VOLUNTEERING
OUR TEFL VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
Click here to view our Volunteer Package
Options (Package B) or
(Package C)
Volunteer Reflections
(Click here to see what past volunteers have had to say
about their experiences)
Why volunteer?
Volunteering abroad is a
way to make a worthwhile contribution to another country
while simultaneously broadening your life experiences.
Volunteer EFL teaching adds valuable practical teaching
hours to your CV, making you more attractive to prospective
employers in the future.
Volunteering
can be a life-changing experience. Many people are content
to spend their time abroad lying on a beach or sitting in
bars. If you are looking for a more substantial experience,
then volunteering provides you with a purpose and gives you
the chance to explore places off the beaten track, allowing
you to live among the communities you are helping.
There are many reasons for
wanting to volunteer abroad and whether you are taking a gap
year, a career break or a working vacation, the welcoming
attitude of the Thai people, their desire, at all ages, to
learn English, the beauty of the environment and the
integrity of Thai culture, makes Thailand an ideal place for
volunteering as an EFL teacher.
Although Thailand is a
hugely popular tourist destination, the level of spoken
English is quite low in most areas. Volunteer English
teachers are desperately needed to build students’
confidence and encourage them to use their English language
skills.
Make a Difference
As an EFL volunteer with
Island TEFL, you can make a
difference to the local people of Koh Samui. Not only will
you be giving something back to our wonderful community and
immersing yourself in the Thai culture of this tropical
island paradise, but you’ll also be making a difference to
yourself and broadening your horizons.
Due
to low budgets, the majority of public schools on Koh Samui
have no native-speaking English teachers, so the staff and
students are very appreciative of our volunteers, and the
generous commitment they make to the schools. The children
are welcoming and very respectful of all volunteer teachers,
making your experience one that you will never forget.
A Flexible Schedule
Unlike paid employment,
volunteer teaching with island TEFL provides a more flexible
schedule and you can vary your level of commitment. Most
volunteers choose to teach around 3 hours per day, 3 days
per week, but the schools are very flexible and will
accommodate other hours and days of work whenever possible.
Class sizes are kept to a maximum of 20 students.
Improve your Resume
Many employers understand
the value of an employee who has devoted time to
volunteering. If you have EFL volunteer teaching experience
on your resume/CV it shows that you are flexible, patient
and committed, and that you have experienced living and
working in a foreign environment.
By volunteering with
Island TEFL, you can add up
to 120 hours of practical EFL teaching experience to your
resume/CV. The Director or Head of English at your host
school will provide you with a Letter of Appreciation,
indicating the levels taught and the number of teaching
hours completed. This will be extremely beneficial to you if
you go on to apply for EFL teaching positions in the future.
TEFL Training
Our belief is that to be an
effective EFL Volunteer Teacher, you must possess the skills
and knowledge necessary to enable you to confidently step
into your classroom and deliver well-planned, stimulating
and fun lessons to your students.
With
this belief in mind, all our volunteers must complete
Island TEFL’s 4-week
certificate TEFL course before commencing a volunteer
placement with us in a local Thai school. The course will
equip you with everything you need, including confidence, in
order to make you a valuable asset to the school. During the
course, you will undertake observed teaching practices in
both primary and secondary schools (maybe even the school
where you will be volunteering). This gives you a very clear
insight into the levels of ability, the school environment
and the people you will be working with (both students and
fellow teachers).
After graduation from the
TEFL course, it is up to you when you start your volunteer
placement (depending on schools being in session, and not
closed for holidays). Most volunteers want to get straight
into it, and start immediately after the course. Others have
a week or two to chill and travel a bit, then start their
volunteer placement. Some choose to do the course and delay
their volunteering start date to best suit future travel
plans (work/family commitments at home; extended travel;
etc.). We will do our best to accommodate your plans and
wishes.
Visa Assistance
Island TEFL will assist you with obtaining the
appropriate visa - in most cases, a Non Immigrant ED Visa -
which will cover the period of the TEFL course and your
Volunteer Placement. You don’t need a work permit to
volunteer.
What You Get
At
Island TEFL we offer 2
TEFL Volunteer Programs, designed to suit your needs. All
volunteer placements are in local Thai primary or secondary
schools here on Koh Samui, so you receive a very authentic
experience, teaching local Thai children.
You can choose to volunteer
for 1 month [Package C] or 2 months [Package B]. Whichever
option you choose, you will receive the following:
-
Island TEFL’s 4-Week
Certificate TEFL Course (which includes 8 hours of
teaching practice in local Thai schools and
resorts/businesses).
-
Accommodation for the
duration of the course and your volunteer placement.
-
Your own Volunteer
Placement Coordinator who will liaise with you and your
host school, set up your volunteer teaching timetable,
meet with you on a weekly basis to provide support,
advice and assistance, and organize your Letter of
Appreciation from your host school.
-
A mobile phone with an
international SIM card, enabling you to keep in touch
with family and friends, and also with your Coordinator
and school.
-
Free airport pickup
and transport to your accommodation.
Volunteer Reflections
(Click here to see what past volunteers have had to say
about their experiences)
