I feel like I have gained a huge appreciation for how I live at home and small things I wouldn't normally be thankful for. Being able to travel to such a rural part of Thailand and interact with the kids was an amazing experience. It is crazy how much you can learn from little kids and how much you can bond when you do not even speak the same language! I would tell them to go for it! I definitely recommend IVHQ as an organisation - my IVHQ Program Manager was amazing!
Childcare Volunteer Project in Thailand - Chiang Rai
Purpose
Provide a safe space for children to learn
Start dates
Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
Duration
Choose from 2-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Accommodation
Huts in communal volunteer village
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:
Lively, fun volunteers who have a passion for early childhood education and working with children. You’ll be supported by local staff so no childcare or teaching experience is required, but some relevant training like a TEFL course would be helpful.
Project details
Have energy in spades and want to be a Childcare volunteer in Thailand - Chiang Rai? International Volunteer HQ’s Childcare project empowers volunteers to assist in early childhood centres which cater to children from nearby villages and hill tribes. Volunteers gain childcare experience while supporting local teachers to provide quality care and education to children and enabling families to go to work.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
For families the world over, childcare centres are highly valued as safe places where their children can socialise and begin their education from a young age. Volunteers can play a very useful role in assisting local staff with day- to-day routines, providing more focused care for the children.
As a Childcare volunteer you’ll be based in local schools in the local villages around Chiang Rai, which care for children aged between 2 and 6. Volunteer duties can vary but usually include helping to:
- Run educational and learning activities
- Maintain and clean up the classroom
- Make mealtimes go smoothly
- Undertake general duties as required
- Plan for upcoming lessons
Why do Childcare volunteering in Chiang Rai with IVHQ?
When you volunteer with children in Chiang Rai you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Supporting local teachers to provide quality childcare
- Helping students develop life skills in a safe place
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining childcare experience
- Immersing yourself in Thai culture
- Exploring Thailand’s northern reaches
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this 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.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
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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Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
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Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
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Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
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What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
AG
Alice Gardner
17 Jul 2024
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JK
Jitka Kujalova
03 Jul 2024
The opportunity to work with children has been incredibly precious to me. Experiencing the local lifestyle was eye-opening and completely new, challenging but extremely enriching. As someone used to a Western lifestyle, volunteering in Thailand offered unique challenges and rewards. It taught me the values of gratitude, love, and simplicity. For anyone hesitant about joining this program, I would say that while it may be challenging, the benefits far outweigh the difficulties. You’ll gain invaluable experiences and a deeper appreciation for different cultures.
...
CC
Conner Clark
06 Jul 2023
Amazing conversation information and support whenever needed from the local team. Working directly with locals and working in and around their villages helped to create an immediate sense of satisfaction and appreciation. Accommodation was great and everything I could have needed. Any concerns or questions I had were resolved or answered quickly. The meals were truly a highlight - every meal was deliciously authentic and ridiculously good. There was certainly no shortage of food for myself or other volunteers.
There were too many great examples to give only one favourite moment. The staff and local volunteers I worked alongside were amazing people who made me feel comfortable, safe and had a wealth of knowledge. So the people were my favourite highlight.
...
AW
Alice Wright
03 Apr 2023
Absolute amazing support from IVHQ while deciding my sabbatical.
When I was first accepted I was offering my time - I had no skills or experience but I honestly wanted something different, and I got it. I wrote a thread on Facebook to my lovely friends and loving family very often commenting on how lucky we are in NZ, this beautiful experience has made me grateful for what I have returned to. I loved every minute and hour of my journey.
Home stays was the absolute moment for me and I was blessed to be able to have 3 wonderful great experience. Will always be in my heart.
I can only say, this has changed my life for the good and forever. We work for a comfortable life yes, but the beautiful Thai people work to live, something I have never thought about.
For those still hesitant about volunteering abroad, I say give it a go! I am 61 and experienced my journey with a 69 and almost 72 year old. Prior to going I suffered from a knee injury, rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid issues but knowing this I felt the drive and passion to do something different in my life, never wanted for anything but gave everything I had to give.
...
NL
Natalie Lockhart
11 Feb 2021
Volunteering in Thailand through IVHQ was the best two weeks of my life! I loved getting to know the kids and teaching them about animals! The joy on their faces when they saw us each day was the best part of my day each day. I also made friends with the other volunteers and I truly believe that we will keep in touch for years to come.
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
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 Rai is a city in the northernmost province of Thailand renowned for its beautiful mountain scenery, historic sites and authentic Thai atmosphere. It’s a great spot for those wanting to get off the beaten path and experience Thailand in a more relaxed manner than you might do in the bustling capital city of Bangkok or the popular islands of the south.
While Thailand is considered a reasonably well-developed country with low rates of extreme poverty and unemployment, there is an enormous socio-economic disparity between the wealthy and the rest of the population. Volunteers provide valuable assistance with improving conditions for low-income communities and contribute to local initiatives that help Thailand continue to develop and reduce inequalities. Volunteer placements are located near the volunteer headquarters in Chiang Rai and in the hills with local hill tribes.
Arrival and orientation
The Thailand volunteer program begins on the first and third Monday of each month, and you need to arrive in Chiang Rai before 5pm on Monday.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI). Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation a short drive from Chiang Rai. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night of your program orientation.
If you are travelling in Thailand prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up from a meeting point in Chiang Rai at 11am on the Monday morning.
On Monday, you’ll spend the day resting, meeting other volunteers and the local team. Orientation is hosted by our local team at the office in Chiang Rai. Orientation begins on the Tuesday morning after your chosen start date and runs for the entire day. Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Thailand – an introduction to Thailand, Thai customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Thailand, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.
Volunteer schedule example
Weekdays: A volunteer day is subject to change depending on your particular project and placement and the time of year that you are volunteering. A typical daily schedule might be as follows:
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation |
| 8:30 AM | Morning meeting for all volunteers |
| 9:00 - 11:30 AM | Volunteer work begins. Work and hours are dependent on the project and placement that each volunteer is working at. Lunch breaks vary in time depending on the working schedule, but all volunteers get an hour to eat and relax |
| 1:00 PM | Volunteer work continues |
| 5:00 PM | Dinner at the volunteer accommodation |
| 6:00 PM | 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: As the working week runs from Tuesday to Saturday, Sunday and Monday are considered the weekend for volunteers on the Thailand program. During the weekends, volunteers have spare time and usually just relax or take the opportunity to explore other parts of Chiang Rai and Thailand.
In Chiang Rai alone you can visit Wat Rong Khun, the breathtakingly ornate White Temple; see Wat Phra Kaew, the original home of the famous Emerald Buddha which now resides in Bangkok; or do some shopping and sample the fabulous food at the daily Night Bazaar or at the Walking Street Market during the weekend where a whole street closes to traffic to accommodate stalls and stands. It’s also a great place to go cycling, take a hike or learn about the region’s long and rich history and diverse culture. Other parts of Thailand offer spectacular scenery and wildlife, phenomenal beaches and an amazing selection of adventure and relaxation activities.
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers are accommodated on-site at our local team’s headquarters in Chiang Rai. You will live in a communal environment with other staff and volunteers in separate male and female lodgings. The accommodation in Thailand is well integrated into the surrounding environment and has a traditional village feel.
You can expect to stay in dormitory-style huts that are cool in summer and warm in winter with an environmentally-friendly design that minimizes tree logging. The windows and doors are also fitted with mosquito screens.
The living conditions are basic and volunteers should be prepared to have cold water and bucket showers. Mattresses are provided in the form of traditional Thai mattresses, which are much thinner than western ones. While bedding is provided, you are required to bring your own sleeping bag for the homestay experience and weekends away.
Generally, in the second week of a volunteer program, all Outdoor Work volunteers are taken on a homestay experience, working on a construction (or similar) project and living within the local community. Childcare volunteers usually have a non-working homestay experience over their first weekend on the program. Both of these are subject to change, depending on circumstances. Living conditions in the villages are more basic and squat toilets and cold bucket showers are the norm. During the weekends (Sunday to Monday), volunteers can stay at the local team’s headquarters, however, many volunteers choose to travel and return on Monday evening in time for work on Tuesday.
WiFi is available at the local team’s headquarters; however, the connection is limited so we recommend bringing an unlocked phone and purchasing a local SIM card when you arrive in Thailand. The local team can assist you in purchasing a SIM card during your program orientation. You can also access WiFi at cafes and restaurants in Chiang Rai.
Meals
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. Food served at the volunteer accommodation during the weekdays are typically hill tribe and Thai style meals; however, Western style food is also served occasionally.
During the weekends, food is not provided and volunteers purchase food at local shops and cook for themselves, or eat in town. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply for the program so we can make arrangements for you.
Typical breakfast fruit
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical breakfast fruit
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical homestay meal
Typical homestay meal
Typical homestay meal
Volunteers serving dinner
Volunteers eating a meal
Volunteers washing up after a meal
Volunteer accommodation canteen
Volunteer accommodation
Volunteer accommodation
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Volunteer resource room
Volunteer dining area
Volunteer dining area
Volunteer dining area
Volunteer dining area
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately £246), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately £246) 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.
|
|---|---|
| 2 weeks | $535 Equivalent to $38/day |
| 3 weeks | $635 Equivalent to $30/day |
| 4 weeks | $765 Equivalent to $27/day |
| 5 weeks | $885 Equivalent to $25/day |
| 6 weeks | $995 Equivalent to $24/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,225 Equivalent to $22/day |
| 10 weeks | $1,485 Equivalent to $21/day |
| 12 weeks | $1,745 Equivalent to $21/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately £246) 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$30-50 per week to be sufficient for expenses.
- Some meals - please see the 'Meals' section of the project page to understand what meals are included
- Airport pick-up
- Return to the airport or bus terminal when your program finishes, if you are departing between 1PM and 4PM
- Return to the bus terminal when your program finishes, if you are departing after 4PM
- Transport to and from your accommodation and volunteer placement each day
- 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.
- Some meals - please see the 'Meals' section of the project page to understand what meals are excluded
- Return to the airport when your program finishes, if you are departing prior to 1PM
- 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.
Check what's required to visit Thailand
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 | 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, however, the temperature is relatively hot year-round throughout the country. The southern coastal region is characterised 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 Rai, 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.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
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