Group requirements and costs

Requirements

There are not many requirements. Just:

Aged over 16
(minimum age for teaching and for working on construction projects)

English-speaking
(for teaching: English is what we teach and so it is vital to have a good grasp of the language; for construction projects, this is less important)

Fit
(able to last the day teaching or, more to the point, on construction work if that is the chosen type of volunteering)

Organised & supervised
(through a recognised body, like a school or university, with responsible organisers supervising the group's overall needs and conduct
throughout the visit)

Visas and travel insurance
(both vital - matters entirely for the group's organisers and individuals)

Payment
(full payment, in baht, must be made electronically direct to the VTT bank account at least 30 days before the
group's arrival. Group organisers who
find it useful can also transfer operating or emergency reserve funds in baht to the VTT account and we will provide cash when needed and return the balance at the end of the visit)

Starting the project
with a
fund-raising
effort

You know better than we do whether you will need to raise money just to pay for the trip. Some groups have access to official sources of funding; others need to find extra to make ends meet.

But you may want to consider raising funds - either specific
or as a surplus on project funding - to donate to VTT and our sister organisation
Fun4Kids to help continue volunteer work in Thai communities.

Some groups draw out the most benefit for their members by starting the project early with a series of events and other means for raising money to donate to VTT and Fun4Kids.
It sets the tone for group members and involves them in a wider project than simply going on the trip. And it is fun!

The money has a lasting
benefit in the communities
- the children in the photograph above are going to school because of money donated by students visiting from Leeds Metropolitan University in England. Half of their donation to VTT (that is, 25% of what they gave to VTT and Fun4Kids) was allocated to pay for emergency transport for six months for 43 children who were getting no education because their Moken sea people community simply did not have any money for them.

Group members follow this charitable endeavour by actual
work in the communities,
seeing the problems and the beneficial results of their
efforts, and having a great
time as well ... enjoying The Volunteer Experience and expanding knowledge and character through exposure
to other cultures are vital ingredients to the visit.

Fund-raising for donations
is not a condition of
volunteering with VTT.
But it is a way of deepening
the meaning and enjoyment
for your group members
- and making even more of
an impact among people
in need of help.

VTT never charges for its services: English teaching is free
to children and
adults alike

Costs

The cost for groups is determined finally by the choices made by the organisers

Each visit is tailored to what the group wants and this brings about variations, not least because of the differing sizes of the groups

Because VTT is a totally volunteer organisation, costs are low compared with commercial companies and this can give groups enough spare funds to pop off to Ko Phi Phi for a little well-earned (this we can promise!) fun

If you want a working price to consider, just email John@volunteerteacherthailand.org with your possible group numbers and month of visit. It will be no more than a realistic example and final figures will be supplied if you move to to serious intent

Costs are split into three areas:

1. Costs directly associated with teaching or construction projects - 3,000 baht per person registration fee for VTT, including all materials for teaching and use of the office and internet; plus transport costs and any meals provided. In addition, cultural visits and events involve transport and other 'bought in' costs like food, though VTT volunteer staff give their services free. The programme is pre-agreed between the group and VTT

2. Accommodation, meals and non-project transport (eg, airport to hotel). We will help you get the best deals but the type of accommodation and the time of the year will make a big difference. In 2009, the cost difference for a good hotel twin room varied from between 500 baht per night in low season to 1,000 baht in high season at discounted rates obtained by VTT

3. Trips and visits, beyond VTT cultural tours and events, such as a long weekend on the tropical paradise of Ko Phi Phi, diving or snorkelling days off the Similan or Surin islands, beach fun or rock climbing near Krabi, inner-tube floating at Khao Sok national park ... the posibilities are endless in fabulous southern Thailand. We work with a tour organiser who has proved very popular and who, not paying anything to VTT, gets the best possible prices for the group and can accompany members just to smooth the way and join in the fun.She also organises the non-project transport and other needs that may arise.

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Requirements and Costs

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School taxi - the difference between getting an education and being left at home - made possible by the 2009 Leeds Met students' visit