In Thailand, primary and secondary schools are located in small and larger communities or towns respectively. The primary level education in Thailand is free and compulsory. English is the main language offered in secondary schools but some of them also offer French, German, Italian languages. There are two types of schools in Thailand; government and private. Volunteer in our teaching program mainly work with government-funded schools. In most of the schools, local teachers who may not be able to articulate fluently teach English. For Thai students, learning English to speak and write well means preparing for the better future. They start to learn English from Grade 1; however, it is difficult to find high school students who speak fair English. English curriculums are designed focusing mainly on grammatical work. Students hesitate to speak English due to lack of confidence. However, they are keen to learn from native speakers.
Volunteer’s Activities
You have to evaluate the level of English first before you start teaching, then you can make up your mind what to teach and from which level to start. You will be teaching practical conversational English, helping teachers to teach lessons and students to write short stories and essays, using your own skill or talent e.g. by telling story, playing games, performing drama etc. whatever way you like. You will also be involved in helping the children with singing and involving in sports and games. The supervisor at school helps to develop the lessons. You will work 3-4 hours a day during weekdays (Monday to Friday) between 8 am and 4 pm. You can travel during weekends and after office hours during weekdays.
The English teaching volunteers in secondary schools can also teach other languages in addition to English depending upon the school. The presence of native English speaking volunteers will create favorable atmosphere for the children to learn and speak in English.
Project Skills Required
No specific qualification is needed for the volunteers teaching English primary and secondary school. The basic requirement you need is genuine interest and commitment to the Thai culture and open to learn and serve primary and secondary school students. For volunteering you will need to be over 18 years of age. If you have special skills such as working with children, sports or games, painting, drawing, singing, dancing etc. could be very useful. Volunteer will be provided brief summary about teaching during orientation.
Arrangement of Food and Accommodation
Asia Horizon arranges a separate room along with a communal bath for volunteers in both the host families and hostel accommodations. The volunteer will live with a host family during volunteering. They provide Thai food three times a day and rice is the basic food. The families are very friendly and hospitable and look forward to learn more about the volunteer's culture and country. Our country coordinator will welcome the volunteer at the airport and introduce him/her to the host family and the host organization. Volunteer will also have 24/7 access to our contact person and phone number of our coordinator.
Project Location
Our placements for volunteer teaching in primary and secondary schools are based in nearby areas of Bangkok and Chiang Mai (Northern Thailand). Bangkok is the capital and primate city of Thailand. It is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, near the Gulf of Thailand. Bangkok is the populous city in the world and magnet for travelers escaping turmoil in their homeland. The city is a major economic and financial center of Southeast Asia. The city's wealth of cultural sites makes it one of the world's most popular travel destinations.
Chiang Mai is a beautiful city enclosed by hills and mountains, streams, lakes, waterfalls, caves, forests and green fields. Others places of interest include Chiang Mai Zoo, Sankamphheng Industrial Area, Mae Sa Valley, Doi Pui National Park, Tribal Villages etc. Shopping centers, famous night markets, hospitals, Chiang Mai University are in accessible distance. Other placements are located at the historical area of Ayutthaya, a world heritage site; Ang Sila, a fishing village which is about 5 km away from Chonburi provincial town and Pong village, situated just outskirts of city. Nearby is the famous Bang Saen Beach that has enjoyed lasting popularity. Ban Pond is a small village located just outskirts of Chiang Mai City. |
