Summer Volunteering in Thailand

“I loved every minute at the placement and regret only coming for two weeks. Although I have seen progress from the children at the Thai/Burmese Junior school, I would have loved to have stayed longer to really reinforce what I taught them in these two weeks and see a significant growth in their confidence and ability to communicate in English, that is my only regret. I have never felt as welcomed as I did in Kuraburi and the Thai/Burmese junior school (without the kindness of the locals, the teachers and the AD staff this trip would not be as amazing as it was). Thank you for everything! I will see you very soon.”

Susana R, volunteer at the Junior school in Kuraburi, June 2011

“Volunteering at the Southern Thailand orphanage was a life-changing experience for my Jared and I. We spent a short week with the Home and Life family and within that time, came to regard them as part of our family. The staff are such caring, kind hearted people and have fostered a beautiful, loving environment for the children. It truly is one big family – and they stand true to their word: “A family place of love and learning”. The children are just amazing – they have so much heart and soul, and each one of them looks after their brothers and sisters. We already look forward to returning one day – and this time for longer than a week. Thank you for the opportunity to volunteer with the Southern Thailand orphanage – it was an honour.”

Melanie and Jared C, volunteers at the Southern Thailand Orphanage, July 2011

“I remember my first day at school, I had to give a short introductory speech during the morning assembly. I was so nervious, but then 800 students welcomed me with a friendly big smile. I felt a lot better! I spent 3 days teaching English and Manderin to 4 different classes. It was hard to explain abstract ideas because of the language barrier, thus I tended to play games with them & let them learn the language in a enjoyable & relaxing way. I believe the most important thing to learn a language is not to be afraid of it & enjoy every single lesson. I am glad that students enjoyed the lessons and teaching days. I know that 3 days teaching may not bring much to them, but I am sure it is good for both of us to know about one’s culture and exchange ideas.

Rainy L, volunteer at the Kuraburi high school, July 2011

“Having no experience with teaching nor with children, I was quite nervious at the beginning. However already from day one these doubts melted away. I basically enjoyed every second of it even though the conditions are hard and you sometimes feel really exhausted. It is a full time job to teach at the Burmese Learning centre, but the children are lovely to be around and I had a lot of fun. I wish i could stay longer!”

Friedel G, volunteer at the Burmese Learning centre, July 2011