The Outreach360 Virtual English Academy is a rigorous, year-round, Monday through Friday virtual afterschool program that provides education, leadership, and service opportunities to children and youth across Latin America. All students attend on a full scholarship.

Our academy is a diverse global community that brings together students, teachers, and guest speakers from around the world. Students participate in daily English classes and weekly community meetings that foster collaboration and connection across programs. They also take part in enrichment experiences such as virtual field trips, cultural exploration, conversations with experts, career mentoring, public speaking opportunities, creative projects, and interactive learning activities.

Every day, students across Latin America connect to our Virtual English Academy to learn English, grow in confidence, build leadership skills, and engage in service learning within a global classroom that brings together students, volunteer teachers, and mentors from around the world.

None of this happens without you. Your generosity makes it possible for students to access high-quality education, meaningful relationships, and experiences that expand what they believe is possible for their future.

💙 Help Us Finish 2025 Strong: We are working toward our $30,000 Year-End Goal, and today is the final opportunity to be part of this impact in 2025.

If you have not yet made your year-end gift, we invite you to do so now.

Your donation directly supports full scholarships for students across Latin America and helps us continue preparing students for meaningful lives of opportunity through education, leadership, and service. Make your Year-End Gift Today

Your generosity helps prepare students for meaningful lives of opportunity and impact.

As we look ahead to 2026, we wish you a year filled with hope, purpose, and opportunity.

With gratitude,

Coco Barrett
CEO | President | Virtual Impact Program Director

At Outreach360, we believe that education transforms lives—and none of it would be possible without our incredible Virtual Volunteer English Teachers, Teaching Fellows, and Serve & Sponsors. This Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re sending a heartfelt thank you to every individual who gives their time, heart, treasure, and talent to support our students across Latin America.

Whether you’ve taught with us in the past, are currently serving in our Virtual English Academy, or are planning to return to further your impact—you are making a difference.

🌎 Teaching English, Transforming Futures

Every student in our Virtual English Academy receives a full scholarship to learn English, build confidence, and develop skills to one day become professionals in their communities. Our volunteers connect with these students from around the world, making learning possible even across great distances.

Together, we are opening the world through education—one student at a time.

💻 How You Can Get Involved

Looking for a meaningful way to give back? Outreach360 offers flexible opportunities for both adults and youth to make an international impact from anywhere.

✅ Become a Virtual Volunteer English Teacher

If you’re passionate about education and want to serve virtually, this is for you. We provide training and support to help you teach English online with confidence.

Upcoming Teaching Sessions:

• May 27 – August 15, 2025

• September 2 – December 12, 2025

👉 Apply to become a Virtual Volunteer English Teacher here

☀️ Virtual Summer Teaching Fellowship (Youth Ages 13–18)

Know a middle or high school student who’s ready to serve?

The Virtual Summer Teaching Fellowship is a 6-week online program for youth ages 13–18 who are passionate about education, leadership, and global service.

Fellows will:

• Learn how to teach English with mentorship and training

• Earn a TEFL certification

• Serve as virtual volunteer English teachers

• Build intercultural skills and global awareness

• Boost college applications with international service hours

🗓️ Dates: July 7 – August 15, 2025
🕒 Schedule: Monday–Friday, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM EDT

👉 Spots are limited—encourage a student to learn more and apply!

🤝 Want to Do Even More?

Through our Serve & Sponsor Program, you can build ongoing relationships with students while tutoring and mentoring them beyond the classroom.

You can also sponsor a Career Mentoring Session. Help students dream big and plan their futures while sharing your own experiences and knowledge.

❤️ We’re Grateful for You

This week, we’re celebrating the global community that powers Outreach360’s mission. Thank you for being a part of our team. Thank you for teaching, serving, and believing in the potential of every student.

If you have any questions or would like to explore how to get involved, we’d love to connect with you. Reach out to us here.

Together, we are creating brighter futures.

Meet Carmel Suttor, a retired educator from Canada, who has been serving as a Virtual Volunteer English Teacher in our Virtual English Academy since April 2023. Carmel, originally from Australia, brings her wealth of teaching experience and a passion for education to our virtual classrooms. Earlier this year, Carmel wrote this beautiful reflection on her heartwarming teaching journey.

Every afternoon, I eagerly anticipate logging into Zoom. At four PM my time, which is two PM in Central America, our team of dedicated teachers convenes for a half-hour planning session. During these daily gatherings, we reflect on the previous day's lessons, address any student challenges, and occasionally speculate about whether any of them might be using ChatGPT. We also review the lesson plan for the day ahead. Through these meetings, I not only gain valuable insights into our teaching but also get to know my fellow volunteers on a personal level.

Let me introduce you to some of the incredible individuals I've had the privilege of working with:

1. Teacher Abby: Despite her busy life balancing a full-time job and LSAT studies, Abby's warmth and intelligence shine through. Her insights into working with kids are invaluable.

2. Teacher Daniel: An American musician auditioning for master's programs in Germany, Daniel joins us from a different time zone. His dedication to teaching and music is inspiring.

3. Teacher Erin: Hailing from Arizona, Erin brings a wealth of teaching experience and innovative ideas to every lesson. Her contributions have a lasting impact on our students.

4. Teacher Hayya: Juggling a busy schedule as a chemistry student, Hayya still manages to make time for Outreach360. Her dedication to education is truly commendable.

5. Teacher Ethan: An Outreach360 veteran adored by the kids, Ethan's presence brightens our virtual classroom whenever he joins us.

We are fortunate to have other dedicated volunteer teachers who return for multiple stints, continuing to make a difference in the lives of our students.

At the helm of our virtual classroom is Teacher Byron, a university student from Nicaragua. He acquired his fluent English while Outreach360 was still a small after-school program in Jinotega, Nicaragua. Now, as part of his Outreach360 university scholarship, he leads our sessions with calm expertise. Byron efficiently manages teacher schedules, ensuring each day is well-organized, and provides continuous support as we track our students' progress. His familiarity with the students and his encouraging nature help us connect with the kids on a deeper level.

At 2:30 PM in Central America, Teacher Byron opens the Zoom waiting room, and the screen comes to life as our eager young students join one by one. Each child has their unique story:

• Liv is almost eleven and brimming with excitement.

• Jaden looks forward to Teacher Ethan's lessons.

• Kristen has a funny story to share.

• Sophia makes sure to message each teacher individually.

• Mateo proudly shows off something he's crafted.

• Joshua is the silent observer, absorbing everything.

Once the breakout rooms are opened, we dive into teaching. Jaden, who describes his group as "the talkative bunch," helps me navigate the controls. His diplomatic approach to orienting new teachers is heartwarming. In no time, they're fully engaged in a vocabulary exercise, grasping concepts surprisingly quickly. Forty minutes pass in a flash.

After a short break, I find myself in another breakout room with Joshua and Mateo, two of our youngest students. I'm amazed at their knowledge about renewable energy and the environment, the current unit's theme. They tackle comprehension questions effortlessly and then craft a paragraph. Checking their Google Docs progress, I find no traces of ChatGPT—just genuine ten-year-old logic.

Joshua, quick-witted, sends me a message: "What do you call a fish with no eyes?" I'm stumped and admit that I don't know. Joshua's response? "A fsh." It's a moment of shared laughter, and I realize that telling jokes in a second language is a testament to their language skills.

Mateo, curious about our laughter, joins in the fun as we share the joke. As the breakout room closes, we bid each other farewell, and I genuinely express my anticipation for the next day's session. It's more than just teaching; it's building connections, one Zoom call at a time.

Support Outreach360 Virtual English Academy Students.

Become a monthly sponsor to fund student scholarships.

Join the Virtual Serve & Sponsor Program to further your impact and build relationships with students through tutoring.

Sponsor a career mentoring session to prepare students for the future.

Volunteer to teach English in the Virtual English Academy.

Still in middle school or high school? Become a Virtual Summer Teaching Fellow. Applications are now open for 2024!

Written by Carmel Suttor. Carmel has been serving as a Virtual Volunteer English Teacher in our Virtual English Academy since April 2023.

September 28, 2022

My name is Matthew, and I am 9 years old.

I live in Guatemala and attend the Outreach360 Virtual English Academy on a full scholarship.

I want to be an architect in construction when I grow up. I also want to be able to speak the English language and share it with others.

I thank my teachers with all my heart for teaching us English and new things every day. Although it is difficult, you encourage us to continue learning.

I have learned a lot and grown by understanding and speaking English. When I started, I didn't know much, only colors and numbers from 1 to 10. Now, little by little, I can understand, and I hope to speak more fluently.

Thank you very much for your support so that I can continue learning. I hope you continue to support us to learn since it has been of great help to me.

Thanks to the visitors as well. You help us to have an idea of what we want to be in the future, and to be able to choose. My favorite session was when the builders visited us. It was my favorite because I like to build, and I learned to say: "What do you want to be?"

Our names are Héctor and Lidia, and we are Matthew’s parents.

You have inspired our son to see his dreams and enlightened him to see his goals.

Our son comes out very excited when someone visits them or they teach him something new. He is more curious and is highly motivated to learn more every day.

We appreciate all the effort and are very grateful, since our son now understands the English language much better. It is a great opportunity in his learning.

Thank you to each of the teachers for your patience and dedication. Furthermore, we thank the sponsors and donors from the bottom of our hearts because the scholarship has really been of great help and, for our son, a blessing.

We deeply appreciate every one of you for the support.

Support Matthew and other Outreach360 Virtual English Academy Students.

Donate and have your gift matched 2x by a long-time supporter and friend of Outreach360 during our Back to School Fundraising Campaign.

Become a monthly sponsor to fund student scholarships.

Join the Virtual Serve & Sponsor Program to further your impact and build relationships with students through tutoring.

Sponsor a career mentoring session to prepare students for the future.

Volunteer to teach English in the Virtual English Academy.

Still in middle school or high school? Become a Virtual Summer Teaching Fellow. Applications are now open for 2023!

Written in Spanish by Matthew, Héctor, and Lidia. Translated by Outreach360.

Matthew joined the Virtual English Academy in September 2021. He is an excited student who seeks out extra ways to get involved.

September 26, 2022

My name is Dulce. I’m 15 years old and in high school.

I live in Nicaragua and attend the Outreach360 Virtual English Academy on a full scholarship. I get good grades and like art.

Being a Virtual English Academy student means having huge dreams and goals. My goals are to graduate from high school at 16 years old, be an excellent dermatologist, and help people like Outreach360’s donors and volunteers do.

The people who support us think about what children need and the difficulties of their parents. Since all students receive a scholarship, it is a totally free institution where you only need to have the desire to learn.

The sponsors and donors decide to contribute to our education even without knowing us. It inspires us to continue working in our present to have a better future.

I feel very good and special being part of the academy. I have become more punctual, respectful, and responsible. I really appreciate this opportunity because it is helping me to be more organized and prepare to be an excellent person.

On a typical day, I need to be in the waiting room at 2:25 PM. My first class finishes at 3:10 PM, then I have my second class that ends at 4:00 PM. After that, I must do Duolingo and my homework, which are requirements of my scholarship, in addition to having good attendance.

I do not have a lot of free time, but that’s good because it means I am learning for most of my day. Being in these virtual meetings is really special for me. They give us the opportunity to share time, knowledge, and experiences with many people full of energy and with willingness to teach.

The volunteer teachers show us that learning can be fun. Their enthusiasm fosters the desire to learn. They show us parts of their lives, and it feeds our future expectations.

The volunteers teach us with love and patience, and they inspire me with their joy of sharing. They have been very kind to us students, being patient, and teaching us each topic with great empathy. That’s why we have learned in a healthy and fun way.

I believe in myself now, and I have a desire to overcome challenges. I have learned to keep fighting to achieve my goals, and despite the difficulties, to always look for options.

I have also learned many things about technology, and I now get better grades in my English class at school. Furthermore, I have advanced my Spanish literacy, and I feel really proud of myself.

Thank you very much, because without your contributions, this program would not be possible. I would have a life with few aspirations and with very few goals to strive for.

I want to thank you on behalf of Outreach360 for helping us to make a difference. Your support encourages us to remain committed to reaching our goals.

Each of your donations is being well used. The aid provided allows for the development of this project, and the development of new programs.

I promise to continue improving my English and to give everything to meet my goals. I hope to be like you one day, and to be able to help other children to fight for their dreams for a better future.

My name is Teresa, and I am Dulce’s mother.

By sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm, you inspire Dulce to continue striving.

You also teach her to take advantage of the unique opportunities provided. She has developed more responsibility, commitment and dedication.

I am eternally grateful for filling my daughter's life with hopes and dreams.

We will know how to take advantage of this opportunity, which is a great stepping stone to fulfill each of her goals.

Support Dulce and other Outreach360 Virtual English Academy Students.

Donate and have your gift matched 2x by a long-time supporter and friend of Outreach360 during our Back to School Fundraising Campaign.

Become a monthly sponsor to fund student scholarships.

Join the Virtual Serve & Sponsor Program to further your impact and build relationships with students through tutoring.

Sponsor a career mentoring session to prepare students for the future.

Volunteer to teach English in the Virtual English Academy.

Still in middle school or high school? Become a Virtual Summer Teaching Fellow. Applications are now open for 2023!

Written primarily in English by Dulce, and in Spanish by Teresa, with grammar and translation support from Outreach360.

Dulce is a hard-working student who joined Outreach360 in 2017. She is enrolled in the Virtual English Academy’s program for higher level students, where she is continuing to grow her academic English skills.

September 22, 2022

My name is Mateo. I am 9 years old and in 4th grade.

I live in Nicaragua and attend the Outreach360 Virtual English Academy on a full scholarship.

I like to study and play, and I want to learn more and more. When I grow up, maybe I’ll be a veterinarian or a language translator.

My goals are: learn English very well, go to university, get a job, and teach with Outreach360.

The Virtual English Academy has had a great positive impact because I have advanced a lot in English, which will allow me achieve my goals. It has also helped me to get better grades in school.

Before being in the academy, it was difficult for me since I did not have the confidence and thought that I would not be able to achieve it. Now thanks to Outreach360, I have been able to overcome that fear. Thank you very much for the opportunity.

I have gained more abilities through the academy. For example: I am more responsible and intelligent, and I have learned about technology, etc. It all helps me in school.

If I couldn't be in the Virtual English Academy, my life would not be the same. I would feel that I was missing or needing something, and that I was not using my time very well.

Being in the academy is unique because I know a lot of people want to enter the program too. It’s very special for me because I want to go to the United States and because the teachers are so friendly.

The teachers inspire me because they are volunteers saying, “Hey, these children want to reach their goals, so I'm going to help them.” They empower me because they're helping us to learn, and that's so kind. It's so amazing that they want to help kids!

They show us many things, and they are so brave. They inspire me because they are sure of the decision that they want to encourage us. They are not only my teachers, they're my friends and family. They have helped me overcome my fears.

The people who donate to my scholarship are important to me too because they are helping my future. They're helping me to change my life by reaching my goals.

I want to thank the donors and sponsors because they're inspiring me by helping my family and me. This is a great opportunity for us, and I will do my best to make the most of the opportunity and your investment.

Thanks to you and your donations, my life has changed for the better. I won't forget the teachers, visitors, donors, and sponsors. Thank you for everything.

My name is María, and I am Mateo’s mother.

This program has been a great blessing for our lives. Apart from being more committed, Mateo has shown great confidence and interest in English.

When he started school, it was quite difficult for him to like English. There were times when we didn't know what to do to motivate him. The first thing he did before going to school was cry due to the class.

After the doors opened for us at the academy, there was definitely a big change.

Now he is always motivated to learn more. He talks a lot about his teachers, about how they motivate him to learn English. He is interested in learning about other subjects that were not of his interest before.

We want to thank you for the opportunity, and we wish that God continues to bless and keep you, so that you can continue with this great project that has been a blessing for many families.

Support Mateo and other Outreach360 Virtual English Academy Students.

Donate and have your gift matched 2x by a long-time supporter and friend of Outreach360 during our Back to School Fundraising Campaign.

Become a monthly sponsor to fund student scholarships.

Join the Virtual Serve & Sponsor Program to further your impact and build relationships with students through tutoring.

Sponsor a career mentoring session to prepare students for the future.

Volunteer to teach English in the Virtual English Academy.

Still in middle school or high school? Become a Virtual Summer Teaching Fellow. Applications are now open for 2023!

Written primarily in English by Mateo, and in Spanish by María, with grammar and translation support from Outreach360.

A highly dedicated student, Mateo joined Outreach360 in January 2021. He recently graduated from the Virtual English Academy’s beginner to pre-intermediate program after completing six levels. He has now entered our even more rigorous pre-intermediate to advanced program, where he will continue to grow his academic English skills.

August 31, 2022

Bored students? Want to spice up your teaching?

Here are 8 tools we use in the Virtual English Academy to make lessons and homework more engaging.

1. Flip (Free)

Completely free and featuring a library of editable, teacher-created topics, Flip is a safe video discussion app compatible with desktop and mobile.

Suitable for teaching any subject online or in-person, teachers create their own private groups and topics for students to respond to. Students respond by video or text, as set by the teacher, and can respond to each other’s responses as well.

There are lots of educator settings, such as the ability to moderate responses before they go live. You’ll even be able to provide students with private feedback on their work, integrate or embed topics into your Learning Management System, and download and share student responses.

Your students will love making creative and highly customizable videos with Flip’s recording tool. It’s packed with features like backdrops, screen recording, stickers, GIFS, frames, sticky notes, whiteboards, and more. Students can also make and download videos for personal use.

2. Imagine Forest (Free)

Another totally free platform accessible via desktop and mobile, Imagine Forest is a writing tool and book creator. It comes with engaging story-starters, book art, challenges, activities, and other resources students will enjoy. In addition, it includes a library of student-created books.

Imagine Forest is excellent for getting students excited about writing different types of works, such as short stories, chapter books, picture books, and poems. Teachers can create specific assignments, or create general assignments where students collect points towards an XP goal.

3. OBS Studio (Free)

If you teach online, or even if you don’t, OBS Studio is really cool. It’s 100% free, and you can use it to record or stream video from your computer. You can even use it in conjunction with Zoom or Teams to add effects to your camera, like clipart and text. You can also adjust your lighting, color, etc.

OBS Studio allows you to create scenes in advance to flip through during an online class or video you’re recording, so all the virtual props you need are ready to go. Use them for positive reinforcement or demonstration during a live lesson, or use them to add some humor and fun to a live lesson or recording.

4. Canva (Free & Paid)

This powerful design tool, available on desktop and mobile, is fun for teachers and students alike!

Those at certified K-12 schools can get Canva’s premium features free through Canva for Education, while nonprofits can get them through Canva for Nonprofits (though you may have to ask your administrator for access). If you’re not eligible for either, you’ll still be impressed by Canva’s free plan.

Teachers and students can use Canva to design almost anything: beautiful presentations, worksheets, posters, graphic organizers, magazines, videos, and more. There is even a new whiteboard feature. The endless templates, stock photos, and clipart that come with both the premium and free versions make Canva super easy to use, though the premium plans have more content.

You’ll find that Canva presentations hold students’ attention better than PowerPoint or Google Slides, and that making them is faster. You’ll also see eager students that want to use Canva themselves for projects in any subject.

5. Genially (Free & Paid)

Genially is an amazing tool for creating interactive presentations and activities for online and in-person classes. The editor works much better on desktop, but the content you make can be opened on either desktop or mobile.

If you’re looking to gamify your lessons by making escape rooms, fun quizzes, clickable images, presentations with embedded content, or activities your students can write or draw on, Genially is the app for you. It definitely beats PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Canva for these uses, though its graphic and stock photo library is kind of small. Luckily, you can always import additional images.

If you aren’t looking to sell what you make, the free plan is pretty robust, though it comes with limited templates and options. There are also affordable paid plans with unlimited templates and better options for professional needs.

6. Wordwall (Free & Paid)

This cool tool allows you to create fun interactives and pintables, but it’s the interactives that really stand out. There are a whole bunch of templates, such as Gameshow quiz, Whack-a-Mole, and a Maze Chase. They all work on desktop and mobile.

Wordwall makes creating your own resources fast and pain-free. You can switch templates instantly, so when you create one activity, you’re really creating more. That means more variety for students who get bored easily!

There are membership options for different budgets and needs, including a free plan. It has less templates and options, and you can only create a limited amount of activities, but you may still find it worthwhile. What’s really great is that, with or without an account, you can use materials other teachers have created, and there’s lots of pre-made content available.

7. Twinkl (Free & Paid)

Twinkl is an online publishing house with hundreds of thousands of educational materials across subjects and ages. The materials are well-made and engaging, and they’re available on desktop and mobile.

The free plan is extremely limited as it only provides access to a very small percentage of the materials. However, it does include access to Twinkl Create, which you can use to make your own.

On the other hand, a low-cost membership will grant you access to all of Twinkl’s content, saving you a lot of planning time. It includes: digital story books, interactive resources, 3D and augmented reality models, PowerPoints, and more. There is so much to choose from, and most items can be downloaded for offline use.

8. Pixton (Paid)

A student and teacher favorite in the Virtual English Academy, people of all ages love making comics with this fun and easy platform.

Pixton is far superior to its competitors. It has nicer art, more customization, and a variety of theme packs, so you and your students can tap into your creativity. Additionally, it can be accessed by desktop or mobile devices, and the comics are easy to share and download.

Use Pixton to teach any subject. You’ll get more student engagement in online and in-person classes, and students will enjoy using it for homework and projects. Educator accounts offer a library of lesson plans, while student accounts come with a collection of writing prompts. You can’t go wrong with this platform!

Want training, support, and experience teaching online?

Volunteer to teach English in the Virtual English Academy.

Still in middle school or high school? Become a Virtual Summer Teaching Fellow. Applications are now open for 2023!

Use other digital tools to engage your students? Leave a comment below.

Written by Adie Jalfin, Outreach360 Academic Director

Adie is responsible for training our volunteers and staff to be effective teachers. She also designs and oversees our Virtual English Academy. She has experience using a variety of educational technology to teach a range of subjects online and in-person.

August 26, 2022

Jovanni Hill has been serving daily as a Virtual Volunteer English Teacher in our Virtual English Academy since March 2022.

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your educational background, and where you see yourself in a few years with your career.

My name is Jovanni Hill, and I live in Atlanta, Georgia in the United States. I graduated from Georgia State University with a B.A. in film/media and a minor in African American studies in 2020.

While finishing my last semester of college, I discovered my passion for teaching. Since graduating, I’ve been on a journey to become an ESL teacher.

I took a TESOL course as well as a graduate course in Approaches to Teaching English As a Foreign/Second Language from my alma mater. After feeling well informed on how to teach, I started my hunt for a job as an ESL teacher.

I created a LinkedIn account and found the opportunity with Outreach360. God has allowed me to keep working with Outreach360 as I further my career as an English teacher.

I had been searching for a job for months and was worried that, once I found one, I would have to stop doing Outreach360. Thankfully, I was blessed with a job that allows me to continue my service with Outreach360. As I progress in my career, I want to stay teaching with Outreach360 for as long as I can. 

What made you decide to serve with Outreach360?

I wanted a chance to actually put my teaching skills to use. I was also captivated by the opportunity because it was helping and making an impact on students in other countries. It gave me a new perspective on the importance of teaching and serving others.

Also, I have Mexican heritage, and I have always been interested in Spanish and Latin American countries and cultures. This was a chance for me to connect and learn more about them.

What did you hope to gain from serving as a Virtual Volunteer English Teacher?

I hoped to gain teaching experience, but I gained so much more.

What have you gained so far?

In addition to teaching experience, I have gained leadership and collaborative experience. I have gained great friendships with other teachers, patience, happiness, and fulfillment. 

What has made you decide to further your impact?

I decided to further my impact because this opportunity has given me so much happiness and fulfillment.

The students and teachers have really changed my life and showed me that teaching is my purpose. Every day is a gift, and I always leave class feeling good that I am making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Do you think this is a good opportunity for people thinking of becoming teachers, or even for new teachers?  If so, why?

This is the perfect opportunity for people thinking of becoming a teacher because the organization is friendly, helpful, and equips you with everything you need to be successful.

We have time to reflect on our experiences and performance during leadership meetings, which helps us become better teachers.

There is a lot to manage while teaching a class, but Outreach360 and its students make it an easy and fun experience.

Share a few favorite moments or ah-ha moments from your service.

New moments are created every day.

One of my favorite moments was when one of my students understood the lesson so well that he messaged me saying “easy peasy lemon squeezy.”

I told the class what he said, and they agreed. So, I taught them all this phrase, and we kept saying it over and over and laughing until they got it. In the future, when a lesson is too easy, and I need to make it more challenging, they will tell me “Teacher Jovanni, this is easy peasy lemon squeezy!”

It is also nice how they are so excited to see us every day. They greet us with energy and kindness. My siblings tell me they know class has started when they hear a bunch of kids shouting “Good afternoon teachers! How are you?”

Another favorite moment was when I was explaining an unfamiliar word to the students. One of the students understood and was able to help the other students grasp the meaning. It is so nice to see them teach what they have learned because it means they really understand the lessons.

I also love when we play games at the beginning of class, and the students are able to interact with each other. As the students learn more and more, they are able to lead the games.

The class gets to a point where they might not even need the teachers to do certain things. It’s amazing to see their growth and confidence increase.

How do you inspire and empower Outreach360 students?

I inspire and empower Outreach360 students by being sympathetic, patient, and encouraging. I want to be a role model for them, but also a friend.

I teach them to be confident in their abilities and always praise them. Even if they are confused, I tell them it’s okay, and we work through it together. Nothing is impossible for them, and I want them to reach their full potential.

How does Outreach360 inspire and empower you?

I am inspired every day by my students and fellow teachers. I learn new ideas and see different perspectives that help me to be a better teacher and a better person outside of the classroom. Their gratitude pushes me to do more because I can feel the impact I am making on them, which I was not aware of.

This opportunity is so much more than just teaching. It is making lifelong connections, learning about new cultures, and impacting people from all around the world.

If someone was considering volunteering with Outreach360, what would you tell them?

Do it! Volunteering with Outreach360 is one of the best decisions I have made in my life. I have experienced so much growth professionally and personally.

This is a rewarding experience that will teach you a lot about yourself and remind you how important serving others is. You will be excited to see your students every day. Sometimes I even miss my students on the weekend and can’t wait for Monday to come.

Share a message for Outreach360 students.

Students of Outreach360, you all are so incredible, smart, gifted, and kind.

You all give hope for the future. You have inspired me and given me a joy that can’t compare to anything else.

Keep learning, be yourself, believe in yourself, and don’t let anyone belittle you. You can do anything you put your mind to. 

Share a teaching tip/strategy that has worked well with Outreach360 students.

A teaching tip is to be energetic and get to know students as individuals. Making individual connections with each student makes the learning experience more enjoyable and meaningful for them. They will engage with the content better, and they will want to learn more and more to communicate with us.

If there is anything else you'd like to share, please do!

Thank you to the students, my co-teachers, and to Coco and Adie. Your support has given me the courage to keep going. I feel so happy and thankful to have met you.

I appreciate Outreach360 and its mission to inspire and empower people to reach their full potential and give back by expanding educational, leadership, and service opportunities.

Support Outreach360 Virtual English Academy Students.

Become a monthly sponsor to fund student scholarships.

Join the Virtual Serve & Sponsor Program to further your impact and build relationships with students through tutoring.

Sponsor a career mentoring session to prepare students for the future.

Volunteer to teach English in the Virtual English Academy.

Still in middle school or high school? Become a Virtual Summer Teaching Fellow. Applications are now open for 2023!

Written by Jovanni Hill in collaboration with Outreach360. Jovanni has been serving daily as a Virtual Volunteer English Teacher in our Virtual English Academy since March 2022.

August 25, 2022

My name is Samuel, and I am 10 years old.

I live in Colombia and attend the Outreach360 Virtual English Academy on a full scholarship.

When I grow up, I want to be a civil engineer or a mechanical engineer.

I want to keep studying English because it is a universal language, and in the future, I want to be a child with great linguistic ability.

Thank you, teachers, for your commitment to our learning and for teaching us with a method that makes learning easier for us.

I am very happy to learn with you!

You are great human beings. You have made my English class at school easier, and you have expanded my vocabulary.

In our community meetings, I like meeting professionals from around the world and learning about their careers because it helps us visualize careers to choose from and plan our futures. I really liked our virtual visit to the apiary in Mexico because I discovered the wisdom that exists in bees. I learned that they are vital for there to be food on the planet.

My sincere thanks to the donors for the contribution offered to the academy, which has allowed us to acquire new knowledge that will help us improve our own development.

My name is Mirsa, and I am Samuel’s mother.

Outreach360 inspires and empowers through the methodology used to teach, the knowledge shared, the places visited virtually, and more. This opportunity means an open door to my son’s future. This will lead my son to success.

I have observed changes in my son since first joining the academy. He is now a child committed to his learning and has improved pronunciation and vocabulary. He is more active academically in his school, he has small dialogues in English, and he has been congratulated for his performance and participation in the area of English. Also, he has improved his reading and writing skills, and he is more open.  

Many thanks to all the teachers for their valuable time, teamwork, and dedication to teaching our children.  

To all those donors and corporate partners who with their economic contribution help the academy continue to function, thank you. I invite you to continue with this support that benefits so many people and improves education in Latin America.  

I will always be eternally grateful to Outreach360 and to each and every one of the teachers and people who make this project a dream for so many.

Support Samuel and other Outreach360 Virtual English Academy Students.

Become a monthly sponsor to fund student scholarships.

Join the Virtual Serve & Sponsor Program to further your impact and build relationships with students through tutoring.

Sponsor a career mentoring session to prepare students for the future.

Volunteer to teach English in the Virtual English Academy.

Still in middle school or high school? Become a Virtual Summer Teaching Fellow. Applications are now open for 2023!

Written in Spanish by Samuel and Mirsa, an Outreach360 Virtual English Academy student and his mother. Translated by Outreach360.

Samuel joined the Virtual English Academy in September 2021. He is a happy and dedicated student.

August 4, 2022

Tifani Hikmanisa Bahtiar (Teacher Tipan) lives in Indonesia and served as a Virtual Volunteer English Teacher in our Virtual English Academy from September 2021 - February 2022. She recently returned to further her impact with Outreach360 while on a break from graduate school.

Why did you choose to further your impact with Outreach360?

I had actually been planning to come back to teach with Outreach360 for a while, but since I had a full university schedule, I had to wait for a break from school. I decided to utilize this break to teach again since I’ve missed it so much.

Outreach360 has left a meaningful mark on me. Even though my position here is as a “teacher,” I’m actually the one who learns a lot from my fellow teachers and the students.

You previously shared with us that you taught yourself English. When did you start to learn English and how?

I started to teach myself English when I was in middle school. I learned English mostly through music, movies, and social media (Facebook). I always had a notebook where I would put down words and then look up their meanings in my native language. I practiced the pronunciation through what I heard in the music. When I liked a conversation that I heard in a movie, I would take a picture or screenshot of the captions, so I could practice later on.

What are you studying at university?

I am taking English Language Studies focusing on Linguistics.

⏰ Due to your time zone, serving with Outreach360 is a big commitment. What time do you wake up daily when you are teaching?

I always wake up around 3 AM, 45 minutes before the class starts, because sometimes I eat before class.😅

How does it feel to come back?

It feels amazing, especially knowing that most of the students that I used to teach still remember me! 😍

What changes do you see in the students?

A lot! I was surprised that we’re able to communicate in English now! It’s wonderful knowing that the students have learned a lot in a few months. I’m really so proud of them. 👏🏽

Any other changes?

I also noticed the number of teachers is increasing, which is amazing! I’m so glad.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

It is a pleasure to be part of Outreach360. I am really grateful for everything and for this amazing opportunity. I admire the diversity at Outreach360 and the welcoming people. Basically, I appreciate Outreach360, its purpose, and its people.

Support Outreach360 Virtual English Academy Students.

Become a monthly sponsor to fund student scholarships.

Join the Virtual Serve & Sponsor Program to further your impact and build relationships with students through tutoring.

Sponsor a career mentoring session to prepare students for the future.

Volunteer to teach English in the Virtual English Academy.

Still in middle school or high school? Become a Virtual Summer Teaching Fellow. Applications are now open for 2023!

Written by Tifani Hikmanisa Bahtiar in collaboration with Outreach360. Tifani served as a Virtual Volunteer English Teacher in our Virtual English Academy from September 2021 - February 2022 and recently returned while on break from graduate school to further her impact.

July 18, 2022

My name is Kamila, and I am 8 years old.

I live in El Salvador and attend the Outreach360 Virtual English Academy on a full scholarship.

When I grow up, I want a degree in languages or veterinary medicine.

I want to prepare myself for a better future and get to speak the English language well. That is why I want to continue studying.

I want to thank my teachers. Thank you very much for your time and dedication, for being volunteers, and for sharing your wisdom with us. I have learned a lot from each of you.

I didn't know any English, but now I already have a lot of fun doing activities with my teachers and classmates.

Learning about careers has also been very important. We are learning about many careers that we can get to know, then we can choose one that we have found interesting.

My name is Erika, and I am Kamila’s mother.

This opportunity has been an extraordinary change in our lives. It has given an opportunity that appeared just at the right moment, because I see my daughter preparing for the future.

With this help, her interest in learning grows and many doors can be opened for her. This opportunity means a lot and we are going to make the most of it, to take advantage of it by supporting her at every stage of everything that is to come.

This is a great opportunity for our family, especially for Kamila. We are learning together with her through the classes each day. We are proud of the training you are giving Kamila.

I am very happy and proud, and above all, I am grateful to Ourtreach360 for this opportunity that has been given to my daughter and other children across Latin America. You are preparing these children for a better future.

I thank each of the volunteer teachers, who put all their dedication of their time to teach each boy and girl in Latin America. It is a blessing that you give your teaching to children.

Seeing my daughter putting into practice what you teach her fills me with great satisfaction. As a mother, there is nothing left to say other than a thousand thank yous.

Kamila has had a breakthrough. She has advanced a lot and has enriched her knowledge. She started from zero without having any language foundation. She knew absolutely nothing about English, and now we hear her speak what she knows all the time.

She has learned a lot, and she is a more responsible person. The readings on Friday have helped her a lot to be able to analyze and express herself more easily.

Support Kamila and other Outreach360 Virtual English Academy Students.

Become a monthly sponsor to fund student scholarships.

Join the Virtual Serve & Sponsor Program to further your impact and build relationships with students through tutoring.

Sponsor a career mentoring session to prepare students for the future.

Volunteer to teach English in the Virtual English Academy.

Still in middle school or high school? Become a Virtual Summer Teaching Fellow. Applications are now open for 2023!

Written in Spanish by Kamila and Erika, an Outreach360 Virtual English Academy student and her mother. Translated by Outreach360.

Kamila joined the Virtual English Academy in September 2021. She is a dedicated student that goes above and beyond.

July 7, 2022

My name is Sebastián, and I am 6 years old.

I live in Panama and attend the Outreach360 Virtual English Academy on a full scholarship.

When I grow up, I want to be a human superhero. I want to be an astronaut, architect, English teacher, doctor, swim teacher, YouTuber, and world traveler.

English is an important language in my life. I’d like to keep studying it because I want to communicate more with other people, and I want to travel the world and do well in classes.

I want to say that I love you all! Thank you for teaching me many things. Last December, I asked Santa to bring you things because each of you deserves much happiness.

Thanks for your patience. Sometimes I'm intense and mom tells me to stay still. The teachers always catch our attention so that we can improve. 💕

I have learned animals in English, to talk about what I like about my everyday life in English, and that it is not difficult to learn. Thanks, Outreach360. I love all my teachers! Sweet kisses to all!

Meeting the professionals who visit us has also been important because I learn new things.

My name is Yanelis, and I am Sebastián’s mother.

This opportunity is of great importance and value to me. My son is learning a lot and feels more self-confident by wanting to converse with native English speakers. 🥰😍

Seeing his achievements fills me with happiness, and what better inheritance than studies.

Thank you for this great opportunity, Outreach360 family. His acceptance into the Virtual English Academy was the best gift that, as a mother, I received in 2021.

Both my son and I have learned English together, and I am eternally grateful for the whole team of teachers. You do a great job with dedication and professionalism.

Thank you to all the teachers for the love and patience you give to all the children. You are the best! 💙

My son did not even know the colors in English. Now he makes sentences and knows how to translate sentences, colors, animals, and people for me. The advance is very noticeable.

Recently, Sebastián wanted to speak English, so he went to say hello to some girls I heard speaking English. 😍 I was amazed! It was very sweet! He asked their name, age, and what country they were from. He dared so much!

Sebastian has also had a great advance in his classroom at school. He is the one who dominates the English language the most. He has gotten good grades, apart from that, he speaks Spanglish at home.😅 For example: "Mamá, queiro ir al bathroom," etc. 

It was a pleasure to learn about the beginnings of Outreach360. 🥇 What a great job, and what a great legacy you leave in so many children in the world! 🏆❤️

I am happy that Sebastián is part of this beautiful project. I hope Outreach360 continues for many more years and Sebastián continues with this beautiful initiative.

Hear more from Yanelis and Sebastián:

Support Sebastián and other Outreach360 Virtual English Academy Students.

Become a monthly sponsor to fund student scholarships.

Join the Virtual Serve & Sponsor Program to further your impact and build relationships with students through tutoring.

Sponsor a career mentoring session to prepare students for the future.

Volunteer to teach English in the Virtual English Academy.

Still in middle school or high school? Become a Virtual Summer Teaching Fellow.

Written in Spanish by Sebastián and Yanelis, an Outreach360 Virtual English Academy student and his mother. Translated by Outreach360.

Sebastián joined the Virtual English Academy in September 2021. He is an enthusiastic student that loves being part of the academy.

April 19, 2022

My name is Younaly, and I am 9 years old.

I live in Nicaragua and attend the Outreach360 Virtual English Academy on a full scholarship.

When I grow up, I want to be a doctor or a teacher.

I want to expand my knowledge and my opportunities in the future. I want to keep studying English because I want to go to visit other countries and be able to communicate with foreigners.

Teachers, thank you for sharing your knowledge of the language with us. Thank you for teaching us with love and patience every day, and for being willing to support us during our insecurities, when we are afraid of making a mistake.

I thank you for everything you have taught us during class. Thank you for teaching about our planet and sharing your stories.

Thank you for being what you are today, people dedicated to teaching! I love you so much!

I have learned to interact with my peers, and about different cultures.

I have also learned about different jobs and the importance they have for everyone. Meeting professionals who work in different careers is important, so we know what opportunities we have to choose from for what we want to be when we grow up.

In addition, I have learned how to express myself in English. For example: my emotions, what kinds of clothes I wear, to introduce myself, numbers, animals, shapes, colors, jobs vocabulary, the English alphabet, and more.

I have learned to ask simple questions in English and to have a conversation with a bilingual person.

I have even learned to draw and make origami, and about our planet and how to protect it. In other words, I have learned many new things thanks to my teachers and classmates.

My name is Katya, and I am Younaly’s mother.

This opportunity that you are giving my daughter means something very important since currently the English language is essential in the professional field.

It is very important since today the demand has changed. There are many opportunities for those who speak English both in the workplace and in education.

In her future she will get more opportunities to get ahead. If she wants to travel to other countries, either for work, study or fun, she’ll be able to communicate with other people.

For these and many more reasons, I am immensely grateful to the academy for giving her this opportunity. 

My daughter wants to study at Keiser University. I explain to her that the courses are taught in English there, and that is why she has to put a lot of effort into learning the language, because it is the first step to fulfilling her dreams.

I tell her that you as an academy are giving them the opportunity to study English for free, that there are no other academies that have such a great interest in society, in seeing them grow.

I tell her she has to value the efforts of the academy’s administrators and of her teachers, who every day put their effort into teaching with love and dedication!

I want to thank all the teachers for your daily effort in teaching the classes. I understand that you are teachers from other countries who even teach classes at night, and that shows love for the profession and commitment to our children. Thanks a lot!

During this time in the Outreach360 Virtual English Academy, my daughter has learned to be punctual, orderly, disciplined, and respectful.

She has advanced spectacularly in the English language. When she sees an animal or some object, she tells me "Mom, this is called (for example) horse."

Her attention in the academy classes has improved, and in the other classes at her school as well. She has had very good performance in her English class there. It is very easy for her because she knows many words and how to express herself in English.

I also love that you teach her about our planet and how we should take care of it. The conferences you do with corporations on Fridays are interesting; even I listen to them.

Support Younaly and other Outreach360 Virtual English Academy Students.

Become a monthly sponsor to fund student scholarships.

Join the Virtual Serve & Sponsor Program to further your impact and build relationships with students through tutoring.

Sponsor a career mentoring session to prepare students for the future.

Volunteer to teach English in the Virtual English Academy.

Still in middle school or high school? Become a Virtual Summer Teaching Fellow.

Written in Spanish by Younaly and Katya, an Outreach360 Virtual English Academy student and her mother. Translated by Outreach360.

Younaly joined the Virtual English Academy in September 2021, and she has been a model student ever since.

December 17, 2021

Do you volunteer? Are you thinking of giving it a try? We'll walk you through everything you need to know to volunteer ethically in 2022.

The New Year is around the corner, so we find ourselves reflecting on 2021.

What could I have done better? How could I have left a bigger mark on the world? What am I going to improve next year?

With evidence suggesting that most people don't stick to their New Year's resolutions, perhaps the answer is not drastic changes to our lives. Maybe it's becoming more mindful and intentional about how we go about them.

Let's instead spend 2022 examining how we interact with the world around us to better invest in others. For those of us who volunteer or who'd like to get a taste of what it's like, ethical volunteering is an excellent way to start.

But what does it mean to volunteer ethically, and how do we know if we're doing it?

It all depends on which organizations we choose to support, our mindsets as we volunteer, and how we conduct ourselves while we do it.

To volunteer ethically means to volunteer responsibly. As ethical volunteers, we make a real difference for the people we serve by doing so altruistically - for the benefit of others rather than for personal gain.

It can be challenging, at times, to determine our real motives for volunteering, so sit down and think about why you're really doing it. Volunteering can be a great way to gain new skills and experience, have fun, and feel fulfilled. However, for volunteering to be considered ethical, these must be bonuses, not the main reason to get involved.

8 Tips for conducting yourself ethically:

1. Have strong attendance. ✅

If you've committed, don't be absent unless necessary. Always notify in advance if you need to cancel your commitments (barring emergencies, of course).

Last-minute or uncommunicated absences can put the organization under strain to find a solution. Depending on the circumstances, programming may need to be delayed or even canceled. That may be problematic or disappointing for the population your serve.

In the event that you miss your commitment without communicating, reach out after the fact, acknowledge it, and indicate whether you’ll be able to make it to your next commitment. If you don’t tell someone, the organization won’t know whether or not to rely on you next time.

2. Be on time. ⏰

Don't delay programming or negatively affect the people you serve. If you’re running late, let someone know, so they can plan accordingly.

3. Communicate changes. 💬

We can't always foresee what life will throw our way. As soon as you have any indication that your schedule might change, notify the organization, even if it's not a done deal.

If you're job hunting or looking for other opportunities, don't be afraid to tell the organization that you're planning to move on. You don't have to provide all the details and story behind it. The organization will appreciate that you've given them time to prepare so the population you serve can remain supported. Inform the organization as soon as you start your search, not once you have the job and need to stop abruptly.

4. Learn and practice. 📙

Dedicate yourself to learning about the organization and the population served. Learn and practice any relevant skills for your volunteer work.

Even if you are a professional, an expert, or have years of experience, there is always something more that you can do. The more knowledgeable and skilled you are, the more effective you can be.

5. Accept feedback. 👍

Be open to feedback from the organization or the people you serve. Rather than seeing it as a personal attack and getting defensive, view it as an opportunity for a more significant impact.

Whenever Outreach360 provides feedback to volunteers, it is in the best interest of our students and a sign of respect. We believe in you and respect you enough to provide you with strategies to maximize your contribution. We understand that no one is perfect (our organization and staff included), so we offer feedback as a tool to support volunteer development.

If accepting feedback is challenging for you, say "thank you" and tell the person you'd like some time to digest it on your own. It's always better to mull it over with a cool head than to react poorly because you weren’t in the right frame of mind to discuss something.

For the brave of heart and the especially committed, ask for feedback instead of waiting for someone to give it.

6. Be your best self. 😊

We've all been through challenging stuff in life. Though it's not possible to be energetic, focused, and in a good mood all the time, try your best to be cheerful and attentive while volunteering. It's easier said than done but put your personal issues aside for a few hours (or however long your commitment is), so you can be who the people you serve need you to be.

If you provide direct service to children, the elderly, or vulnerable populations of any kind, this is incredibly important.

When you feel you can't perform your duties with a smile and patience for the people you serve, it's an appropriate time to call in sick. The goal is to positively impact the lives of those you serve, not leave them feeling ashamed and wondering what they've done wrong. It's okay to need a break when things get tough. Take the day off so you can come back raring to go the next time.

7. Respond to messages. 📱

When the organization or a person you serve reaches out to you, promptly respond so they know you got the message. A simple "Received." or "I'll get back to you." is always better than radio silence.

8. Choose the right organization. 🤔

Not all organizations work in the same way. Choosing an organization that promotes ethical volunteering and sets you up for success makes all the difference.

Find an organization that works responsibly and sustainably. The organization's focus should be on empowering people to grow to support themselves.

If the organization works internationally, then a plan to work themselves out of business and turn it over to the locals would be ideal.

How do you know if you’ve picked an organization that embodies responsibility and sustainability?

Start by analyzing its mission, vision, principles, values, programs, and goals.