5+ Organisations Where You Can Volunteer To Teach English Online

Volunteering is the easiest way to get experience teaching English as a foreign language online. Volunteer organisations usually don’t require any teaching experience to volunteer, which solves the age-old catch-22 of not being able to get a job without experience, but not being able to get experience without a job!

Volunteering gives you a special kind of experience. Volunteer teachers need to be adaptable, flexible, easy-going but committed. Your teaching experience may not be a straightforward one, but that makes it all the more worthwhile. And the tougher the challenge, the more impressive it looks on your CV!

Volunteering is a way to give back to the community. Volunteer organisations usually help disadvantaged communities, people in need, or the greater enviornment. This is a great motivator to succeed in the classroom, and a fantastic way of upskilling yourself in the process.

Of course, it’s possible to travel the world and do good along the way with different volunteer organisations. But if relocating is not your style or not a possibility right now, you can volunteer online too.

The requirements to volunteer teach English online vary from company to company. While some prefer experienced or degreed teachers, the majority of volunteer organisations don’t.

What’s important for volunteer teaching positions is a positive attitude and a upbeat demeanour. Whatever attributes are needed to volunteer abroad are the same as those for volunteering online – the situations are the same but the physical location is different.

There are a number of online volunteer organisations which regularly look for volunteers. There is usually no application season, as recruitment takes place throughout the year. 

Here are a few popular online volunteer agencies.

1. RefuNet

RefuNet is an online platform which connects refugees and volunteer teachers. Students are from primary school to university – anyone living and studying in an English-speaking country. You teach General English, Conversational English, and Academic English. Your working hours are flexible as you arrange lesson times with your student. Most lessons are conducted via Zoom. Some materials are provided but you can plan your own lessons if you’d prefer. 

RefuNet is a great option for wannabe TEFL teachers or TEFL trainees who don’t have much free time but are looking to gain teaching experience.  

2. Paper Airplanes

Paper Airplanes is another platform which connects volunteer teachers and students. There are two programs you can sign up for: 1:1 or group speaking classes. Your students are young adults who’ve been affected by conflict. 

No teaching experience or qualifications are needed; another great way to gain teaching experience.

3. CC English

CC English trains volunteers to teach English, as well as focus on cultural awareness. CC English is a project of Intercambio, which has been offering English classes for over 20 years. The curriculum, developed by English teaching professionals, is provided to teachers.

CC English is a good option for new TEFL teachers who would prefer a lot of support from their organisation, and are interested in cultural relations.

4. OpenMind Projects

OpenMind Projects is a non-profit organisation working with underprivileged youth and adults in South East Asia. Volunteers can teach on-site in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Nepal, or online. Classes are conversational; the main aim is to give the students confidence when speaking English. No teaching experience is required.

OpenMind Projects suits teachers looking for a relaxed teaching gig to gain some experience teaching English.

5. SLUMAID

SLUMAID is a non-profit organisation working with developing communities worldwide. Volunteers teach a range of subjects online, including Business English and Computer Science. 

SLUMAID is a good platform for teachers to try their hand at Business English.

6. Time 2 English

Time 2 English is a community education project focussing on English language learning for EFL learners. Students are asylum seekers, refugees and people who have migrated to the UK, mostly at Beginner level.  Previous teaching experience is required.

Time 2 English is a good option for experienced teachers who want to give back in some way.

Whether you’re looking for teaching experience, trying to find a way into teaching English, or want to perform an act of community service, volunteering to teach English online is a great option. It looks good on your CV, broadens your horizons, and gives you that all-important real-life teaching experience.

And we’re here to help you reach your dream! The TEFL Academy offers a Level 3 120-hour Online TEFL Course which is perfect for those teachers interested in a short-term or volunteer position. Our Level 5 168-hour Combined TEFL Course is a better option for TEFL teachers who are interested in more long-term, formal teaching contracts.

But whichever path you want to take, we’ll be here every step of your TEFL journey.