Volunteer teachers abroad get the best of both worlds: traveling a country, learning a new language and experiencing a new culture - all while earning an income.
If you are looking for a rewarding job where you can explore other cultures and languages, grow professionally and personally, and meet people from around the world, think about teaching in Ecuador. Volunteer teachers are needed, and frequently no experience or special education is required. From recent graduates to students on a gap-year, working professionals looking for something different to do, or retirees that want to keep busy, teaching in another country is an option to consider.
Reasons for becoming a volunteer teacher
- Learn another language
- Experience new cultures
- Meet people from a variety of backgrounds
- Contribute to a developing community
- Connect with people of other cultures
- Finance your travels
- Get important job experience before entering the workplace
Finding a volunteer teaching position
- Do an online search for volunteer teaching positions. Some popular web sites are: TeachAbroad.com and TransitionsAbroad.com.
- Visit popular TEFL web sites such as Dave’s ESL Cafe or ESL Teachers Board and become a forum member. Ask others about their experiences, keeping an open mind – experiences can greatly differ depending on a person’s professionalism, teaching/educational background, and personal experience traveling.
What to look for in a volunteer position
- Never accept a position without the proper visa. An organization that does not require a visa is probably doing something wrong from a legal standpoint. Should there arise a problem with your pay or contract, you may not have any rights if caught working without the correct visa. Ask the institution how much of the visa process it helps with. The more help there is, the better, especially if you do not speak the language. Some organizations, such as WorldTeach, not only help with the visa work, but also assist volunteers with insurance paperwork and other daily living chores such as finding housing.
- Find an organization that offers quality teaching support, especially if this is your first teaching assignment. This can come in the form of a Teacher Resource Center or library, opportunities for professional development (such as workshops and seminars), and a teacher’s lounge where teachers can meet, share ideas and plan lessons together.
- Ask for the institution’s mission and vision statement. Review them and assure that they match your own expectations. If there are none, it may be a warning sign that the environment is not very supportive or organized.
- Look for an institution that shows it values its employees. Institutions should offer orientation for new teachers that covers both cultural and administrative questions volunteer teachers might have.
- Give preference to organizations that provide free language classes (of the country’s official or main language) for its volunteer teachers. Knowing the native language of the country will give you an extreme advantage when looking for housing or negotiating prices, and will also provide a more pleasant experience.
Before accepting the post
Any organization that is serious and cares about the experiences of its volunteer teachers will provide references from other teachers upon request. Ask if you could contact former volunteers to ask them about their experience. Most volunteers are happy to make recommendations about an organization or volunteer teaching position.
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