Teach English and other subjects to children in a rural Thai Village. A fascinating cultural experience awaits you in this land of smiles! ... And you'll get free Thai language lessons!

You'll work in the small town of Muak Lek, located in Saraburi province, a three hour drive to the north of Bangkok. Here you’ll teach conversational English to a classroom of excited students in the town’s Seventh Day Adventist International School, a private organisation supported by the church. The school is run as a not for profit entity, so all profits are channelled back into the school for its benefit.

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

Since 1989 when this school had only one classroom, it has expanded and developed into an international educational i

nstitution. The school accepts students from various nationalities, backgrounds and religions (students do not have to be from Seventh Day Adventist backgrounds - in fact around 70% of students are actually Buddhist) and there are also many International students.

All subjects are presented in English because the curriculum is based on the American Education System. Many of the teachers at the school are also from international backgrounds, where English is not their first language. As such, exposure to native English speakers is crucial for the students progression and confidence in English. This is why your help is so very much appreciated.
You’ll help students aged 4 to 14 years to have conversations in English, as well as assisting with other lessons in Science, Maths, Arts and Crafts and Sports. There are around 200 students at the school, with class sizes usually not exceeding 25 at any one time.

Facilities at the school include a Library, computer room with internet access, cafeteria, play ground, basketball court and students hall. There are 29 staff and teachers from various different countries such as Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, India, United States, and Thailand so this is a truly international environment to be based in!

The school are very keen to receive help from native English speakers to encourage fluency. Exposure to native English speakers is crucial for these students - interaction with you enables them to learn correct pronunciation and vocabulary and gives them confidence to use English. Occasionally you may be asked to help with spelling and vocabulary as well as conversational English.

During school holidays from June - August, there is a summer school which is ideal for you to attend as it provides an opportunity for you to each in more of an informal setting, through games, drama, sports and music.

Because of the religious background of the school that you’ll be teaching in, there are some restrictions in terms of dress codes and general behaviour (such as observing Saturday as the Sabbath where no work is done). You’ll be advised on appropriate behaviour once you’ve applied for this placement.

ACCOMMODATION:

You’ll live in an area called Australia Village which is located on an adjacent plot of land from the school. This private residential village offers a secure, enclosed environment and an excellent chance to integrate with other teachers at the school, many of whom live on the same street! Expect a warm welcome and plenty of opportunities for social activities.

You’ll either live with a host family (one of whom will probably be a teacher at the school), or you’ll live in your own house, possibly sharing with other volunteers. Australia village has a swimming pool and small convenience shop.

There is a bus service connecting the school to Bangkok, so it’s possible to make arrangements for sightseeing in other parts of Thailand during your free time. The nearest town with a train station is Saraburi, around 15 minutes from Muak Lek. From here there is also a large bus station with many connecting buses so you’ll have plenty of opportunities for exploring the surrounding area.

LOCATION:

Muak Lek, where our project is based, is a traditional Thai village with a lovely community atmosphere, situated 108kms from Bangkok and just a 5 minute drive from the school. Muak Lek has all of the necessary public facilities such as a post office, several shopping centres, internet cafes, restaurants and banks.

The village is most lively on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when evening markets dominate the town, food stalls stay open late and locals integrate with one another. These markets are a great opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of a typical village in rural Thailand and try some of Thailand’s famous, delicate cuisine; fragrant rice, steamed vegetables and spicy coconut based curries await you!

Saraburi province is famous for its waterfalls and there is also a national park in the region.