There are few places on Earth that attract as many travelers to its secrets as Asia – a favorite destination for those who want to visit beautiful and sacred temples, explore lush forests and mountainsides, and bathe in iridescent waterfalls.
But Asia is more than an amazing continent with 4 billion people: it’s a challenge for the English speaker. There are more than 2,000 languages spoken throughout Asia, with Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, Arabic, Malay, and Vietnamese being the five most common – and English is quickly becoming a valuable language to know for tourism and international business.
In fact, with the export-driven “Tiger Cub Economy” of Southeast Asia driving a high rate of economic growth, knowing how to speak English is more important than ever.
If you want to combine travel with teaching, consider a volunteer placement in Asia. Combine a TEFL course with your trip and you’ll be equipped with the skills needed to confidently and effectively lead a classroom. TEFL, or Teaching English as a Foreign Language, allows you to sharpen your teaching ability so that your students can truly benefit from your time there.
If you’re interested in teaching abroad and finding a TEFL course that can help you prepare for a successful teaching placement, keep reading to learn more about volunteer travel organizations that deliver high-quality programs and experiences while maintaining safety and affordability.
Featured TEFL and English Teaching Volunteer Programs in Asia
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International TEFL Academy (ITA) is your gateway to teaching English in Asia. ITA offers internationally recognized TEFL certification programs, expert guidance, and lifetime job placement support — everything you need to turn your teaching dreams into reality.
ITA prepares you to succeed in vibrant classrooms across Asia, including Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, and Thailand. It equips you with the skills, cultural understanding, and confidence to thrive in diverse school environments. With a globally respected credential and ITA’s unwavering support, you’ll feel empowered to embark on an inspiring adventure throughout Asia.
There is a reason that IVHQ is an industry leader in programming for those who wish to teach English in Asia: deep experience and attention to detail. Feedback from IVHQ program participants consistently indicates that adventures are well-planned, responsible, and safe. IVHQ now offers English teaching placements in 12 Asian countries.
Many aspiring teachers appreciate the knowledge and skills provided through the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification. In an effort to make it faster and easier to earn this credential, IVHQ has created an online course specifically tailored to the needs of students planning to teach English through a volunteer program. The course is affordably priced and self-paced, so you can complete the necessary 100 hours at your convenience.
Volunteers interested in spending time teaching English in Cambodia can directly impact their students’ ability to move out of poverty. In Cambodia, most jobs require some English fluency, but very few families can afford this type of education for their children. As a result, poverty and unemployment are widespread. Individuals who choose this program participate in lesson planning, in addition to working directly with students.
English fluency can transform a Laotian child’s employability later in life, so volunteers teaching English in Laos have a direct influence on their students’ futures. If you would like to work with students between the ages of 6 and 12, and you are fascinated by the prospect of contributing your skills to a small village school or an education program sponsored by a monastery, the IVHQ Laos Teaching English program could be a perfect fit.
Make a meaningful impact in the heart of India with IVHQ’s Teaching English program in Delhi. This affordable volunteer experience lets you support local students eager to learn, gain hands-on teaching practice, and immerse yourself in Delhi’s vibrant atmosphere and rich Indian culture. Empower young minds, grow your teaching skills, and cherish an unforgettable adventure in one of the world’s most colorful cities.
Teaching in Asia with GoEco offers an enriching opportunity to immerse yourself in diverse cultures while making a real impact. GoEco’s innovative volunteer programs bring education and community development together across the continent.
In Nepal, teaching in Buddhist monasteries provides a serene and reflective environment where ancient traditions meet modern learning methods. In Japan, alternative teaching in Kyoto encourages creative educational practices within a vibrant cultural setting. Meanwhile, Hua Hin teaching in Thailand engages volunteers in dynamic classrooms, fostering local growth and meaningful connections.
Embrace these unique experiences to develop valuable teaching skills and create lasting global friendships with GoEco excellence.
Embark on a teaching adventure in Asia with Projects Abroad. Their volunteer teaching programs empower educators to make a real difference in local communities.
In the Philippines, experience a vibrant culture and support students in dynamic classrooms. Venture to Mongolia to teach and engage with diverse learners while exploring rich nomadic traditions. Experience the warmth of Sri Lanka by inspiring young minds and contributing to lasting educational improvements.
Projects Abroad blends meaningful teaching experiences with personal growth and cross-cultural exchange, allowing volunteers to build global friendships while fostering change. Discover how your passion for teaching can transform lives across Asia.
With over 30 years of experience as a nonprofit, IVI offers safe, affordable, and enriching volunteer programs that foster cross-cultural exchange and community empowerment. Volunteers are supported every step of the way, ensuring their journey is as meaningful for them as it is for the communities they serve.
For those passionate about education, IVI’s teaching programs in Asia provide opportunities to share your skills, gain classroom experience, and inspire students. Be sure to check out IVI’s paid teaching internships — enjoy TESOL training, competitive local wages, and vibrant cultural immersion abroad. Kickstart your teaching career and explore the world while making a meaningful impact.
Here are some exciting teaching options:
Help enthusiastic students improve their English, boosting their confidence and future opportunities. Volunteers work alongside local educators, gaining teaching experience while becoming part of the community
In Lovina, a traditional community on Bali’s northern coast, volunteers help brighten young minds through English education. You’ll teach in local schools for a few hours each day, using creative lessons, games, and songs to engage children. Volunteers become part of the village family, sharing in Balinese culture and providing support that local teachers and kids truly appreciate.
In Seoul, IVI volunteers lend a hand at a nonprofit after-school center that cares for children. You’ll assist local caregivers with homework help and fun activities — crafts, games, and even K-pop dance sessions. As a mentor and friend, you ensure each child feels supported in learning and play. It’s a heartwarming way to experience Korean culture while making a positive impact on young lives.
Volunteering Solutions (VolSol) offers immersive volunteer experiences that empower communities while enriching your life.
In Bali, volunteer teaching programs let you inspire local students with creative lessons. In Chiang Mai, you’ll teach monks, sharing knowledge that supports their spiritual journey. In Hanoi, volunteer English teaching ignites young learners’ potential in vibrant classrooms.
Join VolSol to make a lasting impact and build global connections.
With more than 20 years of experience, this family-operated organization has perfected its skills when it comes to matching volunteers with their ideal adventures. GVI places more than 2,000 volunteers abroad every year, and alumni feedback shows that these trips are unforgettable life-changing events.
If you are interested in teaching English in Asia, check out these popular GVI programs:
The lovely beaches and lush jungles of Thailand are well-known vacation spots, but most travelers don’t have an opportunity to live in this paradise long-term. As a GVI volunteer, you can take on a 24-week English teaching internship that will give you an opportunity to earn your TEFL certification and apply your new skills in the classroom.
The opportunity to live and work with Buddhist monks in the Cambodian community of Kampong Cham is rare, but you can have this amazing adventure through GVI. In the Cambodian English teaching program, you will spend your time working one-on-one with the monks to improve their English fluency. In turn, your students will pass this knowledge on to their students, which ensures your efforts have a long-term impact.
Furthermore, the TEFL and Teaching English Apprenticeship program is designed to build your classroom skills through hands-on teaching experience alongside a structured TEFL course. You’ll gain practical experience in a supportive setting while exploring the rich local culture.
Teaching Can Be a Challenge
Teaching English as a foreign language can be a challenge, even for aspiring teachers. If you’re planning to travel to Asia for a teaching placement, take time to prepare. Choose the right program and do your homework.
Better yet, make your trip successful and memorable by becoming a confident, trained instructor with a TEFL course. Your TEFL training and teaching experience overseas can lead to a professional career, so consider the time and energy as an investment in yourself, and in your students.
Your Teaching Adventure in Asia Awaits!
Asia beckons with its timeless beauty and boundless opportunities for growth.
Embracing a volunteer teaching journey here not only enriches your own life but also creates lasting impacts on the communities you serve. With a TEFL course as your stepping stone, you can confidently navigate the challenges of this diverse continent and transform every classroom experience into a bridge between cultures. Step forward with passion and curiosity—your unforgettable adventure in Asia awaits.
Rachel Roderick ยท Guest Writer
Based in Rhode Island, Rachel researches and writes about volunteer, intern, and teach abroad programs worldwide. She has traveled to some of the world's most exciting destinations - including Iceland and South Africa - and in her spare time loves skydiving, rock climbing, and canoeing.