Thailand – Family-Friendly Child Care Volunteer Program

Join one of GoEco’s most-loved programs with your family! Explore the Hua Hin region in Thailand and lend a hand with your choice of teaching and community programs. This program welcomes families with children five years of age and older.

 

Program Highlights:

  • A family-friendly version of one of GoEco’s top ten most-loved programs
  • Customize your family’s volunteer schedule with the support of our local coordinator.
  • Teach and inspire children in kindergartens or primary schools, helping them develop English and life skills.
  • Experience authentic Thai culture with an orientation, night market visits and evening activities
  • Visit Thailand’s leading wildlife center, and meet rescued elephants, tigers, and gibbons.
  • Explore Thailand’s natural beauty, from wild elephants in Kui Buri National Park to the stunning Phraya Nakhon Cave.
  • Enjoy private, upgraded accommodations for families.

 

Program Schedule (Minimum one-week commitment):

Arrival Day, Sunday: Welcome to Hua Hin, Thailand! Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK) Airports, our local team will greet you and arrange your transfer to Hua Hin. Enjoy a scenic journey through Thailand’s landscapes before settling into your family-friendly accommodations and attending a program introduction.

Day 1, Monday: Start your adventure with a one-day trip to Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT), the country’s leading wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center. Learn about their vital conservation efforts and meet rescued animals such as elephants, tigers, gibbons, and more. Gain insight into ethical wildlife tourism and the importance of protecting Thailand’s native animals. In the late afternoon, attend an orientation session to prepare for your family volunteer work, followed by a project meeting and lesson planning.

Days 2-5, Tuesday-Friday: Teaching sessions take place in the morning or afternoon, depending on school schedules. A typical day includes:

– Breakfast at Hua Hin volunteer Center
– Teaching at a local kindergarten/school
– Lunch
– Collaborative lesson preparation for the next day
– Dinner at Hua Hin Center

On Friday afternoon, enjoy an excursion to Kui Buri National Park to observe wild elephants in their natural habitat.

Day 6, Saturday: Spend the day exploring Hua Hin’s highlights, including a visit to Phraya Nakhon Cave, relaxing at Hua Hin Beach, and experiencing the vibrant Cicada and Tamarind Night Markets.

Day 7, Sunday: Farewell! After breakfast, we will provide an airport transfer to Bangkok. Those staying for additional weeks will continue their volunteer schedule from Monday to Friday, with weekends free for relaxation and local excursions.

 

Location icon Location of the Project: Hua Hin, Thailand

Project length Project length: Minimum 1 week – Maximum 4 weeks

Arrival Airport Arrival Airport: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang Airport (DMK)

Volunteer Work Volunteer Work: Teaching, cultural exchange, games and lesson planning.

Age Age: Families with children as young as five years old are welcome.

Number of Volunteers Number of volunteers: Up to 20 international volunteers

 

What’s Included

Accommodations Accommodations: Private en-suite family room

Food Food: Three meals a day from Mon-Sat. Dinner on arrival day and breakfast on departure day (Sunday).

Airport Transfers Airport Transfers: Airport pickup and airport drop off on arrival and departure days.

Volunteer Work Extras: Program activities, tours, and transfers as outlined in the schedule below.

Orientation Orientation: Families will receive an orientation of the area upon arrival and an introduction to their program.

Support  Support: Comprehensive and professional pre-departure travel guidance, 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, experienced local field team, and designated family coordinator for your group.

 

What’s not Included

  • Flights, visas (if required), travel health insurance, personal expenses, transfers and excursions outside of the schedule.

The Kingdom of Thailand sits somewhere between becoming developed and being completely wild. As a volunteer, you could enjoy a faster pace of life in a coastal city or base yourself in a tribal village. Wherever you are in the country, as a volunteer, you’ll be able to contribute to projects that make a real difference in local communities.

Hua Hin, located 280 kilometers southwest of Bangkok in the southern Thai province of Prachuap Khiri Khan, is celebrated as one of Thailand’s prime beach destinations. Drawing locals and international visitors alike, its inviting shores along the Gulf of Thailand offer a perfect blend of relaxation and water-based activities. The town boasts a unique cultural charm with landmarks like the Hua Hin Railway Station and vibrant markets such as the Cicada Night Market, providing a delightful taste of authentic Thai culture. For those seeking a touch of wilderness, the nearby Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park with its limestone hills and diverse wildlife offers a captivating contrast to the coastal tranquility. Hua Hin stands as a multifaceted destination that seamlessly combines beachside serenity, cultural richness, and modern excitement, making it an ideal haven for those appreciating the diverse beauty of Thailand.

 

During this childcare program in Hua Hin, your family will volunteer with children aged 2.5 to 6 years old, each day at a different local development center/kindergarten for 2-3 hours each morning. Our program encourages an informal teaching approach, empowering you to employ your unique methods and style, fostering an interactive and engaging learning atmosphere. Your impact as a volunteer extends beyond the classroom, encompassing a diverse set of tasks aimed at holistic development.

Many centers in Hua Hin face teacher shortages, with classrooms sometimes overcrowded. Your role is crucial in assisting local teachers, providing individual attention, and helping children learn English and basic educational concepts through creative activities like songs, dances, and games.

You’ll also engage in feeding, playing, organizing activities, and assisting with cleaning. Your presence helps local teachers practice English, and your diverse accent enhances children’s learning experiences and confidence in speaking to foreigners. Being punctual, following class schedules, dressing appropriately, and preparing engaging lessons are important. Before starting, you’ll review teaching materials with local coordinators to ensure smooth lesson plans. The local coordinator will tailor an itinerary to suit your family’s interests and schedule.

 

Example of a 1 week family volunteering itinerary: 

Meals: B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner

1 Week Family Tour Meals Morning Afternoon Evening
Day 1: Sunday D Arrival pick up and transfer to the accommodation and introduction to the center
Day 2: Monday B/L/D Wildlife friend foundation one day trip project meeting and the centre, and lesson plan
Day 3: Tuesday B/L/D Kindergarten and childcare Lesson and activities planing and Thai languges class Free time
Day 4: Wednesday B/L/D Kindergarten and childcare Lesson and activities planing /Cooking lesson Hua Hin Night market visit
Day 5: Thursday B/L/D Kindergarten and childcare Lesson and activities planning Free time
Day 6: Friday B/L/D Kindergarten and childcare Lesson and activities planing and Kui Buri wild Elephant observation national park
Day 7: Saturday B/L/D Visit to the Parya Nakorn cave and Hua Hin beach Cicada and tamarine night market
Day 8: Sunday B Departure

Please note that the schedule is flexible and may be subject to change. Children are welcome to assist their parents in the class or take part in activities alongside students. Family volunteers can also engage in cultural exchanges and play with the children, fostering a fun and enriching experience for everyone.

 

Volunteer Tasks may include:

  • Informally teach and assist kids in a local kindergarten
  • Create engaging activities tailored to the young children’s needs.
  • Organize workshops on cultural exchange, environmental awareness, and other important issues.
  • Take part in the daily 8:00 AM ceremony and morning exercises.
  • Adapt to varying subjects based on school activities, environmental concerns, or ongoing festivals.
  • Collaborate with local teachers and participants to develop lesson plans.
  • Organize classroom activities to enhance the learning experience.

 

Holidays: During long holidays from mid-March to mid-May and throughout October, students return to their families or villages. Seize this opportunity to engage in special classes, English camps, and renovation projects, contributing to the community’s development. These school holidays open avenues for additional engagement outside of the regular classroom setting, including environmental and construction volunteer programs. Immerse yourself in the local cultural festivities when relevant, enhancing your understanding of Thai traditions and fostering deeper connections with the community.

The program offers a flexible schedule, with volunteers leaving the center at different times based on school schedules. Teaching sessions typically last 2-3 hours in the morning or afternoon, and on some days, volunteers may teach both morning and afternoon sessions. Lunch is provided at the school or the center, depending on the day’s program.

Internet icon Internet: Wi-Fi is available.

Laundry icon Laundry: Laundry can be done by hand, or at a local laundromat (walking distance) for a small fee.

Accommodations icon Accommodations: Families will stay in a private family room. These rooms are located apart from the regular volunteer residences, allowing for more quiet and privacy. All rooms have air conditioning, mosquito protection, and a private bathroom with hot-water showers. The family accommodations are around 4 km from the main volunteer house. Daily transfers from the accommodation are included for meals, activities, and volunteering. However, if families wish to do extra activities in the evening, they will need to use the Grab Taxi app. There are restaurants and small local stores within walking distance of each of the accommodations.

Food icon Food: Three meals are provided during the week and two meals on the weekends. Meals are typical Thai fare, including plenty of rice dishes. We also provide safe, filtered drinking water. The project can easily cater for vegetarians. During the week, your family will be provided with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On Saturday and Sunday, volunteers will receive brunch, and then dinner if staying for a volunteer program in Hua Hin. Typical dishes include vegetables with fried rice or noodles. Some Western-style dishes would also be available. Breakfasts are varied and include pancakes, fresh fruit, toast and more. Tea, coffee and purified water are available at the house. We understand children can sometimes be picky eaters, and we will do our best to accommodate their preferences. During your application, please inform us of any allergies or dietary requirements you or your children may have. This way, our team leaders and coordinators can make the preparations and special arrangements for you.

 

Please note this project’s minimum requirements:

  • Good level of English
  • Police clearance for adults
  • Motivation to work with children and meet new cultures
  • Able to work in humid climate
  • Children must be at least five years old

Hua Hin is popular among tourists, and offers volunteers the opportunity to sunbathe, swim or snorkel on the golden beaches. Popular attractions include:

  • Wildlife Adventure–Visit Kui Buri National Park and observe wild elephants in their natural habitat (included).
  • Explore Phraya Nakhon Cave–Hike to this hidden gem, home to a stunning royal pavilion beneath a sunlit cave (included).
  • Visit Thailand’s Leading Wildlife Rescue Center–Meet rescued elephants, tigers, and gibbons at WFFT and learn about ethical conservation (included).
  • Immerse in Thai Culture–Enjoy night market visits, local cuisine, and interactive family-friendly activities.
  • Experience Vana Nava Water Park—Enjoy thrilling slides and family-friendly attractions at one of Thailand’s top water parks.
  • Hike Khao Takiab Mountain—Climb the famous “Monkey Mountain” for panoramic ocean views and a visit to the hilltop temple.
  • Discover Pa La-U Waterfall—Trek through lush rainforest to a stunning multi-tiered waterfall in Kaeng Krachan National Park.
  • Explore Thailand’s Largest National Park—Visit Kaeng Krachan National Park, a biodiverse paradise home to elephants, gibbons, and exotic birds.

 

Culture Week in Hua Hin:
For an additional fee, you can extend your stay for a week, with a program designed to introduce you to Thai culture, as well as give you time to get to know the other volunteers. During the program, you’ll have time to explore several famous sights around Hua Hin, followed by Thai customs, language, cooking lessons.

Volunteer Experiences

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