Volunteer in Thailand with Friends for Asia
Many Thai students grow up thinking that their English ability is next to nil. But sometimes, a few confidence-boosting classes with a native speaker – where they're understanding more than they expected to and communicating right back – is all it takes to change their minds. As a volunteer English teacher, you become a catalyst for student development.
Volunteering in a Local School in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, ThailandIn this project, your daily commute will carry you through some of Thailand's most authentic neighborhoods. All of the schools in this project are in the city center – most within the boundaries of the ancient moat. Some are part of larger temple complexes, complete with monastic communities and Buddhist shrines; others are stationed on dedicated school grounds. Each has its own dynamic, with anywhere from 100 to 1,000 students enrolled. Volunteer teachers have the option to work in any grade level.
Across Thailand, the school day begins with the raising of the flag and the singing of the national anthem. Students line up in uniform according to their grade level or home room. This is your chance to dole out a few good mornings and give your students a chance to practice the conversational skills you've been teaching them. From here, it's off to class. Lunch is also provided for volunteer teachers. You can take lunch with students or other Thai teachers, or you could strike out for street food and a few minutes of solace.
Making a Difference – Volunteering in ThailandFriends for Asia actively seeks schools that have no foreign teachers on staff. These are financially strapped public schools that are thrilled at the opportunity to welcome native English speakers.
English Speaking and Listening – The Missing SkillsIn Thailand's public schools, members of the English faculty are well versed in grammar and mechanics. If anything's missing, it's the fluency that develops through practice in a native-speaking environment. Regardless of your teaching background, your mere presence in this public school gives students and faculty the chance to take their English skills out of the textbook and put them to work in the real world.
Volunteer Tasks in the English Education ProjectYour role in class depends on the school as well as your own comfort level. You'll be paired with a Thai teacher and have the option of going into class with this person and simply helping out with daily lessons. However, for anyone with the confidence and the drive to do their own lesson planning, nothing's quite as rewarding as leading your own class. The students love it, and it gives Thai teachers the chance to catch up on projects and paperwork.
The time you'll spend in class depends on the school's needs as well as the time of year. Generally, you'll be in front of students anywhere from 10 to 20 hours per week. Volunteers with plenty of ambition can donate more time planning and possibly helping out with projects at school.
English Volunteer QualificationsVolunteer English teachers have to be at least 18 years old to be considered. It's also important that they're fluent in written and spoken English. While veteran teachers are enthusiastically welcomed, teaching credentials are not required to volunteer to teach English in Thailand.
Beyond this, Friends for Asia requires all volunteers who will be working directly with children to file a certified police background check before their start date.
Volunteer Project Fees for the English Education ProjectVisa paperwork (for projects over 8 weeks)Written record of service completion (for volunteers that successfully complete their project).Travel to/from Home and Project City – Chiang Mai or Bangkok (airfare, train tickets, etc.)Thailand visa costs (if applicable)International Medical InsuranceCost of criminal police background check (required for this project)Cost of transportation to and from Project site and accommodation (roughly $2 per day)DinnerThailand Teaching Volunteer Start Dates for 2024the 8th of January – arriving on Friday, the 6th of Januarythe 22nd of January – arriving on Friday, the 19th of Januarythe 5th of February – arriving on Friday, the 2nd of February (maximum four week program)Closed for Thai School Summerthe 20th of May – arriving on Friday, the 17th of Maythe 3rd of June – arriving on Friday, the 31st of Maythe 17th of June – arriving on Friday, the 14th of Junethe 1st of July – arriving on Friday, the 28th of Junethe 15th of July – arriving on Friday, the 12th of Julythe 5th of August – arriving on Friday, the 3rd of Augustthe 19th of August – arriving on Friday, the 16th of Augustthe 2nd of September – arriving on Friday, the 30th of August (maximum four week program)Closed for Thailand mid-school year breakthe 4th of November – arriving on Friday, the 1st of Novemberthe 18th of November – arriving on Friday, the 15th of Novemberthe 2nd of December – arriving on Friday, the 29th of Novemberthe 16th of December – arriving on Friday, the 13th of DecemberThailand Teaching Volunteer Start Dates for 2025the 6th of January – arriving on Friday, the 3rd of Januarythe 20th of January – arriving on Friday, the 17th of Januarythe 3rd of February – arriving on Friday, the 31st of January (4 week project maximum before break)Closed for Thai School Year Summerthe 19th of May, – arriving on Friday, the 16th of Maythe 2nd of June, – arriving on Friday, the 30th of Maythe 16th of June, – arriving on Friday, the 13th of Junethe 7th of July, – arriving on Friday, the 4th of Julythe 21st of July, – arriving on Friday, the 18th of Julythe 4th of August, – arriving on Friday, the 1st of Augustthe 18th of August, – arriving on Friday, the 15th of Augustthe 1st of September, – arriving on Friday, the 29th of August (4 week project maximum before break)Closed for Thai mid-school year breakthe 3rd of November, – arriving on Friday, the 31st of Octoberthe 17th of November, – arriving on Friday, the 14th of Novemberthe 1st of December, – arriving on Friday, the 28th of Novemberthe 15th of December, – arriving on Friday, the 12th of December
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