Introduction:

This eco-volunteer experience program allows volunteers to teach English in the village of Umphang. This program gives volunteers the opportunity to experience the Karen hilltribe in an authentic and inexpensive way, learn about their traditional life, teach English and help with farming activities. The local people benefit as their children are being taught English, which gives them good opportunities for future jobs.

This volunteer program is a very rewarding and challenging program as volunteer will be teaching English in a small primary school, in the heart of the forest of Umphang. The Karen hill-tribe children are very lovely and adorable. They will warmly welcome you as they love when volunteers come to teach them. It is very meaningful for them as it will be for you too! They are so eager to learn new things and on weekends or holidays, they will like you to join them for playing games or fishing in the river. Sometimes, you will also help with gardening activities at the school. They would also teach you how to do hand-weaving! This teaching will show you how people use the natural material to create clothes or other basic needs. Even though the isolation of the place might discourage some of you, this experience is so enriching and amazing that it is absolutely worthwhile. Your immersion among the small community will certainly leave you with hundreds of unforgettable memories!

The objectives of this project:

• The people and children in the Karen hilltribe village will be able to learn both Thai and English from the volunteers and staff.

• The volunteers can gain a better understanding of the Karen's way of life and traditions.

• To preserve and maintain a clean and pure environment.

• To promote eco-tourism and homestay in the area.

•  To support the education of children in the remote area.

The outcome:

• Volunteers will gain knowledge about the ecological system.

• Volunteers can exchange cultural and traditional aspects with the local community.

• To provide the village with another source of income, generated from eco-tourism.

The program:

At Umphang, you will learn about the ethnic minorities that inhabit the area as well as the social and political situation of Burma. You will learn about the history of the Karen people, their customs, religion and the role tourism plays in their current lives.

On a day-to-day basis, you are expected to teach English to the local children and help out with farming and house-hold activities. As most of the children do not speak English, you have to be creative with your teaching methods or must already speak Thai! Moreover, evenings and weekends can be spent freely. You can stay at the village, visit the city Umphang or explore the beautiful area around the district of Umphang. Some of the highlights here are the caves, temples and the beautiful waterfalls.  We can arrange local guides to join you on these nature trips. At the village, you can experience the warmth and hospitality of the local people as you become part of the extended family. The local people will also help you master the basics of the Thai language and food.

Accommodation:

The accommodation is very basic. You will be staying in a traditional bamboo house iin a local family. You will receive a handmade mat to sleep on and clean bedding. If you do not like to sleep on a hard surface, you may want to bring a sleeping bag to put between you and the mat. We will also provide you with a mosquito net. As the villages are not as developed as in the rest of the country, the bathroom only consists of an “Asian” toilet. There is no shower, but cold and clean water is available for you to wash yourself. If you prefer, you can also shower in the fresh and clean river near the village!

Requirements:

 If you want to join this challenging program, you have to meet a few basic rules:  

Minimum age of 17 year-old

• also expected to support with general activities like cooking and cleaning.
• minimum stay of 1 week
• maximum stay 8 weeks
• A normal level of fitness
• You need to respect the Thai culture, be open-minded and have a friendly attitude towards the local people.

Participation Fee is 415 EUR per week

The Project includes:

• All fees for participating in the Project
• accomodation
• For food, a meal is provided for you 2 times a day. The breakfast consists of fruits, jam, bread, fried egg, which you can cook yourself. Lunch can either be eaten at the centre or in local restaurants in the village. As for dinner, you will join the Thai staff for a trip to the local maket to buy food and various ingredients. You can have a go at Thai cooking with the help of the Thai host family, but sometimes you will have the chance to eat out.
• English speaking guide and supervision
• Transportation from project to another community development/ building activities program.

Not included in the price:  

• Passport / visa fees 

• Travel expenses within Thailand  

• Travel, cancellation and health insurance (all participants must be in possession of proof of cover for all of these)  
• Personal expenses i.e. laundry, telephone, souvenirs, internet, etc.  

What to bring

• Long sleeved tops/shirts and long trousers. It will protect you from mosquitoes in the evenings.

• Worn-out trousers and T shirts for everyday wear.

• Light raincoat or poncho for the rainy season.

• Shoes for every day use that can be easily slipped on and off 
• Camera/ Video recorder (Remember to pack your rechargers!!)

• Current Medicine.

• Mosquito repellent.

• Sunscreen and after sun.

• A love of children and a spirit of adventure!!!

Please contact us at volunteer@realexperiencethailand.com.