Join Our Volunteer Community

International Center volunteers play a vital role in our work supporting English language learners.
These efforts are more critical than ever & would not be possible without the generosity ​of our volunteer community of over 200 New Yorkers.

In 2018, the International Center reached 1,158 immigrants and newcomers in need of English classes, citizenship preparation, conversation practice, computer skills, social services & more. We extended our work beyond 80 Maiden Lane, serving 717 New Yorkers through our community programs, from Chinatown to the Upper West Side, from the South Bronx to Long Island City. Volunteers donated 5,980 hours as open class instructors, conversation partners, trip leaders, conversation group facilitators & front desk assistants. 

Below you'll find an overview of our current volunteer opportunities & more details about how to get involved.

Featured Opportunities

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​Beginner ESOL Instructor - South Bronx
Seeking an experienced ESOL instructor to plan lessons and lead conversation-based activities for a group of English language learners at the basic and beginner proficiency levels in one of our community-based ESOL classes in the South Bronx. This role works in collaboration with another instructor who teaches the intermediate group. 
  • Mondays & Wednesdays, 5–7pm | Jan. 13–Mar. 18, 2020 
​​Contact ​Brittney to learn more.

Conversation Partners
  • Conversation Partnerships allow our members to practice speaking English in a real-life way & gain confidence in the communication skills they will need to succeed in New York.
  • Partners meet one hour per week for 10 weeks & partnerships can be renewed if desired.
  • Volunteers are paired with members based on time availability.

Please note: volunteers in partnership programs must be native-level speakers of English.

ESOL Instructors & Workshop Leaders
  • Volunteers lead Open Enrollment Conversation Classes on a wide variety of topics & skills, including: pronunciation, grammar, idioms, vocabulary, U.S. history & politics, American culture, music, literature, food & more.
  • Volunteers can also lead workshops focusing on the practical skills members need to succeed in the U.S., including: resume & cover letter writing, interviewing & networking, computer & internet training, financial literacy & more.

Read about our Teaching Philosophy here.

Community English Program Volunteers
  • The International Center’s ​Community Programs take place in neighborhood-based organizations & public schools throughout NYC. They are designed to create informal, welcoming opportunities for learners to practice their English in a safe, familiar environment.
  • English Group Leaders facilitate small conversation groups for English learners at various levels, including beginners.
  • ESOL Class Assistants support students at multiple proficiency levels in our community-based ESOL classes, taught by trained instructors. 
  • ESOL Instructors teach structured multi-level English classes on site at community-based organizations. 

Trip & Tour Leaders
  • Each month, volunteers lead groups of students on trips & tours to museums, cultural institutions & other points of interest around New York City. 
  • Trip leaders meet student at the International Center & travel together to the site, landmark, or event. 
  • Previous trips have included: American Museum of Natural History, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Tenement Museum & many more.

How to Apply

1. Review our volunteer opportunities & programs

2. Contact us online (using the form below), by email, or by phone to express interest & set up an interview

3. Meet with our Volunteer Manager, Anna Petelka, in person at our office
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4. Complete our volunteer application & background check forms

Upcoming Events

​VOLUNTEER WORKSHOP: 
Supporting Student Progress & Learning
Wednesday, Dec. 11 | 2–3:30pm
Open to Conversation Partners & Community Program Volunteers. 
Contact Elaine

​TRAINING SESSION: 
New Volunteer Orientation & Training
Thursday, Dec. 12 | 6–7:30pm
Open to new volunteers. All new volunteers must participate in a training session.
Contact Anna

​INSTRUCTOR WORKSHOP: 
Managing Student Learning & Goals
Monday, Dec. 16 | 1–2:30pm
Open to current Open Class & Community Program Instructors.
Contact Elaine

    Volunteer Inquiries