Where we work / Lebanon
The Syrian refugee crisis gripped our hearts, and we have decided to respond.
Lebanon
Though teaching children doesn’t fit the typical model that we have followed for more than three decades, when we saw the devastation that the war in Syria was creating, we knew we had to use our expertise to help. Many of our students in Lebanon have never been in a classroom because they have only known war. Our teachers are uniquely positioned to show deep and lasting love to their students by empowering them for a bright future.
Currently 1.5 million Syrian refugees find a safe haven in Lebanon, and our organization has shown up to help. We have opportunities in Lebanon; both short-term (summer) and long-term teaching positions are available.
frequently asked
questions
How many hours per week will I work?
Teachers work roughly one to three hours per day on weekdays, for a weekly total, on average, of about seven to fifteen hours. Morning and afternoon classes meet Monday through Friday. Teachers conduct one or two classes each morning and each afternoon, lasting forty-five minutes each.
What is the working relationship like with other faculty and teachers?
There are frequent opportunities for engaging with other staff at our school. Most speak English well. The teachers’ lounge and staff meetings are great places to spark friendships with these colleagues.
What is the student demographic?
The students we work with in Lebanon are mostly Syrian, from refugee families.
What will my first week look like? How will you help me get my life overseas started?
New teachers move in, buy groceries, learn the layout of the neighborhood, and more. They also attend team meetings and training, including some introductory time at the school to get to know staff and other teachers.
What does ongoing professional/personal development look like?
Our teaching specialist guides teachers in their professional development. Teachers discuss what they’re learning about once a month at a team meeting, and they often support each other with teaching ideas and collaboration to help students.
What is it like to raise a family overseas?
To date, we haven’t had any families on our team in Lebanon, but there are other foreign families in the area raising their children. Kids are a great connecting point to many families in the community and would open doors for great relationship-building opportunities.
What are some things I might do to contribute to my team if my spouse is teaching, but I’m not?
There are many important roles for non-teaching spouses as time allows. There is no shortage of opportunities for hospitality, engaging with people who want to practice English, or providing a listening ear. Hospitality is also highly valued with meals, game nights and other outings. Our non-teaching spouses put deep roots down in the local communities around campus as much as their varied responsibilities as a homeschool teacher, parent, spouse, and teammate allow.
What kind of housing will I have? How far away are housing options from the school and other teammates?
Teachers live in comfortable and spacious apartments within walking distance of teammates and the school. Generally, single teachers share an apartment with another single teacher of the same gender from the team.
What are some surprising things I might learn after the first 60 days?
The teachers often say that your heart will explode with love for the children.
What is the team structure like? How often are formal meetings, and what do they entail?
Teams meet weekly to enjoy a meal together, plan, and share encouragement. Informally, teams interact regularly to share life together, share meals, and hang out together with friends.