Teach English on a Laos Organic Farm

  Laos

• Rural Areas: 
Rural Areas

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

Description: Teach in Laos while supporting sustainable organic farming and progressive community development! For some of the lowest volunteer fees available, you can live and work at the picturesque Vang Vieng Organic Farm.

Because of Laos' colonial past, Laotians in general posses better language skills than neighboring South East Asian countries, however most Laos schools are extremely poor which little other than the most basic facilities. Travel to Teach works in the Phoudindaeng village just 4 km north of Vang Vieng, with the Vang Vieng Organic Farm.

Vang Vieng is located halfway between the capital, Vientiane, and UNESCO heritage site, Luang Prabang. The Travel to Teach/Laos volunteer program at the organic farm teaches English and computers, and assists the farm in a number of other ways.

Vang Vieng Organic Farm was founded by Thangnongsi Soangkoun in 1996 with the goal of introducing organic farming methods in an area where chemicals and deforestation were ruining the land. He wanted to lead by example, showing that organic methods could be profitable as well as healthy. He also wanted to assist the local people through community projects supported by the profits from the farm.

Today the farm is a vibrant center for a variety of community projects including a community center and classroom where English classes are held. There is also a community library with many books in both English and Lao, and computer classes taught in the library. Profits from the farm have also purchased two school buses for the kids. Prior to the purchase of these school buses, the children would walk to school and since the distance is quite far many children did not go to school every day.

This project needs volunteers to help with a variety of tasks around the farm and the community including volunteer English teachers, computer teachers, a computer repair instructor, and librarians.

Highlights: Vang Vieng caters to tourists with its many western restaurants and guest houses. Yet it manages to retain a fairly authentic Laos atmosphere. Nestled amongst the typical Laos hilly and mountainous terrain and situated on the banks of the Nam Song river, the landscape is breathtaking. Just a short walk from town are many ethnic Lao, Kmou, and Hmong villages. The organic farm itself is located just 4 km north of Vang Vieng town in the tiny and peaceful village of Phoudindaeng.

Leisure activities include (but are not limited to) hiking, spelunking in the numerous caves, swimming, kayaking, or tubing down the river, watching a movie in one of the many restaurants in town, and of course relaxing and taking in the beauty of the surroundings.

* You will work abroad, within another culture in a beautiful setting.
* You will learn to handle unexpected situations.
* The work you do will bring you closer to people of the country you visit.
* You will learn about yourself while learning about others.
* You will have memories and find friends for life.
* And you will make a difference to other people's lives in the process.

Qualifications:
- adventurous
- flexible
- open-minded
- fluent in English

Cost in US$: $790 for one month, $2195 for 6 months

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Curious and respectful of other cultures. Team player. Hard working, fun loving, and enthusiastic.

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and World Wide 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:

• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Travel to Teach's Mission Statement: Travel to Teach is a non-profit organisation, which provides affordable volunteering opportunities to teach English whilst travelling abroad. Provide valuable working opportunities for our volunteers. Ensure genuine travelling experiences of different cultures at a cost that most travelers can afford. Teach English and Computer skills to the poorer parts of the world where too little education is provided. Travel to Teach has had the ambition to develop our programs according to Guidelines for Ethical Volunteering as presented.

Year Founded: 2001