Volunteer with Buddhist Monks in Laos

Useful information

Location: Luang Prabang, Laos

Duration: 2 to 24 weeks

Beginning: every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month
 

Our humanitarian mission in Laos

In Laos, many young men decide to become monks to access education and escape poverty. Temples offer inexpensive teachings, but teachers are often overwhelmed. 

In addition, many students want to learn English to ensure a better professional future. In fact, there is an increasing demand for English classes, but there are few teachers: classes are overcrowded, and the quality of teaching is not always there.

We want to improve the quality of English programs by offering English-language teachers to temples, schools and educational centers in Luang Prabang. Thus, we contribute to the implementation of high-level teaching.

Teaching English in Laos

Our local NGO collaborates with 2 temple schools to provide English programs for Novice Monks (these do not run all year round. They are like any other school that has holidays and breaks).

 In addition, we also provide several English classes for Novice Monks at the local library. Volunteers will teach Novice Monks at at least one of these locations, while also contributing to the broader project, teaching local lay students, both children and young adults at English centres in Luang Prabang.

By engaging in this project, you will teach English to these students in order to improve the quality of theireducation . This will enable them and their families to access a better quality of life through more opportunities in the world of work. 

You will work with students from different backgrounds and levels, and teach a practical and conversational English. It is a demanding but very rewarding job that will enable you to discover Laotian culture from the inside. 

From Monday to Friday, you will devote yourself to the preparation and the animation of the English courses. During the weekends, you will be free to visit the surroundings, or simply to relax with the other volunteers.
 

Light on our projects in Laos

Our base could not be better located in the heart of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Luang Prabang is the capital of the province of the same name, north of Laos. The city is located in a valley at the confluence of the Mekong and the Nam Khan River. The city is famous for its many Buddhist temples, including Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Mai. 

• Project staff: 20 volunteers, 4 staff members

• The volunteers and staff are housed in a guest house, Villa Merry. Generally, these are rooms for 2 to 3 people, with bathroom and common kitchen, and a dining / relaxation area. 
• An accommodation "upgrade" is available at an additional cost:It is situated close to the guesthouse, volunteers can be accommodated in single room, with air conditioning and TV

• All meals are taken at the guest house, and are prepared by a local cook. These are traditional meals, with two options: vegetarian or meat. 

• You must wear the Sinh when you are at the project site. It is a traditional dress that you can buy on site. We also recommend that you bring shirts adapted to your interventions in front of the students. A list of things to pack in your luggage is provided in the project manual, sent along with the confirmation of your reservation.  

• IMPORTANT! The project is not available during the holidays in Laos. The dates are variable, indicative: New Year (1 week in April), Festival of the races of boats (1 week in September). Christmas holidays last two weeks of December.

Our volunteer project inclusions

•  Airport pick up
• Accommodation
• Orientation and welcome BBQ
• Three meals a day
• Weekly social events
• Transport to and from the projects
• 24 hour support and supervisor on project
• Donation to the NPO to assist with projects
• Certificate of appreciation

The Laos Welcome Pack, always included in the booking confirmation email, is also a brilliant source of information for volunteers to prepare their trip.

Terms

• From 18 years
• Fluent in speaking & writing of English languageVaccines: Diphtheria, Typhus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and Anti-polio. Ask your doctor for advice on rabies vaccination and anti-malarial treatments. 

We do not accept last minute reservations for programs in Laos because the personal information (passport) of the volunteers must be forwarded to our local partner at least one week before the start date of the program.
 

Visas

Most foreigners are granted a 30-day visa upon arrival in Laos (a payment of approximately US $ 50 + photo ID is required). It is important to indicate that the reason for the stay is tourism. 30-day visas can be renewed twice at the Luang Prabang Immigration Office (approximately US $ 78). Our local team will direct volunteers participating in a 90-day program to two options for visa renewal: an excursion to Vientiane to Thailand via the Friendship Bridge, or a round-trip flight to Chiang Mai. 

Payment and Cancellation Policy

A non-refundable deposit is due within 48 hours after notification of acceptance of the application. The amount of this deposit is 300 €, or 900 € for programs over 5000 € and / more than 90 days.

In the case of a 300 € deposit, 50% of the total is due 16 weeks before the date of departure and the full amount is payable no later than 10 weeks before the departure date.

In the case of a deposit of € 900, 50% of the total is due 20 weeks before the date of departure and the full amount is due no later than 12 weeks before departure.

In the case of a deposit of 300 €, the participant can cancel at any time up to 16 weeks before the date of departure.

In the case of a deposit of 900 €, the participant can cancel at any time up to 20 weeks before the departure date.

The sums paid will be reimbursed with the exception of the amount of the deposit, withheld as a penalty. All refunds will be subject to a 15 € processing fee.

In the event of cancellation after the above dates, no refunds will be required.
 

To register you will be asked

- the registration form to be completed and returned to info@freepackers.com - a copy of the passport

Our local charity relies on travellers to volunteer on various schemes around the world. We place volunteers into local communities and projects, assisting in building projects and allowing travellers to contribute to a growing community as well as making new friends.

The organisation is non-profitable and always ensures that all funding goes directly into the projects. The fee price for the volunteer experience will cover your accommodation and transport as well as a donation the projects.