Teach English as a Volunteer in Rural Thailand
Northern Thailand is a special place with rich culture, delicious food, and breath taking mountain and jungle views. This gap year experience is a great way to live and teach in rural Thailand while still being able to visit Chiang Mai city on the weekends, providing a full action packed and meaningful cultural experience.
Your volunteer role: Volunteers will be placed to teach at a Thai government school and have the option to live either at the school or in our local volunteer house with other gap year volunteers.
Once you arrive to the Chiang Mai airport our local project manager and in country team will be there to greet you and pick you up! Our local Thai team will give you an overview of Thai culture, language, Buddhism, and help you get settled at your new location. We will also be with you at the school introducing you to the students, teachers, and principal.
All volunteers will be provided with a teaching schedule, with between 10 to 20 hours per week. The teaching will include helping the local Thai English teacher and leading classes on your own. The children at these schools are between 4 and 15 years old, with class sizes ranges between 8 to 20 students.
The focus will be on teaching conversational English, to improve speaking skills and fluency, as Thai curriculums are heavily focused on learning grammar. This project has its own custom curriculum, which we will provide along with all teaching materials and classroom resources. Our ESL coordinator will be with you for your first day of teaching and can help with lesson planning and activities.
Our partner schools have also expressed an interest in their students learning art, photography, sports, or drama. If you have an interest or skill in these areas let our team know and we can arrange special classes! If you have other ideas or ways you can contribute, please let us know!
Outside of teaching, all volunteers are encouraged to be at the school and involved with daily activities. This could be helping the children and teachers get ready for a Buddhist ceremony, tutoring either the students or teachers, playing sports, visiting local temples, etc. There is always something going on and the schools love to have volunteers involved and participating in everything!
Your volunteer experience: This gap year teaching opportunity is a fantastic way to integrate and be a part of a Thai school and community. These schools are located in rural districts outside of Chiang Mai giving you an authentic cultural experience. This is also a great way to give back and help provide a much-needed English education to disadvantaged children.
Prior teaching experience is not required but a flexible and positive attitude are a must. Come and join this goal-orientated project to make a difference, and to see and experience all of the beauty Northern Thailand has to offer!