Kindergarten Teaching in Luang Prabang, Laos

WHY we need you in Laos

Participant teaching basic words in English to kids

HOW can you help?

WHAT can you do?

Why Involvement Volunteers International?

  PROJECT NAME: KINDERGARTEN TEACHING 

LOCATION: LUANG PRABANG

  START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS) 

  ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE

  MIN DURATION: ONE WEEK

  MIN AGE: 16+

  SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required

Overview

The Childcare project focuses on providing high-quality English language classes to young children. Without volunteers at the kindergarten, it would be difficult for these children to receive quality English language education in the area.

As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to interact with the children, play with them, organise fun and engaging activities, and help with cleaning tasks as needed. This program is especially important because you will be working with very young children who have limited exposure to adults.

Your kindness and patience towards the children will help them feel more comfortable and confident in communicating with adults. Although the children may initially be shy and playful, working with them will be a wonderful experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories!

You are free to be creative in your lessons, and teach by arts, singing, dancing, or using any props you may like to bring from home, such as flashcards, or objects from your home country!

Location

Luang Prabang is a picturesque city situated in the northern region of Laos, known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and serene Buddhist temples. Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Mai, and Wat Visoun are some of the most famous temples in the city, offering stunning examples of traditional Lao architecture. The lively night market, where visitors can sample local street food and browse through a wide range of local handicrafts, is also a must-visit attraction. Additionally, the city is a great base for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and visiting the Kuang Si waterfalls, making it a well-rounded destination for travellers seeking cultural, natural, and culinary experiences.

Project Tasks

  • Help to ease the load on understaffed childcare facilities
  • Engage the children in fun and educational activities
  • Get them used to communicating with adults and foreigners

Food & Accommodation

The accommodation is located on the main road of the world heritage town surrounded by a beautiful mountainous view next to the Mekong River. The accommodation is easy to reach the local night market, and the town centre, which is a few mins walk. Rooms are shared dorms with up to 4 people of single gender. Included are wifi, hot showers, air-con, fans, and a laundry facility at an extra cost.

You can find simple groceries and beverages sold in two local restaurants located next to the accommodation. There are also shops and a local market located 3 minutes and 10 minutes away respectively, by foot. There is also a pharmacy and local clinic located less than 5km away.

There is a lake-side makeshift restaurant just for us, where you can enjoy the evenings and order Western or Laotian food at reasonable prices.

We offer a variety of local Laotian dishes. Participants may find that the cuisine is quite different from what they are used to at home, as there are very few Western dishes served. Local dishes can sometimes be adapted to accommodate vegetarians but can be a bit challenging with other dietary restrictions. Please inform the local team of your specific needs and they will do their best. However, please consider that it may not be possible to meet those personal tastes or guidelines every day to your satisfaction. In instances like this, we do suggest, bringing some of your own items to supplement the food being served.

In addition, 3 meals are provided every day of the program scheduled at 8am for Breakfast, 12pm for Lunch, and 6:00pm for Dinner and on weekends only brunch and dinner.

*Accommodation may be in our local centre or in close proximity, depending on availability and time of year.


All prices in USD
  • 1 Week - $455
  • 2 Weeks - $575
  • 3 Weeks - $825
  • 1 Month - $1055
  • 2 Months - $2155
  • 3 Months - $3150
Vol House
What's Included
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Airport Pickup
  • Local Transportation
  • 1 Day Orientation
  • 24/7 In-Country Support
  • Project Materials & Equipment
  • Pre-departure Expert Advice
  • Preperation Tools & Checklists
  • Certificate of Completion

FAQ

If you love working with young people, are energetic and want to inspire the furture generation, then yes absolutely! This program would suit anyone wishing to gain more experience in a childcare setting. 

  • Accommodation
  • 3 meals p/day & 2 p/day at weekends
  • Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
  • Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
  • 1 day orientation
  • Daily transportation to project
  • In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
  • Fundraising support
  • University course credits (where applicable)
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Airfares
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tours, Souvenirs & spending money

Included in the program fees is a half day orientation which starts on the Monday. This is important to help you become familiar with your surroundings, as well as learning about the local customs & culture to help you get the most from your volunteering experience.

Typical Orientation Includes:

  • Meet & greet with your new team and coordinators!
  • Introduction meeting, general rules, setting expectations, advice on health and safety and handling of documents.
  • Visit to town
  • Local language lesson
  • Do’s and don’ts

Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Luang Prabang Airport (LPQ). You must arrive between 8:00 to 22:00 on Sunday. If arriving on the Saturday, we charge an additional fee for the extra night’s accommodation.

If arriving outside the pickup times, you can either make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this) or you can book a private transfer for an additional fee.

Monday to Friday – 3-4 hours a day

  • Breakfast
  • Teaching
  • Feeding
  • Sleeping time for the children/lunch time for you!
  • Feeding time
  • Activities and playing games
  • Dinner at the accommodation
*Schedule possible to change due to the project and community needs at the time. Volunteer flexibility and adaptability is important to a positive volunteering experience. 

 

Explore the ancient city of Luang Prabang: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a beautiful blend of French colonial architecture, Buddhist temples, and traditional Laotian buildings. Walk along the Mekong River, visit the night market, and see the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls.

Learn about Laos’s history: Visit the COPE Visitor Centre in Vientiane to learn about the effects of the Vietnam War on Laos and the ongoing problem of unexploded ordnance. The National Museum in Luang Prabang is also a great place to learn about the country’s history and culture.

Take a boat ride on the Mekong River: The Mekong River runs through Laos and is a major source of transportation and commerce. Take a scenic boat ride to see the stunning landscape, visit small riverside villages, and experience the local way of life.

Trek through the Laotian countryside: Laos is known for its beautiful natural scenery and trekking is a great way to experience it. Explore the countryside, visit remote villages, and see stunning waterfalls and rice paddies.

Explore the Plain of Jars: The Plain of Jars is a unique archaeological site located in central Laos. It consists of thousands of large stone jars scattered across several sites. The jars date back to the Iron Age and their purpose is still a mystery. Exploring the Plain of Jars is an unforgettable experience and a must-see for history buffs.

Visit the Kong Lor Cave: The Kong Lor Cave is a spectacular limestone cave located in central Laos. It is over 7 kilometres long and includes a river that runs through it. Visitors can take a boat ride through the cave and witness stunning rock formations and underground waterfalls. This is a great activity for adventure seekers.

Relax in the 4000 Islands: The 4000 Islands, also known as Si Phan Don, is a picturesque archipelago located in the southern part of Laos. Visitors can relax on sandy beaches, swim in the Mekong River, and take boat rides to see the famous Irrawaddy dolphins. This is a great place to unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Attend a traditional Baci ceremony: The Baci ceremony is a traditional Lao ritual that is often performed for special occasions such as weddings or to welcome guests. The ceremony involves tying strings around a person’s wrist to symbolize good luck and prosperity. Visitors can participate in a Baci ceremony and learn about Lao culture and customs.

Experience the Night Markets: Laos is famous for its vibrant night markets, where visitors can find a variety of local food, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Some of the best night markets are located in Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Pakse. This is a great way to experience local culture and mingle with the friendly Lao people.

  • Document(s) must be submitted 2 weeks before the arrival date
  • Submitting a CV is an advantage
  • Male – modest clothing shoulders covered, long pants or skirts over the knees, on school grounds
  • Female – It is COMPULSORY for the female participants to wear a traditional Laos skirt named “Sinh” to the teaching program.
  • You can purchase the skirts from the local team after arrival for an additional cost of $20.00 and the can be taken home as souvenirs. Also, if you don’t want to purchase one, you may borrow a skirt from the local team.
  • Closed-toed shoes (no flip-flops allowed

No specific equipment is required for this program, but you are more than welcome to bring teaching materials for your classes such as:

  •  Interesting board games
  •  Books/Comics
  •  Musical instruments, Etc.

For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link: LA – Holidays – All Programs

Laos is a country in Southeast Asia that is known for its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and unique culture. The country has been shaped by centuries of influences from neighbouring countries such as China, Vietnam, and Thailand, which is reflected in its diverse architecture, cuisine, and traditions.

Laos has a rich and diverse history shaped by various influences throughout the centuries. The Lan Xang kingdom emerged in the 14th century, ruling much of what is now Laos and parts of present-day Vietnam and Thailand. Laos came under French colonial rule in the 19th and early 20th centuries, gaining independence in 1954. The country faced conflict and turmoil in the decades that followed, including involvement in the Vietnam War and a communist takeover in 1975. Despite its challenges, Laos has emerged as a culturally rich country, blending traditional and modern influences, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in exploring Southeast Asian history and culture.

The climate of Laos is tropical, characterized by hot and humid conditions year-round, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season typically runs from May to October, with heavy rainfall and high humidity levels. The dry season, which runs from November to April, is generally cooler and less humid, with temperatures averaging around 25-30°C (77-86°F) during the day and dropping to around 15-20°C (59-68°F) at night.

However, it’s important to note that temperatures and climate can vary greatly depending on the specific region of Laos you are in. For example, areas in higher elevations, such as the northern provinces, can be cooler than lowland areas. It’s also important to note that during the months of March and April, the temperature can soar to around 40°C (104°F) in some parts of the country. Overall, travelers to Laos should be prepared for hot and humid weather, especially during the wet season, and should bring appropriate clothing and gear to stay comfortable in varying conditions.

The culture of Laos is a rich blend of diverse influences, including Buddhist, animist, and French colonial traditions. Buddhism plays a central role in daily life, and the country is home to many stunning temples and religious sites, such as the famous Pha That Luang stupa in Vientiane.

In addition to its religious traditions, Laos is known for its beautiful handicrafts, including silk textiles, silverwork, and woodcarvings. Visitors to Laos can explore local markets and villages to discover these traditional crafts, which are often made by skilled artisans using age-old techniques.

Laotian cuisine is also a highlight of the country’s culture, featuring a blend of spicy, sour, and sweet flavors. Popular dishes include laap (a minced meat salad), sticky rice, and papaya salad. Visitors can also try a range of delicious street food, such as khao jee (a type of sandwich made with baguette bread and various fillings) and noodle soups.

The Lao Loum, or lowland Lao, make up the majority of the population and are centered around the Mekong River valley. The Lao Theung, or upland Lao, live in the mountainous regions of the country, while the Lao Sung, or highland Lao, are found in the northern provinces near the border with China.

Despite differences in language and customs, the people of Laos share a deep sense of community and family values, with strong ties to their local villages and communities. Visitors can often participate in local festivals and celebrations, which are an important part of Lao culture and typically involve colorful parades, traditional music and dance performances, and delicious food.

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