Start Your Journey - FAQ
Teaching
Do you provide curriculum, or do I develop my own?
TLI provides a 9-course curriculum and you will be teaching one of those courses. You will be given a Leader's Guide and provided with pre-trip training.
Do I have freedom with the material in the classroom?
All of the courses and lessons have learning objectives along with homework. Teachers have a certain amount of freedom to meet those objectives. The curriculum is designed for developing skills, not for lecturing content. Your team leader can discuss with you how much flexibility is appropriate.
How many students are in the classes?
Ideally, classes have 12-15 students, though there are sometimes exceptions both
lower and higher.
Will I use a translator?
Yes, most likely you will use an interpreter for teaching. Some sites, however,
utilize English for instruction.
Will I be teaching alone or as part of a team?
You will be a part of a larger team for the trip. For about half of our sites, we
have multiple teachers in a classroom. Otherwise, teachers will have their own
class.
What is the teaching environment like?
Most classrooms have whiteboards or chalkboards. Students will have chairs and
sometimes tables to put their materials on. Each site will be a little different.
Travel
How long is a typical trip?
A typical trip is about 10 days. This includes travel, worship with a local church,
and five days of teaching. Trips can be longer or shorter depending on location.
Will I need a passport? Will I need a visa?
Yes, you will need a valid passport with at least six months before expiration
date. Most countries will also require a visa. Your trip leader will provide you
with visa information.
Does TLI make my travel arrangements?
TLI will make all the travel arrangements from your nearest major airport. We
choose airlines based on price and schedule. You can enter your own frequent
flyer number and choose to upgrade seats at your own expense.
Where will I be staying?
TLI works with local partners to ensure a safe, comfortable environment for
lodging and meals. Please realize that every context is different, requiring
flexibility and a willingness to adapt.
Health and Security
Do I need extra immunizations to travel?
We strongly advise being up-to-date on all recommended shots. Some African
countries will also require a Yellow Fever vaccination. With regard to COVID,
neither vaccinations nor negative tests are required for travel. However, if you
are not immunized from COVID, you might be required to provide additional
information upon entry in certain countries.
Will the food and water be safe?
Yes. Abundant purified bottled water is supplied for drinking and brushing teeth.
Food, hot from the kitchen, is the safest. Your trip leader will advise you for your
location.
Are there contingency plans for emergencies?
We work closely with our in-country partners who advise us on security issues.
Our trip insurance covers travel and health emergencies. Trip leaders have
security training, contact information for embassies and local partners, as well
as the ability to communicate in-country.
Costs
How much does a typical trip cost?
A trip usually costs $3500-$3800 for a week of teaching and travel days.
What does that cost include?
Costs include airfare, lodging, meals (including airport meals), transportation,
interpreters, printed materials, and travel insurance.
What other costs might be necessary?
Trip costs do not include passport, visa, immunizations, appropriate clothing for
the climate, electrical converters, or other travel necessities.
Can other people or churches donate to my costs?
Absolutely. Creating financial partners is biblical and missional. Jesus (Luke
8:1-4), and Paul (Philippians 4:15-20) experienced generosity as they poured out
their lives for the gospel.
