Useful Information for Volunteer Teaching: Laos

Come with an open mind and realistic expectations. Life on a volunteer project is simpler and slower than at home: shared rooms, basic facilities, heat and humidity, and a culture with its own customs. Everyone feels a little out of place at first, and that is normal.

Before you travel, read the programme information we send you. When you arrive, the local team introduces you to the project, the house rules and local customs, and they are there to talk to if you feel homesick or unsure. Most volunteers find the first few days are the hardest, and the rest flies by.

We should always be healthy and maintain our fitness. However, it depends on the project you choose and you should always be ready to work.

Nothing formal. Pack modest, practical clothes that you do not mind getting dirty. On teaching and kindergarten projects, wear neat, casual clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. On construction and conservation projects, wear hard-wearing clothes and closed shoes you do not mind ruining, plus a hat and light long sleeves for the sun. Vest tops and short shorts are not allowed while you are working.

Away from the project, dress with respect for local customs, especially in villages and at religious sites. Your coordinator will tell you about any local rules when you arrive.

Your arrival transfer is included. You will be met at the airport and taken to your accommodation, so there is nothing to arrange for the journey in.

The departure transfer at the end, from your accommodation back to the airport, is not included. You can add it as an optional extra in your account, or make your own way.

Once you have booked your flights, log in to your account and add them under Flight Details so we know when you are landing.

Of course! We encourage everyone to talk over our social networks. You can find a list of them at the bottom of this page. If you’ve joined a tour, we will send you an invite to a dedicated Facebook group made for your tour a few weeks before it starts. Your tour guide and a tour manager will also be in the group to answer any questions you may have. You can also join the General Discussion Board on Facebook!

This program has no minimum or maximum age.

Under 18s can join with signed parental consent. Anyone over 65 needs medical clearance before travelling.

No. No qualification is required and no teaching experience is expected. You will get training and supervision from experienced local coordinators, and you work alongside the schools' own teachers.

What you do need is an intermediate level of English, a genuine interest in teaching and working with children, and plenty of energy, patience and adaptability. On signing up we will ask for a copy of your passport, a criminal record check (CRB/DBS) and a CV.

No. You teach in English, and the local teachers are there with you in the classroom.

Your orientation includes a first lesson in basic Lao, along with the cultural do's and don'ts, and the students will be happy to teach you more.