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:
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.
What’s Included
What’s not Included
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:
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.
Please note this project’s minimum requirements:
Hua Hin is popular among tourists, and offers volunteers the opportunity to sunbathe, swim or snorkel on the golden beaches. Popular attractions include:
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.
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