Thank you for your interest in the International Center's volunteer program. We offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities, training, and ongoing professional support. Our volunteers teach English and American culture and, in the process, learn about other cultures. In order to select volunteers who can most effectively work with our members, the International Center requires its volunteers to:

  • Demonstrate native English fluency.
  • Make a minimum commitment of two hours a week for four-to-six months.
  • Participate in at least three 2-hour training sessions. (All training sessions are held from 6-8 pm on weekday evenings)
  • Demonstrate an interest in and sensitivity to other cultures.
  • Use active listening skills.
  • Develop the content and structure of conversation sessions based on the learners' needs and language goals.
  • Appreciate the fact that the rewards of volunteering come from a partnership of equals sharing knowledge and culture.

We take great pride in our volunteers. Therefore, we carefully select and train them for their work at the Center. Please review our volunteer opportunities listed below before completing a volunteer application. We will review each application, and if there are any appropriate matches with currently available volunteer opportunities, we will invite you to attend an Interview and Orientation. For additional information, you may also email volunteer@intlcenter.org.

ONE-TO-ONE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We have six one-to-one volunteer programs available. Partnerships require a minimum commitment of two hours each week for four-to-six months after the successful completion of three two-hour training sessions. Some programs may require an additional commitment.

Volunteers can participate in one or more of the following opportunities: 

Conversation Partnership
This is the International Center's most popular partnership program, and the basis of our other opportunities. Volunteers meet one-to-one with our members to help them build confidence in conversational English and to support their adjustment to life in New York.

Pronunciation Partnership
This partnership helps members improve their speech clarity and listening comprehension in English. With the aid of a textbook, volunteers work with members on the specific pronunciation features of sound, stress, rhythm and intonation. 

Writing Partnership
This program offers members one-to-one assistance with college term papers, business letters, resumes, and personal essays. Volunteers who enjoy writing and editing will find this opportunity a perfect fit.  

Advanced English Partnership
Volunteers and advanced level members read and discuss topics in American culture. Partners are encouraged to share thoughts, insights, and ideas about American life. Grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation are integral parts of this partnership.

Career Skills Partnership
Volunteers work with members to improve their resumes, cover letters and interviewing skills. Volunteers are expected to share their experiences and offer professional advice to their partners.  

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
We also need group discussion class leaders, workshop leaders, library and computer lab assistants, teacher trainers, and administrative support volunteers. We welcome assistance from professionals in the areas of development, public relations, and outreach. Please consult our Programs page for a description of these programs.