Volunteering in Thailand

Arriving September/October this yearClick here for school holiday update.

Volunteer in Thailand where English is highly valued and native teachers hard to find. Volunteering Abroad in Thailand provides an unrivalled opportunity to live and work alongside local people away from the beaten tourist trail. No experience is required just an enthusiasm to get stuck in wherever you are needed.  (see Thailand reviews).

After volunteering in Thailand, experience the hospitality and magical tropical beauty from the temples and grottoes to the idyllic islands of the south.

Volunteer work in Thailand offers exciting and variety of experiences in stunning locations just north of Phuket, along the Andaman coast. English speaking coordinators will arrange a school placement for you, help prepare you to get the most out of your teaching experience and be in regular contact and of assistance throughout your teaching placement. Friends and small groups of 2-3 arriving together are usually placed together and wherever possible volunteers arriving alone are paired up with an existing volunteer.

Voluntary work in Thailand focuses on English teaching but as the school can often be the focal point of a community you could also find yourself helping at sports days, presenting awards at school ceremonies or even helping on school trips.

Teaching in Thailand is a very rewarding experience. You will join an established organisation which will coach you in its easy but successful method of teaching 'spoken English'. You will prepare classes with the Head of English and travel with others to schools to give lessons in schools that really appreciate you. All lessons follow the national curriculum so you will be confident in the knowledge that your contribution is needed and is making a difference. Poorer schools are targetted, those which cannot afford to hire a native English speaker. These poorer students without English cannot access higher education and university without passing the national examiniations in English, but it is just these poorer schools which cannot provide adequate English teaching to be able to pass the exams. Thai English teachers are proficient at written English and grammar but lacking in oral practise so you can be sure you are not replacing a valuable teacher, but instead be filling a much needed gap.

Teaching English in Thailand is an exciting opportunity to discover a new culture, and take part in a life changing experience that you will never forget. The hugs the children give you will show that! A certificate is provided to all participants to reflect your contribution and references are available for your future endeavours and projects from your coordinators.

Download the following document as a PDF file

Here you will find extra information about Thailand. Call Reservations on 01603 627 007 and book a placement in Thailand.

What's included in this programme

An English speaking coordinator is provided and will be available for you to contact throughout the duration of your trip. Accommodation is organised by the school you are volunteering at. Airport pick-up in Phuket is organised for you (see above: Project at a Glance in 'Airport Pick up Service').

We consider this project ideal if you...

Want to try out teaching English or gain valuable classroom experience
Want to learn about Thai culture and customs as an insider-not as a tourist
Want to use your volunteering as preparation for travel around the region
You are looking for a more challenging placement where you will need to rely on and test your own interpersonal skills and 'out of the box' thinking amongst local people.

Thailand at a glance

Thailand is a wondrous kingdom, featuring Buddhist temples, exotic wildlife, and spectacular islands. Along with a fascinating history and a unique culture that includes delectable Thai food. At the end of your volunteering placement, take a boat trip through Bangkok's Floating Market, or along the klongs, a network of canals leading off the river, and lined with dwellings opening directly on to the water. Life has changed little for those living along the klongs.

Take in a muay thai (Thai kick-boxing) match; this traditional sport can be seen every day of the year at the major stadiums in both Bangkok and the provinces. Thai boxing matches are preceded by elaborate ceremonies and accompanied by lively music. Head off after your volunteering to enjoy Thailand's thousands of kilometres of coastline. Have a go at sea canoeing and kayaking through the spectacular limestone islands in Phang Nga Bay and explore the half-submerged caves and grottoes.

Language: English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok, Phuket and in the South where it is almost the major commercial language although a Thai phrasebook and dictionary will be a good idea whilst on your placement.
Climate: Thailand has a tropical climate with high temperatures. The hottest month is July with the coolest temperatures falling between November-February.
Time difference from UK: GMT +7 hrs

Read testimonials of our Volunteers in Thailand.