Start date
May 24, 2026

End date
July 6, 2026

Duration
6 weeks

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

Activity/project background

Lyceums in Ukraine actively support initiatives to promote student-centered learning and interactive teaching methods, English language development through clubs, projects and communication activities, civic education and volunteerism, cultural exchange and global awareness. The lyceums support students to turn their grammar knowledge into real communicative speaking skills. Technical vocational colleges in Ukraine are part of the country’s professional educational system, preparing skilled workers and junior specialists for industries such as construction, engineering, and services. They serve as a bridge between secondary schools and the labor market, offering practical, career-focused training. Because of the war, students have few chances to talk to native speakers or experience other cultures. Thus, nine lyceums and one technical vocational college are interested in collaborating with Virtual Service Pilot Participants to engage students from elementary to secondary school in weekly summer English clubs. Potential club participants are motivated teenagers who need a safe online space to practice English, build confidence, and learn soft skills outside of regular lessons.

All educational institutions are requesting VSPPs to work with a group of 20–25 self-reliant, motivated, and change-oriented high school students, aged 15–18. Prior to orientation, VSPPs will be assigned a lyceum or two combined lyceums. Each school group will meet with their respective VSPP twice a week for a 60-minute session over 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 fun and interactive activities for the summer English clubs. These partnerships are vital to give their students a global perspective and keep education quality high, despite the challenges in Ukraine.

One lyceum has previously collaborated with the Peace Corps. All other educational institutions have not previously collaborated with Peace Corps. They all understand that the role of a VSPP is very different than a two-year Volunteer.

Engagement and tasks

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

• 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 20–25 students aged 15–18 over a four-week period
• Co-assess conducted sessions, identifying learning objectives and appropriate communicative activities for future 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 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:

• 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: 1 year of TEFL/TESOL teaching experience in the U.S. or abroad

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