Is it possible to volunteer by teaching English classes?
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When it comes to volunteer work, many people think of actions such as distributing food, community renovations, or support in hospitals. But have you ever thought that it is also possible to transform lives — and even entire communities — through teaching English?
The answer to the question posed in the title of this article is a resounding yes! Being a volunteer by teaching English is not only possible, but it is also a powerful way to generate social impact, expand opportunities, and even develop your own personal and professional skills.
English as a bridge to the world
Mastering the English language opens doors in various areas of life: access to international scholarships, opportunities in the job market, consumption of global content, communication while traveling, and much more. However, for thousands of young Brazilians, learning English is still a privilege.
In this context, volunteering in language teaching becomes a real tool for social transformation. By donating your time and knowledge, you help break cycles of exclusion and build paths of autonomy, self-confidence, and personal fulfillment for others.
Who can be a volunteer teaching English?
You don't need to be a certified teacher or a native speaker to volunteer. The most important things are the desire to teach, responsibility, and commitment to the learners' education.
Individuals who already have a good command of English — even if they are not fluent — can contribute with basic lessons, tutoring, conversation, dynamics, and practical activities. Some NGOs, like Cidadão Pró Mundo, also offer training, materials, and pedagogical support to make volunteers feel more prepared. If you enjoy teaching, are communicative, and want to be part of a greater cause, this type of volunteering may be ideal for you to get involved.
What are the benefits of volunteering in this field?
In addition to positively impacting other people's lives, being a volunteer in teaching English offers numerous benefits for those dedicated to the cause:
Personal development: The practice of teaching strengthens skills like empathy, patience, creativity, and leadership. Practice and mastery of the language: By teaching, you also learn. The repetition of content, searching for examples, and constant interaction in English strengthen your own command of the language.
Professional experience: For those who wish to pursue a career in education, or in areas related to the third sector, this type of experience can greatly enrich the resume.
Network expansion: Volunteers often gather people with similar purposes and values. It's a chance to meet new people, form partnerships, and open unexpected doors.
Sense of purpose: Few things are as rewarding as seeing someone achieve something thanks to a skill you helped develop.
How to start?
If you feel moved by this cause and want to be part of this social transformation through English, Cidadão Pró Mundo (CPM) offers an accessible and structured path to begin your involvement. We conduct selection processes twice a year, always at the end of the semester — between May/June and November/December. It is at this time that we open positions for new volunteers in different areas of activity, including teachers, classroom monitors, pedagogical support, and class coordination. The process is simple and welcoming, aiming to find people who share the same values as the institution: commitment, enthusiasm, social responsibility, and, of course, a passion for empowering young people.
Here's how to participate:
Keep an eye on CPM's social media: That's where we announce the dates of the selection processes, open the application forms, and share all the details about the available positions.
Fill out the form carefully: This is the first step to demonstrate your motivation and share some of your experience with the English language and volunteering.
Participate in the selection stages: After applying, candidates go through interviews and, in some cases, workshops or group dynamics. The goal is to ensure they align with the project's mission and are prepared for the experience.
Receive pedagogical training: CPM offers training and materials so all volunteers feel confident to step into the classroom and perform excellently.
Start transforming lives (including your own): From the formation of classes, you will be inserted into an engaged team, with constant monitoring and a lot of support from the CPM network.
Even if you have never taught before, do not worry: what we seek are people willing to learn and teach with an open heart. Technical knowledge can be developed — the most important thing is the desire to make a difference.
A simple way to change the world
The truth is that you don't need much to start. A computer, a good connection, a few hours a week, and a genuine desire to help are already enough. Sometimes, all a young person needs is someone to believe in them — and, with the English language, you can be that bridge between the present and a future full of possibilities.
If you already master the language and are looking for a meaningful way to contribute to society, this may be your chance. Teach, exchange experiences, share knowledge, and, most importantly, help someone realize that being a global citizen starts with one word: yes.
