Identify and read about commercial companies and private organizations that offer volunteer placements teaching overseas such as United Planet, i-to-i and World Teach.
Assess the different organizations and programs. Consider the length of the programs, the countries and cities available for volunteer placement, the subjects to be taught, the ages of the students, any language or personal requirements and the applicable fees. Evaluate what each program includes and what support is available from the company. In addition, talk to representatives of the company and ask whether they can put you in contact with former volunteers.
Choose a company and volunteer placement program based on your interests, time availability and budget. Submit an application form according to the instructions provided by the volunteer placement company. A phone interview may also be required. Pay the applicable volunteer placement fees as directed by the company.
Read the orientation packet you will receive once you have been accepted for a volunteer placement and begin preparing for your overseas teaching assignment.
Read about the mission of the Peace Corps, what kinds of projects volunteers are involved in, where volunteers are sent and the experiences of past Peace Corps volunteers. Start at the official Peace Corps website, but also read blogs written by past and current Peace Corps volunteers.
Complete a Peace Corps application form. This includes writing two essays, providing three references, completing a health disclosure form and submitting copies of your college transcripts.
Go through the Peace Corps interview. This may take place in a Peace Corps office or be conducted over the phone. After the interview, suitable candidates will be nominated to a competitive review. Candidates who pass the competitive review will be invited to serve and provided with information about the volunteer assignment. If you accept the assignment you will be issued a plane ticket to attend orientation.
Attend the Peace Corps orientation and training session.
Complete in-country training. After the orientation, volunteers depart to the assigned country for more training, which may include language instruction.
