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12 Best Places for Volunteer Teaching Online in 2024
Are you looking to start volunteer teaching online? You’ve come to the right place!
As educators, we’ve always been passionate about sharing knowledge and learning, which led us to start online teaching in the early 2010s.
Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to volunteer as online teachers, enriching our lives immensely. We’re here to share that the world of volunteer online teaching is vast and varied.
You don’t necessarily have to be an English teacher to make a difference. With dedication and the right platform, anyone can become an online volunteer teacher.
We’ve curated a list of unique volunteer teaching opportunities worth exploring, from teaching digital literacy skills to kids in China and tutoring refugees in English to conducting workshops in Morocco. There’s something for everyone on this list!
Top 12 Places to Volunteer to Teach Online
1. Teach Digital Literacy Skills to Kids
Calling all tech-savvy enthusiasts! Make your mark by shaping the future of disadvantaged Chinese children and youth through Stepping Stones.
Being a part of the digital literacy program, Stepping Up, you can set these children up for future success by teaching them crucial digital literacy skills relevant to the modern workplace.
2. Tutor English to Underprivileged Kids in Sierra Leone
Help bridge the education gap by teaching English to the underprivileged children of Sierra Leone with SlumAid.
All you need are strong communication skills and creativity to make a lasting impact. There aren’t any other specific requirements to sign up, so anyone can start making a difference right away!
3. Tutor Syrian Refugees in English
With Paper Airplanes, you can directly impact the lives of Syrian Refugees.
By committing to at least one full semester of classes, you’ll help local college students affected by the ongoing crisis enhance their English skills over Skype. The flexible scheduling and provided curriculum make it a delightful volunteer-teaching experience.
4. Teach English to Underprivileged Children in Italy
Channel your communication and creativity skills into an unforgettable teaching experience with SlumAid.
Exert your passion for teaching towards bettering the lives of underprivileged children in Italy, by volunteering to teach English. Fluency in Italian is preferred, though not a strict requirement.
5. Work with Adult Refugees by Teaching English Conversation Skills
Develop meaningful connections with refugees by volunteering your time and expertise to assist them in honing their English conversation skills at Refunet.org.uk.
By dedicating just 1-3 hours a week and utilizing the resources on RefuNet, you can actively reshape and positively impact refugees rebuilding their lives.
Your support and commitment can make a significant difference in their journey towards integration and empowerment.
6. Teach Business English to Young Adults in Nigeria
Got a flair for Business English? If you enjoy sharing your language skills and want to make a difference, SlumAid offers a unique platform to teach business English to aspiring young adults in Nigeria.
With your excellent communication skills and a touch of creativity, you can empower and inspire these individuals to excel in their careers.
7. Provide English Lessons to Adult Learners
Join the nonprofit organization My English Online, a reputable platform dedicated to empowering adult learners through English education.
By becoming a part of their mission, you’ll not only contribute to teaching English but also play a crucial role in fostering intercultural connections on a global scale.
Your commitment of just 1-2 hours a week for 5-10 weeks can make a significant impact in transforming lives and bridging cultural divides.
8. Be a Virtual Tutor in Morocco
Wrap your teaching cap around your French or Arabic language skills and embark on a virtual tutoring journey with SlumAid.
Your proficiency in these languages would be an asset to teaching in Morocco. Remember, no formal teaching credentials are required, just your skill and passion.
9. Teach English Language Learners in the US
Forge meaningful cross-cultural connections and broaden your horizons by volunteering at CC English.
This rewarding opportunity focuses on making a tangible difference by imparting English language skills to adult learners in the United States, fostering cultural exchange and community empowerment.
10. Organize Ati-Extremism Workshops in Morocco
Showcase your leadership skills and use your political insight to host a workshop on ‘Citizenship, Coexistence, and Anti-Extremism’ in Morocco with SlumAid, a leading organization for social change.
While proficiency in French or Arabic is advantageous, it’s not a strict requirement, emphasizing inclusivity. Contribute meaningfully to the global society and foster positive change on a significant scale!
11. Fight Poverty Through ESL Education in Southeast Asia
By volunteering at Open Mind Projects, you’re not only teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to bright young minds in Asia; you’re actively combating poverty through the transformative power of education.
Their comprehensive initiatives include a blend of engaging online sessions and impactful in-person programs, connecting with and empowering village and migrant children across the diverse landscapes of Southeast Asia.
12. Train Local Staff in Computer Science in Morocco
Utilize your IT expertise effectively by engaging with local staff in Morocco through SlumAid.
By imparting your computer science knowledge, you can drive technology-led positive change within the local communities, foster skill development, and empower individuals to embrace digital solutions for sustainable progress.
Why Volunteer to Teach English Online?
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why should I volunteer to teach English online?”, let’s explore the compelling reasons that make it an excellent contribution, to both the global community and also your personal growth.
Gain International Teaching Experience
Navigating the waters of online teaching opens up a world of international experience, right from the comfort of your home.
It equips you with the ability to adapt to different learning styles and customs, thereby enriching your teaching portfolio and broadening your global perspective.
The uniqueness of each student you engage with ensures this journey of knowledge exchange to be a thrilling learning experience of its own.
Develop Leadership and Communication Skills
Volunteer teaching online is more than just imparting knowledge; it’s a process that hones your leadership and communication skills. As you take the reins of a virtual classroom, you’ll cultivate a leadership style that motivates your students to learn.
Simultaneously, finding effective ways to interact with diverse students polishes your communication skills, irrespective of geographical or linguistic barriers.
Make a Positive Impact on Students’ Lives
Imagine facilitating a student’s journey into a broader world of understanding simply by teaching them a second language. As an online volunteer teacher, you are imbued with the capability to make a positive impact on your student’s lives.
Beyond linguistic proficiency, you’re fostering confidence, exposure, and opportunities for your students, making the volunteering experience incredibly rewarding.
Requirements for Volunteer Online Teaching
Excited to embark on this meaningful journey but unsure what you need? Fear not, we’ve compiled a list of the basic requirements to start volunteer online teaching.
Computer and Internet Access
The primary volunteer online teaching requirement is your ticket to the virtual world – a computer and stable internet access.
These are your primary tools in reaching out to your students, wherever they may be in the world, and enabling real-time communication and interaction.
Patience and Passion for Teaching
Essential to any form of teaching, but particularly online, is patience and a passion for teaching. Not every concept will be grasped quickly, not every tech issue will be solved instantly, and not every lesson will go as planned.
Yet, it’s your patience and passion that will see through these obstacles, ensuring a conducive learning environment for your students.
TEFL/TESOL Certification (For English Teaching)
While it’s not always a requirement for all volunteer teaching roles, having a TEFL/TESOL certification for English teaching can be a massive boost.
It equips you with an understanding of teaching methodologies, lesson planning, and more, to deliver an efficient and engaging English learning experience for your students.
Are you seeking certification for teaching English?
If you are or want to be an online ESL tutor, then certification is required by many companies & desired by many private clients.
👉 We recommend this online TEFL course! They even offer post-completion teaching jobs support and resources.
How to Get Started with Volunteer Teaching Online
Embarking on the journey of online volunteer teaching might seem daunting at first. But once you break it down into simple steps, it becomes a smooth, manageable process. Let’s dive into how you can get started.
Research Opportunities and Requirements
The first step is to research various online volunteer teaching opportunities. Look for the various programs highlighted in this blog post or scout for others that align with your skills and interests.
Pay attention to the prerequisites and requirements to ensure you’re a good fit for the role.
Obtain TEFL/TESOL Certification (If Required)
If you’re interested in teaching English and the program requires it, aim to obtain a TEFL/TESOL certification.
This certification isn’t just a credential on your resume, it equips you with the methodologies and skills to ensure effective English teaching.
Apply and Interview with Organizations
Once you’ve found a suitable opportunity and fulfill the prerequisites (if any), it’s time to apply to the organization. Generally, there’s an application form to be filled and subsequent interview and training sessions to attend.
This process ensures that you and the organization are a good fit for each other and aids in understanding your roles and responsibilities better.
Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Start yours today!
👉 Looking for a comprehensive online ESL curriculum?
👍 We recommend Teachers Together English!
Final Thoughts: Volunteer Teaching Online
In the tech age, volunteer teaching online is a great way to make a global impact from home.
Whether it’s enhancing digital literacy, teaching English, or hosting empowerment workshops, each opportunity lets you connect with diverse students, close education gaps, and fight poverty.
Volunteering not only helps society but also boosts personal growth by refining teaching methods, improving leadership & communication skills, and enriching life skills.
The international exposure and professional development it offers are invaluable for your teaching career.
Being an online volunteer teacher isn’t limited by borders or specific credentials; all you need is a computer, internet, patience, and a passion for teaching. Dive into this fulfilling experience and enjoy contributing to students’ growth worldwide.
Volunteer Teaching Online FAQs
If you’re considering volunteering your time and skills to online teaching, you may have a few questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
Do I need to be a certified teacher for volunteer teaching online?
No, you don’t always need to be a certified teacher to volunteer online. However, having a TEFL/TESOL certification, especially for English teaching, can be advantageous and sometimes a requirement.
It’s always best to look into the specific prerequisites of the organization you are interested in.
How much time is required for online volunteer teaching?
The time commitment for online volunteer teaching can differ based on the organization and the program. On average, it can range from 1-6 hours per week. Always check the program’s specifications to ensure it aligns with your availability.
How can I volunteer to teach English online from anywhere in the world?
All you need is a computer, stable internet access, and the enthusiasm to teach! With these resources, you can apply to any of the volunteer teaching programs listed in this article or ones that you come across in your research.
Just follow the organization’s application process, and soon you’ll be a part of a global teaching community, making an impact from anywhere in the world.