Job Discussion Forums

Leslie_Teaches · Joined: 13 Jan 2009 Posts: 3

Does anyone have information about volunteering abroad? Is it difficult to find a position? Interested in a short-term stay during the summer. I have three years teaching experience here in the U.S. I would like to see if I would enjoy teaching/living/traveling abroad without giving up my position here. Is this unrealistic?

Madame J · Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2009 2:51 pm Post subject:

It's easy if you're prepared to pay an extortionate amount of cash. There are plenty of volunteer agencies out there who offer placements lasting just a few weeks and will take almost anyone (and even if their requirements are more stringent, as a qualified teacher I don't see why they wouldn't take you), but will quite often fleece you with a four figure sum for the privilege of working for free.

Sorry, I've had some bad experiences with pay-to-volunteer organisations.

The only company I've as of yet come across which doesn't charge �/$ludicrous is APASS, with whom I got a very satisfying (if a little shambolic) four weeks in Poland. I've never heard of any Americans applying, but if you were only staying for four weeks then I don't see why visas would be an issue...?

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

for Latin America, try volunteersouthamerica.net Lots of good links there.

jdl · Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 632 Location: cyberspace

If you are a certificated teacher try your provincial or state professional association. They often sponsor volunteer work.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

hollysuel · Joined: 07 Oct 2007 Posts: 225 Location: Connecticut, USA

Check out:

Peace Boat out of Japan: http://www.peaceboat.org/english/gvld/teach_e.html

Yingwen Teach in China: http://www.yingwenteach.com/yingwen/