Support Students’ Communication and English Skills Development

Lyceums and gymnasiums in Ukraine are secondary education institutions that provide specialized academic training to prepare students for higher education at a university. Lyceum course studies take three years to complete, and students are typically aged 14–17. Gymnasiums are institutions with similar functions but are intended for students aged 11–17. Pedagogical college trains teachers for kindergartens and elementary schools, and students are typically aged 15–18. Recently, English has been introduced by the Ministry of Education at the kindergarten level.

As English is an international language that opens opportunities for communication, education, travel, and work, English proficiency among Ukrainians is incredibly important. Advanced English skills will accelerate European and global integration and strengthen cooperation with the international communities during and after the war. All fifteen sites requesting a Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) have an advanced English Language curriculum.

The participating lyceums, gymnasiums, or the pedagogical college hope that by collaborating with a VSPP, they will enhance the students’ command of English, increase their communication skills and confidence with the language, and develop intercultural competencies. Engaging with VSPPs will allow students to immerse themselves in an English-speaking environment by communicating with native speakers. The VSPPs will be assigned to schools during their post-led orientation at the start of the engagement.

Some of the partners have previously collaborated with the Peace Corps by working with in-person Volunteers or with VSPPs. Some schools have not previously collaborated with the Peace Corps, and working with the Virtual Service Pilot Participants will be their first interactions with the Peace Corps. All school partners understand that the role of a VSPP is very different than a two-year Volunteer.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in any field

Experience: 1 year of TEFL/TESOL teaching 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

Lyceums and gymnasiums in Ukraine are secondary education institutions that provide specialized academic training to prepare students for higher education at a university. Lyceum course studies take three years to complete, and students are typically aged 14–17. Gymnasiums are institutions with similar functions but are intended for students aged 11–17. Pedagogical college trains teachers for kindergartens and elementary schools, and students are typically aged 15–18. Recently, English has been introduced by the Ministry of Education at the kindergarten level.

Participation in the Peace Corps Virtual Service Pilot aligns with the lyceums, gymnasiums’, and pedagogical college’s strategic priorities and will further strengthen efforts to improve English language education, broaden international cooperation, and provide students with valuable opportunities for academic and personal growth. Teachers’ expectations are that VSP engagements will enable students and teachers to foster fluency and confidence in oral communication, promote the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as enhance intercultural competence.

Each VSPP will engage in the following tasks, in collaboration with their host country partners:

• Co-develop and co-design a structured curriculum for a virtual speaking club with a strong emphasis on improving English-speaking and listening skills for pre-intermediate and intermediate English language learners
• Co-plan and co-facilitate a weekly 60-minute speaking club session online for a group of 15–20 high school students
• Integrate student reflections and feedback to enhance engagement and learning outcomes
• Incorporate cultural aspects of their home country into lessons to foster cross-cultural exchange and global awareness among students
• Compile and organize learning materials from the virtual speaking club to share with teachers for sustainable English club development

All 15 engagements are expected to be approximately 27 weeks, but schools have expressed their interest in cooperation with VSPPs until the end of the academic year (May 31, 2027). Continuation beyond the end date can be discussed as least one month prior to the end of the initial engagement.

VSPPs are expected to engage on the tasks listed above for an estimated 5–15 hours per week. This engagement is estimated to be 5–8 hours per week including materials selection, planning sessions, and club session facilitation.

Online collaboration will generally occur between 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Ukraine time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.

The Host Country Counterpart will have access to Zoom, email, 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.

Education: Master’s degree in any field

Experience:
• Virtual engagement and communication
• 1 year facilitating English club activities with secondary school students
• 2 years of TEFL/TESOL in the U.S. or abroad