines educational systems and approaches and give the chance to significantly contribute to the betterment and improvement of the teaching and learning process. The Kindergarten is located at Nacpan Village, 17th Kilometers North of the town proper of El, Nido , Palawan.

On the other hand, Filipino children are always amazed and interested in knowing and learning more about foreign lands and countries including their cultures, beautiful places and sceneries, costumes, and historic festivals. Thus, you are encouraged to bring pictures and other visuals from your country, friends, family or objects that highlight your culture in order to promote intercultural exchange.

Finally, it is the biggest desire of this program that the children will learn from you and that you will also have a life changing experience from the children as well before leaving the program. Thus, making remarkable contributions to the hearts and life of the children.

The main focus of our Kindergarten program will depend upon the needs of the Kindergarten at that particular point in time.

Your main roles will be:

Care Taking of Children such as preparing their food and feeding them.
Help in the children’s basic hygiene and sanitation routines such as cutting nails, combing hair, hand washing, teeth brushing and so on.
Help them in cleaning their eating utensils.
Help them put down in their nap.
Teaching basic English alongside the local teachers.
Help them with basic writings in their notepads.
Prepares and organizes lessons and meaningful learning activities.
Facilitates children songs, dances and storytelling activities.
Facilitate learning activities such as playing fun games, coloring and other related activities.
Join other activities conducted at the Kindergarten.
Prepare assessment exercises.
Mark the monthly examinations or assessment.

Aims & Objectives

Widen the Island children’s multi – cultural interactions.
Improve the children’s educational prospects particularly in improving English Communication skills;
Assist the local staff and teachers by providing an extra hand.
Develop your teamwork and creativity skills through practical work.
Reciprocal Learning Experiences.
Give you invaluable and practical experience in teaching.

Schedule

Monday
Breakfast
Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice, handling of documents & Signing up of relevant documents.
Filipino Do’s and Don’ts, Dress Codes, Filipino Culture Lessons and Basic Filipino Language Lessons.
Tour Around Town’s center and Local Area, and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
Lunch
Project Meetings, Observation and Preparations with assigned Local Program Coordinators.
Welcome Dinner

Tuesday to Friday
Breakfast
Teaching Sessions and Activities at the Kindergarten. Arrange activities with the children (game, song, coloring, writing, basic English teaching) and support the local kindergarten staff with disciplining, managing and care taking
Lunch
Rest
Teaching First Grade or 6 years old children about Basic English.
Preparations of Lessons/Topics/Activities for the next day.
Dinner
Note: Every Thursday at 7:00 pm until 10:00 pm, we will be having a Karaoke Night. This activity will give you and other participants a time for relaxation, socialization, a welcome party for new comers and at the same time a farewell party for the participants who will end their programs.

This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

The teaching program is organized as a formal English class which allows the participants to design and arrange simultaneous and various learning activities. You will not only teach and impart knowledge but inspire and motivate students/learners for life and take important steps in life.

Due to the fast growing tourism industry which serves as one of the backbone of Philippines economy and that El Nido, Palawan is one of the most visited towns for international and domestic tourists, there are high demands for communicating in English as an international language. However, we have noticed that the children within the community do not have much chance to learn and practice the use of English. Thus, this program desires to help the children to have a head start in life by helping them learn and improve their English at a young age.

What’s a good thing in this program, is that you will be able to significantly contribute to the English Language learning of students from elementary, secondary or high school in and around the Municipality of El Nido in the province of Palawan particularly in Nacpan Village located 7th kilometers north away from the town center. This means that your potential students could range from first grade to sixth grade and are between the age of 6 to 12 years old.

The teaching program is organized as a formal English class which allows the participants to design and arrange simultaneous and various learning activities. However, it needs to conform and align with the curriculum by the school such as grammar and conversation exercises. In addition, you are encouraged to be more creative, however, you need to keep in mind that everything should be based on teaching practical English for everyday situations in a fun and engaging way.

Finally, it is the biggest desire of this program that the children will learn from you and that you will also have a life changing experience from the children as well before leaving the program. Thus, making remarkable contributions to the hearts and life of the children.

An important component of this program is the cultural exchange that will occur during the teaching and learning process. Moreover, Filipino children are always amazed and interested in knowing and learning more about foreign lands and countries including their cultures, beautiful places and sceneries, customs, and historic festivals. Thus, you are encouraged to bring pictures and other visuals from your country, friends, family, or objects that highlight your culture to promote intercultural exchange.

On the other hand, teaching is a noble profession that comes with so much responsibility and duty towards students/learners. Thus, at some point, you will not only teach and impart knowledge but inspire and motivate students/learners for life and take important steps in life. Being said so, the main focus of our Teaching program will depend upon the needs of the public schools at that particular point in time.

Your main roles will be, but are not limited to:

Teaching English alongside the local teachers.
Prepares and organizes lessons and meaningful learning activities with the local program coordinator with various ages and grade levels.
Facilitate learning activities such as playing fun games, arts, songs, dances,grammar and conversational exercises, sports and other related activities.
Join other activities conducted at the school.
Prepare assessment exercises.
Checked assessment exercises.
Mark the monthly examinations or assessment.
Moreover, in order for you to prepare for the Teaching Program, the description and other information about the school that we work on are stated below.

Subjects: Prescribe subjects on the curriculum that includes Mathematics, Science, English, History and the like. Those subjects are taught using English, Filipino and Mother Tongue Language. Thus, you will only teach English, Mathematics and Sciences and help the pupils improve their English Communication skills and other sets of skills.

Other info: The school is very grateful to form a good working relationship with participants. They feel that participants are one of the best mediums to have a good foundation of English Communication skills as well as of social interaction with foreigners. They are also grateful that the participants enjoy themselves and get to visit the Village and the community, the island’s attractions and historical places.

Finally, during the teaching activities, always be on time and be mindful of class schedules and come to school prepared, be creative in preparing lessons in fun and engaging ways, smile and have lots of patience as you are working with children with various personalities and wear a dress that covers their shoulders and knees, and basically the more that is covered the better. Men must wear trousers, T-shirts and shoes or follow the dress code policy. You are also expected to actively join other activities and of course to enjoy and make the most of your stay and make memorable learning experiences

Schedule

Monday
Breakfast
Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice, handling of documents & Signing up of relevant documents.
Filipino Do’s and Don’ts, Dress Codes, Filipino Culture Lessons and Basic Filipino Language Lessons.
Tour Around Town’s center and Local Area, and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
Lunch
Project Meetings, Observation and Preparations with assigned Local Program Coordinators.
Welcome Dinner

Tuesday to Friday
Breakfast
Teaching Sessions and Activities at School.
Lunch
Teaching Sessions and Activities at School.
Preparations of Lessons/Topics/Activities for the next day.
Dinner

This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Join us in extending a helping hand to the local residents of Nacpan Village, El Nido, Palawan through our construction and renovation efforts. By participating in this project, you will make memorable and significant contributions to the lives of the people and the overall community of Nacpan. Your involvement will directly contribute to enhancing the infrastructure and facilities that support the community’s well-being.

El Nido, is a first-class municipality in the province of Palawan. It served as one of the most visited islands and beaches in the world. This is because of its stunning lagoons, white sand beaches, rocky islet, towering limestone cliff and grass like waters coupled with various marine species. Even though El Nido is said to be a popular tourist destination, there are communities living below subsistence levels and being unnoticed particularly, the Nacpan Village, which is located 17th kilometers north of El Nido town proper.

Nacpan Village is housed mostly by local fishermen where their houses are made of bamboo, nipa, light materials, and woods. Similarly, most of the residents here are living below subsistence level. This means that they do not have sufficient funds to uplift their standard of living as well by upgrading their houses. Similarly, like many other communal infrastructures in this village is not well maintained and hasn’t had the means to be preserved properly so many common areas or public spaces need reconstruction and even restructuring altogether.

In this, the primary focus and concern of this project varies from assisting the locals for the development, construction and renovation of communal infrastructures and institutions such as schools, healthcare centers, tribal hall, community centers, multi – purpose centers, residence houses and many more. These efforts will help the community to have secured, safe and comfortable spaces wherein most of the activities are being conducted.

Moreover, this project will immerse you and work with people in the community alongside with the local organized teams and other volunteers. These will give you unique experiences and insights into the cultures, folkways, basic language, and way of living of the locals of the community. This will also bring you closer to the kind, friendly and hospitable locals of El Nido, Palawan. Similarly, you will be enjoined by other participants from all corners of the world to jointly work on these construction efforts.

You don’t need special qualifications or even to have experience in construction efforts, but do consider this job requires physical strength and endurance in hot weather conditions.

Your main roles can or will include the following:

Assist in the construction and renovations of community infrastructures.
Help and assist in the construction or renovation of schools, classrooms or playgrounds.
Build and renovate communal facilities.
Paint school walls and other buildings.
Repair and work with wood and furniture.
Building and renovating materials.
Digging and assembling construction Materials.
Painting and renovating cultural sites such as churches, healthcare centers and so on.
Help in constructing and renovating local houses of residents.

Finally, during the construction activities, please be careful and mindful when using construction equipment and material, ask assistance from your local coordinators for heavy tasks and of course to enjoy and make the most of your stay and make memorable learning experiences.

Schedule

Monday
Breakfast
Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice, handling of documents & Signing up of relevant documents.
Filipino Do’s and Don’ts, Dress Codes, Filipino Culture Lessons and Basic Filipino Language Lessons.
Tour Around Town’s center and Local Area, and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
Lunch
Project Meetings, Observation and Preparations with assigned Local Program Coordinators.
Welcome Dinner

Tuesday to Friday
Breakfast
Engage in Construction and renovation efforts.
Lunch
Engage in Construction and renovation efforts.
Dinner

This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.