Isara is a registered non-profit charity foundation located in Nong Khai, Thailand with a focus in education, environmental awareness, and personal safety. Isara volunteers help create and implement our own projects in the local community which are funded solely through revenue generated by our website, Isara.org, and our generous sponsors.
We do not feel that people willing to help should have to pay to do so. That is why Isara does not, and will never, charge volunteers to help others. All you need to do is get here and you can make a difference in the lives of many.
Volunteer Positions Available
We are currently looking for native/fluent English speakers to teach at our Learning Center’s after-school and evening classes (photos below) and assist Thai teachers at local government schools. We also have positions available in northern Thailand (near Chiang Mai) where you can stay with a host family (home-stay). If you’re not interested in teaching, and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, we also could use help developing our Learning Center and Recycling Center by making repairs, painting, and landscaping.
Isara Volunteer Comforts/Amenities
Volunteers can stay for free at the Isara Learning Center (ILC) in Nong Khai, which is located within two blocks of the local police station, hospital, the Red Cross, and two 7-11 stores. There are dorms upstairs with beds, a wardrobe, and fans to help keep you cool. We have a large living area upstairs with cable television and tons of DVDs to watch. There is a shared western-style bathroom and hot-water shower upstairs and another half bath downstairs. The kitchen is available for use and is equipped with refrigerator, microwave, hot-plate, and everything else needed to cook, though most volunteers prefer to sample the many delicious and extremely affordable foods available in Nong Khai. The ILC also has a full computer lab with high-speed wi-fi access and a game room with a ping pong table and dart board. If you prefer being outside, Isara has a beautiful new pier where volunteers (and students) often relax and read a book or do yoga. We also provide free phone calls to the USA and Canada, bicycles for volunteers, 24/7 support, and Thai language and cultural lessons to help get you situated.
Length of Stay
We will accept applications for any length of time (1 day to 1 year) but we recommend 1-3 months. Volunteers usually feel that 2-3 weeks is too short of time to learn about Thai culture, the Thai language, and how to teach effectively, so we recommend at least one month.
What Volunteers Must Pay For
Volunteers must pay their own way to get to Nong Khai and related expenses (visas, passports, any immunizations, etc). Once here, they must also pay for their personal living costs (food, laundry, personal effects, and transportation around town, entertainment, etc). But don’t worry, the cost of living is very cheap.
If off-site housing is preferred, we can help volunteers find an affordable place to stay (typically a nice furnished apartment or home costs only $120/mo).