Childcare in Chiang Mai
Purpose
Start dates
Duration
Volunteer hours
Age
Accommodation
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.
This program is ideal for:
Joyful engagement with energetic children is key. Expect fun and collaboration. No prior experience needed.
Project details
Empower children’s growth and development in Chiang Mai by providing hands-on care and support. Experience the richness of Thai culture while contributing to a positive and encouraging environment where young children can flourish.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
The Childcare project in Chiang Mai is designed to relieve the pressure of local teachers and provide students with opportunities they may not have received otherwise. The classrooms are often overcrowded which means that there are students who are lacking particular skills - the assistance of volunteers helps to contribute to the enhanced education of these students.
While on this project, volunteers can expect to volunteer aged 3 to 6 years old and the placements are in local children’s development centers and childcare centers. Some of the tasks volunteers can expect include:
- Teach English through games, dancing, singing and repetition exercises
- Assist with feeding, playing and supporting basic hygiene routines
- Create lesson plans
- Teach other subjects like maths and science
- Participate in workshops, English camps and community outreach (e.g. events)
Why do Childcare volunteering in Chiang Mai with IVHQ?
Contribute meaningfully to the Chiang Mai community and foster personal and professional growth by volunteering in our Childcare project. You’ll have the opportunity to:
- Enhance educational opportunities for local children.
- Offer invaluable English language instruction.
- Sharpen your communication abilities.
- Acquire practical teaching expertise.
- Experience the richness of Thai culture firsthand.
- Explore the captivating landscapes and attractions of Thailand.
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program, provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate, and may be asked to provide additional documentation to the local team.
Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their start date, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead, and will be required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate, and may be asked to provide additional documents to the local team.
Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
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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.
Thailand photo gallery
Academic course credit
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 creditRecommended online TEFL course
Recommended online TEFL course
We encourage volunteers on IVHQ’s Teaching and Childcare projects to come prepared by completing some relevant training, such as a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. Although formal teaching qualifications are not required on these projects as volunteers are supported by local staff, taking a TEFL course enables you to gain more from the experience. Visit our Online TEFL Course page to learn how to gain an internationally recognized TEFL certification at a discounted rate.
Get TEFL certified onlineLocation
Location
Chiang Mai offers a rich culture, historical depth, and stunning natural landscapes, providing an ideal blend of ancient traditions and contemporary life.
Volunteer accommodations are situated roughly 15 minutes by car from Chiang Mai’s central area. Placement locations vary within and near Chiang Mai, resulting in typical travel durations of under 30 minutes.
Arrival and orientation
Upon registering for the program, book your flight to arrive at Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) on Sunday between 8 am and 4 pm. Airport pickup within these hours is included in the Program Fee.
A member of the Local Team will meet you at the airport and transport you to the volunteer accommodation, approximately a 15-minute drive. Your accommodation, covered by the Program Fee, includes the Sunday night before the program orientation.
There are two options for orientation in Thailand - Chiang Mai, a One-Day Orientation and a 5-day Culture 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 - Chiang Mai program, the local team, general rules, health and safety, travel opportunities, project/placement overview, and a class on the local culture and language. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
Culture Week: The 5-day Culture Week begins every Monday and your volunteer program will commence the following week. The Culture 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. You will take part in a cooking class, participate in outdoor adventures, explore Chiang Mai’s stunning mountain landscapes, tribal villages and tour local attractions. It’s also a great way to help settle the culture shock you can face when arriving in Thailand.
The Culture Week in Thailand - Chiang Mai does incur an additional cost. If you wish to participate in the Culture Week, you can indicate your interest on your application form when you apply for the program or you can add it to your itinerary via the ‘add ons and tours’ section of your pre-departure checklist you will gain access to once registered.
Volunteer schedule example
First Day
On the first day of the volunteering placement, you will be escorted to the project by our local staff and introduced to the staff at the placement you will be working with.
Weekdays - A typical day would be as follows:
| 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM | Breakfast at accommodation |
| 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM | Travel to the placement |
| 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Volunteering |
| 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM | Return to the accommodation |
| 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Lesson planning |
| 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM | Rest/free time |
| 5:30 PM onwards | Dinner |
Weekends
You will have your weekends to spend as you please! This is a great time to explore further by booking sightseeing tours, getting involved in traditional cooking classes, witnessing the amazing hospitality of the locals and participating in leisure activities. Your weekends will be a great time to get a cross-cultural understanding.
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers will be accommodated in a lakeside volunteer house about 15 minutes away from the main city centre of Chiang Mai. Close to the accommodation you will find ATMs and small local stores, but all other facilities can be found 15 minutes away.
In the volunteer house you can expect to share a room with up to 4-6 other volunteers of the same gender. The rooms are air-conditioned rooms with bunk-beds and you will have bedding provided. There are plenty of communal areas for volunteers to relax outside of their room, including a large dining area with lakeside views & table tennis.
The volunteer house has hot showers and western-style shared bathrooms. WiFi is available in public areas of the volunteer house, but it can be limited due to the disruption of the signal. While you won’t have access to laundry facilities, you will be able to handwash your clothing or the Local Team can assist you in getting your clothing washed at a nearby laundromat.
Private room upgrades (bunk-bed or king-bed rooms) with a private bathroom may be available for an additional cost, and these are subject to availability. Once registered, you will be able to add these to your file to check availability via your Pre-departure Checklist that you will gain access to.
Meals
Food is included for volunteers: breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided on weekdays, with brunch and dinner available on weekends. The meals are primarily local Thai homestyle dishes, mostly vegetarian, although meat and fish are offered sometimes. Seasonal fruits may also be served for dessert.
Coffee, tea, and filtered drinking water are accessible throughout the program. Tap water is unsafe to drink; however, bottled water is easily found in Thailand.
Inform the Local Team of any dietary requirements. They will make efforts to accommodate you, but flexibility is necessary as meals will likely differ from what you typically eat at home.
Pricing
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately $299) 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 FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $425 Equivalent to $61/day |
| 2 weeks | $610 Equivalent to $44/day |
| 3 weeks | $795 Equivalent to $38/day |
| 4 weeks | $970 Equivalent to $35/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,130 Equivalent to $32/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,290 Equivalent to $31/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,600 Equivalent to $29/day |
| 10 weeks | $1,900 Equivalent to $27/day |
| 12 weeks | $2,200 Equivalent to $26/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately $299) 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 your placement each day
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- 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 Chiang Mai
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 Chiang Mai program.
If you’re arriving outside the airport pick-up times, book this add on now!
Check what's required to visit Thailand
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
Safety and support
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.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Bangkok |
| Population | 71.7 million |
| Languages | Thai |
| Currency | Thai Baht (THB) |
| Time zone | GMT+7 |
Weather and climate: The climate in Thailand varies between the north and south regions, however, 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. In Chiang Mai, the hottest average temperature is 36°C (96.8°F) in April and the coolest average temperature is 15°C (59°F) in December. Please see Weather Spark for more details on the climate and weather forecast.
