Volunteer Organisations
There are various Volunteer Organisations which send teachers to developing countries in order to teach English in those countries. The pay is usually subsistence only, but it is a marvellous way to see the world, spend time teaching English and also to make a difference in the world.
Note that you should not pay to volunteer to teach overseas. Some gap-year and other volunteer organisations have been heavily criticised for poor planning and offering their volunteers inadequate training and resources. This often only comes to light when there is an emergency or other problem so before taking any volunteer position you should thoroughly investigate the organisation providing the service to make sure they are professionally organised and have the experience and backing to be able to help you adequately in the case of an emergency.
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Organisations
The following organisations are the only ones we recommend which send teachers overseas to teach in developing countries.
The Peace Corps (USA)
- 27 months service
- basic living allowance
- all ages over 18 (average age 27) can apply
- US citizens only
- Central & South America, Africa, Asia
With the Peace Corps you won't necessarily know where you are going till the last moment and even what you will be doing even though you may have put down your preferences.
VSO - Voluntary Service Overseas (UK)
- usually 1 - 2 years service
- 18 - 75 age group (average age 38)
- basic living allowance
- volunteers of all nationalities can apply but must be resident of EU, USA/Canada and a few other countries
- English teachers need a degree, PGCE or TESL/TEFL Certificate and 2 years' experience
- mainly Africa and Asia
See Also
