Volunteering opportunities within Physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around volunteering opportunities for individuals with a background in physics, particularly focusing on short-term options that utilize their skills. Participants explore various avenues for volunteering, including teaching and tutoring, both domestically and abroad.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to volunteer abroad using their physics degree but lacks teaching experience and relevant qualifications.
  • Another participant mentions the Peace Corps as a potential option, noting its long commitment requirement of around two years.
  • A suggestion is made to teach English in Asia, highlighting that a bachelor's degree is sufficient for such positions, although the original poster feels unqualified for this role.
  • One participant encourages the idea of self-reviewing English grammar and suggests that with some preparation, one could teach English as a second language.
  • Another participant proposes that tutoring in physics or mathematics could be a viable option, either independently or through community agencies.
  • A further suggestion is made to teach re-certification courses for K-12 teachers, which could involve teaching physics basics to educators needing credits for re-certification.
  • The original poster expresses interest in exploring the ideas presented in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on volunteering opportunities, particularly regarding teaching roles and the feasibility of different options. The discussion remains unresolved as no consensus is reached on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of confidence in their ability to teach English or physics, and there is uncertainty regarding the availability of specific volunteer positions. The discussion highlights the need for further exploration of resources and opportunities.

Barny
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Hi,

I'm just about to begin my Masters in Physics in October, after this I hope to begin a Phd. However, providing I secure a Phd, I will have 3 months where it would be nice to apply myself a little differently then I have the last 4 years, before starting another 4 years of similar work.

I'm interested in Volunteering (ideally abroad) but would ideally like to use the degree I've worked oh so hard to get. I would be happy to teach, but lack teaching experience and the relevant qualification (PGCE). I have yet to see any opportunities like this present themselves.

I was wondering if they are just poorly advertised or if anyone here had heard of such opportunities/ know of any resources that could help me?

Kind Regards

Luke
 
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Only thing I know of is the Peace Corps but they require a MUCH longer commitment (something like 2 years).
 
If you want to teach (maybe not physics) you can teach English in Asia with any bachelor's.
My friend just went to China for 10 months, another went to Japan, both graduated with 2:1 in media or design or some such crap.
 
Cheers Guys,

Peace Corps is too long, I have about 3 months spare. As much as teaching English is worthwhile I don't think its something I could do well. Back to trawling google...

Regards

Luke
 
Hey, Barny, Teaching English is something, if you were interested, you'd want to do it for more than 3 months. If you critically review English Grammar on your own, and if you studied any foreign language, and most essentially if you attend a course to learn how to teach English as a Second Language, you could be surprised how much ability you have to teach English to people whose first language is not English. Finding an actual position might not be too hard if you are just looking for a volunteer position.

More practically, you should be able to find plenty of people who need tutoring in Physics or Mathematics. You could do this on your own, or hook up with a community agency(?)
 
If you're not looking to get paid (much), you could teach re-certification courses for high school (and elementary) teachers. They need to accumulate a certain number of credits every 5 years or so for re-certification purposes, but they can get these credits in everything from a physics lecture to a yoga class. Anyone can offer the credits - just contact a local high school to find out how to offer them. Most K-12 teachers have never taken a physics or astronomy class; you could teach them the basics in a few sessions after school or on weekends.
 
Cheers, I think I'm going to have a look into those ideas, sounds up my street!
 
streeters said:
If you want to teach (maybe not physics) you can teach English in Asia with any bachelor's.
My friend just went to China for 10 months, another went to Japan, both graduated with 2:1 in media or design or some such crap.

That is assuming you speak Chinese?
 

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