Eco Tourism Development in Laos. Guide training, teaching English and more.

  Laos

• Rural Areas: 
Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Ongoing

Description: The project is in Laos, in the Phu Khao Khuai Mountains. The new project focuses on teaching English to villagers, adults, guides and also children/teachers in two villages where eco tourists will go trekking, stay with a host family etc.

The project is situated in the Water Buffalo Mountains, a national park about a 2 hour drive from Vientiane, the capital of Laos. This region has been restricted and unavailable for tourists until now.

Phu Khao Khuai, the Water Buffalo Mountains. Bordering on the Vientiane Province, the region has been the least visited area in Laos. Home to secret US bases during the Vietnam war, it was a "special zone". It has recently been opened for tourism though travel is still restricted.

Highlights: Exciting to explore, very sparsely populated, heavily forested and with an interesting wildlife such a clouded leopards, wild elephants, sun bears, net pythons. The Nam Ngum river offers exciting world class rapids in stunning forest and mountain scenery and upstream some of the last remaining (in the wild) Siamese crocodiles may be found.

Openmind projects volunteers will contribute to improving the lives of the local and isolated population, mainly ethnic Lao Loum and Hmong people, and to preserving untouched nature.

Qualifications:
- Capable of living in remote villages and under simple conditions
- Similar experiences or otherwise volunteered with Openmind projects in Thailand
- English teaching certificate is an advantage

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Mature, independent, flexible and energetic

Age Range: 20 plus

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

Participants Travel to Laos Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Open mind projects's Mission Statement: Open Mind Projects is a bridge to knowledge and cross-cultural understanding, bridging digital and knowledge divides between rich and poor. Open Mind Projects arranges placements for international volunteers to schools, Orphan Homes, other institutions and projects, in Thailand and Laos. Open Mind Projects cooperates with these schools and institutions with learning ideas, technology and international volunteers. Schools and other learning/youth institutions in developing nations are understaffed and under resources. New information technology and international volunteers help offset this advantage. Open Mind Projects wants to facilitate valuable cross-cultural experience, personal development, for volunteers and local childeren and students. An opportunity to learn about other cultures while making local and international friends, within an affordable backpacker budget.

Year Founded: 2001