Start date
September 29, 2025

End date
March 23, 2026

Duration
25 weeks

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

Activity/project background

Regional Vocational Education and Training (VET) centers provide educational and methodical support to state-owned VET schools of their respective regions via educational services, such as professional training, general education, social work, and career guidance. For each service, methodologists are assigned to collaborate with different establishments according to the branch principle or the end-to-end direction of work at the VET schools.

This engagement aims to systemically enhance the teaching and learning of English at five VET schools in accordance with the needs of the learners and the demands of both the labor market and society. The virtual engagement also offers the long-term potential to expand the use of the English language, Ukraine’s competitiveness, the country’s investments, and tourist attractiveness.

Five regional VET centers seek the support of ten (10) total Virtual Service Pilot Participants, one VSPP for each group of 20-25 intermediate English learners (methodologists, teachers, and managers). The VSPPs will engage participants in English-speaking clubs that aim to enhance their command of the English language, confidence in using English for professional needs, improve communication skills of participants, and develop their intercultural competencies.

Three out of five VETs have not previously collaborated with the Peace Corps. They understand that the role of a VSPP is very different than a two-year Volunteer.

Engagement and tasks

Each VSPP will engage in the following tasks, in collaboration with their Host Country Partners:

• Communicate with the counterpart regarding session planning and procedures
• Co-develop a syllabus for an English-speaking club with clear policy, procedures, resources, and outcomes
• Co-facilitate a 75-minute English-speaking club each week
• Encourage participation in educational and intercultural exchanges during the English-speaking club sessions
  
  

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

Online collaboration will generally occur between 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Ukraine time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.

The Host Country Counterpart will have access to email, Zoom and phone 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:

• To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
• To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
• 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: 2 years in TEFL/English teaching to university students or adults

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.