Virtual Cultural Awareness Co-teacher for University Students

Virtual Cultural Awareness Co-teacher for University Students

Start dateMay 24, 2026

End dateJuly 6, 2026

Duration6 weeks

ELIGIBILITY: Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be a U.S. citizen.

Activity/project background

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.

Engagement and tasks

• Co-develop learning resources that incorporate U.S. culture
• Co-design eight English club session plans with clear policies, procedures, resources, and outcomes designed to improve students’ fluency, confidence, and cultural understanding
• Co-teach a 60-minute virtual summer camp session twice per week for a group of 15–20 students aged 16–20
• Co-assess sessions with co-teachers and identify learning objectives and appropriate communicative activities based on the assessment

VSPPs are expected to engage on the tasks listed above for an estimated 5–15 hours per week. This engagement is estimated to be six hours per week.

Online collaboration will generally occur between 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Ukraine time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.

The Host Country Counterpart will have access to email, Zoom, and WhatsApp for regular communication and collaboration.

Per the Child Protection Code of Conduct, when engaging online with minors (0–18), two adults must be present.

Optional Additional Activities

The Peace Corps mission is to promote world peace and friendship by fulfilling three goals:

1. To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
2. To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
3. To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

Goal 1 will be achieved through the VSPP's engagement and completion of the above tasks. The counterpart and VSPP may also choose to identify an activity that aligns with Goal 2. Additionally, the VSPP may identify a Goal 3 activity to implement during their engagement. See recommendations and tools for Goal 3 activities.

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

Key skills/competency

• English Language Instruction
• Intercultural Communication
• Curriculum Development
• Virtual Teaching
• Cross-Cultural Agility
• Resourcefulness
• Collaboration
• Student Engagement
• Lesson Planning
• Cultural Awareness