Volunteer Program Preparations
Below are the general steps you will take as part of the pre-departure process. Don't panic! We will help you through each and every step. After your acceptance you will receive far more detailed information then provided below. Read on to get the an idea of the ebb and flow of preparing to leave.
Steps to take after acceptance:
- Obtain a Passport
- Arrange your funding
- Pay the $50 payment and complete TEFL Pre-Departure Packet (for those participating in WT TEFL Certification)
- Complete health preparations
- Prepare your Visa Application
- Study or practice the language of your host country
- Learn more about your host country
- Contact Returned WorldTeach Volunteers
- Apply for a deferment of your Student Loans
- Book Connecting Flights/Travel to the US departure city for your group
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 valid passport for the entire duration of your participation in the WorldTeach program. You should obtain a valid passport at least 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. More information on how to obtain a passport can be found here.
Arrange your funding
Begin to fundraise, or plan how you will otherwise meet the cost of your WorldTeach program. Volunteer Commitments are due in full one month prior to departure. We highly encourage you to do some fundraising to help meet the volunteer commitment - 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 commitment, go to our Fundraising page, and download a copy of our Volunteer Fundraising Guide.
Pay the $50 payment and complete TEFL Pre-Departure Packet (for those participating in WT TEFL Certification)
To make your $50 payment online, please click the "Donate/Pay" button at the top of our homepage. In the "Donation Specified For" field, select "$50 payment for TEFL Certification". Complete the rest of the form and submit it for processing. If paying by check, be sure to include "TEFL Certification" in the memo line.
After submitting your deposit, you must observe an ESL classroom for 14 hours and complete the required TEFL Pre-Departure Packet; this packet will be included in your confirmation material.
Click here for more information on the WorldTeach TEFL Program.
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 on 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. Consider maintaining your current health insurance as a supplement to that provided by WorldTeach, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition.
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).
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 basic information on each of our program countries.
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.
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.