Education in Thailand
Despite Thailand’s surge in popularity as a tourist destination in recent years there is still a huge imbalance of wealth throughout the country with a large percentage of the population still living beneath the poverty line. Education is hugely important for community development in rural areas of the country and is a significant factor in improving the socio-economic position of poorer communities. Receiving a thorough education provides a platform for younger generations to improve their future prospects, increasing their chances of employment and subsequently quality of life. This placement aims to support and encourage local schools by bringing a fresh approach to teaching, enthusiasm for learning and most significantly the imparting English language skills.
Although there has been a recent emphasis on structured English language lessons in schools from the government, English literacy rates in Thailand remain amongst the lowest in Asia, with spoken English in particular rating significantly lower than in India, The Philippines and Myanmar. In a globalised world English language holds the key to many future opportunities for Thai children and without this ability they may find themselves at a disadvantage. Even many of their school teachers lack adequate English language skills and are often not confident in teaching English in front of a class, so learning directly from a native English speaker is an invaluable and important experience in learning for these children.
Your Teaching Placement in Thailand
This placement will see you working throughout the beautiful, rural area of Singburi just north of Bangkok. We have strong connections to many primary and secondary schools throughout the area so there will be the opportunity to teach a variety of ages from 4-18 years old. This programme serves a dual purpose; as well as transferring the skills and knowledge that we take for granted growing up for the positive development of local children, it will also give you a fantastic insight into Thailand’s education system, standing you in good stead for a future career. Through lesson planning and class leadership you will develop in confidence as a teacher and perfect your own, engaging teaching style. This ability to adapt to new environments, take initiative and productivity will work well to enhance your CV and help you to stand out to future employers.
There is, however, more to this placement than structured lessons and formal teaching techniques, the interaction you have with the children and the relationships you build will prove to be the most beneficial for their progress and education and subsequently your personal development. This is a unique chance to gain a new perspective on this fascinating country, by working and socialising with the locals you will experience Thailand in a way that many people never get the chance to.
Your Teaching Placement Role
The schools that you will be placed in accept a non formal approach to teaching, which means that you do not need to conform to local Thai teaching methods or style and you will be free to choose your own method of education. This gives you the freedom to be creative with your teaching style and you will be able to bring your own ideas to the class, furthermore you can draw on interactive and fun learning techniques from your own childhood. The main focus on this placement is having a positive and enthusiastic attitude with the children, rather than intellectual ability, you will find that the more effort you put in with the children the more you will get out of the experience. You can expect to teach for roughly 3-6 hours a day, giving you plenty of time to immerse yourself in the schools activities, and get to know the students and staff. Furthermore, although you will be in control of your own lesson plans, subjects can often be altered depending on current activities in the school, which might include subjects such as environmental issues or current festivals so you are sure to never have a dull day! There may also be the opportunity to take part in after school PE lessons covering a variety of sports in order to teach the children important life skills such as team work and cooperation. This is very well received by the children and the teachers and you will soon learn how eager the children are to learn the rules and techniques of new sports.
Previous teaching experience or a TEFL qualification would be an advantage but there is no need to worry if you do not have bundles of experience as you will be given a full induction at the start of the project where you will be instructed on teaching techniques and lesson planning to ensure that you and the children get the most you can out of this experience.
CRB/DBS (Criminal Records Bureau) Check
It is required that participants complete a CRB/DBS (Criminal Records Bureau) check in order to take part in this project. We can provide this service for you at an additional cost because some people may already have one that is valid (please get in touch for more details).
Gap Year and Career Break Volunteer Teaching in Thailand
Experience real Thai culture as you explore the beautiful rural regions of Thailand, teaching English to children from local communities, create lifelong memories and meet amazing friends along the way. This placement is not only great fun, but also hugely rewarding as you do your bit to provide a strong base for the future of Thailand’s children.
