Teach and travel: volunteer as a teacher abroad

About Travel to Teach

Since 2002, Travel to Teach has placed volunteers in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Bali, India, Sri Lanka, Mexico, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. The model is intentionally small-scale: projects are community-based rather than large institutions. Many schools don’t have native or fluent English speakers, so volunteers provide practical support — especially conversation practice, pronunciation, and listening confidence.

A key principle is cooperation: volunteers assist local teachers rather than replace them, strengthening long-term community projects.

Who can volunteer

Travel to Teach welcomes people from different backgrounds: gap-year students, professionals on a break, and many participants 50+ looking for a slower-paced cultural experience. Volunteers also come from many countries, including Ireland, drawn by the chance to travel with purpose while supporting local schools.

No degree and no prior teaching experience are required. What matters most:

• Good spoken English
• An interest in working with young people
• Flexibility in basic classroom environments

Some placements are rural with limited resources — lessons may rely on chalkboards, handmade flashcards, and group reading activities. TEFL/TESOL is optional, but those who complete it often feel more confident planning lessons.

How the programme works

English teaching focus

In most placements, English support is the main task. Typical activities include:

• classroom assistance
• small speaking groups
• simple pronunciation exercises
• story reading with younger classes
• short dialogues and listening practice with older students

The schedule usually runs Monday to Friday, about 3–4 hours in the classroom per day. Outside class, volunteers prepare quick activities, coordinate with local teachers, or join school/community events.

Class sizes vary:

• 10–15 pupils in some rural groups
• 30–40 students in city schools

Expect simplicity, variety, and plenty of real-life communication.

Choose your destination

Each region offers a slightly different experience:

• Thailand — placements in/around Chiang Mai or smaller northern towns; strong focus on speaking practice.
• Vietnam and Laos — many classes in community learning centres, often mixed-age groups.
• Cambodia — NGO-run schools and informal education centres.
• Bali, India, Sri Lanka — village schools and small community programmes.
• Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica — after-school English clubs and youth programmes; Spanish helps but isn’t required.

Travel to Teach doesn’t package multi-country placements as a formal programme, but volunteers often travel independently after finishing one placement.

What’s included and what to expect

Travel to Teach keeps fees lower because administration is based in Thailand and El Salvador (lower operational costs than Europe/North America). Volunteers can join from two weeks or extend to gain more experience. 

The programme fee generally includes:

• accommodation (homestay or shared volunteer house)
• airport pick-up
• welcome meeting + short orientation
• staff support throughout the placement

Orientation in Thailand may include basic Thai language and a short cooking session to help you settle into daily life.

Accommodation varies: rural homestays can be simple (fan, limited hot water), while city volunteer houses often include Wi-Fi and shared kitchens. Some homestays provide meals; in volunteer houses, you buy/cook your own food.

Cultural immersion is part of the programme: local events, school celebrations, and everyday routines help you understand the community and the challenges schools face (limited materials, large class sizes)

How to apply and prepare

To apply, volunteers choose a destination, complete a short form on the Travel to Teach website, and wait for confirmation. The process typically moves quickly because the team works directly with schools and reviews placements regularly.

After acceptance, you’ll receive pre-departure notes on:

• clothing and school etiquette
• cultural customs
• visa information

You’re advised to arrange your own travel insurance and vaccinations where required. The team can clarify visas, arrival dates, and placement details by email or call.

Reality check: facilities may be basic, class sizes and teaching styles can differ from Western systems — flexibility and clear communication matter.

Volunteer stories and impact

Volunteers often describe “small but meaningful” wins: helping a pupil pronounce a difficult word, watching a shy student speak up, or joining a school festival with local families.

Challenges can include heat, simple accommodation, or lively classrooms — but most volunteers see these as part of the growth. Living with a host family is frequently mentioned as the fastest way to understand local culture.

Many say the experience improves:

• confidence
• communication skills
• cultural awareness
  especially when students have limited English exposure outside the classroom.

Why it’s worth considering

If you’re looking for a travel experience that blends cultural immersion with a practical, community-focused role, Travel to Teach offers a clear path: support local teachers, help students practise English, and live inside the community — not beside it.