Volunteer in Villages in the Lao Jungles. Teach English in a Lao Eco Tourism Project

  Laos

• Rural Areas: 
Rural Areas

  Thailand

• All Other Areas in Thailand: 
Nong Khai

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

Description: A Lao Eco tourism project, implemented by WWF in cooperation with the Lao National Tourism Administration and OpenmindProjects.

Teaching English in villages to help guides and other villagers to basic English conversation skills to take care of tourists, focusing on topics that guides explain during their tours.   .

Volunteers may also help train village and provincial guides how to guide tourists on a trek/jungle wall as well as help villagers to learn to take care of guests.

Volunteers can also help the project collect information   for tourists about target villages, treks, jungle walks, elephant rides, boat rides and transportation to/from target areas.

Background
The Xe Pian National Protected Area (NPA) is located in the south of Laos and has been identified as one of the   three most important NPAs in Laos. At least 13 globally threatened mammals have been found in Xe Pian, incl. tiger, gaur (the Asian Bison) and the Siamese crcodile.

There is currently no other international support and little national protection of Xe Pian. Poaching and logging is a problem. Tourism is on the rise. Poorly planned tourism development in Xe Pain is likely to have negative impacts on both nature and local communities but serious Eco tourism initiatives will greatly help balancing economic development with biodiversity conservation.

This Xe Pian Eco tourism Project started in April 2007. It aims to develop Eco tourism to generate income for both villages and protected area management thus encouraging villagers, other stakeholders, and tourists to conserve the natural resources. The project works with five villages.

Eco tourism activities to be developed include elephant trekking, bird watching, canoeing, hiking and forest walks, wildlife threat monitoring, cultural performances and interaction with local communities.

Highlights: Day 1-3
Volunteer Orientation in Nongkhai Thailand with OpenmindProjects

Day 4
Travel to Pakse

Day 5
Arrive in Pakse. Introduction to local officials. Orientation with project staff. Self-directed Lesson planning. Review of lesson plans. Stay overnight in local guesthouse or homestay.

Day 6
Travel to village site. Introduction to village leaders. Introduction to homestay family. Agreement with villagers on times for English learning and guides/homestay families who will participate in the course.
Evening: First class. Overnight with homestay family.

Day 7
Daytime - practical teaching in the field with select guides/homestay families.
(During school terms, it may also be possible to teach students during daytime.)
Evening informal classroom teaching for guides and homestay families.

Last 2 days
Written assessment of the course. Reporting to the project about progress and future needs.

Qualifications: Useful Volunteer Profile
- Some teaching and trekking experience. A commitment to nature protection and an interest in developing community-based Eco tourism.
- Flexibility and ability to work in changing work conditions as well as an interest to stay in home stay and eat local food.
- Ability to work alone with villagers.
- Good health.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Interest in teaching and trekking. A commitment to nature protection Openminded. Flexible and able to work in changing work conditions. Good health.

Age Range: 18 plus

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

Participants Travel Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 2-4

Application Process Involves:

• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

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