Where is Volunthai located? The majority of Volunthai’s target schools are in Northeastern Thailand. This is the poorest region of the country, and also the most traditional and “un-touristed”.

What costs are involved? Volunteers pay $275 for a one-month homestay (add $100 for each additional month). Volunteers must also pay for their own transport to Thailand and to their homestay. Once there, all meals and accommodation are provided.

Who should not volunteer? The motto of Volunthai is: “Expect the unexpected”. If you are not flexible, patient, or adaptable, you will not enjoy life in rural Thailand.

What is the work like? Volunteers teach in rural high schools with 500-2000 students, from twelve to eighteen years old. Students already have basic English skills. Volunteers work with the schools’ English teachers to develop lessons for the classroom (songs and games are preferred).

How remote is a homestay? Most of our homestays are in small towns in rural areas. Volunteers will have access to email, a telephone, and shops. Hosts are middle to upper class Thais with the means to support a foreign guest. Students are generally farmers’ children who may see English as a way to gain entrance to a college in the future.

What about my visa? Volunteers should apply for a 60-day tourist visa in their own country. If you wish to volunteer for longer than that, our friends at the Ministry of Education can help arrange a long term visa for you.

Is rural Thailand dangerous? We do not work near sensitive border regions, nor do we work in areas where malaria is a risk. Doctors and hospitals are nearby and up to Western standards. Overall, Thailand is a very safe place to be.

Why is Volunthai so cheap? Volunthai is a bare bones organization with a small staff and little overhead. Volunteers pay their own transportation, host schools pay for their volunteers’ meals and accommodation, and our basic administration costs are covered by the monthly fees. We try to keep the fees as low as possible so more people will apply and more schools will be helped.

What will I get from Volunthai? Once accepted, you have to get yourself to Bangkok. One of our staff will meet you at your guesthouse there and tell you how to get to our training center in Chaiyaphum Province. Usually there will be other volunteers arriving at the same time to travel with. In Chaiyaphum we will train you in basic Thai language and culture. Next you go to your homestay by bus, and your school will take care of you from there. You may have a chance to meet other volunteers at least once per month at weekend English Camps (see movie on photos page), and you can reach us at any time by telephone.

Can you tell me where I’ll be placed ahead of time? Yes. In most cases we can tell you either the general location or the exact place you’ll be going to in advance.