Volunteers who are fluent in English, work well independently, enjoy a challenge and are eager to overcome cross-cultural teaching barriers. You don’t need any teaching experience but you’ll probably find relevant training like a TEFL course is useful.

Project details

Inspired to Teach English as a volunteer in Laos? International Volunteer HQ’s Teaching English project gives volunteers the unique opportunity to assist with classes in elementary schools or monasteries in Luang Prabang. Volunteers gain teaching experience while sharing their invaluable English skills and culture with local students and giving them the rare chance to learn from a fluent speaker.

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

Monasteries are common places for children in Laos to receive their education, and volunteers are a valuable source of English-speaking expertise in these lessons. The same can be said of local schools, where fluent English speakers are not commonly available to help teach schoolchildren.

As an English Teaching volunteer you’ll help students, often from disadvantaged backgrounds, in either local high schools or in monasteries teaching monks and the ages can be from 10 to 25 years-old Your lessons will be guided by the school curriculum, which the local staff can help you with. As well as your time in the classroom, it’s expected you’ll spend time preparing your lessons each day.

On some Teaching placements its important to note that your volunteer shift will be split i.e. 8:00 am to 11:00 am and then 3.30pm to 7:00pm

It is important to note, that it is a requirement for female volunteers on the Teaching project to wear a traditional Laos skirt known as “sinh”. You will be able to purchase this once you have arrived in Laos directly with the local team for an additional US$20 and you will be able to take this home with you as a souvenir. Alternatively, there may be some to borrow from the local team if you do not want to purchase one.

School holidays in Laos are in June, July, and August, so it is important to note that you will be volunteering on the Summer Teaching Program if you are volunteering during this time.

Why do Teaching English volunteering in Luang Prabang with IVHQ?

As a volunteer English teacher in Laos you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

Improving educational outcomes for disadvantaged students
Helping students learn and practice English
Developing your communication skills
Gaining English teaching experience
Immersing yourself in Lao culture
Discovering the UNESCO World Heritage Center, Luang Prabang

Volunteer requirements

Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their program start date are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
To respect the local culture and customs in Laos, volunteers should be aware that they’re unable to have anything obstructing their face while at their volunteer placement.
All volunteers must speak fluent English.

Are you eligible to volunteer?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

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Who is going?

Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

Laos photo gallery

IVHQ volunteer on the Childcare project in Laos

IVHQ Childcare project