Ruth Culshaw

I am working with a small charity in Tanzania, teaching English to Primary school children. I live and work in a village called Mtombozi, a 3 hour bus journey south of Morogoro town. I live with another British teacher. Facilities are basic - no electricity and washing facilities consist of a bucket of water collected by small children from a nearby river. It's amazing how quickly you get used to this way of life!

Although I realise it wouldn't suit everybody, I'd recommend it to people who want an experience never to be forgotten and want to travel and explore unconventional territories.

I earn 60,000tsh a month, the same as a Tanzanian teacher, which converts to the equivalent of £60 per month - which is more than enough to live on in the village and leaves a bit over for travelling in the holidays - Christmas in Zanzibar and New Year in Lake Victoria!

I teach age 9+ and 11+ and have the pleasure of teaching between 60 to 70 pupils in each class - and they complain about large classes in the UK! It is not that bad, as discipline and respect for teachers is a big thing here. I hadn't any experience before coming here, so the weekend course gave me the confidence and skills/ideas to get me started.