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Childcare Volunteer Project in Thailand - Hua Hin

Childcare Volunteer Project in Thailand - Hua Hin

Purpose
Provide a safe space for kids to learn
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 1-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 4 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Accommodation
Dormitory-style volunteer house
Apply for free
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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.

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This program is ideal for:

Patient volunteers who love kids and speak English fluently. You’ll have the support of the local team so no experience is necessary.

Project details

Inspired to do Childcare volunteering in Thailand - Hua Hin? International Volunteer HQ’s Childcare project empowers volunteers to assist in local children’s development centers and kindergartens in Hua Hin. Volunteers gain practical experience in teaching young children while passing on valuable English language skills to students. For Thai people, knowing how to speak English helps open doors to employment opportunities in the country’s booming tourism industry.

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

You will play an important role assisting local teachers and providing them a helping hand in the classroom. To help young children learn, practice their English and enjoy their introduction to basic educational concepts, you will be using your creative skills through songs, dances, games, and repetition exercises.

As a volunteer on the Childcare project, you will be working with children from age 2 to 5 years old at local children’s development centers and kindergartens located in Hua Hin. In the morning, you will be expected to volunteer there from 08:30 - 11:30 AM and in the afternoon you will do some lesson planning and preparation for the following day.

Many children’s care development centers and kindergartens in Hua Hin are facing a teacher shortage problem. In some placements, there are up to 30 children packed in a classroom, which is difficult for only one teacher to give each individual child as much attention as they need.

As many Thai teachers are not fluent in English, your help will help give local children a chance to start practicing English at an early age. Having international volunteers in the classroom helps students understand English by listening to various accents and gives them more confidence to speak to foreigners. This increases the children’s overall learning experience.

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education

More than half of all children and teens do not meet minimum proficiency standards in reading and mathematics. Quality education provides an opportunity to learn and grow in a safe environment and is key to preventing poverty, securing long-term employment and improving quality of life.

Why do Childcare volunteering in Hua Hin with IVHQ?

When you volunteer as an early childhood education in Hua Hin you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

  • Improving access to language learning for local children
  • Helping students learn a skill that will increase their job prospects
  • Developing your communication skills
  • Gaining teaching experience
  • Immersing yourself in Thai culture
  • Discovering Thailand’s rich history

Volunteer requirements

  • Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
  • Volunteers aged 16-18 are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional documentation 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
  • 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.

Apply for free

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'Who is going' users image
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.

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What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

CA
Charity Anderson
12 Sep 2024

This experience is definitely something I will forever keep in my heart. I gained so many new friends, memories and I learned how to become more confident in my travels.

I absolutely loved the staff and coordinators. I got really sick while I was in Thailand and my coordinators helped me with everything and made sure I had everything I needed.

When I first started my program it was hard to talk with the kids because of the language barrier, but as time went on and they started to learn a few basic English words they would tell me and we learned how to communicate through just a few words. The kids impacted me so much they taught me many lessons of patience and love.

My advice to people who are hesitant is to just do it. It will be the best time of your life. You might feel scared and nervous at first but that's ok! Everyone is. Everyone on these trips comes alone looking to make friends so you wont be alone. You won't regret it.

...
SC
Savannah Childs
16 Jul 2024

I feel like I gained so many new friends and a new found love for Thailand and its culture. The program taught me to be resilient and adaptable and patients too.

...
BJ
Breanna Johnson
16 Jul 2024

Joining the program was one of the most life changing experiences. Not only was I able to make an impact on the local community, I also learned about myself and developed as a person. Meeting like minded people and making deep connections with those around me truly added such significant value to the whole experience. To anyone who is feeling scared or hesitant that’s okay, the majority of people who you will meet are feeling and thinking the same thing.

...
MR
Megan Raymond
27 Jun 2024

It was such a good experience! I would do it again 1000x. People need to talk about this more, it changed my life. The program was amazing, the staff was amazing and the connection I made with the other volunteers is unmatched. It is the best thing ever.

...
AF
Archie Flynn
21 May 2024

Awesome program, great people, great experience, great country and community.

...
KL
Kim Lewthwaite
21 Jul 2023

This is my first volunteer project as a 50 year old. I took my 17 years old daughter with and highly recommend to anyone. The other volunteers were so welcoming, sharing insight to services and tours to do. I think all young people should do this, it has only inspired me more to combine my passion travel and giving back to the community.

The information from IVHQ was very helpful, I had a good sense in what was required and the destination. The local team was wonderful, everyone made us feel very welcomed. They were there to answer any questions and give us guidance.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Academic course credit

Academic course credit through International Volunteer HQ and Intern Abroad HQ.

Academic course credit

Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!

Learn about course credit

Location

Volunteer Abroad in Thailand, Hua Hin with IVHQ

Location

Hua Hin is a city on the southern coast of Thailand, a three-hour drive from Bangkok. It’s a region renowned for its beautiful beaches and interesting history, making it an incredible destination to explore and truly get to know as a volunteer. Hua Hin is where orientation and general administration are carried out by our local team.

Arrival and orientation

The Thailand - Hua Hin volunteer program begins every Monday, and you need to arrive in Bangkok for pickup on Sunday before your chosen start date between 6am to 4pm. After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK). Your airport pick-up in Bangkok is included in your Program Fee if you arrive between 6am to 4pm on Sunday, as well on Saturday, if you have arranged an extra night of accommodation.

When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by an airport member arranged by the local team who will escort you to the airport shuttle terminal where you will catch the three-hour shuttle to Hua Hin. Once in Hua Hin, our local team will meet you at the shuttle terminal and take you to the volunteer accommodation, which is a further 20-minute drive. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the Sunday night prior to your program orientation.

If you are traveling in Thailand prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up from a meeting point in Bangkok at 2PM on the Sunday before your program start date or you can make your own way to Hua Hin.

There are two options for orientation in Thailand - Hua Hin, a One-Day Orientation and an Introduction Week.

The One-Day Orientation: This begins on your selected start date and all volunteers will attend. It covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Thailand, including an introduction to the IVHQ Thailand - Hua Hin program, the local team, general rules and a class on the local culture and language. In the afternoon, you’ll learn about the projects, take a walking tour of the local area and arrange your SIM card. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.

Introduction Week: The Introduction Week begins on the first and third Monday of each month and your volunteer program will commence the following week or you can start the week before if this works better with your schedule. The Introduction Week is very popular among IVHQ volunteers. We recommend all volunteers take advantage of this week to gain a deeper understanding of the Thai culture, a true appreciation of life in Thailand and bond with fellow volunteers while also taking a cooking class, learning the art of Muay Thai and touring local attractions. It’s also a great way to help settle the culture shock you can face when arriving in Thailand. The Introduction Week in Thailand - Hua Hin does incur an additional cost.

If you wish to participate in the Introduction Week, you can indicate your interest in this option on your application form when you apply for the program or you can let your Program Manager know once you’ve been accepted on the program.

Volunteer schedule example

Weekdays

7:00 - 8:00 AM Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation
8:30 AM Volunteer work begins. Work and hours are dependent on the project and placement that each volunteer is working at. Lunch breaks can also vary in time depending on the working schedule, but all volunteers get some time to eat and relax.
12:00 PM Lunch at the accommodation or placement for one hour. After lunch, you will continue your volunteer work (where applicable).
1:00 PM Volunteer work resumes for the afternoon shift.
5:30 - 7:00 PM Dinner at the volunteer accommodation.

Evenings Volunteers have free time to spend as they wish; however, many volunteers use this time to plan lessons or do extra work for their projects.

Weekends

Hua Hin is a resort city where you can relax on pristine white sand beaches, play a round at one of the 12 golf courses nearby, haggle over handicrafts at a night market, enjoy a traditional Thai massage, fly across the azure water on a kiteboard, or indulge in the delicious local cuisine and freshly caught seafood.

You can also travel further afield in Thailand, heading north for three hours to Bangkok three, or south to popular tourist destinations such as Phuket, Krabi and Surat Thani.

Accommodation and WiFi

You will be staying in one of two volunteer houses in Hua Hin, nestled in the picturesque hills of Prachuap Khiri Khan province.

Expect to share a room with about eight other volunteers of the same gender. Both houses have shared bathrooms with western toilets and showers. While bedding is provided, you will need to bring your own towel. Each bedroom is air-conditioned. Although staff clean the accommodations throughout the week, volunteers are expected to keep their rooms tidy.

WiFi is available at the volunteer houses and can also be accessed from many local cafes and restaurants. You can also use a local SIM card with data in unlocked phones.

Private rooms within the volunteer house or private hotel rooms can be arranged upon request for an additional cost, subject to availability. The hotel is approximately a 10-minute drive from the volunteer house.

Both standard and private accommodations have swimming pools, so don’t forget to bring your swimwear!

Meals

You will receive three meals a day during the week and brunch and dinner on the weekend. All meals served at the accommodation are homestyle, vegetarian-friendly and will be typically Thai cuisine, including plenty of rice or noodle dishes with vegetables. Occasionally some meat will be provided as well, along with seasonal fruits for dessert.

Traditional Thai cuisine is designed to appeal to the four fundamental taste senses with a balance of sour, sweet, salty, and bitter flavors. Common ingredients in Thai cooking include fish sauce, shrimp paste, chili paste, coconut milk, and lime juice. Staple foods include rice, rice noodles, vegetables, and herbs.

If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply for the program so we can make arrangements for you. While we do our best to accommodate volunteer needs, most meals provided are local cuisine and you may wish to supplement the menu with your own foods and snacks which can be purchased from convenience stores nearby if required.

Pricing

  • USD

Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately AU$505) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.

You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.

Duration
Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
  • USD
1 week $410 Equivalent to $59/day
2 weeks $560 Equivalent to $40/day
3 weeks $750 Equivalent to $36/day
4 weeks $920 Equivalent to $33/day
5 weeks $1,090 Equivalent to $31/day
6 weeks $1,260 Equivalent to $30/day
8 weeks $1,600 Equivalent to $29/day
10 weeks $1,940 Equivalent to $28/day
12 weeks $2,280 Equivalent to $27/day
  • All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately AU$505) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
  • A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
  • Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Thailand generally find US$50-100 per week to be sufficient for expenses.
  • Meals
  • Airport pickup
  • Transport to and from volunteer project
  • Accommodation
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • In-country program orientation
  • Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
  • Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
  • Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
  • Certificate of International Volunteer Service

Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.

  • Return to the airport when your program finishes
  • Flights
  • Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
  • Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.

Popular add-ons & experiences in Hua Hin

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Hua Hin program.

Introduction Week
Introduction Week

Learn more about the Thai culture and tick off some must-do Thai experiences.

AU$542
Private Hotel Room Upgrade
Private Hotel Room Upgrade

Upgrade to a private hotel room 10 minutes away from the volunteer house in Hua Hin

From AU$307
Private room in the volunteer house
Private room in the volunteer house

Upgrade to a private room in the volunteer house.

From AU$223

Check what's required to visit Thailand

Safety and support

Safety and support with IVHQ

Safety and support

IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.

  • All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
  • All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
  • All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
  • All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Learn more about IVHQ's safety

Essential country information

Essential country information

Capital Bangkok
Population 69 million
Languages Thai
Currency Thai Baht (THB)
Time zone UTC+07:00

Weather and climate

The climate in Thailand varies between the north and south regions although the temperature is relatively hot year-round throughout the country. The southern coastal region is characterized by a monsoon climate, which brings heavy rainfall from April to October in the South West and from September to December in the South East. In central and northern inland parts of Thailand, the climate is tropical with the rainy season lasting from May to November, bringing hot and humid weather. During the dry season, temperatures are cool from November to February and are hot from March to May.

Hua Hin has a warm tropical climate with temperatures fairly consistent throughout the year. December–April hosts the dry season before the monsoon rains arrive in May. Over the course of the year, the temperatures typically vary from 72°F (22°C) to 92°F (33°C).

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How to get started

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Pay the Registration Fee to secure your place and upgrade your MyIVHQ account
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