Volunteer in Thailand at the Teach and Beach Project

Please Note: This program is temporarily unavailable. Check out our alternative programs in Asia or schedule a one-on-one call with one of our expert volunteer advisors.

Join one of Koh Samui’s schools that is trying to improve the future of its children by providing a foundation for English learning, so that students can take the first step in continuing their education and potentially earning enough to support their families. The approach to education at this project is not all chalkboards and red marks; the curriculum is built upon fun and positive interactions that naturally encourage active language learning. The school holds over 200 students aged between 6-12 years old.

Location of the Project: Mae Nam, Koh Samui, Thailand

Project length: Minimum 2 weeks

Arrival Airport: Bangkok International Airport (BKK)

Volunteer Work: Teaching and community work

Age: 18-80. Age Exceptions- this project accepts volunteers who are 17 years old with a letter of consent from a parent or guardian.

Number of Volunteers: Up to 11 international volunteers

What’s Included

Accommodations: Shared accommodations in a volunteer house in Ban Tai

Food: Lunches are included on weekdays

Airport Transfers: Airport pickup is included on arrival day

Orientation: Orientation on the day after arrival includes a tour of Bangkok and the chance for volunteers to get to know one another before transferring to the project. Orientation introduction and training program with teaching support are provided upon arrival to Koh Samui.

Support: Comprehensive and professional pre-departure travel guidance, 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, experienced local field team.

What’s not Included

Flights, visas (if required), travel health insurance, most meals, return transport to Bangkok, optional local excursions, international and domestic airport taxes, personal expenses.

Location

This teaching program takes place on the beautiful and idyllic island of Koh Samui in the heart of the Thai Gulf. The school is located on the Northern side of the island, in an area known as ‘Mae Nam,’ a small, under-developed rural community which lacks government support. This part of the island also boasts some beautiful beaches that are almost deserted except for the occasional fisherman and his son. Just on the other side of the island you will find a selection of nightclubs, boutique hotels, night markets and restaurants.

Volunteer Work

Orientation (Included):
Upon arrival, you will be taken to a guest house and treated to an authentic Thai-style dinner. The next morning you will have breakfast at the accommodations and then go on a guided tour of Bangkok, where you will see the city and be introduced to the culture. That evening you will take an overnight transfer (bus and ferry) to Koh Samui where you will be met by a member of the project staff and taken to your accommodations. You will have an orientation and project briefing during your first morning on the island.

During your placement in Koh Samui, you will discover how to lead and control a classroom as you teach various levels of English. The support team will be with you every step of the way and you will be given plenty of time and support to prepare for your classes and make them your own. There is no need to feel daunted by all those beaming faces, as they are eager to learn from you. In Thai culture, and particularly on the island, teachers are well-respected and admired, so expect the kids, their parents and the other teachers to go out of their way to ensure that you are happy and enjoying your stay.

Your main tasks at the project will be to establish a basic level of English amongst the children, create a fun atmosphere for learning and work with the community to support their efforts in re-development and sustainability. Tasks may include:

Preparing classes and activities
Creating extra-curricular activities and workshops such as drama lessons or football games
Assisting the local teachers in their community duties
Micro-development projects throughout the school and its grounds

Holidays: During some holidays, the children will be out of school. During this time, volunteers may be assisting at an English camp or participating in fun island exploration activities. In 2018, the schools are closed from March 1 to May 31 and again during the month of October.

A typical day: You will have breakfast before departing for the school at 8 am. After welcoming the students, you will teach a few lessons before taking a lunch break with the other teachers around 11:30 am. You will continue teaching lessons in the afternoon as well as engage in some extra-curricular activities after classes finish. You will work about 6 hours per day, Monday through Friday. Your weekends will be free to explore the island or travel to other destinations.

Living Arrangements

Internet icon Internet: WiFi is available

Laundry icon Laundry: You can use the local laundry services which are fairly inexpensive or purchase detergent and wash by hand.

Accommodations icon Accommodations: You will stay in a volunteer house in Ban Tai on the very North of the island. The house contains three bedrooms (that sleep eight people), a fully-equipped kitchen, a living area, two toilets and showers (one is hot), and a TV and DVD player for your enjoyment. There is also a communal swimming pool across from the front door. It is possible that there will be water and electricity outages during your stay, but safe water for drinking and bathing is always available.

Food icon Food: During school days (Mon-Fri), you can expect to eat lunch with the rest of the school. You can buy groceries in town and cook for yourself or eat at any of the restaurants on the island. The house is located about a minute’s walk from the nearest convenience store.

Travel Highlights

No trip to Thailand would be complete without exploring the country and its capital city, Bangkok, which offers a bustling nightlife and great shopping. History buffs will enjoy visiting the Khmer Ruins, the Wat Pho Temple, The Grand Palace and Sukhothai, Thailand’s 13th century capital. If you love nature, hike through Khao Yai National Park or explore the scenery of Thailand’s Northern mountains and don’t miss the rock-climbing opportunities in Ko Yao Noi and Phi Phi.

Dates & Fees