How do I decide which program is right for me? 

When you apply to be a WorldTeach volunteer, you select which program interests you most and apply specifically for that program.  We recommend listing a second choice if you are applying to a competitive program (funded programs are usually more competitive) and you are genuinely open to either choice.  We would rather not decide for you because each of our programs is so distinct, but our admissions staff is happy to help you make an informed choice. Contact us if you have questions.

As you research our programs on this website, you will learn more about each country and the role of WorldTeach volunteers in that country.  You will then be able to prepare an application that expresses your genuine interest in the country and your fit with the program. 

When deciding on a program we suggest that you:

1. Ask yourself the "Making Your Decisions" questions below. Think about your reasons and goals for teaching overseas, the type of experience you might enjoy (realistically!), and any constraints you need to consider.
2. Read the information about each individual program by clicking on the program titles on the left side bar. 
3. Look at the Program Comparison Chart to help you compare our programs.
4. Talk to returned WorldTeach volunteers from the program(s) that interest you most. Contact us to be put in touch with returned volunteers who will be happy to share their experiences.

Making the Decision

How much time can I commit?

• 10-11 months: American Samoa, Bangladesh, Chile DuocUC, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guyana, Kenya, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Mongolia, Rwanda, South Africa, Venezuela
• 5-9 months: Chile Ministry
• 2 months in summer: Bulgaria, China, Costa Rica , Ecuador, Namibia, Poland, South Africa

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Am I interested in a particular region of the world?

• Latin America: Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guyana, Venezuela
• Asia: Bangladesh, China, Mongolia
• Africa: Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa
• Pacific Islands: American Samoa, Marshall Islands, Micronesia
• Central & Eastern Europe: Bulgaria, Poland

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What would I like to teach?

• English as a Foreign Language: American Samoa, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Kenya, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Namibia, Poland
• English (as a regular school subject): Guyana, Namibia, South Africa
• Math or Science: Guyana, Micronesia, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa
• Basic Computing: Namibia, South Africa  
• HIV/AIDS Education: Namibia
• General Elementary Education: Kenya, Marshall Islands, South Africa
• General Secondary Education: Micronesia, Rwanda, South Africa
• Physical Education: Guyana
• Community Programs: Bulgaria, South Africa

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What age level would I like to teach?

• Elementary/Primary: Chile Ministry, Costa Rica Year, Ecuador, Kenya, Marshall Islands, Namibia, South Africa
• Middle School: Chile Ministry, China, Marshall Islands
• High School/Secondary: Bulgaria, Chile Ministry, China, Costa Rica Summer, Ecuador, Guyana, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Mongolia, Namibia, Poland, Rwanda, South Africa
• College/University: Chile DuocUC, Ecuador, South Africa
• Adults: Chile DuocUC, Ecuador, Namibia, South Africa

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Would I prefer to live in an urban or a rural community?

Consider the benefits of living and working in a smaller, rural community as compared with the opportunities of being in a larger urban community. 

• Urban: Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Chile DuocUC, Chile Ministry, China, Ecuador, Guyana, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Mongolia, Poland, Rwanda, South Africa
• Rural: Chile Ministry, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guyana, Kenya, Mongolia, Namibia, Poland
• Islands: American Samoa, Marshall Islands, Micronesia

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When could I leave?

Applying and preparing to participate in a WorldTeach program takes a lot of time, particularly if you are planning to fundraise the program cost.  The program departure date should be a serious factor in your decision making process, because submitting your application right at the application deadline may not allow you enough time to get everything together before departure. Please read Pre-Departure for information on general pre-departure preparations, and consult each program page for program-specific information.

• Within three months 
  With less than three months before the date of departure, you can certainly still go on a program if you complete your application quickly, don't need to fundraise, have a valid passport, and are prepared to submit other pre-departure documents

• Later this year, next year, or next summer
  With over three months of anticipation, you should have plenty of time to apply and prepare yourself for participation in any WorldTeach program.

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Do I want to live with a host family?

Experiencing family life provides an opportunity for cultural and language learning. It also helps volunteers to quickly feel part of the community. Living with a host family requires patience, flexibility and the willingness to actively participate in family life (and chores!) and to give up the degree of independence and privacy you may be used to in your current lifestyle.

WorldTeach volunteers live with host families where possible in most countries. In China, Guyana, and Pohnpei, and in some placement sites in Namibia and the Marshall Islands , volunteers live in teachers' housing on the school campus or in a nearby apartment. 

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Is there a particular language I would like to use or learn?

• Bulgarian: Bulgaria
• African languages (e.g. Oshindonga, Afrikaans, Setswana, Xhosa): Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa
• Mandarin Chinese: China
• Marshallese: Marshall Islands
  
• Mongolian: Mongolia
• Pohnpeian: Micronesia Pohnpei
  
• Polish: Poland
• Samoan: American Samoa
• Spanish: Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Venezuela

Please note that Guyana is an English-speaking country, though Amerindian dialects are spoken in some areas.

The Program Comparison Charts may also help in making your decision.

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