Teaching
English
Abroad

Teaching English

What You’ll Do as a Teaching Volunteer Abroad

At Volunteering Journeys, our teach English abroad volunteer programs are designed to provide education and opportunities to underprivileged children. The core mission of these volunteer teaching programs is to improve literacy, communication, and confidence through English lessons and, in some placements, basic computer literacy or other key subjects. As a volunteer, you will work in local primary schools, after-school programs, or community centers, helping children gain the skills they need to pursue higher education and break the cycle of poverty. By teaching English abroad, you not only share knowledge but also inspire children to dream bigger and achieve more.

Our childcare and teaching volunteer opportunities are fun, interactive, and deeply rewarding. Volunteers engage children in creative and educational activities that support their social and cognitive development. Daily tasks may include teaching English, assisting with homework, drawing, music, storytelling, playing games, and caring for younger children. Most teaching and childcare volunteering abroad placements require just 3–4 hours of teaching on weekdays, giving you plenty of free time in the evenings and weekends to explore your destination and immerse yourself in local culture.

Teaching Volunteer Abroad Program Locations

Volunteer in India

Our Teaching volunteer program in India is based in Kerala, Southern India. Whilst Kerala is known to have the highest rate of literacy in India, a lot of government schools do not get funding and lack teaching resources. At times there are no teachers for subjects like English. Many students from low income backgrounds struggle with English as this is not their native language. With English language skills they can secure better paid jobs in the future.

Volunteer in Cambodia

Our teaching programs in Cambodia are based out of Phnom Penh and the surrounding communities. The general level of education in Cambodia is much lower than other developing Asian countries, leading to a high level of poverty and unemployment, and many families not being able to afford an education. When you volunteer to teach English in Cambodia, you’ll play an important role in helping increase opportunities for locals to learn the English language, which is a requirement for employment in many industries.

Volunteer in Nepal

The education system in Nepal is still rudimentary leaving large sections of its underprivileged population without access to quality education which could help them seek gainful employment. You can directly help in empowering people in this region by teaching English and other subjects as per requirements. As a teaching volunteer you will be working in a Monk School or a government school in and around Kathmandu.

Volunteer in Sri Lanka

We work with various schools in the Galle region in Southern Sri Lanka that are not well-funded and in need of volunteer help. Many government schools and community centers in Sri Lanka require native English speakers to teach English as these establishments are sometimes not able to provide quality education due to no teachers available, lack of resources and teaching equipment. Classrooms are basic and rote learning is the norm.

Volunteer in Peru

Volunteers in Peru will be placed in the tourist hub of Cusco. Many children aspire to work in the tourist sector when they grow older and for this English is mandatory. As English is not the primary language for most students our volunteers work as English language assistants at one of our many partner schools or after school clubs. This can help them get well paid jobs and opportunities in the future.

Volunteer in Costa Rica

We offer our English teaching volunteer programs in and around the capital city of San Jose in Costa Rica. To secure better paid jobs in the future English is mandatory. Many from low income families often struggle to learn English as this is not taught due to schools not having English language teachers or no access to quality education.

Volunteer in South Africa

South Africa is a country with a relatively healthy educational structure compared to many other African nations. However there are many low income areas where schools have no funding and very few teachers. As a result there are many students do not get attention and struggle with classes. Teaching volunteers are needed to lead or assist English sessions in schools, community centers or after school clubs to children aged 6-16 years old.

Volunteer in Maldives

We offer a once in a lifetime opportunity to teach children off all ages, and experience the Maldivian education system. You will work with both local and international staff and be right at the center throughout the process of planning and teaching classes, across a variety of subjects. Through working at our schools, you will immerse yourself into our community, working with other organizations and volunteers to organize community events with the children as your focus. By volunteering with our children, you will be making a real difference to their future.

Volunteer in Vietnam

Teaching in Vietnam is a wholesome experience. You contribute by imparting English education in some of the most beautiful places in the country where education is not accessible easily. As tourism is growing in these regions locals are keen to learn English so they can get better paid jobs in tourism. You will be placed at any one of community projects in Da Nang, Vietnam.

Explore Other Volunteering Opportunities

Wildlife & Animal Conservation

Wildlife Animal Conservation volunteering abroad programs are the perfect conservation opportunity to protect endangered species from extinction. Animals across the globe are in need of conservation and general care, both wildlife species and domesticated animals. As a volunteer, you participate in programs that bring about lasting change, plus learn more about assisting with local Wildlife Animal Conservation initiatives.

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Medical Volunteer

Sign-up for our medical volunteering programs if you are a medical or healthcare student who is aspiring for a medical career but needs real-time training and mentoring. You don’t necessarily have to have a medical degree, as requirements are different for each program. There are even pre-med volunteer abroad programs…

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NGO Internships

NGOs, or non-governmental organizations, are nonprofit charities that operate independently of governments and usually on an international level. They offer aid to people, help animals, and work with environment conservation groups. NGOs strive to bring a better quality of life to underserved communities through various humanitarian programs, workshops, and campaigns. NGO…

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Sea Turtle & Marine Conservation

Sea turtle conservation volunteer abroad projects are fun and combine your beach vacations with meaningful work which goes a long way in the concentrated efforts globally to prevent these enchanting marine creatures from going extinct. All seven sea turtle species are endangered today and without conservation turtles may soon be…

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Special Needs and Mental Health Volunteer

Our special needs and mental health volunteers abroad assists people living with special needs, due to which stigmas in society are high and they struggle with tasks that ordinary people don’t even think twice about. Even the most basic medical and educational needs are difficult to meet for these children and adults suffering from physical and mental disabilities. It is especially challenging in developing countries where resources are already scarce and if they are in low income families.

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Dentistry Internship

Our Dentistry Internships Abroad offers a unique opportunity to be exposed to dental cases that may be very different from your home country. Volunteers on dentistry work placements can expect to take a shadowing or assisting role, as regulations mean that independent patient care is very restricted. When joining as a dental group…

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Women's Empowerment

Women around the world face tremendous hardships, especially in developing countries due to many social and economic factors. Gender inequality and lack of access to a quality education is a huge impediment in their upliftment and growth. The divide is evident right from classrooms, workplaces, and homes which clearly shows…

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Yoga Holiday & Volunteer

Rejuvenate your mind, body and soul with our yoga and volunteer program in India. You will be living in the stunning and charming town of Fort Kochi in Kerala. An absolute gem of a destination in South India, popularly referred to as ‘God’s Own Country’, Fort Kochi has a rustic…

Volunteer Abroad Video Reviews

Medical Electives in Sri Lanka

Our Medical Elective Program in Sri Lanka is based in the coastal city of Galle, in Southern Sri Lanka. Medical students will be placed in one of our partner public teaching hospitals, a prestigious institution with a wide range of clinical departments.

Teaching In Vietnam

Join our Teaching Volunteer Program in Vietnam and inspire the next generation of young learners. With your help, children in Da Nang can improve their English, gain new skills, and dream bigger for their future.

Medical Electives in Cambodia

Join out Medical and Nursing Electives or Internships in Camdodia where you will be given a placement in large hospitals. Learn about healthcare, learn about the culture in Cambodia and make memories of a lifetime.

Volunteering Abroad

Volunteering Journeys is for the go-getters, adventure seekers, and travelers looking for immersive volunteer abroad experiences. Our programs let you explore a country from the inside out while making a real impact.

Medical Electives in India

Join our medical internship programs in Kerala, India, designed for medical students seeking global experience. Gain exposure to procedures and surgeries rarely seen back home while learning in local hospitals. These medical electives abroad are ideal for final-year and 5th-year medical students looking to enhance their clinical knowledge and skills.

Safety in India

Safety is often a concern for young travelers, especially female volunteers in India. In this review, our volunteers share their first-hand experiences of volunteering in India safely, from daily life to cultural immersion. They also provide helpful insights on what to expect with Indian food during your stay.

Volunteer with Sea Turtles in the Maldives

Make a difference in marine conservation by volunteering with sea turtles in the Maldives, where you’ll help rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured turtles back into the wild.

Over 50s Volunteer in Kathmandu

Linda from Scotland joined our disability volunteer program in Nepal, supporting children and adults with special needs. In her volunteer review, she shares how this volunteering abroad experience in Nepal has been both rewarding and life-changing.

Nursing Internship in Nepal

Some of our students from France joined the Nepal Nursing Program, gaining hands-on experience in hospitals and clinics. This nursing volunteer abroad opportunity is perfect for students who want to develop clinical skills, learn from international healthcare systems, and experience life in one of the world’s most inspiring destinations.

Family Volunteering In Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an ideal destination for family volunteering abroad. Known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” it offers breathtaking landscapes — lush jungles, pristine beaches, national parks — together with rich culture, warm communities, and wildlife. For families seeking volunteer opportunities, Sri Lanka delivers not just impact, but also adventure, learning, and connection.

Over 50s Volunteer in Nepal

Career Break Volunteer in Sri Lanka

Meet Chris from Alaska, who joined our career break volunteer program in Sri Lanka. Over four weeks, he dedicated his time to teaching English to Buddhist monks, gaining cultural immersion, meaningful experiences, and the chance to give back while traveling abroad.

Family Volunteering in Kerala

Experience meaningful travel through our family volunteering abroad programs. Join exciting adventures where you and your children can give back while exploring new cultures. Kids learn to appreciate diversity, grow more mature, and become globally aware citizens. As a family, you’ll make a positive impact together.

Dental Volunteer In Nepal

Join our dental internship abroad in Nepal designed for dental student groups. Work alongside local dentists in community clinics, assist with basic procedures, and gain valuable international experience while making a meaningful impact on oral healthcare in underserved communities.

Medical Interns In India

Join our Medical Elective Program in India and gain clinical experience in hospitals. This medical internship abroad allows you to learn about India’s healthcare system, observe diverse patient cases, and network with medical professionals while developing essential clinical skills.

Volunteer In India, Kerala

Thinking about joining a volunteer abroad program in India? Watch this video to see what volunteering in India is really like. Discover volunteer experiences, cultural immersion, and the impact you can make in this beautiful destination.

Teaching English In Maldives

Watch our over 50s volunteer share her inspiring story of teaching English in the Maldives. Her experience as a volunteer teacher abroad was life-changing, combining cultural immersion with meaningful impact through our teaching volunteer program in the Maldives.

Family Volunteering In South Africa

Our Family Volunteer Program in South Africa focuses on community upliftment. Families with children can take part in a variety of meaningful activities. This family volunteering abroad opportunity is ideal for parents who want to combine travel with giving back and creating lasting memories together.

Sports Volunteer In South Africa

Our Surf & Sports Volunteer Program in South Africa is perfect for those passionate about sports and youth development. Volunteers work with local children, leading activities such as swimming, boxing, spike ball, surfing, and skateboarding. This sports volunteering abroad opportunity combines outdoor adventure with meaningful community impact.

Nursing Placement In Sri Lanka

A group of final-year nursing students from France joined our nursing internship program in Sri Lanka, gaining valuable clinical experience in hospitals. Under the guidance of expert nursing teams, they rotated across departments and practiced essential procedures. Beyond their hospital placement, the students also explored Sri Lanka.

Dog Care Volunteer In Sri Lanka

Our volunteer from Canada joined our Dog Care Volunteer Program in Galle, Sri Lanka during his gap year. He was supporting a local dog shelter dedicated to the welfare of stray dogs in southern Sri Lanka. This animal care volunteering abroad opportunity is perfect for dog lovers who want to make a real difference while gaining meaningful experience in animal welfare.

Engineering Internship In Nepal

Two friends from Norway joined our Engineering Placement in Nepal. They worked alongside local engineers on structural design projects and supported community development. This engineering internship abroad gave them valuable real-world experience, strengthened their resumes, and taught them how to adapt to the challenges of working with limited resources.

Women Empowerment In India

Two friends from the UK joined our Women’s Empowerment volunteer program in Kerala, India. They taught English and life skills to women in Fort Kochi, helping to build confidence and opportunities. By living and working alongside locals, they experienced authentic Indian culture, explored Kerala, and made a meaningful contribution to the community.

Medical Internship In Nepal

A group of medical students from the University of Newcastle, Australia, joined our medical electives placement in Nepal. Over four weeks, they rotated through various hospital departments, gaining exposure to patient cases rarely seen back home. This medical internship program provided valuable hands-on experience and learning in an international healthcare setting.

Family Volunteering In India

The Stoddart Family from Canada joined the India Family Volunteer Program. With children aged 10 and 7, they spent two weeks volunteering on our kindergarten teaching project in Kerala. Supported by our local team, the family balanced meaningful volunteer work with cultural exploration, creating unforgettable memories together.

How you can Teach English Abroad

1. Choose a destination or project

Select a program in Asia or South America related to community or conservation. If you are not sure what to do just contact us and we can guide you

2. Apply Online

Fill an online application form and pay your deposit so we know you are committed to coming out. Don’t worry all your personal details will stay confidential.

3. Confirmation of placement

Once we get your application form we will contact you and confirm your spot and also share your details with our local team.

4. Support in preparing

Our team will send material to help you prepare for your upcoming program and to support you and answer any questions related to your location.

5. Getting ready

We recommend you get your visas, insurance, flights as well as packing list organised well in advance so you are not rushing last minute.

6. Come out & start the adventure

This is the exciting part! Once you reach us in the country everything is taken care of. All you have to do is focus on making a difference & enjoying the experience.

Have more questions? Get in touch

Teaching English Abroad