Volunteer English teacher at an adult education centre in Thailand

What is the problem and how can volunteer English teachers help?

Volunteer English teacher

Volunteer English teacher at an adult education centre in ThailandThe tourist industry in Thailand is growing every year and numerous businesses are looking to get involved. In addition to this, as the country’s economy grows, more and more companies are dealing with foreign investors and trading with other countries. This means that employers need their workers to be able to communicate and, therefore, English language skills are in demand. The problem is that all too often projects to educate state and private sector workers are run cheaply by unqualified teachers, which means that both the company and the learners suffer. Projects Abroad Pro offer voluntary teaching jobs in Thailand with organisations such as the government Fishery and Police departments who are looking to teach their employees conversational English skills. As a volunteer teacher you will use your knowledge and training to help plan and lead an individual project with a specific company, ensuring that appropriate teaching methodology is used. We are excited to be offering Thai workers who want to improve their language skills the chance to learn in a relaxed, non-threatening environment. We believe that you can help us achieve this.

What is my role as an English teacher in Thailand?

• Assess the quality of training material currently provided and suggest any improvements
• Work with existing staff to assess and improve current standards of teaching methodology
• Work with a class of approximately 20 adults to improve their conversational English skills
• identifying the needs of adult learners and adapting teaching methods where necessary
• researching and developing new courses to fit with the programmes or curriculum requirements of, for example, community education projects and local education authorities
• preparing session or lesson plans appropriate to the size and type of learner group
• helping individual learners with any difficulties they encounter with their studies
• promoting adult education initiatives within the target groups, e.g. at open days or talks to community groups
• talking to prospective learners about course choice and what will be involved
• helping learners become more confident

What skills or qualifications do I need?

Volunteer teaching in Thailand

In order to ensure high standards and help the project progress you will need to have attained Qualified Teacher Status or equivalent as an absolute minimum. Ideally, a qualified teacher on this project would also possess at least two years’ experience of teaching in adult education centre or equivalent institution. It is important that you are confident in your ability to provide quality teaching and in your knowledge of current teaching methodologies. You will also require a high standard of spoken and written English. The person we have in mind would be confident, outgoing, friendly and creative, as well as having the patience required when working with less experienced staff and adapting to the challenges of a developing country.

Even if you feel you do not possess the required skills or qualifications for this role, you can still help on the same project. Please visit our website for more information about volunteer teaching in Thailand.

What is unique about this project?

At Projects Abroad Pro we believe that volunteer placements can and should be about much more than one person helping the less fortunate. Cultural exchange has always been paramount on our projects with volunteers spending time in local communities, learning about a new culture and experiencing a different way of life. Our Skilled Volunteer Placements offer a unique chance for you to work with fellow professionals in your industry, sharing your ideas and learning to adapt your working methods to face a challenging new environment. Naturally, some of your new peers will be less experienced than you and this will provide an opportunity to pass on some of your specialised knowledge and training. However, in many cases you will meet talented, well-respected professionals happy to engage in lively debate and offering you the chance to learn and apply valuable new skills.

What guidance and support is provided?

For many years now we have been offering unparalleled in-country support for our volunteers in over 500 projects worldwide. Every Projects Abroad Pro volunteer is covered by our comprehensive medical and travel insurance. Upon arrival in Thailand you will be collected at the airport by one of our team of staff and escorted to your new accommodation. All of our volunteers stay with local host families and you will be provided with plenty of food and clean drinking water. Our friendly and dedicated staff are on call 24 hours a day to ensure your safety and wellbeing and a member of the team will make frequent visits to check the standard of your accommodation. You will also be invited to social events such as parties and quizzes, giving you the chance to meet new volunteers and relax after work. Questions regarding any aspect of this placement are welcome and our UK office is more than happy to offer guidance and advice.