Info

Teach English and other subjects to children in a rural Thai Village. Embrace Thai culture while assisting others to perfect their English in a small community to the north of Bangkok.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

A fascinating cultural experience awaits you in this land of smiles! ... And you'll get free Thai language lessons!

You'll work in the small town of Muak Lek, located in Saraburi province, a three hour drive to the north of Bangkok. Here you’ll teach conversational English to a classroom of excited students in the town’s Seventh Day Adventist International School, a private organisation supported by the church. The school is run as a not for profit entity, so all profits are channelled back into the school for its benefit.

Since 1989 when this school had only one classroom, it has expanded and developed into an international educational institution. The school accepts students from various nationalities, backgrounds and religions (students do not have to be from Seventh Day Adventist backgrounds - in fact around 70% of students are actually Buddhist) and there are also many International students.

All subjects are presented in English because the curriculum is based on the American Education System. Many of the teachers at the school are also from international backgrounds, where English is not their first language. As such, exposure to native English speakers is crucial for the students progression and confidence in English. This is why your help is so very much appreciated.

You’ll help students aged 4 to 14 years to have conversations in English, as well as assisting with other lessons in Science, Maths, Arts and Crafts and Sports. There are around 200 students at the school, with class sizes usually not exceeding 25 at any one time.

Facilities at the school include a Library, computer room with internet access, cafeteria, play ground, basketball court and students hall. There are 29 staff and teachers from various different countries such as Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, India, United States, and Thailand so this is a truly international environment to be based in!
The school are very keen to receive help from native English speakers to encourage fluency. Exposure to native English speakers is crucial for these students - interaction with you enables them to learn correct pronunciation and vocabulary and gives them confidence to use English. Occasionally you may be asked to help with spelling and vocabulary as well as conversational English.

During school holidays from June - August, there is a summer school which is ideal for you to attend as it provides an opportunity for you to each in more of an informal setting, through games, drama, sports and music.

Because of the religious background of the school that you’ll be teaching in, there are some restrictions in terms of dress codes and general behaviour (such as observing Saturday as the Sabbath where no work is done). You’ll be advised on appropriate behaviour once you’ve applied for this placement.


WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT

• FREE THAI LANGUAGE LESSONS: Children also receive Thai lessons every day and you'll be allowed to participate if you would like to learn some of the native language.
• The enormous satisfaction of helping children and knowing that you made a difference to them
• An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into real Asian Thai culture.
• New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
• An entry on your CV or Résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
• And best of all ... AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE!


ACCOMMODATION

You’ll live in an area called Australia Village which is located on an adjacent plot of land from the school. This private residential village offers a secure, enclosed environment and an excellent chance to integrate with other teachers at the school, many of whom live on the same street! Expect a warm welcome and plenty of opportunities for social activities.

You’ll either live with a host family (one of whom will probably be a teacher at the school), or you’ll live in your own house, possibly sharing with other volunteers. Australia village has a swimming pool and small convenience shop.

There is a bus service connecting the school to Bangkok, so it’s possible to make arrangements for sightseeing in other parts of Thailand during your free time. The nearest town with a train station is Saraburi, around 15 minutes from Muak Lek. From here there is also a large bus station with many connecting buses so you’ll have plenty of opportunities for exploring the surrounding area.


LOCATION

Muak Lek, where our project is based, is a traditional Thai village with a lovely community atmosphere, situated 108kms from Bangkok and just a 5 minute drive from the school. Muak Lek has all of the necessary public facilities such as a post office, several shopping centres, internet cafes, restaurants and banks.

The village is most lively on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when evening markets dominate the town, food stalls stay open late and locals integrate with one another. These markets are a great opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of a typical village in rural Thailand and try some of Thailand’s famous, delicate cuisine; fragrant rice, steamed vegetables and spicy coconut based curries await you!

Saraburi province is famous for its waterfalls and there is also a national park in the region.


WHAT TO DO NEXT

•Talk to us - We're there to help you. +44 (0) 1903 502595
•Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!
•If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us!
•If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.
•It’s as easy as that.

Our placements are very flexible and you can combine any of our projects to give you a broader experience of life on the inside in Thailand.

Duration

Available all year round. Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates.

Start Dates

Flexible start and finish dates you choose. Our placements are flexible and can be tailored to match your preferences. For availability please contact the office.

Costs / Benefits

Costs vary depending on length of placement, but starts at £1095 for four weeks. You can participate for up to one year, subject to visa requirements.

Included is full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).

You’ll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you’ll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you’ll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Requirements

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.