Apr
How To Become A Volunteer Teacher In Latin America
Working as a volunteer teacher abroad is an incredibly rewarding experience that enables you to share your knowledge and skills while making a real difference. Volunteering abroad does mean you’ll have to overcome language barriers and certain cultural differences. Still, it can lead to tremendous personal growth, including learning new skills, gaining valuable teaching experience, and forming lasting international friendships. It also gives you a unique chance to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture. Becoming a volunteer teacher in Latin America is an experience you won’t forget. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
Can I Be A Volunteer Teacher In Latin America For Free?
Some programmes offer free volunteer teaching opportunities in Latin America and will also cover your meals and accommodation. However, many reputable programmes charge a fee to prospective volunteers to cover their costs, such as accommodation, transport, and food. This cost will typically vary significantly depending on the specific organisation and programme you volunteer with and the length of time you'll be volunteering for. Not all volunteer programmes that are free support local communities or provide volunteers with the training, support, and resources they need. Therefore, it's important to thoroughly research a volunteer programme and understand the costs involved before signing up. Some volunteer organisations offer financial assistance to volunteers who cannot afford the costs.
Types Of Volunteer Teaching Roles in Latin America
Most volunteer teaching roles in Latin America are typically based within its larger cities such as São Paulo, Mexico City, Bogotá, and Lima. The majority of volunteer teachers in the region find work either through volunteer programmes, language schools or by offering private tutoring. If you are a fully qualified teacher with an education-related degree, you can apply for volunteer teaching positions at international schools and universities. While the work can vary, you can generally expect to be involved with creating lesson plans, teaching classes, providing one-to-one tutoring, and organising educational activities. Some volunteer teaching positions may also require you to provide additional support with cleaning teaching areas, fundraising, and collating donated books and learning materials.
What Makes A Great Volunteer Teacher?
Being a great volunteer teacher in Latin America requires you to be adaptable, empathetic, and, of course, have a passion for education. While Latin America is home to a unique mix of cultures with a strong sense of community and family, it also faces challenges like political instability and economic disparity. You’ll need to be culturally sensitive, respectful of traditions, and willing to embrace local customs. While the academic qualifications you’ll require will vary depending on the volunteer teaching post, you’ll typically need a good grasp of Spanish and not require a translator or interpreter. You’ll also need to be able to build a good rapport with your students, have clear speech, and have a strong aptitude for grammar.
Finding A Volunteer Teaching Role In Latin America
Your first step to becoming a volunteer teacher in Latin America is to find a reputable volunteer programme. Various organisations will connect you with volunteer teaching placements across the region. They provide diverse volunteer opportunities based on location, duration, and teaching subject. Before signing up for a volunteer teaching programme, it’s essential that you thoroughly check all the details, including accommodation arrangements, support available for volunteers and safety measures. You can also check reviews and testimonials from previous volunteers to get a good picture of the volunteering programme. You can also ask the organisation behind the volunteer programme to put you in touch with their previous volunteers.
Applying To Be A Volunteer Teacher
When you have found a volunteer teaching post or programme you want to volunteer for, your next step is to apply. Online platforms like Volunteer Latin America enable you to register and access their available volunteering teaching projects. Most volunteer teaching opportunities will ask you to provide your availability and motivation for volunteering and details of your relevant qualifications, skills, and experience. If you already have volunteering or teaching experience, be sure to make that known, and likewise, if you have any relevant qualifications, this can help bolster your application.
Volunteering to teach in Latin America can be an immensely satisfying experience. Not only can you share your passion for learning, but you can also help local communities, forge valuable relationships, and improve your own personal and language skills.
Written by Jennifer East
