English is critical for accessing higher education, further training and employment. Our English program matches conflict-affected students from the MENA region with personal tutors, providing training, a curriculum, and personalized guidance to make sure they succeed.
How It Works

1
Match
Once selected, learners and tutors are matched based on their language abilities, age, gender, and interests.
2
Train
Tutors go through an intensive virtual two-week training course covering the Syrian crisis, working with individuals affected by conflict, and language pedagogies.
3
Learn
Pairs meet on Skype for two-hour weekly sessions for 16 weeks, using an original, four-leveled curriculum written specifically for people affected by conflict. The goal is to provide guided, personalized instruction.
4
Grow
Learning English is a means to an end, and we do our best to help our learners achieve those ends. During the course learners are required to write both a CV and personal statement, have access to professional development webinars, and receive individualized support from our staff.
5
Apply
At the end of the course, students may apply for a modest test fund that support top notch students in taking the IETLS or TOEFL exam, covering basic traveling costs and exam fees. These tests can mean a future for many of our students.
Though pairs focus primarily on English, they often form close relationships that extend beyond the virtual classroom.
Teaching English provides a medium for pairs to learn about each other, the cultures they come from, their personal lives, and how current events have affected one other. Our lessons promote cross-cultural exchange and understanding that goes beyond the screen, fostering relationships and a deeper compassion for those across the globe.
Our Successes
Our surveys show high levels of English acquisition and satisfaction among our participants
Program Dates and Sign-Ups
Winter/Spring 2018:
January 27th - May 16th
Applications are closed.
Summer 2018:
July 1st - August 20th
Applications will open May 12th. NOTE: Applications will be open to tutors only.

Fall 2018:
September 24th -December 16th
Applications will open August 10th.
For more information on joining Paper Airplanes, contact admin@paper-airplanes.org.
Our Fall 2018 Returning Tutors
Our tutors represent a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences uniting for one goal: to provide conflict-affected communities education. We are especially grateful to our returning tutors who have been with us from multiple sessions, often with the same student. This corps of dedicated volunteers makes our work possible.
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