Where
Tigman Village, Palawan, Philippines
When
Departures every week, year-round (except closure periods)
Duration
Minimum 1 week
Accommodation
Shared or private rooms in a volunteer house with meals included
Language
English (beginner level recommended)
Ideal for
Anyone looking for a different kind of educational experience — filled with games, smiles and cultural exchange in a unique tropical setting.
Project details
In the village of Tigman, the children need someone to encourage them to speak English and explore the world with curiosity.
In this seaside village, local teachers do their best with the resources available, but they often lack the time and support to give every student the individual attention they deserve.
The project was created to give children more opportunities to learn English, maths and science in a practical, enjoyable way. No teaching background is needed — what matters is the willingness to share games, activities and stories that help young people grow with greater confidence.
By taking part, you'll work alongside teachers in the classroom, bringing fresh energy and ideas, while living an authentic exchange with the Palawan community — learning just as much every day as you teach.
The project was created to give children more opportunities to learn English, maths and science in a practical, enjoyable way. No teaching background is needed — what matters is the willingness to share games, activities and stories that help young people grow with greater confidence.
By taking part, you'll work alongside teachers in the classroom, bringing fresh energy and ideas, while living an authentic exchange with the Palawan community — learning just as much every day as you teach.
Teach and grow alongside the children of Palawan
In the village of Tigman, the children need someone to encourage them to speak English and explore the world with curiosity.
In this seaside village, local teachers do their best with the resources available, but they often lack the time and support to give every student the individual attention they deserve.
The project was created to give children more opportunities to learn English, maths and science in a practical, enjoyable way. No teaching background is needed — what matters is the willingness to share games, activities and stories that help young people grow with greater confidence.
By taking part, you'll work alongside teachers in the classroom, bringing fresh energy and ideas, while living an authentic exchange with the Palawan community — learning just as much every day as you teach.
The project was created to give children more opportunities to learn English, maths and science in a practical, enjoyable way. No teaching background is needed — what matters is the willingness to share games, activities and stories that help young people grow with greater confidence.
By taking part, you'll work alongside teachers in the classroom, bringing fresh energy and ideas, while living an authentic exchange with the Palawan community — learning just as much every day as you teach.
Why participate
Make education matter
Help make learning more stimulating for the children by strengthening their skills in English, maths and science.
Why participate
Make education matter
Help make learning more stimulating for the children by strengthening their skills in English, maths and science.
Live within the local community
Immerse yourself in the daily life of a Filipino village, sharing traditions, habits and authentic moments with teachers and families.
The Weekly Program
Weekdays
From Monday to Friday you will take part in lessons and activities with the children, working alongside local teachers and bringing games, songs and interactive moments to the classroom.
Mornings are dedicated to lesson preparation, while afternoons take place mainly in the classroom. Each day also leaves some free time to relax or share moments with the other participants.
Thursday evenings feature a special event: Karaoke Night — a chance to socialise and bid farewell to participants finishing the programme.
07:30Breakfast at the centre and getting ready for the day
09:00Classroom sessions with the children: English, games and hands-on activities
11:30Break time, conversation and free time in the village
14:00Afternoon activities at school: sports, singing, creative workshops
18:00Group or extra activities, shower and shared dinner
20:30Evening activities with other participants, or Karaoke Night on Thursdays
Weekend
Weekends are free from mandatory activities. You can explore the area, join small excursions or simply relax with the other volunteers.
Trip to Port Barton
White beaches, tropical islands and crystal-clear waters: a paradise for snorkelling and relaxation
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FAQs
During your stay you will live at the Tigman Village centre in Aborlan — a facility built with simple, natural materials that reflects the tropical style of the Philippines. The accommodation is just a short walk from the sea and hosts all participants in the Palawan programmes, creating a vibrant, international community.
Rooms are shared, sleeping 4 to 8 people, furnished with bunk beds and equipped with a fan and air conditioning. Rooms can be locked, and a safe is available at the main building for valuables. Towels are not provided, but bed linen and mosquito nets are supplied to ensure peaceful nights. Bathrooms are shared with ambient-temperature showers, in keeping with the simple village lifestyle.
Wi-Fi is available in common areas but may be limited or unavailable during bad weather. We therefore recommend purchasing an eSIM for a stable connection throughout your stay. With Airalo, you can buy an international eSIM that can be activated before departure so you are connected from the moment you arrive. You can get one easily at this link.
You can do laundry by hand or use an external paid laundry service.
The centre kitchen prepares three meals a day on weekdays and two at weekends, serving local dishes alongside some Western options. Rice, chicken, fish, vegetables, and tropical fruit form the basis of the menu, while breakfast features eggs, bread, pancakes, coffee, or tea. Staff can accommodate dietary requirements with advance notice.
The accommodation is designed not just as a place to rest, but as a meeting point. The common areas, the proximity to the sea, and the evening activities make this centre the heart of participants' social life — a place to share meals, stories from the day, and moments of relaxation together.
🛏️ Included services:
- Accommodation in shared rooms for 4–8 people
- 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 at weekends
- Basic drinks (water, tea and coffee)
- Wi-Fi in common areas (with limited connectivity)
- Bed linen provided
- Mosquito nets and fans in rooms
- Safe at the main building
- Constant support from the local team
This centre is designed to give you a simple, authentic experience in close contact with the local community and the nature of Palawan, without compromising on safety or the warmth of a place where you can feel at home.
Rooms are shared, sleeping 4 to 8 people, furnished with bunk beds and equipped with a fan and air conditioning. Rooms can be locked, and a safe is available at the main building for valuables. Towels are not provided, but bed linen and mosquito nets are supplied to ensure peaceful nights. Bathrooms are shared with ambient-temperature showers, in keeping with the simple village lifestyle.
Wi-Fi is available in common areas but may be limited or unavailable during bad weather. We therefore recommend purchasing an eSIM for a stable connection throughout your stay. With Airalo, you can buy an international eSIM that can be activated before departure so you are connected from the moment you arrive. You can get one easily at this link.
You can do laundry by hand or use an external paid laundry service.
The centre kitchen prepares three meals a day on weekdays and two at weekends, serving local dishes alongside some Western options. Rice, chicken, fish, vegetables, and tropical fruit form the basis of the menu, while breakfast features eggs, bread, pancakes, coffee, or tea. Staff can accommodate dietary requirements with advance notice.
The accommodation is designed not just as a place to rest, but as a meeting point. The common areas, the proximity to the sea, and the evening activities make this centre the heart of participants' social life — a place to share meals, stories from the day, and moments of relaxation together.
🛏️ Included services:
- Accommodation in shared rooms for 4–8 people
- 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 at weekends
- Basic drinks (water, tea and coffee)
- Wi-Fi in common areas (with limited connectivity)
- Bed linen provided
- Mosquito nets and fans in rooms
- Safe at the main building
- Constant support from the local team
This centre is designed to give you a simple, authentic experience in close contact with the local community and the nature of Palawan, without compromising on safety or the warmth of a place where you can feel at home.
The safety of our participants is our absolute top priority. Every programme is carefully selected to ensure a calm, safe and well-organised environment — both in the schools and in the facilities where you will stay during your time in Palawan.
🔹 Participant screening and protected environments
To protect the children and local communities, all participants must provide a criminal background check before departure. In this can be requested online, stamp-duty-free, for volunteer programmes. This screening is essential to ensure a safe and respectful experience for everyone.
🔹 Safe and supervised facilities
The Tigman Village centre is located in a quiet, welcoming area surrounded by the local community. Rooms can be locked, there is a safe for valuables, and the local team is always present to supervise and offer support. We work only with schools and communities experienced in hosting international volunteers and with established standards.
🔹 24/7 support
From your arrival at the airport to your departure, you will be looked after by an experienced local team available even during evenings and weekends for any need. In addition, our HQ team is always reachable on WhatsApp to provide quick assistance whenever required.
🔹 Orientation and training
On your first day you will attend an introduction covering rules, practical advice and cultural knowledge to help you make the most of the experience. We will also give you clear guidance on how to get around, what to avoid and how to stay safe at all times.
🔹 Useful tips for everyday life
Palawan is one of the most peaceful and welcoming areas in the Philippines, but as with any destination it pays to stay alert:
✔ Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas
✔ Move around with other volunteers whenever possible
✔ Always follow the guidance of local staff
💡 Our goal is to provide you with a safe, supported and welcoming environment so you can live the experience with peace of mind and focus on what truly matters: teaching, sharing and learning alongside the local community.
🔹 Participant screening and protected environments
To protect the children and local communities, all participants must provide a criminal background check before departure. In this can be requested online, stamp-duty-free, for volunteer programmes. This screening is essential to ensure a safe and respectful experience for everyone.
🔹 Safe and supervised facilities
The Tigman Village centre is located in a quiet, welcoming area surrounded by the local community. Rooms can be locked, there is a safe for valuables, and the local team is always present to supervise and offer support. We work only with schools and communities experienced in hosting international volunteers and with established standards.
🔹 24/7 support
From your arrival at the airport to your departure, you will be looked after by an experienced local team available even during evenings and weekends for any need. In addition, our HQ team is always reachable on WhatsApp to provide quick assistance whenever required.
🔹 Orientation and training
On your first day you will attend an introduction covering rules, practical advice and cultural knowledge to help you make the most of the experience. We will also give you clear guidance on how to get around, what to avoid and how to stay safe at all times.
🔹 Useful tips for everyday life
Palawan is one of the most peaceful and welcoming areas in the Philippines, but as with any destination it pays to stay alert:
✔ Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas
✔ Move around with other volunteers whenever possible
✔ Always follow the guidance of local staff
💡 Our goal is to provide you with a safe, supported and welcoming environment so you can live the experience with peace of mind and focus on what truly matters: teaching, sharing and learning alongside the local community.
🧭 Orientation day
Your Palawan experience begins with a day entirely dedicated to orientation, designed to help you settle in, get to know the local community and take your first steps with confidence.
On the first Monday you will take part in a series of activities led by the local team:
- Welcome meeting, programme introduction and house rules
- Practical advice on health, safety and cultural etiquette
- Introduction to Filipino culture, dress code and some basic words in the local language
- Tour of the village and surrounding areas, with useful tips on shops, transport and landmarks
- Help with purchasing a local SIM card and settling any other practical needs. If you'd prefer to arrive with an eSIM already active, avoiding the need to find a local SIM on arrival, you can purchase one before departure through Airalo, our affiliate partner.
👉 You can do so using this link
The orientation day is also a chance to start bonding with the other participants, meet the staff and share the reasons that brought you here. It is the moment your experience truly begins, guided by people who live and breathe this place every day.
📌 From Tuesday you'll dive into the full activities programme, but from day one you'll already feel part of the Palawan community.
Your Palawan experience begins with a day entirely dedicated to orientation, designed to help you settle in, get to know the local community and take your first steps with confidence.
On the first Monday you will take part in a series of activities led by the local team:
- Welcome meeting, programme introduction and house rules
- Practical advice on health, safety and cultural etiquette
- Introduction to Filipino culture, dress code and some basic words in the local language
- Tour of the village and surrounding areas, with useful tips on shops, transport and landmarks
- Help with purchasing a local SIM card and settling any other practical needs. If you'd prefer to arrive with an eSIM already active, avoiding the need to find a local SIM on arrival, you can purchase one before departure through Airalo, our affiliate partner.
👉 You can do so using this link
The orientation day is also a chance to start bonding with the other participants, meet the staff and share the reasons that brought you here. It is the moment your experience truly begins, guided by people who live and breathe this place every day.
📌 From Tuesday you'll dive into the full activities programme, but from day one you'll already feel part of the Palawan community.
✈️
Flight and arrival recommendations
To start your experience on the best note, we recommend booking a flight that arrives at Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) on Sunday, between 10:00 and 17:00. Our welcome and free transfer service to the Tigman Village centre operates during this window.
If you arrive on Saturday, you will need to book an extra night (at a supplement).
If you arrive outside the scheduled window, you can arrange a paid private transfer or make your own way to the centre. In any case, please share your flight details with us as soon as you book, so we can plan your arrival properly.
At Puerto Princesa Airport one of our coordinators will be waiting for you at the arrivals exit with a clearly visible sign. You may need to wait briefly for other participants arriving at a similar time before sharing the transfer to the centre.
📱 A useful tip: if you want internet access from the moment you land, you can activate an eSIM before departure with Airalo, our partner. Use this link
The journey from the airport to the centre takes approximately 1.5–2 hours by car, giving you a first taste of Palawan's stunning landscapes.
If for any reason you cannot find our staff at the meeting point straight away, stay put — we will find you! In any case, we will provide emergency contact details after your booking is confirmed.
🚖 Departure recommendations Check-out from the centre is by 12:00 on Saturday. The return transfer to the airport is not included, as participants typically leave at different times.
Our staff will nevertheless help you arrange a bus or private taxi, which can be shared with other volunteers: the indicative cost is around 130 PHP for the bus + 2 tricycles (~140 PHP), or ≤2,000 PHP by taxi.
We recommend booking your return flight from the afternoon onwards to give yourself enough time to leave the centre and reach the airport without stress.
🗓️ If you plan to continue travelling in other parts of the Philippines, let us know in advance — we'll be happy to give you useful suggestions for planning your onward itinerary.
💡 After your participation is confirmed, you will receive an email with all the up-to-date practical instructions and the contact details of our local team.
If you arrive on Saturday, you will need to book an extra night (at a supplement).
If you arrive outside the scheduled window, you can arrange a paid private transfer or make your own way to the centre. In any case, please share your flight details with us as soon as you book, so we can plan your arrival properly.
At Puerto Princesa Airport one of our coordinators will be waiting for you at the arrivals exit with a clearly visible sign. You may need to wait briefly for other participants arriving at a similar time before sharing the transfer to the centre.
📱 A useful tip: if you want internet access from the moment you land, you can activate an eSIM before departure with Airalo, our partner. Use this link
The journey from the airport to the centre takes approximately 1.5–2 hours by car, giving you a first taste of Palawan's stunning landscapes.
If for any reason you cannot find our staff at the meeting point straight away, stay put — we will find you! In any case, we will provide emergency contact details after your booking is confirmed.
🚖 Departure recommendations Check-out from the centre is by 12:00 on Saturday. The return transfer to the airport is not included, as participants typically leave at different times.
Our staff will nevertheless help you arrange a bus or private taxi, which can be shared with other volunteers: the indicative cost is around 130 PHP for the bus + 2 tricycles (~140 PHP), or ≤2,000 PHP by taxi.
We recommend booking your return flight from the afternoon onwards to give yourself enough time to leave the centre and reach the airport without stress.
🗓️ If you plan to continue travelling in other parts of the Philippines, let us know in advance — we'll be happy to give you useful suggestions for planning your onward itinerary.
💡 After your participation is confirmed, you will receive an email with all the up-to-date practical instructions and the contact details of our local team.
Book your spot
1
Send your application (free!)
Choose the project that inspires you most and indicate the period you would like to travel. No commitment: the application is free and non-binding.
2
Meet your coordinator
After your application, we will put you in touch with your dedicated coordinator. They will explain everything in detail and answer all your questions.
3
Confirm your spot
When you're ready, pay the deposit to lock in your spot. You'll get everything you need: local contacts, a visa guide and your pre-trip pack.
4
Set off on your adventure!
Pack your bags and go! On arrival you will find other volunteers like you, a welcoming local team and an experience you will hardly forget.
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