Program Reviews

I was an Ecuador volunteer in 2011 and had one of the most challenging and best years of my life. The field staff and WorldTeach were always there to support me and truly cared that my students and I had a worthwhile experience. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

I participated in this program in 1991 (dang I am OLD!) and to this day, I am continually reminded of many ways in which this program has influenced my career and my life. I had amazing cohort members, and I am still in contact with many of them. The program offered just the right amount of support without being micromanaging. WorldTeach as an organization has continued to thrive and to reach out to alums. I am a faculty on a state college campus, and whenever I get the chance, I plug WorldTeach!

Spending a year teaching abroad was one of the hardest things I've ever done. It won't be easy, you won't feel successful, you'll be uncomfortable, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Namibia is a beautiful, contrasting, contradicting country, and experiencing it will change how you see so many things. It's true that the people are warm and welcoming, curious and often considerate, but the lack of individual creativity and personalized thought among village children can often be very confusing and frustrating for Westerners.

Every day was in no way rainbows and smiles and hand holding. In fact, it was usually the opposite. I felt lost and useless so many times. But, I knew my fellow staff appreciated the effort I was putting in and it made me a much stronger person. Some of the most beautiful people I have ever met came from this experience (both Namibians and fellow volunteers) and traveling around the country is unlike any other.

Living in Ecuador was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I was young - 21 years old - and had no understanding of the difficulties of living in a developing country before I left. WorldTeach was absolutely the right program for me - it was one year long, had good orientation support, and placed me in a definite position. Without them, I don't think I would have made it. It was the most important experience of my professional life, and I'm now 34 years old :)

My experience with WorldTeach in Ecuador was amazing! It really was the best year of my life. I learned so much from the experience and it really changed my outlook on life. WorldTeach is really great at helping you prepare for the experience by providing a lot of helpful reading materials before you go and connecting you with current or previous volunteers. The month long training when you first arrive in country was a great way to adapt to the country and helped with the tradition. I absolutely loved living with my host family and while not everyone has that same experience it is a great way to really engross yourself in the culture. If your experience with your host family or teaching placement isn't great then the WorldTeach in country staff can be really helpful with helping you work through it and fix the situation.

Volunteering abroad in South Africa changed my life. Because of this program, more career opportunities have opened for me, I have met lifelong friends, and feel better equipped to be an effective educator in an under-served area back home. While safety was the biggest concern, I would go back in a heartbeat. I am a different person today because of this program. My advice: go. World Teach does a wonderful job setting you up before you leave, and ensures you have everything you need while abroad. If you have a preference, say it. Speak up about particular needs and wants. World Teach does a great job making accommodations for volunteers.

I had the time of my life volunteering in Changsha, China. WorldTeach provided over the top in country support. I would highly recommend WorldTeach as a credible legit organization. You'll learn so much about yourself and the world with this organization!

I was part of the first cohort to participate in the Tanzania program, and could not say enough great things about WorldTeach and the support it provided. While every experience living abroad is what you make of it, WorldTeach does a great job in setting every volunteer up for success and having a truly rewarding and fulfilling experience.

I spent an amazing year in China thanks to WorldTeach. I had previously visited China during a summer study abroad program but my year in Hunan really allowed me to integrate myself into the community and understand the culture. I would recommend this program to anyone interested in education or Chinese culture. I made friends that I know I will have for the rest of my life. To this day, many of my wonderful students email me just to check in. Unforgettable!

I was placed in an apartment with two other WT volunteers - Manta is a great city and living right by the beach was an incredible bonus! The people of Manta are friendly and, teaching at the university, I immediately had a ton of friends around my age. The poverty is somewhat difficult in the beginning, but I wouldn't change my experience for anything - it was life-changing!