"Prepare for the anxieties, the waits, the confusion, and the communication barrier and then you will be patient and have an unrivaled experience." WorldTeach China volunteer

Obtain a Passport

Apply for a passport if you do not have one, or check the validity of your current passport and apply for a renewal if necessary.  You must have a passport valid for the entire duration of the WorldTeach program.  You should obtain a valid passport two months prior to departure to allow time for visa applications.

If you are a US citizen, ask at your local Post Office for a passport application form. Allow 6-8 weeks to obtain a new or renewed passport.  See http://travel.state.gov/ for information on the passport application or renewal process, forms, and fees.

Arrange your funding

Begin to fundraise, or plan how you will otherwise meet the cost of your WorldTeach program. Program fees are due in full one month prior to departure.  We highly encourage you to do some fundraising to help meet the program fee - it's a great way to get others involved in your service commitment, and can be a fun and rewarding process.  For ideas and examples of how other WorldTeach volunteers have raised their program fee, go to our Fundraising page, and download a copy of our Volunteer Fundraising Guide. 

Fulfill the 25-hour TESOL Requirement

All WorldTeach volunteers in year-long WorldTeach programs are required to obtain at least 25 hours of classroom experience, volunteer or paid, in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) before going overseas. You do not need this experience in order to apply for a WorldTeach program, nor do you need to get a formal TESL/TEFL certification.  This experience is for your benefit: it allows you to enter your country of service as a more prepared teacher. 

Click here for more information about how to fulfill the 25-Hour TESOL Requirement.

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Complete health preparations

Schedule a physical exam for 2-3 months prior to departure (or in time for your visa application).

Arrange to get the recommended immunizations and blood tests, as well as prescriptions for any special medication you will need to take with you. The Center for Disease Control has an informative website at www.cdc.gov/travel. Also discuss malaria medication with your doctor, if you are going to a country with risk of malaria. WorldTeach does not have a medical doctor on staff, so we are not qualified to give you any specific medical recommendations.

Read over the health insurance policy provided by WorldTeach (brochure contained in your Acceptance Packet) so you are aware of your overseas coverage and limitations. For safety reasons all WorldTeach volunteers are insured under the WorldTeach group health insurance policy; it is not optional.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, consider maintaining your current health insurance as a supplement to that provided by WorldTeach.

Prepare your Visa Application (Note: this only applies to some countries.)

Visa application requirements vary by country, and may require your passport, a police clearance certificate (verifying that you have no criminal record), a health certificate often including reports of a recent HIV test, two passport photographs, a letter of good conduct from your last employer, and completed visa application forms.  The WorldTeach program managers and program assistants will help you through the visa application process.  Please read and carefully follow the specific instructions provided for your program (provided by WorldTeach after your acceptance).

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Study or practice the language of your host country

You will receive language training during orientation at the beginning of your program, but any exposure or practice you can gain before departure will help you pick up and improve your language more quickly. You might want to enroll in a class, practice yourself using tapes, or find a language-exchange partner to practice conversation.

Learn more about your host country

Do as much research as you can on the history, culture, politics, and current social issues of your country of service.  The web and your local library are often great sources.  See the Country Info pages at left for specific information.

Contact Returned WorldTeach Volunteers

Talking to other volunteers is a great way to learn more about your program, the teaching role, and what it is like to live in your host country. Contact the WorldTeach office and ask to be put in touch with a returned volunteer from your program.

Apply for a deferment of your Student Loans (if necessary)

Contact your loan company for an application form (for deferment due to economic hardship or full-time voluntary service). Complete your section of the form then mail it to WorldTeach for verification. Allow at least one month for processing and mailing.

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Book Connecting Flights/Travel to the US departure city for your group

You are required to book your own travel arrangements from your home to the designated US Departure city for your group.  The specific travel plans for your program and group will be confirmed about 2-3 months prior to departure.

Make final preparations

• Obtain traveler's checks and cash for personal spending money.
• Make copies of all important documents and leave one copy with a family member or friend.
• Reconfirm your flights.
• Pack!  Contact Returned WorldTeach Volunteers and consult your acceptance packet for advice on what to bring.
• Meet your group at the departure airport to begin your WorldTeach service adventure!

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