In-Country Logistics
General
1. Why teach abroad through WorldTeach?
By serving as a teacher in a developing country you will give and gain far more than you could as a tourist. As an English speaker, you will help your students learn a language that is increasingly important for access to jobs, higher education, and the international community. As a teacher, you will play an important role in the community. You will have an opportunity to get to know people, build lasting friendships, experience the local culture and way of life, and contribute to the activities and development of your host community.
“I think the greatest strength of WorldTeach is that there is automatically a support network for teaching and living available to every volunteer. This has proved invaluable and has made a much greater impact on my experience than others who I’ve met who are here independently.”
Todd Pang, China Volunteer |
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As a volunteer you will develop many key skills, including teaching, language, cross-cultural communication, and leadership skills. Through a WorldTeach placement you will gain cultural understanding and the ability to work independently in a new environment. You will witness first-hand the challenges of education in a developing country. The experience of teaching abroad and the skills and inner resources you develop will stay with you for life and enhance your potential in many career fields.
Being a teacher in a new country and culture is very challenging. Through its programs and services, WorldTeach aims to ease this transition and enable volunteers to have a meaningful and rewarding experience. WorldTeach arranges a teaching placement and housing for you, arranges your visa to work in the country, and provides organizational support and a safety net in case of any problems. WorldTeach also provides you with training and a group of fellow volunteers with whom to share your new experiences.
WorldTeach is an established program with a successful history. WorldTeach has placed volunteer teachers in developing countries since 1986. WorldTeach is dedicated to educational development and enjoys an excellent reputation in the countries where we work.
Some of the hallmarks of WorldTeach include:
"I have been literally astounded by WorldTeach's orientation. It has been so comprehensive, so applicable, and so caring."
Ashley Boyle,
Chile
Volunteer |
Learn more about us!
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2. Where and what would I be teaching?
WorldTeach offers teaching programs in several different countries. You decide which program you wish to apply for. For a current list of countries and detailed descriptions, see the links at left.
WorldTeach bases each program model on what the host country (usually the Ministry of Education or a sponsoring institution) has requested. In most countries, WorldTeach volunteers have been asked to teach English at the elementary, secondary, or college/adult level. In others volunteers may teach other subjects such as math, science, computing, HIV/AIDS education, or general elementary education.
For a quick comparison of the teaching roles in different programs, see the Program Comparison Charts or How to Decide. For more details, click on the program name at left.
Once you have been accepted into a particular program, you have an opportunity to express any preferences with regard to your teaching placement. When all the volunteers in the group have been confirmed, the WorldTeach field staff work with the partners in the host country to assign volunteers to schools that need teachers. The field staff will take your preferences into account, but they must also consider the needs of the host communities. While it is not possible for WorldTeach to guarantee you any specific school or placement, we do our best to match you with a school that suits your background and interests. This matching process can take some time. You will receive information about your teaching placement a few weeks prior to departure.
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Who Volunteers
Please read more about our volunteers to learn about the WorldTeach family.
1. How old are most WorldTeach volunteers?
While the majority of volunteers are somewhat recent college graduates, many volunteers are older. Mid-career and retired candidates are encouraged to apply, as their skills and experience are in great demand overseas. There is no upper age limit for participation in WorldTeach programs with the exception of the China programs, where our partner requires volunteers to be under age 65. Further information is available for mid-career or retired volunteers.
2. Does WorldTeach accept couples?
Yes. However, each application is considered independent of the other, and should be completed individually. Generally, it works best if both individuals are WorldTeach volunteers, although this is not mandatory. Placements for couples can take longer to arrange. The field director will make every attempt to find housing for married couples. If the school cannot provide satisfactory housing however, a couple may need to rent an apartment independently, covering any cost in excess of their regular living allowance. Because of cultural norms in the countries where WorldTeach volunteers work, WorldTeach generally cannot arrange for unmarried couples to live together. However, we will do our best to place unmarried couples near one another.
3. Can I speak with someone who has done the WorldTeach program?
Yes, we encourage you to speak with returned WorldTeach volunteers. You can learn a lot about WorldTeach programs and what it is like to teach in a developing country from hearing others' experiences. A returned volunteer can also be a helpful contact as you prepare for departure. (Prospective volunteers should keep in mind that schools and teaching positions vary widely, and that the placement situations of former volunteers may or may not be similar to your own.)
Contact us, and we'll give you the email address and/or phone number for a Returned WorldTeach Volunteer who has worked in the country in which you are interested.
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Qualifications
1. Do I need to be a qualified or experienced teacher?
We do not require volunteers to have classroom teaching experience before they apply, although we are looking for candidates with a demonstrated interest in and commitment to teaching. WorldTeach provides an intensive in-country orientation that includes training in teaching methods and practice to prepare volunteers for classroom teaching.
After being accepted and before going overseas, all volunteers in the year-long programs are required to complete at least 25 hours of experience teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language (note: for Guyana, teaching experience should be in the subject you will teach in-country). This can be paid or unpaid work in any number of settings, such as adult education centers, refugee support programs, Red Cross language classes, etc. This teaching experience is hugely valuable for volunteers - it gives them real classroom experience to draw upon during orientation training and extra confidence when they begin their teaching assignment overseas. Please read more information on the TESOL requirement.
If you are an experienced or qualified teacher your skills are much needed in the developing countries where WorldTeach works. We encourage you to apply! You may be eligible for the WorldTeach Teacher Fellowship.
2. What qualifications do I need to have?
WorldTeach programs are open to native speakers of English who have a commitment to education and international development.
To be a WorldTeach volunteer you must be over 18 by the date of departure. You must have a genuine interest in teaching, though formal teaching experience is not required. All long-term programs require a bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.), or your country's equivalent. You must complete the degree and receive your diploma before you depart, but you may apply while you are still in your final year of college. Summer programs are open to anyone over the age of 18, including undergraduates and others who do not have a bachelor's degree.
A WorldTeach application must be completed for all programs. Two references must be submitted for all programs.
Applicants for the long-term (10-12 months) programs must have an interview with a former WorldTeach volunteer or a member of the WorldTeach staff. Summer program applicants do not need to have an interview.
When reviewing applications, WorldTeach looks for several qualities including a demonstrated interest in teaching, a commitment to service, cultural awareness, ability to work independently, and overall "fit" with the program you are applying for. Most programs have a rolling admissions process, so apply early for the best chance of acceptance. Applying at least four months before the program departure is recommended, to allow yourself time for fundraising and other preparations. Please read the steps to becoming a WorldTeach volunteer for more information on how to apply.
Additional requirements for the China Year Program: Our partners in China require that volunteers participating in the China year program be under the age of 65 and free of sexually transmitted infections.
Additional requirements for the Chile Year Programs: To secure a visa, volunteers participating in the Chile Year programs must be free of communicable diseases.
3. Do I need to speak the local language?
No foreign language skills are required to apply, although WorldTeach strongly encourages volunteers to begin studying the local language on their own before their departure. Once in country, volunteers will have classes in the local language during orientation (4 weeks for long-term programs; 1 week for summer programs).
4. What does WorldTeach look for in its applicants?
*Teaching experience (formal and informal) or a demonstrated interest in education
*A demonstrated interest in the region
*Public or community service experience
*Evidence of independence, open-mindedness, and flexibility
Please read more about our volunteers to get a feel for who WorldTeach accepts into the program.
5. Do I need to be a US citizen to apply for WT?
No, you do not need to be a US citizen to be a WorldTeach volunteer. However, be aware that visa regulations vary by country and WorldTeach cannot guarantee that you will be granted a visa to your program country. As the majority of our volunteers are US citizens, we send out visa application instructions pertaining to US citizens (visa requirements are usually similar for citizens of Canada, the UK, and Australia). Applicants who are citizens of other countries should contact the consulate of their program country for visa information. WorldTeach can provide a letter of verification for confirmed volunteers to present to those consulates, but volunteers who are not US citizens will be responsible for researching requirements and possibly obtaining visas on their own.
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Admissions
1. What does the application process entail?
The application process begins here on our website. Please download the proper forms and read thorough instructions on our To Apply page.
2. Can I choose which country I go to?
Of course! On the volunteer application you choose which program most interests you and apply directly to that program. We encourage you to research which program best fits your interests using the country profile pages at left or the How to Decide guide.
3. Can I apply to more than one program?
Yes, there is a spot for you to list a second choice on the application. However, we recommend that you do enough research to determine which program is the best fit for your interests, and only list a second choice if applying to one of the funded programs. Your application will automatically be considered for your first choice program, and we will notify you if the Admissions Committee needs to transfer your application to your second choice program.
4. How long does WorldTeach take to review applications?
Upon receipt of a complete application, the Admissions Committee may take between 2-4 weeks to review an application and make a decision. We will contact you regarding our decision via phone, email, or regular mail.
5. How competitive is the program?
There is such a high demand for teachers in developing countries that we try to send as many qualified volunteers as we can on our programs. If your essays are well-written, your application includes strong references, and your interview report is positive, the Admissions Committee should consider you favorably. Fully and partially-funded programs are our most competitive, as the funding only supports a certain number of placements.
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Financial
1. Will I get paid?
WorldTeach teaching positions are voluntary, not salaried. In the year-long programs, the host school, institution, or government will provide a modest living allowance, paid in the local currency. This monthly stipend is designed to cover your day-to-day living expenses based on the local cost of living and is often equivalent to what a local teacher with the same qualifications would receive. It is not designed to cover extra personal expenses such as travel, tours, souvenirs, communications with home, etc. so you will need to take your own spending money. In most countries, your host family will provide you with most of your meals. Summer volunteers do not receive a monthly living allowance, but are provided with room and board.
2. Why is there a fee if I'm volunteering?
There are costs involved in recruiting, preparing, sending, training, and supporting a volunteer to teach in a developing country. WorldTeach, the volunteer, and the chosen country's host institution all work together in a partnership to meet these costs. The fee that is raised by the volunteer is part of the volunteer's contribution.
"Before I came to Costa Rica, I was worried tht the $5,000 fee was too expensive. After half a year, I feel I have gotten my money's worth and more. The in-country support has been great!"
WorldTeach Costa Rica volunteer |
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WorldTeach is an independent non-profit organization. WorldTeach receives no funding from the US government and no significant funding from other sources. WorldTeach has a small permanent staff and aims to keep costs down while providing a high quality service to volunteers and host communities. The host school or sponsoring organization provides housing and, in the longer-term programs, a monthly living allowance for the volunteer. In some WorldTeach programs, the host government or schools provide additional funding to support volunteer costs, enabling the volunteer fee to be substantially reduced (for example, in the Marshall Islands, China, and Guyana programs). In countries where the host community cannot afford more than the stipend and housing, the volunteer fee must be higher to meet the same costs.
The volunteer fee is your contribution to the costs of preparing and supporting you as a teacher in a developing country. Many volunteers complete very successful fundraising campaigns and events in their home community to raise the program fee. See our Fundraising Guide for ideas.
3. What does the program fee cover?
The program fee covers the costs of preparing, training, and supporting as a teacher in a developing country. It covers your international airfare and overseas medical coverage, and enables WorldTeach to provide you with organizational support, an intensive in-country orientation, and full-time field staff (usually former WorldTeach volunteers themselves) to assist and support you throughout your service. Specifically, the WorldTeach program cost covers:
- International airfare - WorldTeach coordinates the international group travel, informs volunteers of travel plans, makes sure they get air tickets, etc. If a volunteer chooses to travel independently, WorldTeach will deduct the cost of the group airfare from the program fee.
- Supplemental overseas medical coverage and emergency evacuation - WorldTeach provides reliable international health insurance coverage for its volunteers, including emergency medical evacuation coverage.
- Site placement - WorldTeach arranges for you to teach in a school or community that needs a teacher and that will provide a safe and supportive environment for you. WorldTeach also arranges visas and work permits as needed, as well as your living quarters or host family. The field staff visits placement sites to ensure that teaching and living arrangements are suitable.
- Field support - WorldTeach employs at least one full-time Field Director in each of the countries where it places volunteers. Often he or she is a former WorldTeach volunteer who has chosen to remain in the host country. The Field Director arranges teaching sites and volunteer housing, visits volunteers at their sites at least once during their time abroad, organizes volunteer trainings and conferences, and troubleshoots any problems that might arise.
- Orientation training - Each long-term WorldTeach program begins with a 3-4 week in-country orientation. This intense training period includes cross-cultural adjustment seminars, teacher training, health and safety tips, and language lessons. Summer programs begin with an intensive one-week orientation.
- Organizational support - WorldTeach has a toll-free number, so that applicants and volunteers can easily contact us, and a 24-hour pager for emergencies. WorldTeach employs conscientious, knowledgeable staff to answer your questions throughout the application process and throughout your experience.
- Network - The other WorldTeach volunteers in your country constitute a built-in network of friends and colleagues to help support you throughout the program, and afterwards as alumni.
In addition, you will have room and board during your training and teaching service. Your host school or sponsoring organization (often the Ministry of Education) will provide your accommodation and meals, either with a local host family or in teachers' housing on or near campus.
See further information on the WorldTeach Costs & Services.
4. Does WorldTeach offer financial aid or scholarships?
Thanks to the generosity of WorldTeach alumni and other donors, WorldTeach is able to offer some grants and fellowships to volunteers. Please see our scholarships page for more details.
Harvard undergraduates may apply for fellowships (sponsored by the Center for International Development, the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies, the Center for European Studies and the Asia Center) to cover the costs of WorldTeach summer programs. Please see Harvard Fellowships for more details.
Many volunteers have successfully fundraised a significant portion of or even the entire program fee from friends, family, employers, and foundations. Fundraising invests not only the volunteer, but also the broader community in their experience abroad. Please read more about how to get started.
5. Do I have to pay taxes when I do WorldTeach?
Yes, you do need to file your taxes when you are abroad, or after you return, and you do need to report the income you earned while overseas. Please refer to the tax information listed in our Life After WorldTeach section.
6. Can I use the Internet to Fundraise?
Yes. WorldTeach has partnered with First Giving, an organization specialized in helping individual fundraising efforts because this option will increase the number of people giving. You will be able to create your own fundraising page very easily. This service is intended to be used by Confirmed Volunteers only. Please note that First Giving charges 7.35% for the service. You should therefore ask people donating large amounts to send us checks directly. If you are a confirmed volunteer, create your own page now! All donations made online going to your fundraising efforts are final.
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In-Country Logistics
1. Where will I live?
Host schools or communities provide housing for WorldTeach volunteers. You may live with a local family, share a house with other local or foreign teachers, or, in some cases, even have your own apartment. Volunteers in some countries live in traditional houses without running water or electricity; others have modern apartments with many of the amenities of home. Wherever you are placed, you are likely to have your own furnished bedroom and access to a bathroom, kitchen or cafeteria.
2. Is it safe?
WorldTeach's number one priority is the health and safety of volunteers. However, as a volunteer, you will face risks that are different from those you encounter at home. These risks may range from exposure to tropical diseases, to natural disasters, to civil disorder. WorldTeach is vigilant in responding to U.S. State Department travel warnings and will relocate volunteers to different areas of a country, or, in extreme cases, evacuate volunteers altogether, based on embassy recommendations.
In addition to these emergency situations, you will need to be aware of risks that are present in most countries and cities, such as road accidents and theft. You may feel more susceptible, especially at first, because you are immersed in an unfamiliar culture. Orientation includes discussion of health and safety issues and practical information to enable volunteers to stay safe and well. Throughout the year, the Field Director and your host family/community will serve as a support system for you as you navigate a new country.
Although most of the countries where WorldTeach works do not have medical facilities comparable to those in the United States, we avoid placing volunteers at sites that do not have access to adequate medical care. All volunteers are covered through WorldTeach's comprehensive health insurance, which includes emergency medical evacuation if needed.
3. What's a typical day for a WorldTeach volunteer?
Your typical day will vary greatly depending on your country of choice and your particular teaching site. Year-long volunteers in Ecuador, for example, often teach at universities, and so might have mostly late-afternoon and evening classes. Year-long volunteers in Costa Rica work in elementary schools, and so are likely to be at school from 8:00am to 3:00pm. Please see the program pages at left for details on each program. We also encourage you to speak with a returned WorldTeach volunteer to learn about their experiences.
4. Will I have time to travel?
Yes. Volunteers often travel during school vacations and after their teaching responsibilities are completed at the end of the year. Depending on the location of your teaching placement, you may be able to make weekend trips to visit other volunteers or areas. You will not be able to travel during the week, as you will have a full-time teaching job. If you wish to travel independently before or after the program you may need to make your own flight arrangements. Please contact the pre-departure coordinator if you have questions about arranging your own flight.
5. Could I continue teaching beyond the end of the program?
Once you have completed your program commitment it is usually possible to extend your service. You would discuss your interest in extending with your Field Director and submit a written extension request. Extensions are usually approved if your host school supports you staying, and if you can commit to a full school year or semester. In a second year you can make even greater contributions, since you are familiar with your host school, students, and the culture. Usually volunteers extend their service at the same school. There is no additional program fee, but extending volunteers must cover the cost of their health insurance and air tickets for the second year. Limited scholarships may be available to help extending volunteers with health insurance costs. See the scholarships page for more details.
6. Can I bring my pet?
WorldTeach strongly discourages bringing pets on our programs. Unfortunately, the treatment of animals in many of the countries we serve is quite different from what our volunteers are used to in their home areas. WorldTeach would assume no responsibility in the safety or well-being of the pet, and cannot guarantee housing for volunteers with pets.
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