Teaching and Community Development Intern – Thailand

Internship Description

Volunt2Thai is a community development project in rural Northeastern Thailand supporting local schools and disadvantaged children. Since 2013, we have worked with more than 4,000 children and currently support approximately 650 children in 13 local schools.

As a Teaching and Community Development Intern, you will gain practical experience working in an international, rural community environment. Interns participate in educational activities at local schools and contribute to community-based projects under the guidance of the Volunt2Thai team.

Responsibilities

• Assist with English language activities for children in local schools
• Prepare and conduct age-appropriate educational activities
• Support sports, games, music, arts and creative activities
• Participate in community development and social-impact projects
• Support our Food Forest and environmental activities when appropriate
• Develop educational materials and creative learning activities
• Work together with local teachers and community members
• Reflect on your experiences and develop your professional and intercultural skills

Qualifications

We welcome students and graduates from education, social sciences, international development, languages, environmental studies, sports, communication, business and related fields.

Teaching experience is helpful but not required. We are looking for interns who are:

• Responsible and reliable
• Open-minded and culturally respectful
• Comfortable working with children
• Creative, patient and willing to participate
• Interested in international and community-based work
• Able to work independently as well as part of a team

English is required for communication. Knowledge of Thai is an advantage but not required.

What You Can Gain

The internship provides practical experience in education, community development, intercultural communication and working in an international environment. Interns have the opportunity to experience everyday life in a rural Thai community and work directly with local schools, teachers and community members.

Volunt2Thai can coordinate with universities regarding internship requirements and documentation where applicable.

Location

Volunt2Thai is located in a rural area of Northeastern Thailand (Isan), approximately 1.5 hours from Udon Thani. This is a genuine community environment rather than a tourist destination.

Interns should therefore be prepared for a simple rural lifestyle and an immersive cultural experience.

Volunt2Thai is a non-profit community development project in rural Northeastern Thailand (Isan). Since 2013, we have supported more than 4,000 disadvantaged children and currently cooperate with 13 local schools serving approximately 650 children.

Volunt2Thai does not receive regular government funding. Participants therefore contribute to the costs of their stay and the operation of the campus and projects. The current participation cost is €139 per person per week or €556 per month. This includes accommodation, meals, drinking water, project-related local transportation and use of the campus facilities. Optional air conditioning is available at an additional cost.

The project is located in a rural Thai community approximately 1.5 hours from Udon Thani. It is a genuine community environment rather than a tourist destination. Participants live directly on the Volunt2Thai campus and experience everyday life together with local people, teachers, children and other international participants.

Our main focus is education. Participants support local schools with English activities, games, sports, arts, music, creative activities and general educational activities. Previous teaching experience is helpful but not required. Enthusiasm, reliability, creativity and respect for the local community are more important.

There are also many opportunities to contribute according to your own skills and interests. Depending on your background and the current projects, these may include:

• Community development and social activities
• Sports, football, Muay Thai, yoga and other activities
• Music, arts and creative projects
• Computer and multimedia activities
• Environmental activities and organic farming
• Our Food Forest Project
• Support for elderly people in the surrounding villages
• Photography, video and documentation
• Educational material and project development
• Cultural exchange activities

If you have a particular professional skill, talent or project idea, we are happy to discuss how you can contribute. Over the years, participants from many different countries and professional backgrounds have brought their own ideas and skills to Volunt2Thai.

We welcome students, interns, graduates, professionals, retirees, families, couples and individual participants. There is no general age limit. The important requirements are an open mind, respect for Thai culture, responsibility and a willingness to actively participate in the community.

For students completing an internship, Volunt2Thai can cooperate with universities and provide appropriate internship documentation where required. Internship activities can be adapted, where possible, to the student's field of study and university requirements.

Volunt2Thai is a community-based cultural exchange project. Participants are not employees of Volunt2Thai, and the program does not provide employment or a work permit in Thailand. Participants are responsible for ensuring that they meet all applicable visa and legal requirements.

Our goal is to create a genuine exchange: participants contribute their time, knowledge and talents while gaining practical experience, intercultural understanding and a deeper connection with rural Thailand. Most importantly, together we create positive experiences and opportunities for the children and communities we work with.