Program Reviews

World Teach Chile (Elqui Valley) is great for those who want to teach English in public schools alongside in-country teachers. Definitely for those who enjoy the laid-back, rural lifestyle- and who want to be enmeshed in a country's culture. As someone pursuing a career in international development, I felt I learned a lot from this experience and definitely got the on the ground perspective I was looking for. However, with these perks, do come some challenges- ex. dealing with discipline issues in schools, accepting that schedules do change last minute, dealing with a lot of alone time, surviving winter without heat (pack layers!!). Although, sitting around a bonfire under the stars surrounded by mountains and vineyards really can't be beat!

WorldTeach and Chile are two excellent choices! Chile is a beautiful country to call home base while experiencing South America. WorldTeach is the best program and provides you with so much support!!

If you're looking to volunteer abroad while still having an incredible support system, this is it. There was amazing support from start to finish and WorldTeach (WT) was there for every small and big issue that arose.

Because you come into the program with a cohort, you enter a foreign place with 30ish new friends. Some WT volunteers were the only volunteers in their cities, but in my city, there were 2 other WT volunteers. These 2 people are two of my best friends now.

When I first got my placement, I was a little upset because I really wanted to be in Quito (and I was placed in Ambato), BUT, clearly they saw the right fit, and in the end, they were spot on, this really was the perfect fit for me, and I wouldn't have done it any other way.

Yes, of course, there were days that were really hard, but in the end, I had an amazing experience that altered my career path for the better. And I couldn't speak more highly of the WT program itself.

I chose WorldTeach because I wanted the opportunity to volunteer in a Spanish-speaking country. There are a lot of options out there for teaching English anywhere in the world, but I chose WorldTeach because of their commitment to creating sustainable education programs for low-income students who have the most to gain from learning English. WorldTeach also has an excellent in-country support system as well as top notch professionals overseeing the program from Boston.

I chose WorldTeach's program in Colombia because Colombia is at a critical and fascinating point in their history right now: they are rebuilding themselves after years of guerrilla warfare and drug trafficking violence. Despite their recent past, Colombians are very friendly and optimistic, and so eager to change their country's image. Colombia has a little of everything, from cool bustling cities to pristine tropical beaches to the Amazon rainforest and beautiful Andes mountains.

I probably tell too many stories about my experience in Guyana. Years later, the year I spent teaching in this country continues to be one of the most important aspects of my life and the person I have become. I was shaped by the experience I had living and teaching in this country and the obstacles I had to overcome to do so.

I taught in an earlier program at a Teachers College in the NE and had an amazing experience. WT had very experienced in-country coordinators who were really helpful. Being out of Bangkok was a blessing.

I went to Vietnam for WT to do a test teaching assignment for one month. The organization wasn't as thorough and since I came with a tourist visa, the government there would not let me teach - but I had a great time anyway.

Sure a few bumps along the way, but I am so glad I took this opportunity when I did. I learned so much as well as my students, local community, and friends back home. If you are someone who wants to do some international service, are adventurous, and can roll with the punches, this may be a great opportunity for you. It can be hard work, but you have to enjoy yourself along the way.

I taught for World Teach in Ibarra, Ecuador from September 2004 to July of 2005. My Field Director, Jessica Gillota was very professional and supportive. The month long training session in Quito prepared us for the teaching that was required and gave us a introduction to culture of Ecuador.

I worked at a small school in the mountains with two other young men. I was 55- years-old. In spite of the age difference, we had suppers and Pilsners every Thursday night. We had a 4-day work week, so we were able to take side trips on the week ends.

Ecuador is a beautiful country. I lived in the mountains in a valley between 3 extinct volcanoes. ( I used to go to the roof of my house to watch the sun set.) I flew to the Amazon Basin in Ecuador during a vacation from school. We had our World Teach mid-service meeting on the unspoiled Pacific coast. At the end of my school year, my husband came to Ecuador, and we visited the Galapagos Islands. It was all fascinating.

I think that my biggest lesson came from the indigenous people near Ibarra. It is a lesson that I carry with me now. You do not have to have a lot of material things to enjoy life. You do not have a big house to enjoy your home life. Tradition and history should never be forgotten. Celebrate your own culture with pride.

I was a volunteer in Limache, Chile in 2010. I had a great Field Director named Allyson Caudill who was always there to support me. My group of volunteers varied in age from 24-years-old to 63-years-old. I was the oldest one in our group. We lived together for a month in Santiago and trained there. It really helped us to get to know each other. During our volunteer year, we helped each other and visited each other. It was great!

I stayed with a Chilean family who had two daughters, and they were like sisters to me. My host mother, Pilar, was the nicest person and fed me well. The town was small and the farms around it produced delicious tomatoes. The tomatoes were well known for their flavor throughout Chile.

My school was not the most modern, but I was given my own classroom. The teachers were friendly and included me in their social activities. It was a great experience. I give WorldTeach my highest recommendation.

I spent the year teaching in Pohnpei, Micronesia in 2011-2012 and had a great experience! After returning the US, I became a teacher in large part due to my experience in Pohnpei. Plus, my younger brother is about to leave for his year in Kosrae through WorldTeach in a two months!

On island my year, there were ten volunteers (ages 21-60s) spread out among three public high schools and the College of Micronesia, and each of us lived with one other volunteer in a local apartment. You can drive around the island in about two-three hours, so the WT volunteers (along with Peace Corps and Jesuit volunteers) would often meet up on weekends.

I taught at the main, regional high school in Kolonia, the largest town on island. Although I signed up to teach math, I ended up switching to 12th grade English just before the school year (which I was happy to do!). I had Pohnpeian students as well as outer islander students who lived in the dorms during the school year - at one point, my students and I counted that amongst us, we spoke 8 languages! My classes had between 18-36 students and my students were wonderful and well-behaved, if lacking on essay writing skills. I also took over the College Prep club that a previous WT volunteer started at my school the year before. My students always hung out in my room during lunch and even taught me how to play ukulele!

Besides teaching, volunteers spent our free time reading, playing ukulele, hiking, and hanging around in general - island life really teaches you how to sit still for long periods of time :) Kolonia has a tiny movie theater, library, a couple bars, and a small expat scene, but otherwise, Pohnpei's really isolated. It's too expensive to ever leave Pohnpei during the year, but we did go camping on some of the smaller nearby islands (2 hour boat ride) on weekends and holidays which were the absolute most picturesque tropical paradises that you can imagine! Otherwise, take note that Pohnpei has NO beaches and is one of the rainiest places on earth!