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Eligibility

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While Eligibility Requirements Vary, You Should Consider the Following:

The most important qualifications are native English fluency, a desire to make a difference, and a hunger for cultural interaction and exchange. For most programs, you don’t need teaching experience, an education degree, or even plans to become a teacher.

You’ll find exact eligibility requirements on each country’s program page. Feel free to send us an email if you have any questions.

Teacher high-fiving her students

Education

You need a bachelor’s degree in any major for most paid programs. For volunteer programs, good standing at a four-year institution with two years completed is required. Some professional programs call for a degree in an area related to English as a Second Language (ESL).

Experience

Most programs do not require teaching experience, but it is, of course, a plus. Any kind of youth interaction, such as being a sports coach or camp counselor, is good to list on your resume. A few professional programs do require a teaching background.

Teacher and students posing for camera in masks

Language

In Asia, not knowing the local language actually is considered an advantage, as it guarantees a truly immersive English experience for the students. Most Spanish-speaking programs require at least intermediate-level Spanish language skills, but certain programs in Spain and Chile do not have a language requirement at all.

Time commitment

Most paid programs have a duration of two semesters (10-12 months), but you can find one-semester paid options in Thailand. If you're looking for a shorter experience, you might consider our 3 month volunteer programs in Spain! Keep in mind that these volunteer programs can't be extended beyond 3 months.

Citizenship

Programs require participants to be citizens of the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom or Ireland.