Program Reviews

Through WorldTeach, I taught life skills and English classes in a community center in Sidi Moumen, Casablanca. I lived with a host family, which was ideal. The family and community members were extremely supportive and welcoming. I had 4 classes of about 20-30 students. My students were primarily older, and their prior language exposure varied greatly from one class to another. I would highly recommend the program for those looking to teach older students in a community setting. Because it is the summer, you are not typically placed in a school or teaching content outside of English.

Having no experience teaching, I chose this program for the challenge, both personally and professionally. I definitely found those challenges. This program is not for someone wanting an easy experience abroad to beef up their resume or delay the working world. Work was a challenge and life in Colombia is not easy. That is why both were so incredibly rewarding for me. The students were a little rebellious and un-focused, but they were the most loving children I could imagine. I taught 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades full-time (around 300 students/ week). I shed a lot of tears that year, both in frustration and awe. I lived in Bogota. The country as a whole can be frustrating, and crime (mainly petty theft/ pick-pocketing) is a real issue. However, the people are insanely accepting and kind. People will shamelessly stare at you for being different, but strangers will stop and hold your hand to help you get off the bus.

I'm currently a WorldTeach volunteer placed in Ibarra, Ecuador. Although I have not finished the program yet, I can say that the program has done nothing but impress me. The program is very well organized and does a good job in helping volunteers prepare for teaching/ adjust to Ecuadorian life. The field director is helpful and very well informed. I currently have nothing but good things to say about the program. As a word of caution, this program has a big emphasis on teaching. If you want to travel constantly during your stay here, this might not be the right program for you. Also this program unfortunately has a program fee. If there one thing I would say could be improved it would be more funding to help volunteers with the cost.

Volunteering with WorldTeach was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Not only did I have a fantastic, life changing experience, but this program also set me in the direction of my career path. Through WorldTeach I was able to have an incredible volunteer experience, learn a new language and culture, travel, and work on my teaching skills.
While I was away in Costa Rica I completed a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) program. When I returned to the US I got a job as an ESL teacher in a charter school and I have been teaching ever since. I now have an English teaching certification as well as an ESL teaching certification and I am a few months away from receiving my Masters in Multicultural Education. I never would have realized my teaching dreams if it hadn't been for my experiences teaching with WorldTeach.
As much as I loved my program, it is hard for me to reflect back on that year. I miss my town and the people who live there so much. If I could go back in time I wouldn't do anything different except for appreciate the time more! Volunteering and teaching are things I am so passionate about and WorldTeach made my experience so simply and so meaningful.

In this program, the volunteers are definitely teaching hands on in a variety of different positions. Some people taught in high schools, some in primary schools, and others, like myself, taught in pre-schools. Working with Early Childhood Education in South Africa was quite the eye-opening experience.

Different classroom culture that I didn't feel prepared for - but I think that's part of the culture shock. It's also difficult finding a host family that you're a good fit with. However, the experience overall was great. Difficult, but great overall.

Expect efficient processing by the home office and helpful, practical support by on site Field Director.
1.After an ego battle at work with a senior teacher about grading students, my FD gave me a no nonsense run down of the situation from an administrative stand point and wasn't being plain diplomatic to save face if things turned sour. Very hands on when required, giving plenty of space otherwise.
2. Some financial transactions that had to go through the home office went through very smoothly with a few emails and calls. Warm, real support at home and on the field.

Volunteering for WorldTeach in South Africa was one of the best decisions of my life. For a relatively short experience, I was able to learn so much and truly felt immersed in the culture. On-site support was amazing and the pre-departure information provided by WorldTeach increased my comfort level tremendously.

The most important thing I can say about this experience was that it didn't feel like "voluntourism." We were immersed in the communities and doing real work.

The training is top-notch, the in-country support (via a Field Director who knows the country better) is priceless. They took a dozen of us from zero to Competent Teaching in 2 weeks. I can't imagine having done it any other way.

(Actually, I can, because we worked alongside volunteers from other programs who didn't have WorldTeach support, and they had a really hard time.)

A+++++

in country support is fantastic throughout the year, building on the solid support of the first month in country with other volunteers doing basic language and teaching classes.

I had a lot of success because I knew my parameters for the kind of teaching and living experience I wanted. this made the adjustment periods short.

host family is important for feeling connected to the community and reducing the isolation of cultural adaptation. Though World Teach does a great job vetting families, there are inevitably mismatches that can create challenges. this is true also of school populations, support of directors,etc. I think all this goes to thinking about and feeling out what other strengths and outlets you can rely on in yourself and your surroundings (e.g. writing and reading, surfing, hiking) to absorb tough moments