Any time Sept 14 to December 9, 2026: Conversation Partners for International Students at ESL School

Are you looking for a way to help the community? Would you like to help an English learner or refugee improve their speaking skills? Do you have a desire to teach English but little or no practical teaching experience? Are you interested in learning to teach, or in building up your resume to find teaching work abroad later?

Volunteers can meet students in-person from 2:15-3:15 Monday to Thursday. You can sign up to meet with students once or twice a week, as is convenient for you! We request a minimum of 5 hours volunteering, but you can join and leave the program at your convenience.

You can see pictures of the activities and pre-made conversational materials here.

https://www.hoft.edu/volunteering-opportunity

The location is 2400 Pearl Street. There is a small free parking lot at 2402 Pearl Street, but it is full until 2:10 every day, and if you park behind someone you need to tell the front desk before going to spend time with students.

How It Works

1. Contact Blair, the academic director, at blair@hoft.edu and send an introductory email to get started. Let us know if you speak other languages, have international experience, or have been trained as a teacher.
2. Send the director of the institute a WhatsApp message at 737-230-4903. If you do not have the application WhatsApp you will need to download it.
3. In your first session, you will be paired with a professional teacher or an experienced volunteer to see how things are done.
4. Meet students and help them practice their language skills!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How many hours do I need to volunteer?

A. You can create your own schedule, and a flexible contract will be signed with the times you expect to be available. We have a minimum of a 5 hour commitment, but you can do more if you like.

Q. Will I receive any certificate or recognition for the time I put in?

A. Yes! After completing the volunteer hours you agreed to, HOFT Institute will provide personalized certificates of appreciation, noting the hours you put in, and signed by the Vice President.

Q. Are the students children or adults?

A. Our students are adults, from 18 to 60 years of age, from about 35 different nationalities.