About Teaching in Thailand

Many schools in Thailand lack the funding and resources to provide a full range of educational opportunities to their students. World Endeavors Teaching volunteers help shape young lives in Thailand by supporting local schools and sharing their enthusiasm and expertise, particularly in English classes. The Thai government has recently implemented new policies placing greater emphasis on English teaching, and there is a great need for volunteers in schools in Bangkok and across the country. Volunteers teach courses in collaboration with local teachers and in some cases take responsibility for a lesson or a whole class. Volunteers are also encouraged to contribute to extra-curricular activities such as sports, art, music, or health education. Most Teaching volunteers work with children, but opportunities may also be available to teach English to adults.

A Typical Day in the Life of a Volunteer in Thailand

World Endeavors volunteers inThailandcan expect their days to be a combination of meaningful volunteer work, cultural experiences, and free time for relaxation and reflection.  The sample schedule below represents a typical day for a volunteer inThailand.  Keep in mind that when volunteering abroad, a typical day can be anything but typical!

7:30 am – 8:00 am:  Breakfast with your host family.  Breakfast inThailand consists of porridge or boiled rice, local dumplings or fried flour, rice with curry, or bread with jam and tea or coffee.

8:00 am: Travel to your volunteer placement.

9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Work at volunteer placement.

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Grab lunch at one of the affordable restaurants in the volunteer project area.

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Work at volunteer placement.

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Thai language course.

5:00 pm – 7:30 pm: Enjoy free time by hanging out with new friends, visiting the internet café, riding a bike around the city, taking a Thai cooking class, or exploring Bangkok’s beautiful temples, museums, parks, flower markets, or Yaowarat (Chinatown).

7:30 pm – 8:30 pm: Dinner with your host family.  Dinners inBangkok often include rice, curry, and a fried vegetable.

8:30 pm – 10:00 pm: Relax at home, practice your Thai with your host family, read a book, prepare for the next day’s volunteering, or plan a weekend excursion to visit some of Thailand’s many palaces, temples, floating markets, beaches, and national parks.

Project and class schedules, meals, and free time activities may vary depending on the details of your placement.

Eligibility

Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. Successful volunteers are hardworking, flexible, and open to truly immersing themselves in Thai culture.