Trip Details

Volunteer Teaching in Laos

If you’re looking for the chance to make a difference to children in poorer communities by volunteering as a teaching assistant, why not be a Volunteer Teacher in Laos?! On this rewarding project, you will provide children in the poorer communities of Laos with a better education and in so doing, improve their future prospects.  Based in Ban Houakhoua Village, you will work alongside local staff, sharing your skills and stories – and of course, language skills! A truly unforgettable volunteering experience, you will benefit from learning new teaching skills and get to know the Laotian people who are kind, friendly and appreciative of your efforts!

Teach – and learn – as you volunteer with Laotian Children!

On this exciting project, you will work at a local school, (and perhaps neighbouring schools) attended by approximately 100 children between the ages of 4 and 12. Most of the children here come from poorer communities and do not usually have access to the English language, so your time is incredibly valuable!  Supported by local staff, you will be expected to plan and deliver English language lessons, as well as other activities such as music, sports and art. However, for organised and assertive participants, there will be opportunities to deliver extra-curricular English classes, too! A little creative flair, patience, and an empathic approach are key on this project, so if you have these qualities – and love working with children, volunteer teaching in Laos will be ideal for you!

Create your own Exciting Adventures, as a Volunteer in Laos

The area where you will be staying is quiet, surrounded by rice fields and lakes. However, you will want to head further afield at the weekends – and there are many beautiful places to visit! Head to Vientiane City, a laid-back colonial town known as ‘a pearl at the Mekong”. Alternatively, you might like to try the nightlife of Vang Vieng, a favourite go-to place for our participants during their weekends with its vibrant nightlife and outdoor activities such as biking, hiking and kayaking. However, you will also find plenty to do at the centre, which has a makeshift restaurant, especially for our guests. Here you can enjoy regular Karaoke nights, movies and BBQs throughout the week for your entertainment!

Why Volunteer Teaching in Laos?

  • Improve children’s education, outlook and chances in life
  • Gain valuable teaching experience and learn new skills
  • Work with a great local team of teaching staff who appreciate your input
  • Enjoy evening activities for volunteers, from Karaoke, to BBQs and movie nights
  • Discover authentic Laotian cuisine with all meals and beverages* included

*tea, coffee and drinking water

Get in touch to find out more or browse through our many other volunteer experiences.

Trip Itinerary

You will arrive on the Sunday and have plenty of time to unpack and settle into your new surroundings. And if you are travelling here on your own, don’t worry! You will have plenty of other volunteers around to chat to, and your coordinator will support you throughout your stay.

Mandatory Orientation Day

On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to familiarise yourself with the surroundings as well as local culture. Your programme will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.

Orientation Schedule

  • Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and handling of documents.
  • Lao Do’s and Don’ts, Lao Culture Lessons and Lao Language Lessons.
  • Tour around the compound and local area; where to find local shops, and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
  • Lunch
  • Vegetable planting.

Daily Schedule

Tuesday to Friday

The schedule is adaptable according to the needs of the schools and the children. However, each day of Volunteer Teaching in Laos will begin with breakfast before having time for evaluating previous learning activities, and planning and preparing for classes and extra-curricular activities in the afternoon.

After lunch, you will deliver English lessons which will include teaching grammar, vocabulary, conversational practice, games, songs, sports and music. During the lessons, you will be expected to create real-life, fun, role-play situations for the children to participate in while conversing in English. Finally, at the end of each week you will have a meeting with your coordinator to evaluate your learning activities, constructively reflect on your work and plan steps to move you and the children forward.

Evenings and Weekends

At the end of your day as a Volunteer Teacher in Laos, you can choose to explore the area or simply relax with new friends back at your accommodation. Many of our volunteers enjoy mixing with their new volunteer friends during the week and plan their weekend adventures together!

Please note: This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Places to Visit

Vientiane City

A laid-back, French-influenced city situated on the banks of the Mekong River and is located only 25 minutes away from our centre. This ancient city is different from any other capital city in Southeast Asia. With its authentic Laotian and French colonial style, it truly is a ‘pearl at the Mekong”.

Vang Vieng

A favourite go-to place for our participants during their weekends! The city is a major backpacker hub, made famous thanks to its nightlife and outdoor activities such as biking, hiking and kayaking.

Luang Prabang

Although a bit further afield it is still worth the journey for sure. It is one of the most beautiful towns in Southeast Asia thanks to its alluring mountainous landscapes and riverside location!

Trip Accommodation

You will stay at Ban Houakhoua Village, located in the Naxaythong District, about 25km from Vientiane, the country’s capital. This location allows for the best of both worlds, its rural nature will give you a taste of Laos while still being close enough to the city!

About the Accommodation

The accommodation is tucked away in the countryside of Laos, allowing you to get a true taste of Laotian scenery. It has a sports area where you can play football or volleyball with other volunteers. Further, it is surrounded by rice fields and lakes, which you can take advantage of through activities such as swimming and boating. In addition, we offer standard rooms which are on a single-gender basis 4-6 people per room. However, you also have an option to request a private room, subject to availability.

Food Arrangements

Enjoy a variety of delicious Laotian dishes accompanied with a lot of fruit – all included in our programme! Dishes can include, vegetables, rice and noodles and are generally healthy and nutritious. However, you can also buy snacks from markets, nearby, if you need a little sweet treat now and again! Be aware that whilst vegetarians can be catered for, it’s a little difficult to cater for other dietary requirements, so do ask about this at the time of booking.

Facilities

You can find simple groceries and beverages sold in two local restaurants located next to the accommodation. In addition, you’ll find shops and a local market located 3 minutes and 10 minutes away respectively, on foot. There is also a lake-side makeshift restaurant just for us, where you can enjoy the evenings and order Western or Laotian food at reasonable prices. Importantly, there is also a pharmacy and local clinic located less than 5 kilometres away, and our coordinator is also on hand should you need any assistance with your health.

Transportation

Vientiane is located about 25km away and it is very easy to reach via public transport from our centre and back. Anything that you might need can be found there, with its numerous shopping malls, a cinema and local markets to explore! There are also bikes available for you to use to explore the area during the afternoons.

Money

The closest ATM machine is on the main road to Vientiane, approximately 5km from the accommodation. We advise all volunteers to bring some local currency with them for personal expenses, although you don’t need a lot of money when you stay with us!

Activities & Events

Enjoy these regular activities provided for volunteers at our centre:

Tuesday Evenings

There is a BBQ night every Tuesday, which provides a perfect opportunity to relax and spend time with other participants in our lakeside restaurant!

Wednesday Evenings

Cosy movie night at the accommodation

Thursday Evenings

Enjoy one of Southeast Asia’s favourite activities – Karaoke! (or “sing a song”, as the locals like to call it)

Transportation

From this location we provide free transport to your next programme at the following location:

  • Sayaboury

Trip Country Info

Laos

Capital: Vientiane
Language: Lao
Currency: Kip (LAK)
Time zone: ICT +7:00

Once known as the ‘land of a million elephants’, Laos is the only landlocked country in Asia, bordered by Burma, China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. It became a French protectorate in 1893 and finally became an independent country in 1953 with a constitutional monarchy. This monarchy however was shortly ended by a long civil war. Today Laos is a single-party socialist republic whilst remaining strongly influenced by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Vietnam People’s Army. The Laotian people make up roughly 60% of the population whilst indigenous groups and hill tribes account for 40% of the Laotian population.

It is a country that has a lot to offer whether it’s the underground river caves, the white-water rapids and jungle zip lines for thrill seekers, the beautiful forests for trekkers and nature lovers or the wonderful cuisine for the foodies!

Gap year travel in Laos is enjoyed in a country of stunning natural beauty and strong spiritual traditions which remain relatively unexplored. With a population of over 6 million people, it is one of the least populated countries in the world. Much of the country is dominated by forested mountains, lush green valleys and broad snaking rivers, including the famous Mekong, the 12th longest in the world.  This natural beauty is why many people choose volunteer and travel to Laos.

The Lao wilderness is drawing travellers looking for nature, adventure or both. Kayaking, rafting, rock-climbing and biking are all available, but it’s trekking that is most popular because it combines spectacular natural attractions with the chance to experience the ‘real Laos’ with a village homestay.  We have a choice of opportunities for your gap year travel in Laos such as medical work, conservation work, voluntary projects and much more.  If you are thinking about a volunteer experience in Laos have a look at our latest programs below or contact us for more information about exciting experiences in this fantastic country.

Participant Criteria & Requirements

Standard Requirements

Under 18, Parental Consent is Required
Travel Insurance
DBS, Police Background Check

Additional Requirements

No requirements have been provided.

What's included

  • 24/7 support in case of emergencies
  • Accommodation
  • Airport Pick up
  • English speaking coordinator
  • Meals
  • Orientation

What's not included

  • Airport drop off
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Vaccination
  • Visa