Project Overseas
Project Overseas and COVID-19
This past April, the very difficult decision was made to cancel Project Overseas (PO) for the summer of 2020. Due to the potential risks posed to participants’ health and safety, as well as travel restrictions, it was not feasible to run the PO program. The decision was not taken lightly, as PO has run every year since 1962 and has contributed to the meaningful professional development of tens of thousands of teachers around the world.
Those participants who were selected for PO in 2020 will be provided the opportunity to participate in 2021, contingent upon the ability to run PO safely. As such, PO will not be soliciting applications for the 2021 session.
Project Overseas is a joint venture of the Canadian Teachers' Federation (CTF) and its provincial and territorial affiliates. CTF sends volunteer teachers to developing countries, mostly in Africa and the Caribbean, to conduct professional development in-service for their colleagues in those countries. Destinations are based on requests from the teachers’ unions overseas.
There is a need for teachers with a background in literacy acquisition, peace education, the core subject areas of english, math, science and social studies, and a particular need for teachers with a background in special education.
Projects usually take place in July and August. In order for your application to be considered, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a member of a provincial or territorial teacher organization that supports Project Overseas
- Hold a valid teachers’ certificate
- Have completed at least five years of teaching in Canada by July 2020
- Be a Canadian citizen
- Be in excellent health and able to work in developing country conditions (a doctor’s letter is required)
- Show evidence of flexibility, mature judgement, and a strong willingness to put the team and project needs above personal needs
- Hold a Canadian passport valid until at least July 2021, at the time of application (proof that a passport application has been made will be accepted).
How to Apply
Registration for 2019-20 is now closed. If you have questions regarding your application please contact:
Patricia Somers
Bargaining & Contract Services Department
(416)-925-2493 Ext. 517
project_overseas@catholicteachers.ca.
Resources
More information, including a history of the program can be found in our resources below.