Volunt2Thai

About

Help teach English as a foreign language or work in the traditional farms in this remote and authentic village in Northeastern Thailand. During your placement you will live independently in the campus, enabling you to make your own plans outside of volunteer hours. Working 8am - 3pm, Monday to Friday you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the stunning surrounding areas, spend time with your newly found friends or just chill out by the communal swimming pool. And with bikes and Tuk Tuks provided by Volunt2Thai, a shared bungalow, access to the communal kitchen and language cafe you’ll be able to make your own plans and live independently during your stay. 

V2T welcome all age ranges, backgrounds, cultures and skill levels. No matter what experience you have we’re sure that you have important and valuable skills you can share with the village and V2T will do everything they can to make sure your day is filled with tasks that you’re comfortable with and that interest you. 

A Typical Day

The type of work you are given will be dependent on your skills and experience ranging from teaching, farming or construction.  You will start your working day at 8am in either the farm or one of the 6 local schools to and help teach basic English, Arts & Crafts, Music or Sports through games and classroom work.  Full teaching materials and support will be on hand during your placement. 

During your day, whether you are farming, helping construct or repair buildings in the village or teaching you may also be asked to help with organising training days, seminars and other events being held at the campus with support from village mayors, school directors, teachers and district representatives.

Your skills and experience will be an important part of the cultural exchange program - you will be helping children (and the whole village) gain a better understanding of the English language and it’s nuances and your culture.  During your placement you will also have the opportunity to learn traditional Thai culture, crafts and skills. 

The working day will end at around 3pm allowing you time to explore the area, visit friends or head back to the campus and relax by the pool. 

Quick Facts

Experience or requirements – No experience or qualifications necessary - just a flexible, patient and proactive attitude.  Applicants with a First Aid certification, TEFL/CELTA certification, previous teaching or farming experience and previous NGO/volunteer work are particularly welcomed. Volunt2Thai will carry out an valuation of competences to ensure appropriate placement in the V2T project

All volunteering placements are subject to a Criminal Background Check and references

Minimum Commitment – 2 weeks 

Working day – Monday to Friday  08.00 – 15.00

Price - €114 (approx £100) per week and includes: 

• - All pre-travel assistance including vaccination and insurance advice, documentation, invitation letter for visa 
• - Registration with school, hospital and Ministry of Labour
• - 24 hour online support and emergency phone line & full orienteering program on arrival 
• - Accommodation in shared bungalows 
• - Access to community kitchen with basic food provided
• - Cleaning and maintenance of accommodation (twice monthly)
• - Free bike or tuk tuk hire and placement transfers
• - Access to library, teaching materials, music system and instruments
• - Access to language cafe
• - Certificate of participation and internship in Thailand

Not Included: 

• - Flights and travel from the airport (transfers can be provided at additional cost)
• - Visa and application costs 
• - Vaccinations
• - Travel or accommodation outside of placement

Features

• Cultural Activities Included
• Swimming Pool
• Placement Transfers Included
• Accommodation Included
• Meals Included
• Free Bike Hire
• Educational Activities

Pricing

€114 (approx £100) per week

Includes accommodation

Your Accommodation

Accommodation is provided in shared bungalows at the Volunt2Thai campus. Each bungalow sleeps up to 4 people and is equipped with 2 bunk beds, bed linen and mosquito nets. Shower and toilet facilities can be found in a separate hut. You will also have access to the community kitchen with fridge and cooking equipment with basic food provided. 

About The Area

Based in Ban Non Pong / Ban Nong Kung area of Udon Thani province in Northeast Thailand this area is renowned for its beautiful lakes, forests, rivers and historic sites.  The small village is closely knit, the villagers have grown up together, live together and will be buried together and their Buddhist lifestyle characterises daily life in the village. 

There’s plenty to see and do here with weekend trips to nearby places of interest, and we’re sure that being in a rural village you will make plenty of friendships during your stay to fill your time.  However if you’re looking for some inspiration here are some suggestions for your stay: 

• Learn to speak Thai at the Language Cafe on Campus 

• Experience authentic culture and traditions in the village - learn ancient knowledge and Thai crafts

• Take a bike ride to explore the area, with rice paddies, forests and lakes nearby

• Head out to Udon Thani Town for shopping, restaurants and nightlife

• Have a weekend away at Phu Phra Baht Historical Park and discover the sandstone caves, caverns and prehistoric cave paintings

• Go camping at the Phu Foi Lom Eco Park

Map

Activities and Nearby Adventures

• Cultural Activities
• Cultural Visits
• Guided Jungle Treks
• Hiking
• Guided Wildlife Excursions
• Language Lessons
• Authentic Cooking Lessons
• Waterfalls Nearby
• Traditional Craft Lessons
• Caving

Meet the hosts

Volunt2Thai established in 2014 to help village farmers and their families build a sustainable future. Since joining the community they have consistently expanded their support to incorporate education and cultural exchange programs, now supporting over 650 children across 6 schools, and the larger village network. 

Volunt2Thai keep volunteer numbers low to ensure that the placement of volunteers does not negatively impact on employment opportunities within the area.  The role of the volunteer is primarily to help out where skills, time and resources are otherwise unavailable in the village and to help exchange knowledge and cultural understanding in order to better lives in rural communities. 

In addition to providing the short term benefits of volunteer and cultural exchange guests, Volunt2Thai also work to benefit the community with longer term assistance within the community through providing donations, teaching materials, school uniforms as well as running campaigns and fundraising events to help deliver community needs.

How To Get There

Travel in Thailand is relatively easy and you’ll find most people will help you get to the right bus terminal for your destination.  If you’re unsure ask your hotel to arrange a booking on your behalf, alternatively: 

The nearest airport is Udon Thani however if flying internationally you can also fly to Chiang Mai or Bangkok and catch a connecting flight to Udon Thani

From Chiang Mai or Bangkok- Take a bus or connecting to Udon Thani and follow the directions below:

From Udon Thani - Take a Tuk Tuk or minibus to Rangsina Market. From Rangsina Market you can either take the red bus to Amphoe Phen (1 hour drive) or the green bus directly to Ban Nong Phong. From Amphoe Phen you have to take a Tuk Tuk to Ban Nong Phong (20 minutes journey time)

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