Can I teach English online as a volunteer?
Yes, you can certainly teach English online as a volunteer. Online volunteer teaching is gaining momentum, particularly in developing countries where access to affordable English language education is limited. These programs don't typically require prior teaching experience, making them ideal for those seeking to break into the field of TESOL. This approach not only resolves the common dilemma of needing experience to get a job but also offers the invaluable opportunity to impact lives positively. Although traditional in-person volunteering remains popular, the rise of online platforms has revolutionized how volunteer English teaching is delivered globally.
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Why volunteer to teach online?
What companies run volunteer English teaching programs online?
Why volunteer to teach online?
Volunteering to teach online offers multiple benefits, making it a popular choice for many. Key reasons include the opportunity to provide valuable assistance to those in need of educational support, especially in underprivileged areas. It is also an excellent way for aspiring educators to gain practical teaching experience, which is essential for securing mainstream teaching positions. In addition to enhancing your CV/resume, online volunteer teaching demonstrates a commitment to the teaching profession, a willingness to engage with diverse cultures, and strong communication skills.
What companies run volunteer English teaching programs online?
As online English teaching is really booming right now, you will find plenty of platforms that are looking for volunteers like you. Although regular paid teaching platforms still outnumber the volunteer options out there, there are several popular and trusted platforms for you to look at. Here are some you might want to consider:
Paper Airplanes
This is a non-profit organization that began by helping Syrian refugees and has since grown into a sizable online presence. If you join this venture you will need to commit to a minimum of one semester. The spring semester runs from January to May and the fall semester runs from September to December. Teachers are required to work between three and six hours a week, with the curriculum and all the materials supplied. Once you leave the organization you will receive a certificate of achievement and a reference letter that you can add to your portfolio.
For more information, check out their website
RefuNet
This platform is quite new on the scene. It offers conversational English practice to refugees and help with schoolwork for young learners. If you sign up with RefuNet you will arrange sessions directly with your students and you will be expected to be available between one and three hours per week. Teachers will be given some resources, however, you are expected to provide much of your own lesson planning.
For more information, check out their website
CC English
This is another relatively new non-profit platform that has grown rapidly in a short period of time. It is aimed at helping non-native English speakers who are currently residing in the USA. They claim to have over 10,000 students on their books and around 5,000 volunteers providing the tutoring. A curriculum is provided and the typical working hours are two 90 minute sessions each week. No previous experience is required to sign up for this option, which is great for new TESOL course graduates looking for experience.
For more information, check out their website
English Online
This Canadian volunteer platform is aimed at immigrants to the country, regardless of where they have come from in the world. The minimum commitment expected of teachers is one to two hours per week for between five and ten weeks.
For more information, check out their website
OpenMind Projects
This is a particularly large set up that runs English programs for rural based children and refugees who live within the Southeast Asia region.
For more information, check out their website
