Top 10 Teaching Abroad Projects

Volunteer abroad for a teaching program and gain some practical work experience during your travels...

banner
Show All 67 Programs

Volunteer Teaching Abroad

Can you believe that there are still kids in this world that don't have the opportunity to go to school? Access to education is expanding worldwide but shockingly, 263 million kids worldwide are still not attending school. This is the equivalent of a quarter of Europe’s population! If you have a passion for teaching and love kids, look no further. Volunteer for youth teaching and provide students of the local community with the educational support they need to move ahead.

Do you have a heart for children and an eagerness to teach? Do you believe each child has the right to an education and the chance to progress in life? Whether your strengths lie in teaching English, math or sports, there’s a way that you can make a difference. Pack your bags for Africa, Asia, South America or even Europe and head to the schools and projects that are in desperate need of your skills as a teacher.

Why volunteer for youth teaching?

According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, 263 million kids worldwide are still deprived of a proper education to this day. 61 million children are missing out on primary school, 60 million aren’t attending lower secondary school, and a whopping 142 million are failing to attend any classes in upper secondary school.

Basic education and English skills have become the ticket to the future and independence. A child lacking education is unlikely to progress in life as the requirements and expectations of employers are continuously becoming more demanding. Add to that the constant change in technology which leaves those who are untrained with poor future prospects. Unfortunately, this is the fate that awaits almost every child in developing countries.

Fortunately though, there are external organizations that are providing opportunities to help each child increase their chances by offering educational programs. These programs however rely on volunteering efforts to continue their activities sustainably. If you have experience teaching or are a student studying education, this could be an invaluable opportunity to gain volunteer experience abroad and connect with the local community on a profound level.

What will I do as a volunteer for youth teaching?

Volunteer for a teaching program with youth abroad and play an important role in the lives of children and adolescents in developing areas. Activities will depend on the project but they all require you to connect with the youth at your volunteer program. There are more than 300 different education programs abroad that need your assistance. To give you an idea, these programs can be focused on the following:

Students from Africa to South America and Asia are waiting for your support. You may not be able to reach all children but you will be sure to make a difference to at least one child during your stay.

Although it’s not always required, some programs prefer volunteers who have experience in education. Many institutions and organizations are thankful for all helping hands willing to teach local children and young adults. If you are eager to work with those less fortunate you will find exactly what you are looking for.

Youth teaching abroad

Volunteers who want to learn how to be a mentor or a coach will find their calling in a project focused on teaching youth. Tasks can vary from teaching certain school subjects, helping youth become more tech-savvy to creating awareness about their health. Activities will differ according to the needs of the community. The youth is the future but they are also the most vulnerable group of society. Play an influential role in these kids’ lives and guide them toward a better future.

A typical day as a volunteer for youth teaching

Depending on the project focus, your days will vary greatly. Most programs are based at a school or community center and require you to be flexible and help out where it is most needed. Here are a few tasks that you will face as a volunteer:

  • Helping teachers and staff of the volunteer project
  • Preparing lessons
  • Teaching lessons to students
  • Speaking English with students
  • Helping with homework
  • 1-on-1 tutoring during or after lessons
  • Connecting and spending time with the students
  • Organizing games and activities for students
  • Mentoring youth
  • Working on youth empowerment

Most programs will expect you to work a set number of hours a day on the program. Afterwards, you are free to explore your surroundings. Education programs will often give you the weekends off so you’ll be free to travel, learn more about the culture and make the most of your new adventure abroad. Destinations in Africa, Asia and Latin America are at the tips of your fingers.

What skills do I need?

For those of you that are new to volunteering, you may wonder if you are cut out to be a volunteer. We have listed a few personality traits which are great to have as a volunteer for youth programs:

  • a social mindset
  • teaching skills or interest in education
  • passion for working with children/youth
  • empathy
  • a good work ethic
  • the ability to work as part of a team
  • great communication skills
  • adaptability to different types of tasks
  • problem-solving ability
  • willingness to learn
  • enthusiasm
  • resilience
  • a non-judgmental approach and respect for diversity
  • great cultural awareness
  • a professional attitude to work
  • a strong regard for health and safety
  • eagerness to travel abroad
  • dedication

What language skills are required?

English is the main language in all programs so it’s important that you have a good knowledge of the English language. This is important to communicate with the staff at the project center and other volunteers. For programs in South America, it’s useful if you have a basic knowledge of Spanish prior to going as most locals don’t speak any English. Knowing some Spanish words will kickstart your volunteer adventure and save you valuable time.

Best places to volunteer for Medical Training

Are you excited yet? You’re probably wondering where in the world this new adventure will take you. There are over 30 volunteer programs focused on different types of projects with local youths. The areas most deprived are situated in developing countries. Let’s take a closer look at what volunteering for education may have in store for you:

Caribbean

Volunteers who have always wanted to experience the island life can head to the Caribbean where there are several organizations and schools dedicated to providing youth and adults with the education they lack. Grab your swimwear for after classes and get yourself ready to teach abroad!

South America

South American countries like Peru, Chile, Bolivia, and Brazil foster countless projects for adventurous volunteers who are eager to brush up on their Spanish. Disadvantaged locals in South America are waiting for you to teach them. Get ready to explore some of the most breathtaking landscapes and give back to the local community.

Africa

Sub Saharan Africa has seemingly endless teaching opportunities for volunteers who are dedicated to making a difference where their help is needed most. Countries like Ghana are well represented as are Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa. Discover the real side of Africa and apply your education and mentoring skills where they are sorely missed.

Asia

Volunteers who have lost their hearts to Asia will always find volunteer opportunities in India and various South East Asian countries. Allow yourself to be humbled by Asian hospitality while you provide locals with the education they desperately need.

Top 5 benefits of volunteering for youth teaching

There’s no doubt that volunteering in itself is a fantastic thing to do. By volunteering abroad for youth teaching, you are providing local youth with the most important aspect of their future development. Educational institutions in developing countries are constantly lacking resources to teach local children and will welcome enthusiastic volunteers with open arms. Let’s take a look at the benefits you will encounter once you decide to volunteer for teaching kids abroad:

Mutual Learning Opportunities

You will help with educational progress by working at a rural school abroad but you will be surprised by how much the experience will teach you. Teaching abroad will not only improve your educational skills but you may be able to gain credits if the program is acknowledged by your university. This unique experience will also teach a lot about the culture of your destination.

Meet other people

If you volunteer for education abroad, you will not only connect with the students but you will meet other like-minded volunteers. This will be a life-enhancing experience where you will make a difference in a community while you get in touch with different cultures and create long-lasting connections.

Travel

If you’re an adventurer and love to travel, nothing will stop you from discovering your surroundings. Volunteering abroad for education will lead you to some of the most interesting destinations. Africa, Asia or South America? You decide!

New Experiences

Volunteering is a brilliant way to expand your perspective of the world. Issues that seemed huge problems before, may seem trivial after your volunteer experience. Life experiences like this provide valuable baggage that can prove helpful in the future. Volunteer for education and watch how you become a stronger individual.

Health Improvements

Multiple research has demonstrated that volunteering leads to better health and a healthier state of mind. Those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, function better and suffer less from depression later in life. Volunteer in education and experience the satisfaction of knowing you are helping students acquire life-changing skills. See what your adventure abroad does for your health and happiness!

How do I get started as a volunteer?

You’ve decided you want to volunteer for youth teaching abroad. Once you’ve taken a look at some of the available projects you would love to be part of, let’s take a look at the first 3 steps which will send you on your way to volunteering with youth:

  1. Check whether there’s a match between the project and your skills.
  2. Take a look at the location of the project and decide whether it would be a location you are willing to travel to.
  3. Get in touch with the organization and see whether your expectations and your schedule match up.

Once you know your destination, take the following 4 steps before setting off to the projects that need help!

  1. Look into the visa requirements for the country you will volunteer in.
  2. Make sure you have a valid passport
  3. Check out your health and travel insurance.
  4. Get any necessary vaccinations.

Travel safe and get ready to volunteer for education abroad and make a tangible difference in many lives as you embark on your adventure. Work with students from around the world and teach them English, math, sports, IT or be a mentor to them. Explore a completely new part of the world and let this experience abroad teach you invaluable life lessons.