English Teaching Program
Pandemic restrictions mean this program cannot get the support it needs right now. Sign up for 2022 and we will work with you every step of the way and provide complete flexibility with dates!
This exciting project was created with the goal of helping to improve the English-speaking abilities of the residents of Luang Prabang. As is common in many of the worlds' poorer communities, an ability to speak English unlocks a new world of possibilities for children and opens up many professional opportunities for the working-age, often within the service and tourism industries which is a growing market in Laos. Teaching volunteers have the privilege to be based in beautiful Buddhist temple school working with a broad array of students. This varied project aims to improve the lives of others by imparting the skills of language.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide free English language classes to the people of Luang Prabang
- Improve the future prospects of some of Laos' most disadvantaged and impoverished people and help them to break the poverty cycle
- Expose non-English speakers to native speakers in order to improve pronunciation and conversational skills,
- Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both residents and international volunteers alike.
How You Can Help
Volunteers play an integral role in achieving the goals of this project. Having native English speakers impart their own inherent knowledge of a skill greatly improves the ability for non-English speakers to learn the language well. Volunteers will have the opportunity to assist with structured classroom lessons as well as drop-in conversational English sessions, including reading and playing educational games with the students. Qualified local teachers run the structured classroom lessons with volunteer assistance while the conversational sessions are volunteer lead. Volunteers therefore play a crucial role in improving student confidence and engagement as well as assisting with correct pronunciation and broadening vocabulary. The school attracts over 300 students from varying backgrounds and ranging in age from 10 - 22 years. Classes of around 20 students are divided according to skill level from beginner to intermediate.
Volunteers on this project contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Teach English to a range of students in a variety of ways
- Play games with students and make learning fun
- Network with local residents and local project staff
- Work with the local teacher to improve their English skills
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to help create a brighter future for children through the power of education. This project best suits those with experience and/or qualifications in the field of childhood development and education, though volunteers who simply wish to explore an interest in this field are also welcomed as there are many ways you can assist in the classroom. Whist not mandatory, completing a TEFL course prior to joining this project would prove to be highly beneficial. Ideally, volunteers on this project will have at least a basic knowledge of the local language in order to communicate effectively with staff and students, though this is not a pre-requisite. Importantly, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
- Resume
Project Location
This wonderful program is based in the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site of Luang Prabang, lying alongside the mighty Mekong River in the North of the country. As well as extensive natural beauty in the form of mountains, waterfalls and caves this area is famous for its many Buddhist Monasteries and Temples, known locally as ‘Wats’. Buddhist Monks in their distinctive orange robes are a common site as are the breath-taking sunsets over the Mekong.
Described as “languid and lovely” by Lonely Planet this ancient town is the rare combination of stunning natural beauty lying alongside man-made wonders and all contained within a relaxed and convivial atmosphere.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SATURDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon arrival into Luang Prabang you will be met by our local team, taken to your guesthouse accommodation and introduced to your hosts. The rest of the day is free to settle in to the new environment.
On Monday an orientation session takes place which covers local and regional customs, transport, rules and recommendations and, of course, what to expect from your volunteering placement. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts and ask any last questions you may have.
- Arrival Day: SATURDAY
- Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival Airport: Luang Prabang International Airport, Luang Prabang, Laos (Code: LPQ)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this program are accommodated in private rooms in a wonderful family run Guesthouse in picturesque Luang Prabang. The Guesthouse hosts' pride themselves on offering traditional Laos hospitality that is guaranteed to make you feel welcome.
The Guesthouse is centrally located and within easy reach of shops to purchase daily essentials, restaurants, cafes and bars for eating out, internet cafes for staying in touch with those at home and easy commuting distance to the program locations. Bicycles are a very effective way of getting around town.
Rooms are private and comfortable and equipped with en-suite bathrooms with western style facilities, electric hot water showers and air conditioning. Bed linen is provided so volunteers need only bring a towel and personal toiletries. Laundry facilities are available in the Guesthouse.
Breakfast is provided daily at the guesthouse and water and fruit is freely available. Lunch is also provided during the week at a restaurant near to the project site. Conveniently volunteers can also order food from the Guesthouse which is prepared by the hosts and costs approximately US$2 - US$4 per dish.
Lao food focuses on fresh vegetables and herbs and dishes are often grilled or steamed so are both healthy and delicious. Sticky rice is a staple and noodle soups (‘pho’) and stews (‘oh lam’) are common and full of flavor. A local saying goes along the lines of “Sweet makes you dizzy, but bitter makes you healthy” indicative of the tendency for dishes to be herbal and astringent rather than sweet and sour.
Fees
That’s just USD 46 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.
Additional Info
Wanting to stay longer?
Extra nights can be arranged at US$15 per night (breakfast included).
Prefer to arrange your own accommodation?
The program fee will be reduced to $165 for any length of stay.