Teach in Thailand - Live With A Local Family

  Thailand

Bangkok,  Rural Areas

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Year-round. Trips run every month.

Description: Looking for a learning adventure during college or afterwards? Want to have a full cultural immersion experience while living with a generous Thai family? The GSC program provides an insider's perspective you can't get as a tourist. You may find yourself teaching English to Thai students, Buddhist monks, orphans, and/or health professionals, and observing and/or assisting in local or rural hospitals. Experiences like these will change your life forever. The warmth and hospitality of your hosts will shine through their limited material means. You will live in the moment, enjoy the richness of the natural world, and know the pleasure of simple, uncomplicated friendships. You will return home with a greater appreciation of what it means to be a member of our global family.

The Thailand Education Program gives volunteers the opportunity to provide much needed English language training to students in rural areas of central Thailand. Volunteers have the option of teaching basic and conversational English in rural primary or secondary schools or at temple school to novice monks.

Prior to departure, GSC will provide you with a teaching manual filled with games, activities, and sample lesson plans that will serve as a reference throughout your service. Additionally, you'll receive basic EFL training during the orientation session at the training center in Singburi. Topics covered will include classroom management, what to expect in the classroom, lesson planning, and an overview of resources and activities. Previous teaching experience is not required - just a positive attitude and a willingness to approach challenges with patience and enthusiasm!

Teach English in a Primary or Secondary School
Volunteers who choose to work in local schools will lead daily classes in beginning and intermediate English with a focus on pronunciation, speaking, listening, and comprehension skills.
Through facilitating open, creative communication, volunteers establish lasting relationships with students and the community. Volunteers have the freedom to utilize various instructional techniques including games, songs, and group projects.

*Because of school vacations in the months of April and October, volunteer opportunities at the schools are limited, and will consist of special projects and day camps.

Highlights: Orientation & Training

Thailand volunteers enjoy a 6-day orientation and training session to start their program. This includes pick-up at the Suvarmabumi Airport and two nights/three days accommodations in Bangkok with fellow volunteers and the in-country coordinator. During which, volunteers are taken on sightseeing trips to some of the famous sites in Bangkok that include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, the Jim Thompson House, and a river boat taxi ride to Wat Arun. Volunteers are also taken out for group meals to get accustomed to the deliciously spicy Thai cuisine! On the third day, participants are taken to the GSC center in Singburi for cultural and program specific orientation and training. This includes Thai language training, an introduction to the specific project, a day trip to Wat San Phra Kan (Monkey Temple) in Lopburi, Wat Phra Baht Nam Phu AIDS Hospice, and an overnight Buddhist immersion experience at a local Wat (Buddhist temple). GSC also provides basic training in teaching English as a foreign language for those who will be teaching English to either local students or novice monks during their program. For volunteer participants in the HIV/AIDS Education Program, training is conducted on the biology of the disease, contextual issues facing Thai youth in terms of this disease, and how to effectively lead lessons that integrates HIV/AIDS education and awareness with English language training.

Host Families

Participating in an international homestay is one of the best ways to learn about another language and culture. Every GSC program offers a homestay with a local Thai or Tanzanian host. GSC places volunteers with hosts that enjoy learning about other cultures and appreciate the unique opportunity that hosting an international volunteer gives to their family life. Thailand volunteers also have the option of staying at the volunteer center throughout the duration of their stay.

Qualifications: No prior experience or specific skills required. However, participants are often students and professionals in healthcare, education, and Buddhist studies. For example, we have many teachers, doctors, pre-med students, and health science students. However, our only requirements are interest, energy, and maturity.

Cost in US$: From 2,705 for short-term programs

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Volunteers and student interns are generally interested in a having a cross cultural adventure. They are immersed in the culture, living with generous Thai families. Those who wish may choose to live independently in private accommodation. This is a service-learning experience. You will work with teachers, medical professionals, students, orphans, and/or practicing Buddhist monks. Projects include education, health, and Buddhist immersion. By living and working alongside local Thais, you will gain a true perspective of the culture, customs and traditions of this wonderful, colorful country.

Age Range: 18 years and older

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of 2-20

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Year Founded: 1992