The Volunteer Experience at Volunteer Teacher Thailand

Volunteering is about giving. But it is also about the experience of sharing time with like-minded people, sharing the work and sharing the fun.

Here in Khao Lak, you will work on teaching but, if you wish, you will have the option of spending a day or two making and installing play equipment for Burmese and Thai kids.

There's also a chance to fit in a little time helping on local voluntary websites, like this one ... gathering material, writing, photography - whatever you want to do.

The 'working day' varies a lot, with concentrated fun and teaching at English Camp offset on other days with less to do.

That gives you plenty of time for seeing the area and, of course, finding that deserted stretch of beach you've been dreaming about.

Many of us tend to eat together on some evenings (we know the best restaurants with the best prices) and most of us like to end up somewhere nice for a beer
or two sometimes ...

*** Read the views of some of the recent volunteers - but remember, everyone's experience is different and you can't count of having the same kind of experiences ... what you can count on is having a great time and doing a lot of good ***

*The volunteer experience

Thai Princess Sophie
I'd read the glowing reports from past volunteers who said they'd ended up staying for months, and I wondered if it could really be that good. But now, having been here for 3 weeks, I can really understand why people come back again and again. The teaching has been so rewarding – even after having one lesson, the students shake your hand or give you a high five, or even a hug. There are also classes for adults who work in the area, and it's great to walk through Khao Lak and wave hello to all the students. Above all, with the volunteer community and all the friendly Thais you meet whilst volunteering, you are never lonely in Khao Lak.

Caveman David
I’m so glad I stumbled upon this organisation. Working with the local community was rewarding in so many ways, and I feel lucky to have been a part of the magic. Adults and children showed an inspiring dedication to improve their English and really appreciated our help. Orientation put into perspective the devastation of the tsunami, and how the local and international community pulled together to recover and rebuild. I have met some fascinating people and the experience has given me a unique cultural insight into Thai life. The stunning 14 km of beaches didn’t hurt either!

Dragon Lady Sheila
I've volunteered here before, working on construction. I enjoy meeting old and new friends, volunteers and Thais, and seeing how the projects have come along. I've spent time by the pool, walked on a deserted beach with another volunteer, enjoyed the food, and been sightseeing including seeing fantastic temples

If you are on Facebook, join Amazingkhaolak, Fun4Kids and TVC groups for more views and photographs.

See also our sister websites:
www.homelifethailand.net
www.fun4kidsinthailand.org
www.amazingkhaolak.com

There are also details in Lonely Planet and other guide books which kindly mention TVC and its work in this area

Bond Girl Wilma
Volunteering has been tremendous. I have done it before and have enjoyed every moment. I come here to work but, also, I have had my family visit me and I have seen many friends. I enjoyed visiting interesting places, like Khao Sok National Park and Phang-Nga Bay. I especially liked a homestay at a Fisherman's village and just relaxing in the company of volunteers at restaurants in the area or at the beautiful beaches. The people at my guesthouse, the Jerung in KL-town, treated me like one of their family. I can't wait to go back again.

From the gallery

Musselman Hamid
Volunteering with the guys at TVC [now Volunteer Teacher in Thailand] was an experience that was not only the highlight of an amazing holiday but also a life changing experience! Teaching was really fun, it is hard to describe the kids' reaction to your teaching, you can feel the enthusiasm and appreciation for the work you are doing. From the first day of lesson planning to the very last day of teaching I found myself looking forward to interacting with the kids; you constantly feel the need to think of ways to make their lessons more fun and interactive in an original way. Words cannot describe the experience I had, you will meet amazing and good hearted people all committed to helping the locals. It is something so refreshing and heart warming that when the time comes for you to leave, it is difficult to tear yourself away from this lifestyle. I encourage anyone thinking of coming to Thailand to take some time to work with the guys at VTT, you will have a unique opportunity to interact with Thai people on a level tourism cannot offer. Take a chance, do something good and maybe find yourself while you’re doing it. Volunteer!