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 160 New Yorkers.

In 2023, the International Center reached 1,070 immigrants and newcomers in need of English classes, citizenship preparation, conversation practice, computer skills, social services, & more. We provided both in-person & online programming, offering 2,231 classes. We extended our work beyond 80 Maiden Lane, partnering with community-based organizations across 17 program sites in Manhattan, the Bronx, Yonkers, and the Hudson Valley. Volunteers donated 4,897 hours as ESOL instructors, conversation partners, workshop leaders, class assistants, citizenship partners, & administrative support. 

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

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.

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 are offered in partnership neighborhood-based organizations throughout NYC. They are designed to create informal, welcoming opportunities for learners to practice their English in a safe, familiar environment.
  • ESOL Instructors teach structured multi-level English classes in collaboration with local community partners.
  • ESOL Class Assistants support students at multiple proficiency levels in our community-based ESOL classes, taught by trained instructors. 
  • English Group Leaders facilitate small conversation groups for English learners at various levels, including beginners.

Trip & Tour Leaders
  • Periodically, 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) to express interest & set up an interview

3. Meet with our Volunteer Manager
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4. Complete our volunteer application & background check forms

5. Attend a new volunteer training on Zoom

    Volunteer Inquiries

Video Message to Volunteers
Thank you to all the volunteers who give so much of themselves in their work with our students. Please enjoy a special message for all volunteers in the following video.

Video conceptualized and produced by Coin Parra (2022).