Laos: English Teaching Volunteer Program

Introduction

In the peaceful and historic town of Luang Prabang, education is a powerful tool for opportunity. As a volunteer English teacher, you’ll work with children aged 10 to 15 in local schools, helping them build vital language skills that can open doors to future education, tourism jobs, and global understanding.

Classes are small, usually with 15 to 20 students, allowing for a more personal and interactive learning environment. You’ll spend 3 to 4 hours each day in the classroom, teaching basic to intermediate English with the freedom to make your lessons creative and engaging.

While improving language skills is the main goal, you’re encouraged to go beyond the textbook. Use games, music, art, role-play, and crafts to bring lessons to life. These methods not only make learning more enjoyable but also help students build confidence and curiosity about the world beyond Laos.

This is more than just a teaching role—it’s a cultural exchange. You’ll inspire young minds while gaining a deeper appreciation for Lao life, traditions, and values. It’s a rewarding way to make a difference, grow personally, and connect meaningfully with a local community.

Daily Life

This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to make a genuine impact through education. Whether you’re considering a career in teaching, passionate about cultural exchange, or simply want to give back while traveling, this program allows you to do something meaningful — and have fun while doing it.

You’ll leave with more than just photos. Expect new friendships, unforgettable memories, and a sense of purpose that comes from seeing your students grow and succeed.

From Monday to Friday you will be preparing and evaluating lessons and activities as well as teach English classes. You will teach basic English, grammar, vocabulary, conversation, games, songs, sports and music. You can create fun and educational real-life situations in which the children can use English.

The schedule can also be in reverse in which case you will be teaching in the morning and preparing your lessons in the afternoon.

On Friday there will be a meeting to evaluate the program of the week.

Travel & Accom.

You need to arrive at Luang Prabang airport, where you will be met by a project representative and taken to the project location.

You will be staying at a guesthouse located inside an agriculture and development facility where Laotian farmers and Thai/Lao students get their training regarding sustainable agriculture and best practice.  The rooms are shared by 4 to 8 people on a single gender basis. There are no laundry facilities, so you should expect to wash your clothes by hand.

There are three meals during the day comprising of a variety of Western and delicious Laotian dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner accommodated by fruit. Please note that during the weekends only 2 meals per day are provided (brunch and dinner). Groceries and snacks are available for purchase in the village.

There is a volleyball court and a football pitch at the accommodation so you can enjoy some sports as well.

Requirements

• Minimum age 18.
• Passion and enthusiasm to teach, lots of energy and creativity!
• No previous skills are necessary, however, you will need to speak English at a conversational level.
• Minimum 2 weeks commitment – 30+ hours a week
• CRB Police check (or equivalent) showing that you have no previous criminal convictions
• Necessary vaccinations, flight & visas. Full assistance will be provided if you choose our Premium Support.
• Full travel & medical insurance. Please see our info pages for more information and to get a quote.

Costs

£400 GBP per week

* Check the latest currency conversions with xe.com
** All payments incur a 5% bank transfer fee
*** Placements are confirmed with a 1 week deposit

What’s Included:

Project Fee includes food, accommodation, airport pickup, orientation, in-country support and project activities.

Private rooms are available for an additional €100 per week.

What’s not included:

Flights, insurance, visas (if applicable) and vaccinations. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged if you choose our Premium Support.

Premium Support Upgrade

We understand there’s a great deal to plan and organise for your trip. When booking a Placement, many of our participants choose to purchase our Premium Support Upgrade to benefit from the expertise, knowledge and experience of our Project Coordinators.

We can provide the personal advice you need to ensure your trip is organised with excellence and planned with efficiency; ensuring the very best experience possible. Read more about how we can help you.