Teaching in Koh Samui, Thailand

WHY we need you in Thailand

sitting with the kids

HOW can you help?

WHAT can you do?

Why Involvement Volunteers International?

travelling overseas can truly change your life!

  PROJECT NAME: TEACHING

LOCATION: KOH SAMUI

  START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS)

  ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE (SHARED ROOM)

  MIN DURATION: ONE WEEK

  MIN AGE: 16+

  SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required

Overview

The teaching program offers a unique and fulfilling experience for participants worldwide. Whether you’re considering a short-term or long-term commitment, the program offers a highly rewarding way to make a positive difference in education.

Volunteers will work with students aged 6–18 in primary and secondary schools. Each day typically includes teaching 2-3 classes, lasting 2-3 hours each, plus an hour for lesson planning. Travelling between the accommodation and the school, which takes 10 to 45 minutes by local taxi, also offers a glimpse of Koh Samui’s vibrant life and scenic beauty.

The program presents a variety of teaching opportunities, allowing participants to select a setting that suits their style and interests. You can teach subjects such as English, math, science, and sports, allowing you to build your skills across different areas and make a broader impact in the classroom.

Our teaching program has a dual purpose: helping children in rural Thailand improve their English (as many teachers are not fluent) and providing insight into the Thai education system, along with opportunities to form lasting connections with students and teachers.

Beyond teaching, you’ll have the chance to explore the captivating island of Koh Samui. With pristine beaches, lush jungles, and cultural landmarks, the island offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, making this experience unforgettable.

During School Holidays
Special classes and English camps are organized during school breaks, allowing even more engagement with the community. If you’re assigned to a child development centre, creative skills such as singing, dancing, games, and innovative teaching techniques will be essential in teaching young children foundational concepts.

Before going to the school, participants will work with local coordinators to review lesson plans, materials, and activities to ensure continuity and quality in the children’s learning experience.

Location

Koh Samui is a beautiful island in the Gulf of Thailand, famous for its white-sand beaches, palm-fringed coastlines, and relaxed island atmosphere. Known for its friendly locals and rich cultural heritage, the island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and vibrant traditions. As a volunteer destination, Koh Samui provides an inspiring environment where you can contribute to the community while experiencing authentic Thai culture.

Project Tasks

• Enhance children’s English skills with engaging and interactive methods that spark their interest.
• Support local teachers and staff by providing an extra hand in the classroom.
• Develop your creativity and teamwork through hands-on experience.
• Facilitate English language learning and cultural exchange with peers.
• Gain invaluable, practical teaching experience.

Food & Accommodation

You will stay at the volunteer accommodation which has shared dorm rooms of 4-8 people (single gender). The accommodation has fans, air-con, wifi, hot showers and bed linen. For laundry you can hand wash or use a laundry facility in town. There is also a swimming pool and spacious living areas for relaxation.

*Private rooms are available for an additional fee, subject to availability.

All the meals served inside the accommodation are homestyle, vegetarian-friendly and you can expect that they will be typically Thai, including plenty of rice or noodle dishes with vegetables and occasionally some meat will be provided as well, along with seasonal fruits for dessert.

While we do our best to accommodate our participants, what we provide for most meals is local cuisine. If you are a picky eater, have dietary restrictions, or if you think that you will not be satisfied with the local dishes provided, you might want to consider supplementing our menu with Western-type foods and snacks that are more to your liking.

All prices in USD
  • 1 Week - $495
  • 2 Weeks - $600
  • 3 Weeks - $795
  • 1 Month - $1045
  • 2 Months - $2245
  • 3 Months - $3305
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

Testimonials...

FAQ

If you love working with young people, are energetic and want to inspire the furture generation, then yes absolutely! 

  • Accommodation
  • 3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day 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

Volunteers in Thailand are encouraged to take up the orientation week to help you ease into the lifestyle and pace of Thailand. You will get to know your town and it’s facilities and everything required to make your stay comfortable. You may choose after the first few days to move straight into your chosen volunteer placement if desired or otherwise just enjoy the company of your new friends and extended family!

When confirming your dates please take note of the long holidays (mid-March till mid-May and October). During these times, renovation work continues, with the option to join special classes and English camps that are regularly requested by the local Thailand communities involved.

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 Koh Samui (USM) Airport. You must arrive between 08.00 and 17:00 on Sunday.

If arriving outside the pickup times, you can book a private transfer and any extra nights accommodation for an extra fee.

Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this). 

From the airport to the accommodation in Hua Hin, it takes around 4 hours by public bus and then a shuttle bus.   

Monday
Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and handling of documents and Signing of Documents.
Thai Do’s and Don’ts, Thai Culture Lessons and Thai Language Lessons.
Lunch
Project Meetings, Preparation, Visits and Observation alongside the Local Coordinator

Tuesday to Friday
Teaching sessions can be in the morning or afternoon, depending on the school and its requirements. A regular day in the program would be like this.

Breakfast at the Center
Preparing the Teaching Materials & Games
Lunch
Lesson plan and free time
Dinner at the Center

Note: There are other activities that you may enjoy during your stay that are outside of your programs including going to the night market, having a mall experience, and of course relaxing and chillin’ at the beach.

***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

Volunteer flexibility and adaptability is important to a positive volunteering experience.

Ang Thong National Marine Park
The Ang Thong National Marine Park is a scenic cluster of 42 limestone islands spanning over 95 square miles (246 square kilometres) in southern Thailand. Known for its dramatic karst formations, the park features secluded beaches, towering cliffs, and hidden caves. It’s also a haven for wildlife, including birds, monkeys, and dolphins.

Secret Buddha Garden (Magic Garden)
Hidden within Koh Samui’s lush hills, the Secret Buddha Garden is an enchanting site featuring stone sculptures of Buddha, animals, and mythical beings surrounded by waterfalls. Created by local farmer Nim Thongsuk, this serene garden serves as both an artful sanctuary and his final resting place.

Na Muang Waterfall
Located in Koh Samui’s mountainous interior, Na Muang Waterfall has two tiers: an easily accessible lower tier with a natural pool, and a higher, more secluded spot reached by a 30-minute hike. Surrounded by dense jungle, this free-access site is a favourite for visitors seeking a refreshing retreat.

Koh Tan (Koh Taen)
Just three miles south of Koh Samui, Koh Tan (also known as Koh Taen or Coral Island) offers tranquil beaches, mangrove forests, and diverse coral reefs ideal for snorkelling. With no cars and only around 30 residents, the island gives visitors a glimpse of traditional Thai island life.

Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks (Hin Yai and Hin Ta)
Koh Samui’s Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks on Lamai Beach are intriguing natural formations resembling male and female anatomy. A popular tourist spot, these unique rock outcrops sit on a beautiful beach with tide pools, making it an amusing and scenic destination.

Wat Khunaram (Mummified Monk)
Wat Khunaram, a functioning temple on Koh Samui, is known for displaying the preserved remains of its former abbot, Loung Pordaeng, who passed away in 1973. This unusual attraction provides insight into Buddhist beliefs about life and death, drawing both local devotees and curious visitors.

Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Koh Samui’s iconic Big Buddha Temple, or Wat Phra Yai, features a towering 40-foot (12-meter) golden Buddha statue that is visible from miles away. Situated on the north coast, it’s both an active worship site and a landmark for visitors seeking cultural insight and panoramic views.

Butterfly Hill Samui
Butterfly Hill is a scenic garden on Koh Samui that houses hundreds of vibrant butterflies, as well as other insects and tropical flowers. The hilltop location offers picturesque views of the island and sea, and visitors can cool off at a nearby waterfall.

Aow Leuk Beach
On Koh Tao’s southeastern side, Aow Leuk Beach is a quiet and somewhat secluded spot with soft sand and crystal-clear waters, providing a peaceful escape from the island’s busier areas. It’s ideal for snorkelling, as the calm, shallow waters are home to colourful marine life.

Lamai Beach
Less developed than Chaweng, Lamai Beach is one of Koh Samui’s prettiest spots, especially on its southern end. Known for its granite rock formations, including the famous Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks, Lamai offers a relaxed atmosphere with year-round swimming and scenic views.

Chaweng Beach
The longest and most popular beach on Koh Samui, Chaweng Beach boasts turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and vibrant nightlife. With a 3-mile (5-kilometer) stretch of soft white sand, Chaweng is perfect for swimming, water sports, and unwinding amid the lively beach scene.

Minors traveling to Thailand

Minors traveling to Thailand with/without parents/legal guardians are required to adhere to instructions of the Thai immigration. For more information, please check here.

Motorbike Hire
Please note, motorbike hire is strictly prohibited for volunteers, including when outside the centre on weekends. If a participant is found to have hired a motorbike, this will result in termination of the program with no refund. 

Dress Code:
Cover up as much as possible in the spirit of the local culture to avoid embarrassment.
Your clothes must not be too short, too tight, or too revealing. Kindly make sure your shoulders and legs are covered.
It is completely fine to wear Western clothes as long as they fit the local standards.
Be thoughtful of the graphics, symbols, or text printed on your clothing and avoid wearing clothing styles that might be inappropriate

Additional Equipment
  • No specific equipment is required for this project. However, you are more welcome to bring with you some educational materials to be used for learning activities such as game cards, coloring books, pencils, balls, musical instruments, worksheets, books/comics, cultural items and many more meaningful learning resources.
Dress Code:
  • Cover up as much as possible in the spirit of the local culture to avoid embarrassment.
  • Your clothes must not be too short, too tight, or too revealing. Kindly make sure your shoulders and legs are covered.
  • Dress professionally since you will be working in a professional environment while teaching the children.
  • It is completely fine to wear Western clothes as long as they fit the local standards.
  • Be thoughtful of the graphics, symbols, or text printed on your clothing and avoid wearing clothing styles that might be inappropriate, particularly inside the school premises.

Others:

  • An environmentally friendly sunscreen or lotion is also advised to protect you from the heat of the sun and please carry with you preventive agents during outdoor activities, such as mosquito repellents for insect bites.
  • Moreover, bring Medicines with you especially if you have to take specific medicines regularly as well as other medicines for headaches and stomach aches.
  • Refillable water bottles and hydration packs to stay hydrated throughout the day, particularly during class.

For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link: TH – Holidays – Koh Samui 

With a long sandy coastline and jungle-topped islands anchored in crystal blue waters Thailand is a tropical getaway and favorite traveling destination for holiday makers and volunteers from all over the world. Thailand’s culture is generous, warm and outgoing and the cuisine is world renowned for a tropical abundance of fresh and varied flavors of spicy, sweet, salty and sour. 

Thailand is a fascinating and exotic country to explore. Through volunteering, you’ll gain a love in the people, culture, scenery, cuisine and in the overall lifestyle of Thailand.

We offer diverse project options catering to many different interests. Volunteering is the ideal way of assimilating into the local Thai culture and experiencing the real lifestyle in Thailand.

November to Febuary is the best time to visit Thailand, with a pleasent temperature through most of the country. From March to May temperatures can get very hot. The monsoon rains start from about June to October. Showers usually are quite predictabe and come in short bursts, so this time of year can be great to visit, as everything is so green and there are fewer crowds!

Temperatures are around 30 degrees on average throughout the year. If in the North of Thailand in the winter, evenings can get quite chilly, so bring some warm clothes too!

Vietnam has one of the oldest cultures in South East Asia, creating a rich history with ancient traditions dating back thousands of years. It also has a large Chinese influence. Elders are very well respected in Vietnamese culture, the older you are, the more respect is shown to you. ‘Saving face’ is a concept shown by most Vietnamese people and is thought of as extremely important in their culture. This means that if you feel angered or annoyed by someone, you do not show it and remain respectful. If you lose your temper/ are rude, then this is seen as losing face and therefore a loss of reputation and self-respect.

Vietnamese is the most widely spoken language, other languages include Chinese, Khmer, Cham and tribal dialects. Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism are the main religious beliefs in Vietnam, and you will find many temples dotted around the country. You will often see the local people giving fruits and burning incense to give as offerings.

30 Years Non Profit Experience

IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.

Affordable Volunteer Travel

We’re not motivated by shareholder profits.   Our fees are fully transparent to ensure maximum benefit where it is most needed. 

Safe & Responsible Projects

All projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management team, operational & risk assessment & overseas support contact.   All projects are personally inspected to ensure very high quality.
 

Work Experience & University Credits

We place thousands of Uni students and can assist you with course credits and in-field experience points.   Many of our project coordinators are qualified practitioners in their respective fields allowing unique in-field supervision and Uni accreditation options

Check out this amazing blog with step by step info on how to raise funds for your overseas volunteer experience to help maximize your impact abroad. Guide to Fundraising

Weekends & Extra Tours

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