Updated for 2019 

Teaching abroad and education are some of the most popular and impactful international programs or internships that you can take on. Because of the great need for educators worldwide, you're sure to find an opportunity that fits with your background and interests, your age, and your availability. And unlike traditional volunteer abroad and intern abroad programs, many teach abroad programs (especially teach English abroad programs) pay you to teach overseas and provide free room and board, especially if you have earned a Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification!

Teach English Overseas, TEFL Certification, and Paid Teaching Abroad Programs

If you don’t have a background in teaching, but you’re interested in getting involved in a teach abroad program, not to worry: there are plenty of organizations that will both train you and give you classroom experience. Whether you want to become TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certified, build a career in education, or even volunteer for a short time with a project guaranteed to make a difference, you can make a great impact abroad and gain valuable skills along the way. Teaching English on a project in Asia, Africa, or Latin America is also a great way to travel and to explore a career in education.

While teaching English abroad is one of the most common volunteer and paid internship / full-time opportunities available for travelers, it’s certainly not the only teaching program you can sign up for. A few you’ll find in this list include IT and computer training, physical education, teaching other languages (such as French), and even Spanish language immersion, where you’re the student.

Read on to learn more about several affordable, high-quality teach abroad programs, internships, and TEFL certification courses available to you!

MAXIMO NIVEL

Maximo Nivel is our top-ranked organization on Volunteer Forever and has offered affordable, international volunteer programs in Latin America to participants from all over the world since 2003. They operate many programs in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru, including Spanish immersion, volunteer abroad, service learning, international Internships, TEFL certification, semester abroad, and high school abroad. Every Maximo Nivel project is internationally accredited and the organization’s success in based in their commitment to the highest level of client service. Maximo Nivel is staffed by a team of dedicated professionals, and offers first-class facilities to make sure that you have the best experience possible.

TEFL COURSES ABROAD

Maximo Nivel has over 10 years of experience providing TEFL courses and helping teachers and travelers to work, travel, and live in Latin America. Being able to teach English is a life-changing skill that allows you to get lost in a new culture, and teach others your native language while you learn theirs. Each TEFL course is internationally accredited, meaning credits can be recognized and transferred worldwide. There are many programs through Maximo Nivel’s TEFL training, including an onsite four week/150-hour certification, accelerated-hybrid certification, teaching business English certification, and international exam preparation certification.

VOLUNTEER TEACHING ENGLISH ABROAD

With this program, you’ll be immersed in day-to-day life in Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Peru while working with students and help improve their English skills. For two to four hours per day, you’ll teach grammar, vocabulary, pronunciations, speaking, writing, and listening skills to primary, middle, and high school students. You will most likely be working in a small community center or a shelter, each of which has specific English language learning rooms. This program is specifically designed for volunteers who want a professional, accredited certification to teach English anywhere in the world. This four-week/150-hour program includes 100 hours of classroom work, 25 hours of practical teaching and observation, and 25 hours of self-study and research outside of the classroom.

SPANISH IMMERSION

Maximo Nivel’s Spanish Immersion program allows you to put your world travels on the fast track, augment your career skills, and may even boost your grade standing at your college or university. Throughout this language course, you will work with a certified, native Spanish teacher, and will be provided with a homebase where you can meet travelers from all over the world and learn more about your host country’s culture. The program includes airport pickup, program and safety orientation, walking tour, official Spanish language certificate, free Spanish books and materials, free Spanish language tutoring table, free tandem conversation program, free office-wide WiFi and computer lounge, free salsa dance classes and cooking lessons, and free coffee and tea and on-site snack bar.

For more information about these projects and about Maximo Nivel, please visit www.maximonivel.com.

EDUCATION INTERNSHIP

Another excellent way you can teach English to students abroad is through Maximo Nivel’s education internship in Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Peru. For four weeks or longer, you’ll work alongside local teachers to gain insight into Latin American education and lesson planning for early childhood, elementary, middle school, and high school students. You can choose from an ESL-specific placement, or have a variety of programs you’ll work with, all of which will give you practical experience with classroom management, leadership, and so much more. To register, you must be enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s program in education, secondary education, or a related discipline, but you do not need Spanish language background before signing up.

WHAT VOLUNTEERS SAY

Maximo Nivel inspired me to leave my comfort zone and approach life with a "go-getter" attitude. By volunteering in different clinics and schools, I had the opportunity of meeting some of the most content and humble people, which led me to believe the a simple truth that money doesn't buy happiness, kindness does. Thank you Maximo Nivel!

-Avraham

INTERN ABROAD HQ

Intern Abroad HQ, the sister organization of International Volunteer HQ, offers highly affordable and flexible international internships with a growing portfolio of placements across Asia, Africa, Central America, South America, and Europe. With a focus on community engagement and structured personal and professional development, interns gain hands-on experience in their field while acquiring relevant skills for a resilient career. Internship opportunities are offered year-round across diverse disciplines, and rolling admission dates let you schedule an internship when it works for you. Plus, short-term opportunities provide entry-level internships from just two weeks.

ONLINE TEFL CERTIFICATION

Improving your preparation techniques and confidence to lead a classroom doesn’t just benefit you as an educator, but it also positively impacts the learning environment of the students you wish to help succeed. Intern Abroad HQ offers a specialized online TEFL certification course - whether you're investing in your career path or simply aiming to diversify your skill-set, this 100-hour course can be taken at your own pace and does not require any previous experience or training. A discounted rate of $399 is offered via CCELT Online, a worldwide leader in TEFL training. Upon completion, you’ll have earned experience in planning, designing, and adapting diverse language activities and materials that will help you work in different teaching and learning environments, no matter where your career takes you around the world. Learn more here!

TEACHING, SOCIAL WORK, AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT INTERNSHIPS ABROAD

If you're ready to put your own learning to the test and to gain hands-on experience as an educator, then explore internship opportunities focused on personal and professional development! Choose from stunning destinations abroad that combine the opportunity to boost your resume while seeing the world: Intern Abroad HQ offers experiential learning internships to help you discover skills that are universally transferable within diverse employment and social settings. Examples of available internships where you can teach English overseas include:

Early Childhood & Primary Education internships

If you're passionate about helping young students receive the best possible start, an internship in early childhood and primary education will help you to enhance the skill-sets necessary to work in kindergartens and primary school institutions. Intern Abroad HQ offers kindergarten placements in Cusco, Peru, as well as after-school placements for youth that provide extra support for learning and development. Interns can also gain experience teaching a prescribed curriculum on Early Childhood & Primary Education placements in Bali.

Youth Development & Education internships

Do you have a knack for speaking Spanish? Teaching English & Education Internships in Costa Rica and Guatemala through Intern Abroad HQ are excellent for those travelers ready to utilize some basic Spanish language skills. In addition to English language lessons, you’re invited to assist with other subjects such as math, science, geography, history, computing, and music, if you have knowledge of other elementary school subjects. The Youth Development & Education internship in Cusco, Peru provides aspiring educators the chance to help youth to reach their potential outside of formal education settings. And if you want to discover destinations outside of Latin America, the city of Cape Town in South Africa also is home to Youth Development & Education internship placements.

Language Therapy, Psychology, Social Work and Special Education Internships

If you speak Spanish and have the special ability to help people overcome diverse challenges, then check out Intern Abroad HQ’s placements in Cusco, Peru, related to Special Needs Care, Language Therapy, and Psychology. Don't speak Spanish? No problem! Internships in Cape Town are also available in Social Work and Psychology.

Micro-Finance and Women's Empowerment internships in Central America

If you would prefer to work with adult learners and help provide vocational support, then consider a Micro-Finance internship in Guatemala or Costa Rica. Interns in Guatemala can lend their skills to share tactics for successful budgeting, planning, marketing, and business growth. The Micro-Finance and Women's Empowerment option in Costa Rica combines micro-finance support for women with workshops, awareness promotion, and counselling sessions related to physical and emotional health.

Discover the perfect teaching internship and apply today!

WHAT VOLUNTEERS SAY

What can I say about my time in San Jose, Costa Rica? I initially chose to go to San Jose to see a different rhythm of life. I chose IVHQ because of their great ratings for support. I've traveled before, and I can attest that I will be using IVHQ again! First, they have an orientation, and and the in country NGO that has super friendly staff ready to help out with anything and everything you need. Having the right support and preparation, in and out of country, is critical. IVHQ did an incredible job in that area. The placement was perfect for me. I'll never forget a moment of my time teaching English in La Carpio. My host mom truly became my MOM over my two weeks in San Jose, and by the 2nd week, I truly felt like I hit my stride with the city.

-Danielle

Global Vision International

 

Global Vision International (GVI) offers volunteer teaching abroad programs with a twist: for students, their programs may enable you to earn academic credit and graduate faster. Alternatively, if you are more focused on building your career, consider GVI's teach abroad internship program in Thailand, which includes TEFL training as part of the experience (TEFL certification is in very high demand by employers). Before jumping into the “real world” right out of college, this is a wonderful career booster and opportunity to experience the world and see what it is like to teach in another country. While this is not a paid opportunity, you will get so much more from your experience as you learn about Thai culture, create lasting relationships, overcome challenges, and improve your own skills in independence, leadership, and responsibility. And after your internship is complete, you may be offered an opportunity to work for GVI or another selected partner in Thailand or other locations around the world.

This program includes pre-departure and onsite support, 24-hour emergency phone, orientation and training, shared accommodation during training, welcome dinner and other meals during orientation, transport to placement, assistance finding accommodations near your placement, GVI t-shirt, local SIM with Thai phone number, long-term experienced staff, and much more.

For more information, please visit http://www.gviusa.com/programs/teaching-english-and-tefl-internship-thailand/.

Short-Term Teaching Internship in Fiji

GVI offers many different teaching programs for travelers who want to volunteer abroad or intern abroad - including this short-term teaching internship in Fiji. Through this placement, you’ll work in a rural school and the surrounding community of the Dawasamu District to plan educational activities for children while building your skillsets and expanding your teaching experience. During your internship, you’ll provide English, math, and art lessons, oversee sports activities, and even help with adult education classes, all while getting a leg up on your career and exploring one of the world’s most beautiful island nations. During your free time on weekends and evenings, you’ll be able to visit beaches, take a scuba diving course, and much more.

WHAT VOLUNTEERS SAY

This really was a trip of a lifetime. My 6 week stay in South Africa was the first time I had done anything like this and certainly the first time I had been abroad on my own. I had a great time and experienced so much whilst out in the bush. The sights and sounds of the African bush are something you can never forget, nearly 3 years on and the memories are so vivid it’s like i was there last week. The staff both in the UK and in the field were excellent- very supportive, enthusiastic and clearly loved their jobs. In fact I have never met such passionate people and they really made me determined to finish my degree and follow in their footsteps. Overall it was an amazing trip, worth every penny, and I would 100% do it all over again!

-Amy

AGAPE VOLUNTEERS

Agape Volunteers has, among many other volunteer opportunities, a teaching abroad program in Kenya where you can help prepare children for their futures with your knowledge of English while developing you own confidence and education skills. Your teaching will not only be limited to English, however: you also will be teaching math, science, religion, and social studies. Even if you aren’t as strong in any of these additional subjects, the children will most benefit for hearing you speak English and constructing sentences in a proper manner. Volunteers will be working side-by-side with native teachers who will cover lessons in their native language of Kiswahili, at least until you feel comfortable teaching on your own.

During this program, you’ll stay with a host family who will provide your breakfast and dinner, or you will be staying in a volunteer house. You’ll have time to explore the area and learn more about Kenyan culture as you purchase from local venders and play games with the local children during breaks in the school day and on weekends.

For more information you can visit https://www.agape-volunteers.com/programmes

WHAT VOLUNTEERS SAY

Although I don't think it is possible to capture in words my time in South Africa, here is a little something! My 3 weeks in South Africa were full of life changing and one-off life experiences and opportunities. Here's a few of my favourites - elephant monitoring, walking through the bush, teaching children at a local school, enjoying the beauty of Sodwana Bay, hiking around False Bay, standing six metres from a rhino, helping to capture Mountain Reedbuck, touching an elephant's tongue, watching a leopard lie down in front of me, stroking a cheetah, tracking leopard movement around the lodge, doing static counts, watching the beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

I had an amazing 3 weeks in South Africa through a programme that offered me the chance to truly experience life in South Africa. My time in this wonderful country allowed me to develop the knowledge, skills, memories and a 'feeling' that could not have been gained in any other way. For that, I am genuinely thankful to Elton and Melissa for helping me live this experience for the 3 weeks! Thank you so much. And I think it's safe to say, I've caught the 'feeling' and I will be back one day!

-Emma

PROJECTS ABROAD

Projects Abroad offers quality, affordable volunteer programs to travelers worldwide. In the days before the internet, smartphones, and budget airlines, an English university professor and some overseas colleagues had an idea: What if young people could become international volunteers? They could learn new skills and contribute to communities at the same time. That was over 25 years ago and Projects Abroad has never looked back. It has expanded to include offices around the world, and with more than 600 trained staff members it is considered one of the world’s leading international volunteer organizations

The team prides itself on providing high quality, hassle-free placements that have a real impact on everyone involved. Staff are all either in-country locals who are trained and supported, or ex-volunteers, who’ve been there, experienced the projects, and seen what a difference they make.

The organization believes international volunteering and internships provide a defining experience for young people as they move from adolescence into adulthood, and its staff know the work it does transforms communities. Their goal is to make the world a better place, one volunteer at a time.

Teaching Abroad

Projects Abroad believes that everyone deserves an education. In the communities it works in, it is empowering people and giving them the tools to build better futures. Like all of its offerings, the teaching projects focus on long-term, sustainable solutions. As a volunteer, you’ll focus on teaching English and encouraging students to practice speaking with you. At some projects, you’ll help improve literacy, working with struggling students in small groups using provided materials to create resources like flashcards and games.

Projects Abroad is not only focused on the students. You’ll give teachers the extra support they need in the classroom, and share new teaching techniques. In Peru, for example, you'll be able to help local teachers improve their English through a training program Projects Abroad runs every year in Cusco.

You don’t need a TEFL certification or any qualification to join. You’ll work with teachers and Projects Abroad staff will be there to teach you what you need to know. You’ll also be able to attend regular workshops to get ideas and help with challenges. This is a great way to get practical experience in the classroom and with lesson planning. You’ll find that you’ll improve soft skills like communication and planning. Learn more about teaching abroad here.

FRONTEERING

If you’d like to get some excellent experience teaching English to communities in South America or Africa, you should definitely check out Fronteering. Fronteering specializes in providing out-of-this-world volunteer and intern abroad experiences like no other: from wildlife research, to environmental conservation, to community support, and so much more, there’s no shortage of ways you can make a difference abroad. And Fronteering’s volunteer and intern abroad programs start from an affordable $695 for your first week. Right now, Fronteering is offering several teach abroad programs - check out these three opportunities in the Amazon, Ghana, and Madagascar!

TEACH IN THE AMAZON

Located in Guyana, this project is excellent for volunteers who have a fascination with indigenous cultures and want to make a positive impact. For four weeks or longer, you’ll volunteer as an assistant teacher in a primary school, where you’ll help with math, English, and computer skills. If you have background experience in teaching or childcare, there’s opportunity for you to support children with additional learning needs throughout your host community. And depending on your interests and what’s needed locally, you also may be able to help with other projects like construction, eco-tourism, marketing, and more. Throughout your stay in Guyana, you’ll live with a host family or community house with basic accommodations - you’ll have a hammock in your own room - with meals provided each day. You’re invited to stay four to 12 weeks, starting from $1,795 for your first four weeks in Guyana.

TEACHING GHANA

If you’ve always wanted to explore Africa, check out Fronteering’s teaching program in Ghana, where you’ll educate children of all ages in a school in Accra. You’ll work as an assistant to a local teacher, and teach English, sports, math, and economics to your older students while leading younger ones in games, crafts, music, and other activities. Throughout your stay, you’ll learn about Ghanaian culture and history from locals in your community while making a positive impact in the lives of children eager to learn from you. Accommodation is provided in a volunteer house with fellow travelers, and while you will need to arrange for your own meals, you’re welcome to join a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional dishes using ingredients found locally. This program lasts four to eight weeks, and starts from $1,495.

TEACHING MADAGASCAR

For another adventure in Africa, take a look at this program in Madagascar, where you’ll work alongside local teachers to educate children in an underprivileged school. Throughout the country, many schools lack resources needed to support their children, and oftentimes, teachers aren’t adequately trained to provide a comprehensive education for their students. A few tasks you can help with include assisting with after-school support, providing teachers with new skills and helping them with their day-to-day activities, and improving literacy and numeracy skills for students. During your volunteer program, you’ll live in a dormitory-style house with meals provided three times per day. During your free time, you’re invited to explore the island’s beaches and tropical rainforests, or just relax. This program lasts two to six weeks, and starts from just $545.

GoEco

A top-rated volunteer and teach abroad organization that was founded in 2006, GoEco provides lots of opportunities for you to launch your ESL teaching career or simply experience what it’s like to teach English abroad. Since TEFL certification is a requirement for many ESL jobs, GoEco’s team has numerous TEFL certification courses, including:

1. TEFL Course in Barcelona, Spain ($1,740 for four weeks): Study and live in the Eixample District, and gain real-world teaching experience during the course.

2. TEFL Course in Chicago, USA (from $2,090 for four weeks): Become certified to teach English as you explore life in the Windy City.

3. TEFL Course in Antigua, Guatemala (from $2,250 for four weeks): Launch your career as an ESL teacher in the beautiful city of Antigua. You can also learn Spanish while there.

What’s really beneficial about going through GoEco to get your TEFL certification is that the programs offer free job search assistance. In their first 12 years of operation, GoEco sent more than 15,000 volunteers abroad, so you know they have lots of great connections. After you complete the course, they can help set you up with a paid teaching placement overseas.

Want to see what it likes to teach English abroad? Check out GoEco’s programs below. Though they’re volunteer placements (not paid jobs), you’ll have a great experience and get to build your resume.

TEACHING ASSISTANT POSITION IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Empower local children to reach their full potential through English language education. You’ll get to create and organize activities designed to stimulate English practice. When you’re not teaching, explore the Galapagos Islands (they’re as beautiful as advertised). Fees begin from $1,550 for two weeks. Register here!

EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH WITH CHILDREN IN VIENTIANE, LAOS

Teach local children English and help improve their future prospects. This program is great if you want to get practical experience teaching in a country where English language learning is becoming increasingly popular and important. You’ll spend your days teaching English through songs, activities, games, and just talking with the children. And, in your free time, bustling and historic Vientiane is just waiting for you to explore. Sound like the program for you? The fee begins at $580 for one week. Apply here!

TEACH ENGLISH IN PERU

Volunteer in the mountainous Cajamarca region of Peru to teach English to the local school children. Volunteers will work in either a primary or secondary school. Make the most of this experience by using your free time to explore the sights of Peru! Read more here.

I-TO-I TEFL & TEACH ENGLISH ABROAD PROGRAM

For over 20 years, i-to-i TEFL has trained more than 155,000 TEFL teachers that have helped their students to achieve their dreams. With a staff of experts endorsed by TEFL employers, i-to-i is dedicated to supporting you on your journey abroad. Not only does i-to-i have TEFL tutors available to assist you, but they also have a specialist course team that can help with any course-related questions, plus a job team to help find your TEFL dream job. The training you will receive is intended to make you the best teacher you can be. Each TEFL internship through i-to-i offers a stipend and end-of-contract bonus, plus room and board.

CHINA TEFL INTERNSHIP

This is a wonderful opportunity to not only take an i-to-i TEFL course, but to also spend five months teaching in China! You do not need to be able to speak Mandarin, need no previous teaching experience, and do not need a university or college degree, so this opportunity is perfect for students, gap year travelers, and career breakers.

i-to-i will set you up with first-class training with a great support team who are experts in placing and supporting first-time TEFL teachers. You also will be able to take Mandarin lessons and cultural inductions to make your adjustment easier - plus, you’ll take on teacher training before beginning your work with students, so you can be 100% confident and prepared.

This internship includes in-country support, monthly spending allowance, end of contract bonus, accommodation arranged and provided free of charge, food, comprehensive seven-day orientation in China, tour of Beijing, airport pickup and transfers to your school, visa assistance, a network of new friends, post-internship opportunities, and an internship certificate. Click here to learn more about this paid China TEFL teach abroad internship. 

VIETNAM TEFL INTERNSHIP

Vietnam can be your home for four-and-a-half months with in-country support, no necessary teaching experience, and TEFL training while you work in the classroom! Similar to i-to-i’s China internship, you will receive training from a group of experts who will help you to become fully ready to teach your students.

Along with the amazing chance to teach English, this internship includes a monthly spending allowance, end of contract bonus, accommodation arranged and provided free of charge, comprehensive one-week orientation in Vietnam, two days of practical TEFL training, Vietnamese lessons, a chance to explore Vietnam, airport pickup and transfers to your school, visa assistances, and a network of new friends. Unlike China, you do need a university or college degree to take part in this program, but you won’t need to know Vietnamese to apply - one of the best ways to teach English is to completely immerse students in the language and create an entirely English-speaking atmosphere.

140-HOUR COMBINED TEFL COURSE

With i-to-i’s 140-hour combined TEFL course, you’ll learn to teach English abroad, gain classroom experience, and earn qualifications to find jobs teaching English all over the world. You’ll start with a 120-hour online course, which you can complete at your own pace - most students complete this within four to six weeks. After that, you’ll complete 20 hours of in-classroom teaching training over a weekend - i-to-i has several different course locations all over the world. Once you’ve completed your course, you’ll be fully qualified to teach English abroad, no matter where you want to go.

For more information about i-to-i and their programs, please visit www.i-to-i.com.

Abroadly

Looking to find the right paid teach abroad program? Use Abroadly, a booking platform developed by Volunteer Forever that allows you to search for English teaching programs and other meaningful trips based on location preferences, budget, dates and more.

All the programs you’ll find on Abroadly have been thoroughly vetted for quality, ethical commitment, and safety. So, when you see a program you like, go ahead and apply - the application fee will be fully refunded if you don’t get accepted.

Applying on Abroadly’s site also comes with perks: the chance to win a $500 scholarship and free access to Volunteer Forever’s crowdfunding platform. Begin your search for paid teach abroad and TEFL certification programs today!

Paid English Teaching TEFL/TESOL Internship in Thailand

Launch your career in ESL teaching by joining this internship offered by Camp Thailand. This program is designed for those who’ve already obtained TEFL/TESOL certification, though there is the option to earn that certification on site. After an orientation week, you’ll go through interviews and be placed in a paid teaching position at a school in Bangkok, Phuket, or Buriram. Contracts for ESL teachers are for three, five, or 12 months (or longer if you wish). The one-week orientation and placement fee costs $495, but the English teaching position you’ll get after that week will pay at least 25,000-30,000 Thai Baht per month.

You must be a native English speaker with a bachelor’s degree (any subject). Non-native speakers must be fluent in English and have a bachelor’s degree (any subject). Want to find out more about this opportunity to teach English? Click here!

TEFL Certification and Paid English Teaching in Thailand

Join Camp Thailand in Phuket, Bangkok, and Buriram, where you can earn your TEFL/TESOL certification at location and then find a paid teaching position at a local school. You can sign up to teach for three, five, or 12 months (or even longer). Accredited by the Thai Ministry of Education, this paid English teaching program is not only a great way to work as you visit Thailand, it can also be a great resume builder for a career in ESL teaching, education, or related field.

To qualify, you must have a bachelor’s degree and be a native English speaker. If you’re a non-native speaker, you must be fluent in English. After an initial orientation week, you’ll have interviews and be placed at a school. The fee for TEFL certification, orientation, and job placement is $1,495. You’ll get paid at least 25,000-30,000 Thai Baht per month for teaching English. Sound like the right overseas English teaching job? Apply here.

IDEX

Teach and Thrive at IDEX is intended as an internship for those who wish to gain teaching experience for their careers. Through this program, you’ll teach English and live in a different country as a cultural exchange opportunity that allows volunteers to learn about a new culture while teaching English to the local community. You will be placed in India, but prior to your placement you’ll be given an orientation session, which will cover management of the classroom, interactive teaching methods, how to teach students equally, and even how to observe your own development as a teacher.

If you are interested in this program, please visit www.goidex.com/teach-and-thrive-at-idex.

WHAT VOLUNTEERS SAY

I volunteered through this program for 4 weeks and it was truly an amazing experience! Every day was perfectly structured--I was never too busy or bored, all the volunteer locations were unique and fun, and there was a great balance of fun and service. Personally, I was assigned a child to teach for the month at a school for mentally challenged children, and it was life-changing to create a bond with him and see his life change even over the mere month I was there. Every week, there was a trip I could go on (and of course I went on them all!). Every trip had a well-planned itinerary and immersed me in the diverse cultures of India. All of the staff where I was housed were always friendly, helpful, and comforting--like a second family. I recommend this volunteer trip to anyone. Make sure to stay at least a month to get the full experience.

-Ben

NATURALLY AFRICA VOLUNTEERS

 

The Lake Malawi Teaching Volunteer Project by Naturally Africa Volunteers offers you the opportunity to work with class sizes of 80 to 120 and make a real difference. As a volunteer, you’ll be able to give children the one-on-one attention they need and deserve as you are partnered with a local teacher. When your host teacher is leading English lessons, you will be able to assist both in that class and on other subjects. You also will have the chance to run extracurricular clubs and sporting events, teach about wildlife, enjoy arts and crafts, and help the children to develop their team skills in different sports and activities.

For more information about this program and how to apply, please visit http://www.volunteerafrica.com.

WHAT VOLUNTEERS SAY

The whole team at Naturally Africa were fantastic. So welcoming and really went out of their way to make me feel welcome. The program was well run and there are obvious close ties with the community. Nt once in my stay did I feel uncomfortable and I really felt like I was making a small difference to the school. On the social side, all of the excursions were really well organised and all of the prices were clearly explained so you could budget easily. The house is clean, the food is delicious (Irish potatoes!) and all of the staff are friendly and helpful. I could not have asked for a better volunteering experience.

-Louis

GLOBAL NOMADIC: TEFL

If you’re interested in teaching English abroad, Global Nomadic has lots of opportunities for you. Through this program, you’ll earn an internationally-accredited TEFL certificate and find a paid teaching placement in a classroom in the Czech Republic, Thailand, China, or Costa Rica. Global Nomadic partners with local programs they’ve personally vetted, and you’ll receive full support before, during, and after your placement overseas. Each TEFL training program lasts four weeks, with alternative options for travelers who’ve already earned in-class TEFL certification.

TEFL Teaching in the Czech Republic

Global Nomadic invites you to earn your internationally-accredited TEFL certificate in Prague, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. After completing a four-week course, you’ll have the option for placement with a public or private partner school, where you can earn between $800 and $1,200 per month. Paid teaching placements are available throughout the country, and Global Nomadic will work with you to find a school after successful completion of your course. The program fee is $1,700 for the four-week TEFL course and placement, and you’ll stay in a shared or private apartment close to the training center during your course. To learn more and apply, visit: https://globalnomadic.com/project/tefl-training-english-teaching-in-prague-czech-republic/

TEFL Teaching in Thailand

If you’ve always wanted to visit Thailand, Global Nomadic has the perfect opportunity to earn your TEFL certificate and teach in a local classroom. Your four-week training starts in Koh Samui, followed by a teaching placement lasting five months’ minimum at a school either in a rural or urban area, depending on your preference and employment availability. The course and placement cost $1,375 - during your training, you’ll stay in a private or shared bungalow near the center - and you’ll earn approximately $900 per month as a teacher. Click here to learn more and to sign up: https://globalnomadic.com/project/paid-teaching-tefl-training-thailand/

TEFL Teaching in Costa Rica

You also may be interested in TEFL training and teaching in Costa Rica through Global Nomadic. In this program, you’ll take an 8-week training course (unless you’re already TEFL certified), and then have the opportunity for English teaching job placement in Costa Rica once you’ve successfully completed the course. You’ll earn your certificate through a local nonprofit organization that immerses you in teaching from the start: you’ll work more than 60 hours in nearby elementary and high school classrooms, and teach to adult learners throughout your course. The cost for this placement is $3,200 for training, and you can expect to earn between $800 and $1,200 per month for your teaching placement, depending on your experience. To learn more and sign up, visit: https://globalnomadic.com/project/paid-teaching-tefl-training-costa-rica/

LOVE VOLUNTEERS

 

Love Volunteers is an affordable, high-quality organization that invites you to both travel the world and change lives. Love Volunteers partners with local communities in more than two dozen countries to ensure you have the best trip possible. They also offer a wide variety of teaching abroad programs!

Tanzania Teaching Program

Love Volunteers works with a variety of schools in Arusha, and invites volunteers to teach at both the nursery and primary levels. Volunteers can teach English and other subjects, including sports, music, art, and more. You don’t need prior teaching experience to apply, though it can be helpful for helping to plan lessons and assist children with their studies.

For more information, please visit www.lovevolunteers.org.

WHAT VOLUNTEERS SAY

I volunteered through Love Volunteers for 2 and a half months in Kenya and Tanzania in 2012 and loved every minute of it.

Love Volunteers were extremely helpful and quick to respond to any questions I had. Prior to leaving I was nervous to fly out to Kenya but had email and skype contact with the coordinators in both Kenya and Tanzania. The country guide Love Volunteers sent out was informative and really useful for planning my trip.

Love were also very flexible as I changed plans while away and stayed longer and this was all handled seamlessly. I also managed to have the opportunity to do some traveling and day trips while over there.

I had an amazing time volunteering in the schools and Orphanages, everyone was friendly and supportive. The host families and coordinators were very welcoming and helpful during my stay and will remain life long friends. The projects I and the other volunteers worked on were amazing and while I was taken out of my comfort zone on occasion it was truly worthwhile and everything I had hoped for in my trip to Africa.

Overall my experience with Love Volunteers was fantastic and I can't wait to do more volunteering through them.

-Amanda

INTERNATIONAL TEFL AND TESOL TRAINING (ITTT)

Founded in 1993, International TEFL and TESOL Training (ITTT) is one of best TEFL and TESOL course providers you can find worldwide. ITTT provides training through an online program, in-class courses in 27 different countries, and a combined course. With more than 7,500 graduates each year, ITTT offers worldwide accreditation for their TEFL courses as well as lifetime job support for their graduates. This includes exclusive leads on unadvertised jobs, unique databases of potential employers, CV and resume review, cover letter assistance, contract consultation, and interview preparation. Online courses start at $249, in-class courses start from $1,490 for four weeks, and combined courses start from $1,195.

Online Course

If you want to earn your TEFL certification from home at your own pace, and then embark on your English teaching journey overseas later, check out ITTT’s online TEFL courses. These high-quality, internationally accredited courses can be completed any time, and with or without support from a tutor. Through this program, you can earn TEFL certification in Teaching Business English, Teaching English to Young Learners, and even an advanced Diploma in TEFL. Courses range from 60-hour introductory programs, to 50-hour specialized ones, to 250-hour TESOL diploma classes.

In-Class Courses

ITTT also offers in-class courses to receive TEFL and TESOL certification in more than 25 locations in 15 different countries such as Australia, China, Greece, India, Japan, Spain, and many more. These comprehensive four-week programs are divided into six main areas: teaching practice, foreign language experience, language awareness, student profile, teaching techniques, and a materials project.

One course to check out is ITTT’s Argentina program, where you can earn a TEFL certificate in Buenos Aires. As one of the most highly-regarded TEFL certificate programs in Argentina, you’ll have the opportunity to learn to teach English while also living in one of South America’s most beautiful cities. The city is also perfectly placed to make the most of the many job opportunities available for English teachers - and as a graduate of ITTT, you’ll have lifetime job placement support in Argentina and beyond.

If you’ve always wanted to visit Asia, ITTT offers a TESOL course in Cambodia. Through this program, you’ll earn your TESOL certificate in Koh Kong City, the capital of Koh Kong province along the riverfront. Once you’ve earned your certificate, you’re invited to find an English teaching job in Cambodia’s capital city of Phnom Penh, or anywhere else, with support from ITTT staff.

Combined Course

If you’d like to mix your online training with in-class experience, take a look at ITTT’s combined courses, which start with a 120-hour online education program, followed by one to two weeks of onsite training. For the online portion, you’ll learn about language awareness, teaching theory, and general methodology, and afterwards, you can choose to take a five-day in-classroom course in one of more than a dozen locations in the US or Canada, or an 8- to 10-day program in Spain, Thailand, Italy, France, or the United States. You’ll receive full TEFL certification after successfully completed both portions of the combined course.

No matter your background, where you’d like to go, or even how long you’d like to stay, there are tons of affordable, fun opportunities to teach English and other subjects abroad. Not only will you make a great difference in the lives of those you’ll teach in the classroom, but you’ll also gain valuable skills to translate to your life and career long after you’ve returned home.

INTERNATIONAL TEFL ACADEMY (ITA)

Another excellent organization to check out if you’d like to enroll in online or in-person TEFL training and certification courses is International TEFL Academy (ITA), which is on track to certify 5,000 people this year to teach English as a foreign language. This organization offers extensive pre-enrollment guidance from expert advisors, plus access to internationally accredited and high-quality TEFL courses that will open you up to paid English teaching jobs all over the world. And with lifetime job search guidance as well as an array of other valuable resources for students and alumni, ITA’s community is here to support you long after you’ve completed your TEFL training.

170-Hour Online TEFL Certification

If you’d like to earn your TEFL certificate before traveling, check out ITA’s 170-hour online course, which includes 150 hours of online lessons plus 20 hours of live teaching practice with ESL learners. This 11-week, state-of-the-art course can be completed part-time (usually with 10 to 12 hours of training per week) and includes optional Young Learner and Business English modules. This course covers basic principles of teaching, grammar, classroom management, error correction, lesson planning, use of visual and audio aids, teaching group classes, conversational English, and much more. Once you’ve completed this class, you will be qualified to become a full-time, paid English teacher abroad - learn more here!

Nicaragua TEFL Class

If you’d rather travel abroad and earn your TEFL certificate at the same time, take a look at ITA’s four-week, full-time course in Leon, Nicaragua. Through this program, you’ll immerse yourself in Latin American culture while taking classes each day from 9:00am to 5:15pm, covering basic principles of teaching, classroom management, lesson planning, and many more modules to help you become certified to teach English all over the world. You’ll also have the chance to practice teaching with local ESL learners. During your stay in Nicaragua, you can go volcano surfing, salsa dancing, embark on lake cruises or beach excursions, or even take Spanish language lessons. Learn more and sign up here!

Want to know more about teaching abroad? Check out these articles:

2016 Best Volunteer Abroad Programs, Organizations, and Projects

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