Volunteering to teach English abroad lets you travel with purpose, connect with locals, and make a real impact. Many gap year travelers are discovering that volunteer teaching English abroad offers adventure, meaningful cultural exchange, and personal growth all at once.
From tropical islands to mountain towns, discover nine unique countries with trusted programs offering adventure, cultural exchange, and personal growth.
1. Guatemala – Immersive Teaching in the Heart of Central America
Guatemala offers a vibrant blend of Mayan heritage and lush landscapes, making it a fascinating place to volunteer. As a teaching volunteer here, you’ll likely be based in a historic town like Antigua or a highland village, assisting local teachers in community schools.
Maximo Nivel – a top local organization in Latin America – runs a highly rated program in Guatemala that focuses on education and cultural exchange. Volunteers help in classrooms, tutoring children in English, and organizing creative activities. In return, you get Spanish immersion, live with a welcoming host family, and become part of the community.
Check out these other Teach in Guatemala programs:
- Teach English in Antigua, Guatemala (IVHQ): Assist in delivering free English lessons to both children and adults, promoting improved language abilities and expanding opportunities for learners.
- English Teaching in Guatemala (IVI): Teach English to children and adults, focusing on basics like grammar, pronunciation, and conversational skills with fun activities
2. Jordan – Cultural Exchange through English in the Middle East
For a truly unique experience, head to Jordan. Volunteering here means living among ancient ruins and vibrant streets while supporting communities eager to learn English.
International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) offers a respected program in Amman, where you’ll assist local teachers in schools and community centers, helping disadvantaged youth and refugees improve their conversation skills and job prospects.
You might run workshops, tutor one-on-one, or lead fun language games. IVHQ provides housing, orientation, and 24/7 support. It’s purpose-driven travel with lasting impact and meaningful cultural exchange.
3. Cambodia – Teach English in a Rural Cambodian Community
In Cambodia, you can volunteer in the rural village of Samraong, far from the typical tourist trail.
GoEco’s Sustainable Community Development program places volunteers in local schools offering free education to children who can’t afford tuition. You’ll help teach basic English alongside local teachers, using a structured curriculum.
Outside the classroom, volunteers assist with school improvement projects and lead fun activities on hygiene and the environment. You’ll stay near the school, join cultural events, and even learn a bit of Khmer.
Learn more about teaching in Cambodia here!
4. Mongolia – Experience Nomadic Culture While Teaching English
If you’re after a truly offbeat experience, Mongolia delivers. Volunteering here means trading modern comforts for vast steppes and rich nomadic culture.
Projects Abroad offers a program in Ulaanbaatar where you’ll assist in schools or language centers, helping disadvantaged students build confidence in English. You might lead pronunciation practice, support English clubs, or teach simple subjects in English.
Volunteers stay with host families for an authentic cultural experience. Despite the remote setting, Projects Abroad offers training and local support. In your free time, explore monasteries, grasslands, and even camp in a traditional ger.
5. Zanzibar – Island Volunteering in East Africa’s Paradise
Trade the savannah for the sea by volunteering in Zanzibar, Tanzania’s laid-back island paradise.
African Impact’s program in the coastal village of Jambiani focuses on teaching English to kids and adults. Mornings might involve co-teaching in schools, while afternoons could mean leading adult classes — all just steps from the beach.
You’ll support locals in building language skills that boost tourism jobs, while also joining in village life — playing soccer, cooking pilau, and soaking in Swahili culture.
Volunteers stay in shared housing and enjoy a supportive team, plus weekends to explore spice farms or snorkel with dolphins.
Check out these other Teach in Zanzibar programs:
- Teaching in Zanzibar: Offer support as a fluent English speaker by assisting or leading lessons for six to 15-year-olds in under-resourced schools.
- Primary School Teaching, Stone Town: Support Zanzibar’s teachers who build strong learning environments, empowering children with the education they need to succeed.
- Volunteer Teaching in Tanzania – Zanzibar: Volunteers teach English to local students in schools across Stone Town, the historic area of Zanzibar.
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6. Fiji – Volunteer Teaching on a Pacific Island
Ever dreamed of teaching under swaying coconut palms? In Fiji, that’s your reality.
Beyond the resorts lie rural schools where help is truly needed. Involvement Volunteers International (IVI) places volunteers in villages or remote islands to support local teachers.
You’ll likely stay with a homestay family, fully immersed in Fijian life — sharing meals, joining kava ceremonies, and participating in village traditions. IVI’s programs are well-supported and beginner-friendly, with weekly start dates.
Check out these other Teach in Fiji programs:
- Teaching in Sigatoka: Support local schools or after-school programs, enhancing education quality for classes with up to 50 students.
- Inspire Kindergartners: Immerse in Fiji’s Coral Coast, teaching English and leading activities while building bonds with joyful children in local kindergartens.
- Volunteer with Children in Fiji: Support early childhood education in Fiji through fun activities, health workshops, and aiding children with special needs.
7. Nepal – Gap Year Teaching in the Himalayas
Nepal offers a stunning backdrop for volunteer teachers — think snow-capped peaks and prayer flags.
Volunteering Solutions (VolSol) places volunteers in local schools where you’ll help improve conversational English through creative lessons and games. Schools welcome the fresh energy and new methods that volunteers bring.
Budget-friendly and deeply enriching, Nepal leaves a lasting impact on both students and volunteers.
Here are more opportunities to teach in Nepal:
- Teaching English in Nepal: Contribute as a native English speaker by supporting lessons in public and private schools throughout Nepal.
- Teaching in Buddhist Monasteries: Explore Nepal’s spirituality by teaching monks English, living in a monastery, and starting with cultural immersion in Kathmandu.
- Volunteer Teaching in Nepal: Volunteer in Nepal teaching English and other subjects, gain classroom experience, support literacy, and explore local culture and mountains.
- Buddhist Monastery Teaching: Teach English and have one on one conversation classes with the monks. You will also get a chance to learn about Buddhism.
8. Ghana – Empower Communities in West Africa
For a warm West African welcome and meaningful impact, Ghana is a top choice. While English is the official language, many rural schools still need support — Global Vision International (GVI) fills that gap. Volunteers assist with English literacy in primary schools and may also run workshops on environmental topics or women’s empowerment.
You might teach ABCs one week and lead conversation classes the next. Ghana’s communities are incredibly welcoming — you’ll quickly feel like family. GVI provides full support, training, and housing, with weekends free to explore rainforests, beaches, or historic sites.
Explore other teaching options in Ghana here:
- Teach in Ghana: Offer support in under-resourced schools near Accra by helping teach English, music, math, geography, and arts.
- Volunteer in Ghana with GoEco: Teach children, support school repairs, enjoy cultural exchange, and explore vibrant Accra.
- Volunteer Teaching English in Ghana: Teach English and support local schools in rural Ghana, helping children gain confidence while assisting teachers and promoting literacy.
9. Peru – Teach English in the Andes and Embrace Adventure
Peru is a dream destination, but volunteering as an English teacher offers a deeper, more meaningful experience.
Most placements with Maximo Nivel are in and around Cusco, including highland villages in the Sacred Valley. As an international volunteer, you’ll teach English in after-school programs, community centers, and a local military facility, reaching kids, teens, and adults who cannot afford formal language education.
Your role includes creating engaging lesson plans, conducting group classes, providing one-on-one tutoring, and organizing educational games and interactive activities. Occasionally, you may also assist with maintaining and improving teaching spaces.
Check out these other Teach in Peru programs:
- Teaching English in Lima: Use your English skills to teach or assist in schools near Lima, where fluent, natural speakers are scarce.
- Volunteer teaching English in Cusco, Peru: Support local learners, experience rich culture, and explore iconic Andean sites.
- Volunteer Teaching in Peru: Support English teaching in Peru’s underserved schools by assisting students and teachers, leading classes, and improving educational resources.
Making the Most of Your Volunteer Teaching Adventure
Volunteering to teach English abroad offers a chance to connect deeply with communities while making a lasting impact.
Whether in vibrant cities, rural villages, or island paradises, these nine unique countries provide immersive experiences that blend adventure, cultural exchange, and personal growth.
Supported by trusted programs, you’ll help empower students, enhance education, and gain invaluable teaching experience. Ready to explore the world while giving back? Teaching English abroad could be your path to meaningful travel and life-changing memories.
Munira Maricar · Travel Writer
With an international living background spanning Singapore, Qatar, Japan, and Mexico, Munira enjoys sharing insights on immersive travel while emphasizing the vital role of cultural respect and ethical engagement. Her extensive experience offers a unique perspective that inspires others to explore the world through service, ensuring that every journey respects and contributes positively to local traditions and communities.