FOR VOLUNTEERS
FOR VOLUNTEERS
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Are you new to English for All?
Are you new to English for All?
Do you speak English fluently and want to support asylum seekers in your neighbourhood? You can join us in 3 easy steps:
Step 1: ExploreUse this website to find out about the volunteer experience and responsibilities, then see what locations and class times suit you. Sign up to join one of our regular introduction calls.
Step 2: ExperienceArrange to join a trial class at one of the locations, and get the feel of our programme in action.
Step 3: EnrolIf you decide to join us, we will send you an enrolment form. We will then invite you to our communications channels, share our onboarding materials and give you access to our teaching resources. Then, just sign up for classes and enjoy.
Are you already part of our volunteer community?
Are you already part of our volunteer community?
Check out the latest information, guidance, inspiration and teaching resources on our Volunteer Hub. If you have trouble logging in, let us know via our WhatsApp community channels.
Our way of working
Our way of working
Our classrooms are dynamic, and no two lessons look the same. You might sit with a university academic, a skilled tradesperson, or someone holding a pen for the first time. Our volunteers also offer a wide mix of life and career backgrounds.
We operate on a drop-in basis for students, and volunteers sign up for lessons when it suits them. Everyone is in class because they want to be. Because the classroom dynamic shifts quickly, adaptation is central to our work.
We prioritise the person over the theory. By having multiple volunteers in class, we can easily break into small groups. Whether using phones for translation or giving someone extra time to find their voice, we strive to meet every individual where they are.
To create a safe learning environment, we leave sensitive topics at the door and protect everyone's personal boundaries keeping the atmosphere light, positive, and encouraging.
We move past the traditional teacher-student dynamic to build a community where everyone has something to contribute. Sharing experiences and knowledge allows us to learn side-by-side.
Where we work
Where we work
See here at which COA centres we teach, and when our lessons are held. You are welcome to become part of the volunteer team at one or more locations.
Duinrell 32242 JP WassenaarAn AZC in a cluster of bungalows at the edge of the Duinrell holiday park that houses about 950 residents. The morning classes focus on classic language teaching, while the Wednesday evening is all about conversation and games. Tue 10:00-11:30Wed 19:00-20:30 Thu 10:00-11:30
Haagse Schouwweg 82332 KG LeidenAn AZC in two adjacent buildings housing about 700 residents, including families, single adults and unaccompanied minors.Tue 11:00-12:30Thu 11:00-12:30
Boshuizerlaan 132321 SG Leiden About 70 male residents are temporarily housed in the Antonius Church. These residents are newcomers to the Netherlands.Mon 12:00-13:30
Fri 12:00-13:30
Fri 12:00-13:30
Elisabethhof 52353 EW LeiderdorpAn Emergency Center located on several floors of a church that accommodates about 170 male residents. Our evening classes here are a blend of instruction, conversation and games.Mon 19:00-20:30Wed 19:00-20:30
Saturnusstraat 92516 AD Den HaagAn AZC in a former office complex housing 600 male residents. Our classes here tend to have 20-30 students, which we balance out with a larger number of volunteers. Mon 13:00-14:30Thu 13:00-14:30
Schiehaven 273024 EC RotterdamAn Emergency Center on two docked ships with about 180 single men. We hold classes in a COA building across the street. We also welcome some residents from the Parkhaven ship nearby, which houses about 80 women.Wed 13:30-15:00Thu 13:30-15:00
Barbizonlaan 22908 ME Capelle aan den IJssel An AZC in a converted hotel for around 250 residents. Because it houses many families, the atmosphere is lively, with plenty of children around. We teach in a fully equipped classroom on-site.Fri 12:00-13:30
Genielaan 25-A2404 CH Alphen aan den RijnA temporary AZC in modular housing for up to 400 residents. Because it houses many families around a central courtyard, the atmosphere is community-focused and lively.
Coming soon!Class times tbc - we are currently recruiting volunteers
Coming soon!Class times tbc - we are currently recruiting volunteers
How we connect
How we connect
💙 Beyond the classroom, our WhatsApp community serves as primary channel for coordination and information sharing across all teaching locations.
💙 To further foster collaboration, we gather in person for quarterly meetings and specialized skill-building workshops, as well as for informal coffee mornings or lunches.
💙 Smaller ad hoc groups work on specific events, outings, and pieces of our curriculum. There are many ways to engage and we are always looking for new ideas to improve our teaching and to inspire our students to use their English!
"That simple ‘shukran teacher!’ at the end of a lesson; that satisfied smile when a point of grammar is understood; that sense of belonging to one world after all when banana bread and tea is shared around the room between class; that feeling of familiarity when we enter our classroom and follow our little routine of pinning on a name tag and introducing ourselves: that’s what the EfA program is all about to me — community, warmth and a gentle, safe space in a broken world."
— Rupali, Volunteer
— Rupali, Volunteer
FAQ
FAQ
Here are some answers to common questions. More information will be provided while you explore and experience our programme, and after you enrol, you'll join a big volunteer community to learn and grow together.
What level of English is required to be a volunteer?
As teaching English is our core activity, we require that our volunteers are fluent English speakers allowing them to hold sometimes advanced-level conversations with our students and to correct their pronunciation or spelling when needed.
Which English do you teach?
We use both British and American English. We find that explaining the differences is actually a great way to spark conversation.
Do I need to be a professional teacher?
No. In fact, most of our volunteers are not teachers. We rely on each volunteer's kindness and open-mindedness, as well as their ability to be clear communicators. We support all our volunteers in working with our teaching materials, including how to adapt content and methods to the learners' needs.
Who are the students?
Our adult learners are all residents of the COA centres where we teach and come from a vast range of cultures and backgrounds. Their literacy levels and experience with English vary widely, but all who join our classes are eager to learn and happy to be part of our community.
What is the atmosphere like in class?
The classroom is a positive, safe space. Everyone is there because they want to be as there are no requirements for learners or volunteers to attend any given class. Lessons intentionally avoid sensitive topics like politics or personal journeys, focusing instead on practical knowledge and common experiences.
What are the Terms of Engagement if I decide to enrol?
Our volunteers agree to treat all students as peers, respecting their privacy, individuality, and personal journeys to create a safe, welcoming, and respectful learning environment. To ensure everyone's safety, all volunteers also agree to complete a Dutch police background check (VOG). These terms are further clarified during enrolment and onboarding.
Do you want to know how English for All started and how we organise ourselves?Click here for more information.
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