Volunteer with Buddhist Monks in Laos

Have the rare opportunity to work closely with novice monks in a temple school;  learn about Lao culture, history, food, religion and language; visit local sights; enjoy a weekend break on the banks of the Mekong River.

Many young men in Laos will choose to become monks so that they can access education and escape poverty. Temples do provide inexpensive education although teachers are often stretched beyond capacity making it hard to provide all students with the attention they deserve.

Many students in Laos have a strong desire to learn English which can create more employment opportunities improving their economic situation. This increased demand for English lessons and a severe lack of teachers has made classes extremely overcrowded resulting in a deterioration of quality.

We aim to improve the quality of current English programs by providing more native speaking teachers to the temples, schools and education center in the area will help increase access to learning the English language therefore providing a higher level of education for individual students.

TEACHING ENGLISH IN LAOS

Volunteering on this project you will teach English to these students, improving the quality of their education. This will enable them to access more opportunities and bring a higher quality of life for their families

You will work with a wide variety of students teaching both practical and conversational English across different levels. The challenging but rewarding role will provide a unique insight into the Laotian culture.

You will work on the project Monday to Friday, planning and delivering English lessons. Weekends are yours to explore the surrounding area or simply relax at base with your fellow volunteers.

SPOTLIGHT ON OUR PROJECTS IN LAOS

Our projects in Laos are amongst our most popular to say the least.  It is also the hub with the highest number of project extensions.  Popular among slightly older volunteers and those wishing to spend a greater length of time in the field, our hub could not be more perfectly positioned in the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site of Luang Prabang. 

• Luang Prabang is the capital of Luang Prabang Province in northern Laos. The town lies in a valley at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers and is known for its many Buddhist temples, including the gilded Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Mai. 

• Project capacity: 20 volunteers, 4 field staff

• Volunteers and field staff live at a local guesthouse called Villa Merry.  There are usually 2-3 people per room with shared bathrooms and a communal kitchen and dining/socialising area. The upgrade accommodation is located just down the road and private rooms there have aircon and a TV.

• All meals are eaten at the guesthouse and prepared by a local Lao cook. Food is traditional with vegetarian and meat options available.

• Volunteers are required to wear a sinh while at project sites. These are traditional garments that can be purchased in-country. Volunteers should also bring collared shirts appropriate for their time at the front of a classroom.  The kit list is available in the project field manual sent on booking confirmation. 

• IMPORTANT! Holidays in Laos : Laos New Year 9-16 April, Boat Racing Festival 8-12 September, Christmas holiday 17-31 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.

What to provide to register

• Up to date CV/ resume
• Copy of return flight itinerary
• Police clearance
• Basic level of English; understanding and speaking
• Acceptance subject to availability of position

No last minute bookings for Laos as all volunteer passport details have to be submitted to our local partner the week before the start date

Visas

Most nationalities receive a 30 day visa on arrival (+-USD50 and passport photo required).  It is important to state travel/tourism as the reason for travel.  30 Day visas can be extended twice at the local immigration office in Luang Prabang (+-USD78). For volunteers staying over 90 days our field team will advise on two visa run options available; a cheap trip to Vientiane across the Friendship Bridge to Thailand or a roundtrip flight to Chiang Mai.

Payment & Cancellation

The non-refundable deposit payment is due within 48 hours of notice of acceptance onto the program. Deposits are currently €300(or equivalent) or €900 (or equivalent) for Programs costing €5000 (or equivalent) or more, or for Programs with a duration of 90 days or more.

For Programs with a deposit of €300 or equivalent 50% of the balance will be due 16 weeks before departure and the outstanding balance must be paid by the Participant no later than 10 weeks prior to departure. For Programs with a deposit of €900 or equivalent 50% of the balance will be due 20 weeks before departure and the outstanding balance must be paid by the Participant no later than 12 weeks prior to departure.

For Programs with a deposit of €300 or equivalent the Participant will be entitled to cancel at any time up until 16 weeks before departure. For Programs with a deposit of €900 or equivalent , the Participant will be entitled to cancel at any time up until 20 weeks before departure. In the event of timely cancellation, the Participant shall not be entitled to a refund of the deposit, but will be entitled to a refund of any other monies paid. All refunds are subject to an administration fee of €15, or equivalent. In the event of cancellation after the deadlines above, the Participant shall not be entitled to a refund of any monies paid.

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.