Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

25-Hour Pre-Departure Requirement for Long-Term Programs
 

Why do we have this requirement?

  • To introduce you to available teaching aids and current methodologies
  • To make you aware of some of the cultural barriers to teaching English as a second or foreign language
  • To give you some hands-on experience to draw upon in orientation training and when you begin teaching at your site

Important Notes:

  • Summer volunteers are not required to gain 25 hours of teaching experience before departure. However, anything you can do to prepare yourself for teaching overseas for the summer will be of benefit to you.
  • If you are already an experienced TESOL teacher, please contact the program manager to request a waiver of the TESOL requirement.
  • Applicants to the Guyana program should obtain 25 hours of experience in the subject they plan to teach.  Contact the program manager for suggestions.

How do I complete this requirement?

  • Researching organizations that provide TESOL (or ESL) classes in your area, and offer them your time as a teacher or teaching assistant.  It's best if you can offer sustained help over several weeks or months. 
  • Look for an opportunity that will allow you to gain experience in a classroom setting (as opposed to individual tutoring), with a student population similar to what you will encounter in the program to which you have applied.
  • Begin to look for opportunities to complete this requirement as soon as you are accepted to the WorldTeach program. 

How do I prove to WorldTeach that I have completed this requirement?

  • Ask your supervisor to send a letter to WorldTeach verifying your teaching role and hours.
  • Add your TESOL teaching position to your resume and send your updated resume to WorldTeach. 

To get started, contact WorldTeach.  We have lists of TESOL/ESL organizations for many large US cities. These lists are compiled based on the experiences of past volunteers. 

If you live in a smaller city or town, the following are some other ideas of places you may be able to obtain your language teaching experience:

1.      Refugee and immigrant centers.  Community centers or organizations for groups of immigrants often need ESL teachers, and most of their instructors are volunteers.

2.      Local religious organizations.  If your church, synagogue, or other religious organization does not already offer ESL classes, you can offer your skills to groups of adults who speak English as a second language in your congregation.

3.      Adult basic education centers/ libraries.  These types of institutions offer ESL classes for speakers of other languages.

4.      Department of Human Services.  Check the listing issued by your local department for ESL teaching opportunities.

5.      National School Volunteers. Many public high schools offer teaching programs under the auspices of the National School Volunteer Association.  Your local high school may have a bilingual homework center or ESL resource room.  To find out more, call a local school.

6.      Community Colleges.  They may have teaching opportunities that are also open to the community.

7.      Local Red Cross Chapters.  Many local Red Cross chapters offer English classes to newcomers to the U.S., and are happy to have volunteers assist with such classes.  Check your local chapter to see if they offer these opportunities.


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