As a WorldTeach volunteer teacher, you will witness firsthand the challenges and rewards of education in a developing country. You will share the skills and knowledge gained through your education and life experience with students who have not had the same advantages, and you will make a concrete and lasting difference in their lives.
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"Our volunteers have the possibility of understanding how to be useful, of discovering what is and isn't possible to do as persons from developed countries interface with persons from the developing world."
Helen Claire Sievers,
WorldTeach Executive Director
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You will gain cultural understanding and the ability to work independently in a new environment. You will have a role in the community, and an opportunity to learn about the local culture and contribute to community life and development. And you will develop key skills--including teaching, language, cross-cultural communication, and leadership--that will be useful in any career.
Please use the links at left to view information about a particular program, or read on for general information about WorldTeach programs.
What do WorldTeach volunteers do?
WorldTeach provides opportunities for volunteers to teach in developing countries, making a meaningful contribution to schools and communities that are in great need of teachers. Most volunteers teach English, and students range in age depending on the placement. In some countries, volunteers may also teach math, science, computer skills, or HIV/AIDS awareness.
Volunteers work as full-time teachers, as employees of their host school or sponsoring institution in their placement country. Most volunteers live with a host family or on the school campus, and participate fully in the life of their host community. WorldTeach year programs are 10-12 months in length, and the summer programs are about two months in length. There are programs in a variety of countries around the world.
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Where do WorldTeach volunteers work?
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"The world is a complicated place, and it's the best and worst feeling to come
face-to-face with some of those complications and gaps in your ability to comprehend. But it's worth it. I would not give up this new knowledge for anything."
Jennifer Salcido, Namibia Summer
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Volunteers may choose their country of service and must commit to the full duration of the program. For a short description of upcoming programs see the Program Summaries.
Use the links to the left to learn more about a particular program. If you are interested in more than one of our programs, use the How to Decide chart to determine which program is best for you.
Who can be a WorldTeach volunteer?
For year-long programs, volunteers must have a bachelor's degree. Summer program volunteers do not need to have a college degree, but must be at least 18 years of age. WorldTeach programs are open to native speakers of English; volunteers do not have to be US citizens. Note:
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"After working two years at a fashion magazine, it was quite the change moving to Costa Rica and teaching little kids. I found teaching everything and more of what it was said to be. Each day offered a different surprise and a new smile." Katie Fraumann, Costa Rica Year
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Previously we published that we accept volunteers who speak English fluently at a native-level of proficiency. This was published in error, as our policy is to send only native speakers abroad.
WorldTeach does not have any specific professional requirements for our programs. However, we seek applicants who show a commitment to teaching, international development, public service and cultural understanding.
WorldTeach volunteers range in age from college students (summer programs), and recent college graduates, to mid-career professionals and retirees. We encourage applicants of all ages and backgrounds to apply. If you are a mid-career professional or retiree, please refer to our information specific to this demographic.
To learn about how to apply, please read these steps to becoming a WorldTeach volunteer.
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How much does it cost to be a WorldTeach volunteer?
Because WorldTeach receives no government or significant outside funding, we must ask volunteers themselves to cover most of the expenses associated with their placement, travel, training and support. The reality is that the cost of traveling abroad is very expensive, and thus we discourage people from thinking of the program cost as "paying to volunteer," but rather "paying to live abroad." If you research other possible ways to volunteer internationally, you will realize that our comprehensive program cost is actually a bargain for the extensive support services we provide. More specific information about the Program Costs and Services is available.
WorldTeach has always encouraged our volunteers to raise the cost of their volunteer service, which we believe invests not only the volunteer, but also the broader community in your experience abroad. Please click here to learn more about Fundraising your program fee.
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Need more information?
Please check out the answers to Frequently Asked Questions about WorldTeach programs. In addition, look over the Pre-Departure page to find out more information about the pre-departure preparation process.
Please contact us with any questions.
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