Thailand

Quick Facts

Duration: 6.5 weeks
2012 Program Dates

  • Arrival in Bangkok: June 18
  • Orientation in Thapanhin, Phichit: June 19-22
  • Teaching Begins: June 25
  • Midpoint Meeting: July 14-15
  • Teaching Ends: August 3
  • Post-service Wrap-up: August 4
  •  Volunteers free to depart after: August 5

Number of Volunteers: 25+
Language Requirement: None but basic greetings are highly recommended
Village Setting: Town
Living Conditions: AC and hot water will be available in most places. Internet not reliable.
Students’ Proficiency Level: K-12, basic English.
The Country Coordinator and one of the Program Directors are Thai-American.
Extra self-initiated service project (see Program Structure tab)

For questions not answered on this website, Contact Pakapol & Melinda

Program Structure

Town Service Component:

The Thailand Program brings to the Learning Enterprises a table a fresh and innovative approach to service. Volunteers will need to come to Thailand with an open mind and an ability to adapt to the present circumstances. To this end, each volunteer will be asked to be of service to his or her students, host families, and/or school on a daily basis: conducting study groups on the weekends, offering specialty lessons outside of the curriculum on their days off, and helping in their host families’ yards or houses are a few examples. Moreover, in addition to being generally of service, the volunteer should “lead by serving others,” and plan, organize, and implement a service project with their students that will benefit the community in which they are living. Another important mindset for the program would be to embrace the culture with an open mind and the volunteers may find that the students are not the only ones who are being educated. Keeping an open mind will pave way for a true exchange of ideas and knowledge and will “expand horizons” for the volunteers and their students, host families, and the community.

Examples of previous service projects include:

  • English book drive
  • Painting a Mural
  • Recycling
  • Picking up trash
  • Teaching a health class

The ideal volunteer for LE Thailand:

  • Is open-minded
  • Is inspirational and fun
  • Is a leader
  • Takes initiative
  • Can adapt to living in a different culture
  • Takes responsibility for their actions
  • Understands that the program begins the moment of acceptance notices

Your Host Community

The volunteers will be placed in the Phichit and Phitsanulok provinces and will be assigned to teach at their respectfully designated schools.

Village/Towns:

  • Basically a hybrid of suburbs and a rural village; paved roads but poor infrastructure
  • All houses will have running water but might not have automatic flushing toilets
  • Some houses will have air conditioner
  • Some houses will have hot water
  • Internet will be accessible but not convenient to American standards
  • Climate: Very hot and humid!!! Mid – to upper – 90s. Bring sunblock and mosquito repellent!

Host Families:

  • The families may or may not have a child but will definitely have a student
  • The food is usually diverse with lots of vegetables and meats; vegans and vegetarians fare very well
  • The host families are very hospitable. Open yourself to your surroundings and you will learn far more than you have expected.

Teaching

Our mission is to increase access to education and this could mean bringing the class to the student.

Volunteers teach classes during the school year. (The Thai school system vacations in March-April and October)

  • Volunteers teach in nearby schools, accessible by walking or biking
  • Volunteers will inherit teachers’ classes throughout the program’s stay
  • Each class taught will contain between 20-45 students.
  • Volunteers can also teach classes after school

Volunteers shouldn’t be surprised if the students ask for autographs
After-school classes (at the discretion of the volunteer) can be open to the entire community
The most important aspect of teaching is to HAVE FUN! You are not subjugated to the norms of teaching, mix things up and have a great time while learning in the process. Creativity is key.

Additional Information

Thailand_Addendum PY 2012, a field guide to life in-country.

Thailand Projected Expenses PY 2012. Please note that all expenses are estimates and can vary depending on personal spending habits.

Check out the LEThailand YouTube Channel!