 The best programs for volunteer teaching abroad. Earning a TEFL certificate enables you to help some of the world's most disadvantaged people by volunteering your skills as an English teacher There are volunteer programs recruiting English teachers to work in areas all over the world and volunteer teaching is a truly worthwhile and rewarding experience Below are some of the main ways you can enlist as a volunteer English teacher United Nations Volunteers The UNV program covers many areas from medical treatment to people affected by climate change They also run programs teaching English to communities all over the world United Nations Volunteers Online The UNV also offers an online volunteering service Opportunities for ESL teachers can range from teaching online classes to creating online ESL materials The British Council There are a number of programs available through the British Council placing teachers in classrooms around the world Two of these programs are English Language Assistance Thailand English Teaching Program The English Language Assistance Program aims to place assistance in classrooms all over the world from Canada to China The Teaching English Thailand program places volunteer teachers in Thai schools for either a 9 week or 4 month placement Peace Corporation Open to US citizens aged 18 years and over the peace corporation is a popular choice for many and there are plenty of opportunities for English language teachers worldwide The Voluntary Service Overseas VSO is another organization working to provide skilled volunteers in the parts of the world where they are needed most Education is just one of the many fields in which they work and there are positions available for qualified English teachers Pay to volunteer While volunteer positions provided by the above organizations generally require long term commitment but no or little financial outlay from participants There are other programs that allow volunteers to make shorter commitments but charge applicants a fee to join projects The benefits of these organizations include being able to choose the project and destination you get involved with as well as the length of time of your commitment Look at home Don't ignore your own doorstep when considering volunteer teaching If you are from an English speaking nation, teaching English to asylum seekers and refugees in your own country is a fantastic way to gain classroom experience while making a real difference to those trying to make a new life in a new country Volunteering tips Know what you're paying Make sure you know what you are expected to pay for and what the organization will cover Even if you are paying for a program, you may still need to buy your own flights and insurance Know where you're going Many programs require a one or two year commitment Research the destination thoroughly to avoid any unexpected surprises down the line Fundraise Raise money for your trip by seeking sponsorship or by organizing fundraising events in your hometown Contact your project organizer to see if they can provide fundraising advice Are you ready to be a volunteer English teacher? These are just some of the ways you can use a TEFL Tezol qualification to volunteer as an English teacher around the world Earn a TEFL Tezol certificate and you too can help people all over the world Apply now for your TEFL Tezol certification course and start teaching in a matter of months With an ITTT advisor today to put together your personal plan for teaching English abroad Send us an email or call us toll free at 1-800-490-0531 To speak with an ITTT advisor today