Volunteering at our Rai Som project
If you are interested in volunteering at our school for a period of one week or more, please contact us directly. It is an amazing opportunity to give AND receive so much during the experience.
Overview
Our volunteer programme is a liberal mix of teaching, childcare, and farming work. We also include work which continues to build and/or maintain the project. If you prefer to concentrate on one type of work over another, then just let us know in advance so we can adjust our schedule.
Teaching
Our school runs classes from Childcare through Kindergarten, and onto Primary 1. As we move forward, the plan is to add a new grade each year - so by 2023 at the latest, we will have extended up to Primary 6. The total number of students will be approximately 300, and we already have 126 (May 2018) registered and attending school. English language is the main lesson taught by our volunteers.
Teaching volunteers are expected to plan and write their own lesson plans, input into a database, write evaluations after each class, and be proactive and open to other jobs.
Childcare
The childcare students sleep after lunch, so volunteers have time in the afternoon to plan and prepare for the following day. However, if there is spare time, we are looking for volunteers who are also willing to get their hands dirty in the garden. Childcare classes run educational activities, improving physical and mental development, not teaching.
Farming
The onsite farm is designed to help support the school by supplying food (rice and vegetables, fruit), and financial aid from paying guests. The childrens' diet at home is generally poor and unhealthy. Lunches are their main meal of the day, and by growing and supplying fresh vegetables and fruit, we can help ensure a nutritious meal. Volunteers will help with all types of work, depending on the season and weather. It may include planting, weeding, harvesting, spraying (natural), and other jobs.
The information below gives an broad outline of our expectations, requirements, and some general information. If you are interested in applying for the programme, please fill in the enquiry form.
Length of stay
- Teaching: Minimum 2 weeks - Maximum 12 weeks
- Childcare/Farming: Minimum 2 weeks - Maximum 12 weeks
- Farming: Minimum 1 week - Maximum 12 weeks
Fees
The fee depends on the number of weeks volunteering.
- 1 week: 11,000 THB
- 2 weeks: 15,000 THB
- 3 weeks: 19,000 THB
- 4 weeks: 23,000 THB
- 5 weeks: 27,000 THB
- 6 weeks: 31,000 THB
- 7 weeks: 35,000 THB
- 8 weeks: 39,000 THB
- 9 weeks: 43,000 THB
- 10 weeks: 47,000 THB
- 11 weeks: 51,000 THB
- 12 weeks: 55,000 THB
A deposit of 3,000 THB is required, cleared into our account at least two weeks before programme start date - 3,000 THB per person. Payment is made via Paypal - a Paypal account is not necessary.
Child fees
Ages 0-5: No fee
Ages 6-10: 50% discount
Ages 11+: Full fee
Notes
- The balance remaining is paid on the start date
- We cannot accept you onto the programme until the balance is paid
- Deposits are non-refundable
Pre-arrival requirements
Before a volunteer can begin the programme, we have certain requirements. If they are not completed in time, the programme will be delayed to the next intake.
- Deposit payment cleared into our bank account at least 2 weeks before programme start date
- Completion of our Volunteer Information Form
- Uploaded digital image of your clean police background check (no older than 1 year) at least 1 week prior to start date
- Uploaded digital image of valid medical insurance policy at least 1 week prior to start date
What to bring
Required items
- Hard copy of your national police background check
- Hard copy of your insurance details
- Sleeping bag or sleeping bag liner
- Clothing which is appropriate to the work, Thai culture, and our dress code
- Teaching/Childcare:
- Ankle length trousers
- Smart top which covers the shoulders, and shows no cleavage
- No back or mid-riff (waist) to be exposed
- Farming:
- Clothing will get dirty, muddy, smelly, etc... bring something that you're prepared to throw away at the end of the programme
- Long sleeved tops, long trousers, and brimmed hat to protect from the sun, raincoat for wet weather - you'll be working in all types of weather
- Thigh length galoshes/wellies for working in the rice paddies
- Wet weather clothes: for rainy season - approx May-October
- Warm clothes: November-February can get cold at night
- Sturdy shoes and flip flops
- Towel
- Toiletry items
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Underwear
- Flashlight/Torch
- Small padlock for locker
Optional
- Personal medicines
- First Aid kit
Most of these items are readily available to buy in Thailand, if you have enough time before starting your programme.
We would be very appreciative if you can donate any goods such as non-used stationery, toys, sports equipment, musical instruments, or laptops (if you have any of them). Either new, or in good condition and clean, which can be used in the project or passed on to the school.
Pickup & Drop off
At the beginning and end of the programme, we pick up and drop off at the bus station in Fang town ONLY - and only on the programme start date.
We do not pick up from Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, or any other location. Please send your arrival details as early as possible, so that we can arrange a vehicle for the pickup.
If you are interested in volunteering at our school for a period of one week or more, please contact us directly. It is an amazing opportunity to give AND receive so much during the experience.
