Teaching English in rural communities in Thailand
       Sing Buri Province

Volunteer project: The medium and long-term projects in the Central part of Thailand are related to helping local rural communities in improving their English language abilities. The main focus of this project is to initiate “cultural exchange” situations. The participants will be studying the Thai cultures, lifestyles, traditions, while staying and involving themselves with the daily life of villagers. Your role as a volunteer will be to assist the local community through teaching primarily (but not exclusively) English, a skill in high demand in rural Thailand, due to the opportunities it can bring about.

Volunteers have been involved in educational projects in the province since 1998. Education and various kinds of vocational training are much needed in Thailand, especially in the rural areas and for unprivileged youngsters. Through our activities in this field, we give to youngsters and local inhabitants the chance to learn things they could never get close to otherwise: English, Environmental issues and general hygiene.

The main target group of the educational activities is children (mainly primary school students and also some in secondary schools), also villagers and adults who would like to learn English. Through education, children and villagers feel empowered and get motivated to get to know the outside world. Education projects have a special impact on Thai youth as they represent a motivation to study more and to acquire experience at international level.

Volunteers are encouraged to organize various fun and informal teaching activities and to promote outdoor learning through games and activities in the garden. The volunteers are expected to create a space where the children can learn while being themselves, having fun and feeling safe and comfortable. The situation of many children in Thailand can be difficult and disheartening; volunteers can be the vectors of happiness and stimulate self-confidence. Personal connections and experiences gained through the cultural exchange of the volunteers, is what truly impacts the locals and especially children and students.

Special requirements: A teaching background is not necessary although will definitely be helpful. A good level of English is also expected for this program.

Language: English

Duration of the project: The middle- and long-term program in Thailand is for a maximum of one year in duration. Projects start the first Monday of each month.
Projects' start dates:

June 7, 2010 July 5, 2010 August 2, 2010 September 6, 2010

October 4, 2010 November 1, 2010 December 6, 2010 January 3, 2011

February 7, 2011 March 7, 2011 April 4, 2011 May 2, 2011

Orientation: The project starts with an orientation week during which volunteers will get an introduction into the program activities, language and culture (customs, etiquette, social hierarchy, diet, etc.), religion, community living, transportation, do's and don'ts about the program, etc. Transportation for the volunteers to their project sites will be provided after completing the orientation week.

Free time: There are many different places of interest in the central part of Thailand. During the weekends you are free to relax or visit interesting places in the neighborhood. Of course it’s also a great time to socialize with your fellow volunteers and the villagers, and great opportunity to walk through the local area, and enjoy its natural beauty.

Accommodation: Accommodation will vary depending on your homestay. To fully immerse yourself, there is no better way than to live with local people and experience their lives through living in their homes. It is possible you will stay in a volunteer eco-house for a certain period of time before, during or after your homestay. Conditions there are simple but will serve your needs. The food will be vegetarian.

Location: The project will be held in the Singburi region (Central Thailand). Sing Buri is 142 km north of Bangkok on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It was established in the year 1895 during the reign of King Rama V through a consolidation of three small riverside towns including Sing Buri, In Buri, and Phrom Buri. The province currently occupies an area of 822 square kilometres. Singburi has many beautiful temples for visit.

Terminal: National airport: Bangkok

Age range: 18 and over

Participation fee: $590 CAD

Extra fee: 20,000 Baht (approximately $550 US) for the first two months; 10,000 Baht for the third month; 5,000 Baht for each month after the third
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.