Thank you for your interest in Intercambio!
If you would like to be considered for a volunteer position at Intercambio:
- 1. Read the information on this page.
- 2. Read the Volunteer FAQs for answers to the most commonly asked questions about volunteering with Intercambio to teach English.
- 3. Fill out the Volunteer Application. Be sure to include an e-mail address or phone number so we can contact you.
- 4. If you would like to volunteer in Denver, visit the Intercambio Denver webpage www.intercambiodenver.org.
We are looking for volunteers to teach English to adult immigrants in one–on–one and group settings. Training, materials and ongoing support are provided. No prior teaching experience or second language skills are required. We need people who are patient, enthusiastic, and able to volunteer for a minimum of 50 hours which usually occurs over a span of 3–6 months depending on how often you teach.
No prior teaching experience is needed and YOU DO NOT NEED TO SPEAK SPANISH TO VOLUNTEER. We only request that you bring enthusiasm and the desire to learn from other cultures to this volunteer opportunity.
Volunteers and students generally meet twice a week for an hour and a half each time. One–on–one pairs meet at the student’s home, and the schedule is flexible. We have students with all different types of schedules. Therefore, volunteers could meet with someone in the morning, afternoon, evening, weekends, weekdays or whatever works for you and your student!
Our school classes have a preset time and location.
They are held in public facilities and are currently scheduled as follows:
- Angevine Middle School in Lafayette on Mondays and Wednesdays
- Boulder High on Tuesdays and Thursdays
There are four terms a year. Teachers are required to teach a minimum of one term. Class times are from 6:30–8:00pm during the following months:
- mid–January to mid–March
- early April to early June
- early July to end–of–August
- mid–September to end–of–November
Sometimes, local organizations working with immigrant populations come to us with a previously assembled group of students. We look for a teacher for these groups. Intercambio does not generally seek out these groups, so there is no set schedule for them. Groups typically meet once or twice a week and meet at public locations, facilities provided by local organizations or the Intercambio office.
For either the one–on–one or the school class teaching, you will start by attending a six–hour volunteer training, usually conducted over two days. There is a $25 suggested fee for the training, which covers background checks, food at the workshop and teaching materials. If you decide to teach a one–on–one class, we are able to match you up as soon as you complete the training.
If you decide to teach a school or group class, there are a few additional hours of training involved which may include observing a class.
If you’re interested in volunteering, please fill out the online application. Once we get your application, we will keep you posted on days and times of upcoming trainings. If you have questions, please e–mail: Rachel Fuchs.
Thank you so much! The link below will take you to the volunteer application.
We currently have a long waiting list of students eager to begin their studies, so please spread the word to friends and family as well.