Volunteer Abroad Programs Since 1997

Teach children English, gain professional skills and receive career development opportunities

Program Overview

Gain hands on professional experience by teaching children English and become immersed in the culture of Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang is located in the mountains of north central Laos, on a peninsula sided by two rivers where gold domed temples and French Colonial mansions sit side by side, creating a fascinating mixture of heritages.

On this internship you’ll receive structured training during your first 12 weeks whilst working alongside other GVI volunteers. A staff mentor will develop your teaching, leadership and teamwork skills as well as providing you with vital practical teaching experience.

Work placements for your final 12 weeks include schools or language centers where you’ll teach English and assist in managing teaching projects.  These work placements offer the opportunity for you to gain hands-on experience and form a lasting relationship with the community.

The children in Laos need English skills to improve their chances at continued education and a good future job.  Your help is critical to their development, and as you become part of the community, you’ll become not just a teacher, but also a leader and respected role model.

After a successful internship, qualifying candidates may be given the opportunity to work for selected partner organizations or with GVI in Laos, or in other countries around the world. 

Life on the Program

 

Each morning you’ll walk along the ancient streets of Luang Prabang to the school you’ll work at with your days spent leading a number of activities that focus on conversational English. As you progress in the internship, you’ll be needed to oversee lesson planning and help staff manage volunteers and projects. On the weekends, you’ll be able to explore the wonders of the area, learn about life as a local, and forge friendships with your fellow like-minded volunteers.

Accommodation is provided for you at a conveniently located guesthouse with a private room and bathroom. Enjoy local favorite dishes such as spicy Asian dishes or fresh French baguettes with your provided food stipend. 

Project Details

 

The growth of tourism here has greatly increased the need for English skills but with the language being the most popular subject in school, there are not enough English teachers to meet this demand.

You will work directly with the community, teach in a variety of settings, plan lessons, help local teachers and improve the quality of their English teaching. Once you’re comfortable with your progress and teaching ability, you’ll become a leader for new volunteers. Lead classes and offer support during training and orientation sessions.

Our goal is to develop educational resources for Lao kids, so that they can increase their English skills for the chance of a better future. Your support is crucial to keeping these programs operating, and you’ll not only positively impact the kids’ lives, but also receive tremendous personal and professional development. 

How this program makes a difference:

Laotian people that can speak English have better access to jobs working with foreigners and in tourism, an industry that is rapidly increasing in Laos. With English, many can change their socio-economic status and provide better opportunities for their families.

Volunteer Testimonials

Many past volunteers have had amazing experiences traveling with GVI. Read what they have to say here.

Latest from the Base...

Laos lets its hair down and invites everyone to the party to celebrate Lao New Year.

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Program Details

Laos Teaching Internship
Internships
Laos
LALP0313N

Build Your Program

Program Cost

  • $5517.00

Add-ons

Your health and safety is our primary concern. To ensure we can take the best possible care of you in the unlikely event of an emergency, it is a condition of booking a program with GVI that you have comprehensive travel insurance for the duration of your trip. We can provide information about an insurance policy that have been specifically designed to cover GVI programs.
(GBP18 / USD31 / EUR22 / AUD31) The myTsafe online document store keeps copies of your most valuable and private information safe and you can share them easily and securely with others.
(GBP15 / USD26 / EUR18 / AUD26) By making a small contribution to GVI's Charitable Trust you will support conservation projects that can offset the impact of CO2 emissions associated with your international flights.  Visit www.gvi.org for more information.
(GBP25 / USD43 / EUR30 / AUD43) The Universities Award provides a framework to accredit  activity-based educational programs for students and high school leavers. It is mentioned by UCAS and forms part of the guidance for applicants to Higher Education Institutions.  See www.asdan.org.uk for more details.

What's Included

  • Pre-departure support and discounted services
  • 24-hour emergency phone
  • Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
  • Arrival orientation
  • Long term experienced staff
  • Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
  • All meals (unless otherwise stated in field manuals)
  • Welcome meeting
  • Location orientation
  • All necessary project training by experienced staff
  • All necessary project equipment and materials
  • 24-hour in-country support
  • Orientation on teaching methods and techniques
  • Introduction to TEFL, including lesson planning
  • Teamwork and leadership experience
  • Private accommodation at a centrally located guesthouse with a private bathroom in Luang Prabang
  • Airport pick-up and transfer
  • Food allowance

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Medical and travel insurance
  • Visa costs
  • Personal kit
  • Additional drinks and gratuities
  • Extra local excursions
  • International and domestic airport taxes