Volunteer Teaching In Laos

To become a volunteer teacher, we do not require a teaching certificate or any teaching experience, or even require being a native speaker. Applicants need to be fluent in English with a clear accent.

We ask this because we hope to give our students the best quality experience and education that they can get.

If you come from a non-native English-speaking country, you can take an iTEP Conversation Test to assess your speaking skills.

18+. There is no maximum age limit. Our volunteers are often college students, professionals on holidays, retired teachers, gap-year or world travelers, and anything in between.

1 week minimum. You can apply to stay up to 12 weeks.

Many of our volunteers come solo.

Couples and friends traveling together are welcome. This isn't a problem and you can stay in the volunteer housing together.

There are a variety of guest houses used for accommodation. Some are closer to the temple within easy walking distance.

GROUPS

If you are part of a group with adult chaperones, the minimum age is 14. This program is perfect for school groups who want to incorporate volunteering on a trip.

We can help you plan an itinerary in Southeast Asia that would include a week of volunteering at the temple.

2023:

Every Saturday starting January 7.

2024

January:  Sat 6, Sat 13, Sat 20, Sat 27,

February: Sat 3, Sat 10, Sat 17, Sat 24

March: Sat 2, Sat 9, Sat 16, Sat 23, Sat 30

April: Sat 6, Sat 13, Sat 20, Sat 27 

May: Sat 4, Sat 11, Sat 18, Sat 25

June: Sat 1, Sat 8, Sat 15, Sat 22, Sat 29 

July: Sat 6, Sat 13, Sat 20, Sat 27

August: Sat 3, Sat 10, Sat 17, Sat 24, Sat 31

September: Sat 7, Sat 14, Sat 21, Sat 28

October: Sat 5, Sat 12, Sat 19, Sat 26

November: Sat 2, Sat 9, Sat 16, Sat 23, Sat 30

December: Sat 7, Sat 14, Sat 21, Sat 28

A typical day includes morning English classes in one of the classrooms. You can either be a main teacher, or a teacher's assistant. Most main teachers come from the national Laos Teaching College. Main teachers need assistance in helping individuals or groups of students in areas such as pronunciation, reading, and conversation.

Afternoons and evenings will see local people (all ages) coming to the temple and school to have a chance to sit in small groups and improve their speaking skills. Groups will focus on a topic and will have a conversation about that topic. Volunteers will guide the conversation and provide corrections to spoken issues.

Schedules are kept flexible to ensure that our volunteers have adequate time to experience the uniqueness of the Lao culture and discover the heritage city of Luang Prabang & surrounding areas.

In return, volunteers will find that our Lao students are eager and hard-working  and a true delight to get to know. Invariably our volunteers leave English Club Laos with one regret; wishing they could stay longer.
While working with our students, you’ll witness progress and celebrate both big and small victories together. You’ll gain valuable teaching and tutoring experience and will often find yourself learning as much as your students! You will gain insight into the Lao culture and volunteers often develop lasting friendships with our students. Many also have opportunities get to know their families as well.

Having the opportunity to support and influence the lives of these students is a privilege and makes for a truly meaningful, memorable, and enjoyable experience for our volunteers.
Consistently we find that two things happen as a result of volunteering at English Club Laos; you will fall in love with the students and the students will fall in love with you!

Housing is in local guest houses that are usually solely used by the volunteer project. There is a combination of single, double, or triple rooms. All housing is located within walking distance, usually between a ten- and fifteen-minute walk.

Housing is basic but clean. Each room has its own bathroom, air-conditioning, and fan. Breakfast is taken at the accommodations.