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Connect with the Peace Corps
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Apply to the Peace Corps
The application process begins by selecting a service model and finding an open position.
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If you are flexible in where you serve for the two-year Peace Corps Volunteer program, our experts can match you with a position and country based on your experience and preferences.
Serve where you’re needed mostEnglish Instruction Specialist
Education
Job highlights
- Deepen your expertise in English‑language instruction while gaining advanced skills in teacher training, coaching, and instructional design.
- Strengthen your Spanish proficiency through daily immersion in a community setting.
- Build lasting personal and professional connections within Mexican university communities and experience the country’s rich cultural diversity.
Mexico • North America
In partnership with: Public higher education institutions
Get answers live — every weekday at .
Apply by
October 15, 2026Know by
December 1, 2026Depart on
May 10, 2027Duration
12 monthsAbout the project
Universities in the Yucatan Peninsula are seeking experienced educators to support English language teaching and the expansion of bilingual education.
English is essential for Mexican students, researchers, and professionals seeking access to global opportunities. In fact, students must obtain an intermediate or higher level of English proficiency to graduate. To meet this national priority, Mexico’s public higher‑education schools are modifying their English language programs and expect faculty to begin teaching academic content in English. Many instructors, however, require stronger English proficiency skills themselves and pedagogical tools adapt to bilingual teaching demands.
As an English Instruction Specialist, you will collaborate with faculty at public higher education institutions to strengthen teacher performance and capacity. Together, you will develop sustainable approaches that support long-term progress in English language learning across the region. Your supportive role will directly expand opportunities for students and teachers alike to engage in international learning, research, and professional pathways.
Learn more about what Volunteers do in country by visiting our Mexico project page.
Required skills
Qualified candidates will have the following criteria:
Bachelor's degree in literacy education or relevant field.
AND
Three or more years of experience in literacy education.
Language: Spanish
A. Completed 4 years of high school Spanish coursework in the past 8 years
B. Completed college-level Elementary II Spanish semester (Elementary III in quarter system) within the past 6 years
C. Score between 50-62 on the Spanish College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exam in the past 6 years
D. Score Novice-High or Intermediate-Low on official American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) in Spanish within the past 6 years
Required behavioral competencies
These competencies are essential for all service assignments and are assessed in the application and interview process:
Motivation for and commitment to service
Adaptability and open-mindedness
Problem solving and resourcefulness
Behavioral maturity and professionalism
Photos from Mexico
How you and the community will make an impact together:
Plan and teach lessons while modeling effective instructional techniques.
Design and deliver general teaching skills workshops for faculty.
Provide English tutoring and mentoring to university faculty.
Support teachers delivering subject matter courses in English.
Provide career‑readiness support for students, including resume and interview preparation.
Strengthen internationalization initiatives and academic partnerships.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as English conversation clubs and book clubs.
The Volunteer will reside in an urban or semiurban community in the Yucatán Peninsula with access to basic services, such as electricity, mobile coverage, and reliable transportation. Commutes may be up to an hour each way with public transportation available, including buses and minibuses. Independent housing generally consists of a modest one-bedroom apartment or an equipped loft adjacent to a family residence. Many students and community members are of Mayan origin and may speak Maya as a first language and Spanish as a second.
Learn more about the living conditions, including detailed information on culture, communications, housing, and health/crime statistics on our Mexico country page. You can also delve into stories about local communities by reading our blog or Volunteer stories.
Meet a Volunteer in Mexico
Douglas C.
English Language Facilitator
"I appreciate that for my current engagement the discussions have become increasingly valuable as we’ve become better acquainted and as I’ve learned to be more of an active listener."
See full Volunteer profile
After a 3-week orientation on topics such as health and safety, you will move to an urban or semi-urban community where you will collaborate with public higher education institutions. You will work with the partner and your community to assess the local needs and develop a work plan in line with their established goals.
Peace Corps/Mexico will equip you with Spanish language resources and you may work with a local tutor who can help you build basic language skills to connect with the community.
To learn more about serving as a couple in Mexico, visit the country page.
Application process
From application to departure takes around nine months. Learn about the application process for Volunteer opportunities.
Medical/legal clearance
You will need to be cleared medically and legally in order to serve in Mexico. Review information on medical clearance and legal clearance to learn about the process.
