Thailand continues to be one of the most tempting destinations for those adventurous travellers who are seeking a combination of enchanting natural surroundings, alluring culture, and incredible biodiversity. Breathtaking silvery beaches lapped by warm, crystal clear waters are complemented by friendly locals, mouth-watering local delicacies, and an ancient and fascinating historical heritage rooted in Buddhist origins.
Koh Tao is most definitely the jewel in Thailand’s royal crown, famed for its laid back atmosphere and immaculate coral reef diving. However, in recent years the island's land resources and coral reefs have come under increasing threat from rapid, unregulated and unsustainable development. Join our teaching project and help to improve the conversational and written English of the local children, whilst at the same time fostering international relations and enjoying all this exotic country has to offer.
What Does the Project Do?
The initiative on Koh Tao has been running since 2008, having been set up by members of the local community to help preserve their local culture, land resources and coral reefs. The initiative has three components, land conservation, marine conservation, and education, each contributing to the preservation of the island.
The main aim of the teaching project is to help out at the local school, giving the children of the island the opportunity to practice their conversational English. In conjunction with the Thai curriculum, we also encourage our volunteers to bring in new and exciting subjects such as environmental awareness to help support wider conservation objectives for the island at grass-roots level.
Topics such as the importance of the environment, marine life and related eco-systems are all encouraged by the school to help the children value and protect these precious resources on Koh Tao. The project tries to achieve this through fun, creative and engaging activities both inside and outside the classroom.
What Will I Be Doing?
Whilst on your placement you will work with other international and local volunteers to help teach the children using your initiative and creativity, making the most of limited resources to teach English as a foreign language. This will give you the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Thai culture, helping you to make a difference to the future conservation and prosperity of the island whilst at the same time making lasting friendships with your welcoming hosts and the wonderful children.
Teaching is not just about transferring knowledge; it is about building confidence and trust and about forging friendships. Before long, you'll find that your students become like a family to you and you’ll enjoy attending local festivals or exploring Thailand’s spectacular countryside with them, or simply telling stories.
