Teach English in Schools or to Novice Monks in Thailand

  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: Monthly Start Dates throughout the year.

Description: Support the Thailand Ministry of Educations initiative to provide English as a Foreign Language by teaching students in schools or novice monks in temples while living with a local Thai family.

Global Service Corps' Teach English Abroad Program gives volunteers the opportunity to provide much needed English language training to students in rural and urban areas of Thailand. Volunteers have the option of teaching basic and conversational English in private or public primary or secondary schools or at temple schools to novice monks. The Teach English in Thailand Education Program is available as part of the Two-Week, Short-Term, Long-Term, and Internship Programs.

Volunteers receive teacher training during the orientation session in Singburi from experienced in-country staff as well as detailed training manuals before embarking on the projects. Topics covered 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!

Highlights: Accommodation: Volunteers experience true cultural immersion by living with a local Thai family or at the Buddhist temple. GSC places volunteers with hosts who enjoy learning about other cultures and appreciate the unique opportunity that hosting an international volunteer gives to their family. Host families and placement temples have been carefully chosen by GSC and our partners, and many have hosted volunteers over the course of several years. Whether you are learning meditation from your novice monks or sharing a spicy som tam (papaya salad) with your new Thai family, your experience with GSC hosts will provide memories and friendships lasting a lifetime.

Thai Partners: The experience of GSC volunteers is greatly enhanced by their daily interaction with local counterparts, whether a nurse at a hospital, a teacher at a school, or an English-speaking monk, Volunteers and their Thai partners build mutually beneficial and often long lasting bonds of friendship. Local partners assist Volunteers with obtaining local transportation, finding the best local restaurants, learning local language phrases, meeting community leaders, and giving tips about and often participating in social activities. Counterparts play a vital role in providing a true cultural immersion experience while helping to insure that the volunteers' interaction with and service to the community is appropriate and effective.

Cultural Orientation and Technical Training: All Thailand Service-Learning programs include in-depth cultural orientation including trips to important Thai temples and sites, Thai language training, as well as how to use a river boat taxi like a local. Volunteers also receive technical training on relevant to including the basics of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and how to conduct engaging classes.

Qualifications: Interest in international development and/or teaching a must. All nationalities are welcome. Proficiency in English is required. No experience is necessary, although many of our volunteers have school or professional experience in education, international development, or related areas. Must be 18 years of age or older.

Cost in US$: Programs start at $2,825

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18 - 80

This Program is open to Worldwide 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:

• Essay
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Global Service Corps's Mission Statement: Working from offices on three continents, Global Service Corps is dedicated to fulfilling our mission of designing and implementing effective service-learning programs that provide maximum benefit to our program participants and the communities we serve. Through the hard work of our staff, support of our advisory board, collaboration with our partners and the participation of hundreds of volunteers each year, Global Service Corps has earned its reputation as a leader in international volunteerism, service-learning and community development.

Year Founded: 1992