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
Currently seeking class assistants for two programs in the South Bronx! Contact ​Brittney to learn more.

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​ESOL Class Assistants - South Bronx
 Volunteers support students at multiple proficiency levels in our community-based ESOL classes, taught by trained instructors. We are seeking volunteers for two different programs in the South Bronx: 
  • Mondays & Wednesdays, 5–7pm | now through Nov. 13 (seeking volunteers for one or both days)
  • Wednesdays, 5:30–7:30pm | Oct. 9–Dec. 11

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

TRAINING SESSION: 
New Conversation Partners
Wednesday, Oct. 2 | 6–7:30pm
Open to new volunteers. Refer a friend to volunteer with us!
Contact Anna

INSTRUCTOR WORKSHOP: 
Curriculum Planning
Monday, Oct. 7 | 1–2:30pm
Open to current open class and community program instructors.
RSVP here

CONVERSATION PARTNER WORKSHOP: 
Overview of ESOL Classes & Student Support Strategies
Wednesday, Oct. 23 | 2–3:30pm
Open to current conversation partners and community program volunteers.
RSVP here

    Volunteer Inquiries