Low Cost Volunteer Project – Teaching English
This project is an affordable way to volunteer in rural Thailand, with a two-week minimum fee of only $399 USD and $80 for each additional week. Availability is limited, so early registration is recommended.
A Day in the Life
The day in rural Thailand starts early, with the sounds of roosters and village monks on their morning alms round. Storefronts open, and students head to school in uniform. Though the teaching sites are just an hour from Chiang Mai city, the slower pace of life in the countryside provides a stark contrast to the hustle of the city.
Thailand is traditionally built on three pillars: the home, the temple, and the school. Volunteers contribute to one of these vital pillars by teaching English in rural areas, helping to maintain the cultural and educational fabric of Thai society. This project offers a genuine glimpse into daily life in Thailand, far removed from the tourist hubs and expatriate communities in larger cities. Volunteers get the chance to immerse themselves in local culture, participate in temple fairs, and engage in community events, but the role also demands flexibility, patience, and independence.
Throughout the project, volunteers are supported by the Friends for Asia network. Accommodation near the project school is arranged, and volunteers are provided with a Thai mobile phone for easy communication. On weekends, volunteers are welcome to stay in the Friends for Asia volunteer accommodation in central Chiang Mai, offering a blend of rural and urban experiences.
Volunteer Tasks
Volunteer roles in the classroom vary from school to school, with flexibility to suit the volunteer's comfort level. Volunteers are paired with Thai teachers and may assist with daily lessons or plan and lead their own classes.
- English Education: Schools in this project range from very small (around 70 students) to larger schools with around 1,500 students. Volunteers can choose to teach any grade level from kindergarten to grade 12, depending on preferences. Volunteer teachers typically spend 15 to 20 hours per week in the classroom.
Volunteer Accommodation
- Weekdays: Volunteers stay in basic, clean accommodation at the project site, usually with fans and, in some cases, internet access.
- Weekends: During orientation and on weekends, volunteers stay at the Friends for Asia accommodation in Chiang Mai city.
Most volunteers are placed in pairs at each school, but this depends on the number of volunteers registered.
Making a Difference
Teaching English is a valuable service where international volunteers can have a significant impact in Thailand. While many English teachers are found in Chiang Mai city, fewer venture into rural areas where there is a greater need. Government schools in these areas have little chance of attracting international teachers and often lack the budget to pay them a salary. This project allows volunteers to make a meaningful difference by teaching in underserved areas.
Volunteer Qualifications
- Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and fluent in written and spoken English.
- No teaching credentials are required, although experienced teachers are highly welcomed.
- All volunteers who work directly with children must submit a certified police background check before their start date.
Note: The Low Cost English Teaching Volunteer Project is only available during the Thai school year and is closed during the Thai summer (March to mid-May) and October (mid-school year break).