Overview
Volunteer with Buddhist Novice Monks and Local Communities in Laos

Laos is one of the most traditional countries in Asia, and offers some of the richest culture and history of the region. Volunteering to teach novice monks and local community members in one of the country’s more historic regions is an incredibly rewarding way to connect with the real Laos and its people. The volunteer project is based in Luang Prabang, a Unesco Heritage Site, which is known for its beauty, architecture and colour. Volunteers will have time off at weekends to explore the region and so can take a scenic boat trip up the Mekong to the Pak Ou Caves, watch the sunset from atop Mount Phu Si, swim in the Kuang Si Waterfalls, marvel at the many temples, trek, raft or take an elephant tour. This is the perfect way to explore one of the countries in Asia least tarnished by tourism.

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As a teacher, you are seen with great respect by the community. The second you tell someone you are an English Teacher, they bombard you with questions. All they want to do is practise their English and learn as much as possible.

Veronica Trujillo, GVI Laos Volunteer

What Difference Does This Project Make?

As the national government relies heavily on foreign aid to support itself, very little funding flows to rural education. As a result, many rural boys move to urban areas to ordain as Buddhist monks and further their education and opportunities for the future. This education is provided by the temples at very little cost and as a result resources are often stretched beyond capacity. English is the most popular subject in a school of 700 students and they are desperate for native or fluent speakers to help provide assistance. As Luang Prabang and surrounding communities gain economic benefits from tourists and adventure travellers through the region, they are realizing more and more the importance of English skills and the demand for quality teachers is growing. By providing local people with English language training you will help them take steps to improve their livelihoods and futures.

Highlights

Have the rare opportunity to work closely with novice monks in a temple school; live in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO heritage town; assist local community members in obtaining and practicing valuable English skills; learn about Lao culture, history, food, religion and language; visit local sights; enjoy a weekend break on the banks of the Mekong River.

Location

Luang Prabang is the former royal capital of Laos and is a very relaxing town located on the Mekong River. It is about 900 km northeast of Bangkok, Thailand. Lovely French Colonial buildings and fresh baguettes fused with exotic Southeast Asian culture and charm make for a wonderful setting to gain some teaching practice and experience a unique culture. 200 year old Wat Siphoutthabat stands at the base of Mt. Phousii in the heart of historic Luang Prabang. It is the largest school for monks in the city, having over 700 novices who live in the other temples and come here each day to study. Other schools, colleges, and language centres are all within walking distance of this lovely town. The surrounding hills contain traditional villages, waterfalls and other scenic pleasures.

Field Conditions

Volunteers will have their own room in a centrally located guesthouse. It has electricity and a variety of facilities are plentiful and nearby. Both Lao and Western food are available very cheaply in Luang Prabang (food will be at the expense of the volunteer). Laundry will be at your own expense.
Laos generally enjoys a mild, tropical climate, but it can get quite chilly in the cool season. Temperatures range from 10 – 40°C in the Mekong Valley, and may dip below zero in the mountains and on the Xieng Khouang and Bolaven Plateaus. There are three distinct seasons: cool from November-February; hot from March-May and the rainy season which lasts from June -October. Most people find the best time to visit from October-February; however the low season offers lush green landscapes in the rainy season and the colourful Lao New Year's festival in April.