Apply now: Free 36-hour online teaching practicum

Make a difference while gaining real teaching experience with our newest practicum partnership.

World TESOL Academy is proud to announce an exclusive opportunity for our course graduates. We’ve partnered with Paper Airplanes, a nonprofit organization, to offer another free teaching practicum that can be completed entirely online.

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Note: The current semester is now underway and applications have ended. When the next round is ready for new applications we’ll make a public announcement.

What is a teaching practicum?

Teaching experience with actual students

A practicum allows you to put your hard-earned teaching skills to the test by teaching real students in a supportive environment. You’ll gain valuable experience and build more confidence as a teacher – all while partaking in a charity project that’s changing lives around the world.

After completing this practicum you’ll also gain a free hard copy practicum certificate which will display that you’ve completed 36 hours of teaching practice. This gives your resumĂ© a significant boost, and is something that you’ll be able to display to schools when applying for jobs.

How does it work?

It all starts with an internet connection and a passion for teaching

Successful applicants will be matched with real English language students, given a curriculum to follow, and will teach real ESL lessons online using a webcam.

Applications are open now with limited spaces available. Apply early for a chance to join the upcoming practicum round from January 13th – June 1st, 2025.

You’ll commit to:

  • 1.5 hours of teaching per week.
  • 30 minutes of lesson planning and homework review.
  • Total commitment: 2 hours per week (36 hours in total over 18 weeks)

You’ll be provided with:

  • Pre-practicum onboarding with Paper Airplanes.
  • Full curriculum and teaching materials.
  • Students matched based on availability and preferences.

Read Eunice’s interview from our previous practicum.

What makes this practicum special?

This isn’t just a teaching experience – it’s an opportunity to change lives.

For many students around the world, it can be difficult to gain access to certified English language teachers. This is especially true for refugees and people displaced by conflict. For such students, learning English language skills can provide them with vital opportunities to improve their situations.

You’ll develop invaluable teaching experience while also helping disadvantaged students access better opportunities.

Application details

Who can apply and what you’ll need to prepare

To apply for this teaching practicum you’ll need to ensure that you’ll be available to teach during the program dates (January 13 – June 1, 2025). You’ll also need to have completed our 120-hour TESOL/TEFL course (or currently be enrolled), and you’ll need to have a basic computer/notebook with a webcam.

1. Submit form

To begin, simply fill out the form below.

Applications close 8th December!

2. Check your email

Check your email inbox and spam/junk folders for an invitation to submit the official application form.

3. Candidates selected

Paper Airplanes will contact shortlisted candidates with followup questions and to arrange preliminary training.

4. Practicum begins

Lessons will begin in mid-January 2025.

You’ll teach classes online and record a journal of your work.

5. Completion

After completing 36 hours of teaching spread over 18 weeks, you’ll gain your hard copy practicum certificate and reference letter.

Frequently asked questions:

All our graduates are welcome to apply. It’s not essential to have previous teaching experience, but to apply for a place you’ll need to meet several requirements:

  • A completed World TESOL Academy TESOL/TEFL course (or current enrollment)
  • Reliable internet connection
  • A webcam and a microphone (or headset)
  • 2 hours per week availability for 18 weeks
  • Commitment to complete the full semester

There are limited spaces available for each practicum round.

Successful candidates will be selected based on several factors including their availability, their level of interest in the practicum, and their ability to communicate effectively using English.

Exact teaching days and times will be arranged in early January, with an aim to schedule lessons around mutually-convenient times for teachers and students. All classes are conducted online through virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom.

The program runs for 18 weeks during the Spring 2025 semester (January 13 – June 1, 2025).

You’ll need to commit 2 hours per week.

Missing 3 unexcused classes without rescheduling will result in removal from the program.

There are currently 50 spaces available. If you’d like to take part, please submit your application as soon as possible.

There is no fee to apply for this teaching practicum.

As a nonprofit program, there are no fees for the students attending classes or the teachers completing their practicum.

World TESOL Academy will also provide updated hard copy certificates free of charge for the 50 teachers who successfully complete all 36 hours of teaching practice.

What will you gain after completing the practicum?

  • A practicum certificate documenting your 36 hours of teaching experience
  • Real-world teaching experience with motivated adult learners
  • Cross-cultural communication experience
  • The satisfaction of making a meaningful difference in students’ lives

About Paper Airplanes

Paper Airplanes‘ journey began with a simple yet powerful idea: connecting volunteer tutors with Syrian students who needed to practice English. What started as informal Skype sessions has grown into a comprehensive educational platform that has helped thousands of conflict-affected individuals continue their education despite challenging circumstances.

Today, Paper Airplanes operates multiple programs, including one-on-one English tutoring and group speaking classes, all delivered virtually to ensure accessibility for students in conflict-affected regions. Their commitment to education as a tool for empowerment aligns perfectly with our mission at World TESOL Academy.

For more information on the activities of the organization, please visit their site: https://www.paper-airplanes.org/

Practicum application form:

The January 2025 practicum round has now started and our graduates are currently completing their teaching practice with students around the world.

Upcoming rounds:

Don’t worry if you didn’t get a chance to apply for this round – we run this practicum several times per year for our graduates and preparations are underway for the next semester.

We’ll open the form again for the next practicum and make announcements on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and our newsletter to notify everybody when the form opens again.

If you have any questions in the meantime, you can chat with a tutor on our site chat box or reach out through our contact page.