I gained the ability to “go with the flow” in the school when you see how much needs to be done and just how little you can do. I learned how other cultures interact, how children in schools are different from USA schools. My advice will be to go with open mind and an open heart since, at the end, you receive a lot more than you give: the warmth and laughs of the kids, how grateful they are for you coming to their school. My heart and soul were full.
Teaching English Volunteer Project in Thailand - Hua Hin
Purpose
Improve access to quality education
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 1-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 4 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+
Accommodation
Dormitory-style volunteer house
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Patient volunteers who speak English fluently, are passionate about teaching, and want to work hard. You’ll have the support of the local team so no experience is necessary but some relevant training like a TEFL course would be useful.
Project details
Inspired to Teach English in Thailand - Hua Hin? International Volunteer HQ’s Teaching English project empowers volunteers to assist in local primary and secondary schools in Hua Hin. Volunteers gain teaching experience while passing on valuable English language skills to students. For Thai people, knowing how to speak English helps open doors to employment opportunities in the country’s booming tourism industry.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
English is highly valued in Thailand due to its potential to change lives by providing better employment opportunities. Hua Hin is a growing visitor destination and being able to speak English is an important skill for those wanting jobs in the tourism industry.
As a volunteer English Teacher you’ll assist in local schools helping to teach English to students aged between 6 and 18 years old. Many students haven’t had the chance to meet fluent English speakers and your authority as an expert in the language makes a big difference to the pace at which they learn. You can help a local teacher in lessons or lead classes on your own.
Many schools are open to new concepts and approaches to teaching. This means that you may be able to share your new ideas and teaching strategies that might complement the local Thai teaching methods or style.
Volunteer duties can vary but usually include:
- Teaching English lessons
- Tutoring students
- Providing guidance around pronunciation and word use
- Arranging educational activities
This project is well suited to volunteers that are passionate about teaching and want to work hard.
School Holidays 2024:
During the months of March, April and October when schools are on a break, you can expect to be teaching at an English Camp instead of in a school setting. This is arranged by our local team and is offered to all the children in the local community in Hua Hin and nearby villages.
Why do Teaching English volunteering in Hua Hin with IVHQ?
When you volunteer as an English teacher in Hua Hin you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving access to language learning for local students
- Helping students learn a skill that will increase their job prospects
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining teaching experience
- Immersing yourself in Thai culture
- Discovering Thailand’s rich history
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate in this program. If you are under the age of 18, please see the alternative projects in Thailand - Hua Hin
- All volunteers aged 16+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 16-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
- All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
- All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
- All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Thailand photo gallery
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Environmental Conservation project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Construction & Renovation project
IVHQ Hill Tribe Support project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Environmental Conservation project
IVHQ Construction & Renovation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Construction & Renovation project
IVHQ Environmental Conservation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Construction & Renovation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Environmental Conservation project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Construction & Renovation project
IVHQ Environmental Conservation project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Environmental Conservation project
IVHQ Construction & Renovation project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Environmental Conservation project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Environmental Conservation project
IVHQ Construction & Renovation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Environmental Conservation project
IVHQ introduction week
IVHQ introduction week
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
AS
Angela Sanchez
16 Jul 2024
...
VL
Valerie Landry
13 May 2024
This was an amazing program! I met people from all around the world and gained insight not only into Thai culture but also the culture and language of the other volunteers. We volunteered as teams so it was quick and easy to establish friendships in the program, even though I am not much of an extravert. After my program finished, some of the other volunteers even invited me to visit Japan with them! The local team was so helpful and friendly, and I feel like I acquired so many useful skills while teaching English as a second language. It was incredibly rewarding to establish a rapport with the students and watch their confidence in the classroom build over time.
...
RS
Renae Samuels
14 Aug 2023
I would 100% do it again. Loved every minute of it. Learnt so much about the world and myself during this trip and I have came home with memories to last me forever whilst feeling like I’ve done worthwhile work in the community. Thankyou all involved in such an incredible experience.
...
MO
Marie Oxonitsch
13 Jun 2023
The highlight from the volunteer experience was everything! From teaching the most amazing children and learning so much about their culture to travelling with my newly found friends to Bangkok for the weekend. The program is so much more than just working with children, it‘s the people you meet the places you see, all of it is eye opening. It awakened an urge to travel and volunteer all over the world. I want to work with more children, animals and adults and learn more about all the different cultures in this world. What I would say to someone still hesitant about volunteering abroad is just do it! It is so cliché but not once did I regret going abroad. Once I was there and met the most amazing people I just asked myself why I didn’t do this earlier.
...
KH
Karen Hite
10 Nov 2022
I strongly recommend that everyone look into this program. IVHQ is wonderful and my cup is full from working with the kids in Thailand. I’m looking forward to my next volunteer in Vietnam. The local team always had a smile on their face and are so welcoming. Made you feel right at home. I gained so much from this and can’t wait to go and help volunteer more. My favorite moment from the volunteer experience was teaching the kids. They made me feel so welcomed and loved. I hated to leave them. Hope to go back and visit them one day. My advice is just do it, don’t think too much about it. Give back and go for it. It’s so rewarding and it will fill your heart!
...
PP
Pamela Angeli Patolot
28 Mar 2022
I am grateful that I stumbled upon IVHQ's website and learned different ways to volunteer abroad. I had the best time in Thailand teaching elementary students in Hua Hin. The local team was amazing and made sure we were properly guided on the program, as well as our leisure activities. I've met several people from across the globe who also made this trip even more meaningful. To anyone who's still considering, I definitely recommend that you make it happen - you'll learn and grow a lot.
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditRecommended online TEFL course
Recommended online TEFL course
We encourage volunteers on IVHQ’s Teaching and Childcare projects to come prepared by completing some relevant training, such as a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. Although formal teaching qualifications are not required on these projects as volunteers are supported by local staff, taking a TEFL course enables you to gain more from the experience. Visit our Online TEFL Course page to learn how to gain an internationally recognized TEFL certification at a discounted rate.
Get TEFL certified onlineLocation
Location
Hua Hin is a city on the southern coast of Thailand, a three-hour drive from Bangkok. It’s a region renowned for its beautiful beaches and interesting history, making it an incredible destination to explore and truly get to know as a volunteer. Hua Hin is where orientation and general administration are carried out by our local team.
Arrival and orientation
The Thailand - Hua Hin volunteer program begins every Monday, and you need to arrive in Bangkok for pickup on Sunday before your chosen start date between 6am to 4pm. After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK). Your airport pick-up in Bangkok is included in your Program Fee if you arrive between 6am to 4pm on Sunday, as well on Saturday, if you have arranged an extra night of accommodation.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by an airport member arranged by the local team who will escort you to the airport shuttle terminal where you will catch the three-hour shuttle to Hua Hin. Once in Hua Hin, our local team will meet you at the shuttle terminal and take you to the volunteer accommodation, which is a further 20-minute drive. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the Sunday night prior to your program orientation.
If you are traveling in Thailand prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up from a meeting point in Bangkok at 2PM on the Sunday before your program start date or you can make your own way to Hua Hin.
There are two options for orientation in Thailand - Hua Hin, a One-Day Orientation and an Introduction Week.
The One-Day Orientation: This begins on your selected start date and all volunteers will attend. It covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Thailand, including an introduction to the IVHQ Thailand - Hua Hin program, the local team, general rules and a class on the local culture and language. In the afternoon, you’ll learn about the projects, take a walking tour of the local area and arrange your SIM card. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
Introduction Week: The Introduction Week begins on the first and third Monday of each month and your volunteer program will commence the following week or you can start the week before if this works better with your schedule. The Introduction Week is very popular among IVHQ volunteers. We recommend all volunteers take advantage of this week to gain a deeper understanding of the Thai culture, a true appreciation of life in Thailand and bond with fellow volunteers while also taking a cooking class, learning the art of Muay Thai and touring local attractions. It’s also a great way to help settle the culture shock you can face when arriving in Thailand. The Introduction Week in Thailand - Hua Hin does incur an additional cost.
If you wish to participate in the Introduction Week, you can indicate your interest in this option on your application form when you apply for the program or you can let your Program Manager know once you’ve been accepted on the program.
Volunteer schedule example
Weekdays
| 7:00 - 8:00 AM | Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation |
| 8:30 AM | Volunteer work begins. Work and hours are dependent on the project and placement that each volunteer is working at. Lunch breaks can also vary in time depending on the working schedule, but all volunteers get some time to eat and relax. |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch at the accommodation or placement for one hour. After lunch, you will continue your volunteer work (where applicable). |
| 1:00 PM | Volunteer work resumes for the afternoon shift. |
| 5:30 - 7:00 PM | Dinner at the volunteer accommodation. |
Evenings Volunteers have free time to spend as they wish; however, many volunteers use this time to plan lessons or do extra work for their projects.
Weekends
Hua Hin is a resort city where you can relax on pristine white sand beaches, play a round at one of the 12 golf courses nearby, haggle over handicrafts at a night market, enjoy a traditional Thai massage, fly across the azure water on a kiteboard, or indulge in the delicious local cuisine and freshly caught seafood.
You can also travel further afield in Thailand, heading north for three hours to Bangkok three, or south to popular tourist destinations such as Phuket, Krabi and Surat Thani.
Accommodation and WiFi
You will be staying in one of two volunteer houses in Hua Hin, nestled in the picturesque hills of Prachuap Khiri Khan province.
Expect to share a room with about eight other volunteers of the same gender. Both houses have shared bathrooms with western toilets and showers. While bedding is provided, you will need to bring your own towel. Each bedroom is air-conditioned. Although staff clean the accommodations throughout the week, volunteers are expected to keep their rooms tidy.
WiFi is available at the volunteer houses and can also be accessed from many local cafes and restaurants. You can also use a local SIM card with data in unlocked phones.
Private rooms within the volunteer house or private hotel rooms can be arranged upon request for an additional cost, subject to availability. The hotel is approximately a 10-minute drive from the volunteer house.
Both standard and private accommodations have swimming pools, so don’t forget to bring your swimwear!
Meals
You will receive three meals a day during the week and brunch and dinner on the weekend. All meals served at the accommodation are homestyle, vegetarian-friendly and will be typically Thai cuisine, including plenty of rice or noodle dishes with vegetables. Occasionally some meat will be provided as well, along with seasonal fruits for dessert.
Traditional Thai cuisine is designed to appeal to the four fundamental taste senses with a balance of sour, sweet, salty, and bitter flavors. Common ingredients in Thai cooking include fish sauce, shrimp paste, chili paste, coconut milk, and lime juice. Staple foods include rice, rice noodles, vegetables, and herbs.
If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply for the program so we can make arrangements for you. While we do our best to accommodate volunteer needs, most meals provided are local cuisine and you may wish to supplement the menu with your own foods and snacks which can be purchased from convenience stores nearby if required.
Volunteer accommodation
Volunteer accommodation
Volunteer accommodation
Volunteer swimming pool
Volunteer rooms
Typical Volunteer bedroom
Private room upgrade
Volunteer social area
Volunteer social area
Volunteer kitchen
Volunteer kitchen
Volunteer dining room
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bathroom
Typical volunteer bathroom
Lockers in the volunteer house
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer beverages
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer dinner
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately CA$437), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately CA$437) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $410 Equivalent to $59/day |
| 2 weeks | $560 Equivalent to $40/day |
| 3 weeks | $750 Equivalent to $36/day |
| 4 weeks | $920 Equivalent to $33/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,090 Equivalent to $31/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,260 Equivalent to $30/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,600 Equivalent to $29/day |
| 10 weeks | $1,940 Equivalent to $28/day |
| 12 weeks | $2,280 Equivalent to $27/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately CA$437) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Thailand generally find US$50-100 per week to be sufficient for expenses.
- Meals
- Airport pickup
- Transport to and from volunteer project
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Hua Hin
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Hua Hin program.
Introduction Week
Learn more about the Thai culture and tick off some must-do Thai experiences.
CA$469
Private Hotel Room Upgrade
Upgrade to a private hotel room 10 minutes away from the volunteer house in Hua Hin
From CA$266
Private room in the volunteer house
Upgrade to a private room in the volunteer house.
From CA$192
Check what's required to visit Thailand
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Bangkok |
| Population | 69 million |
| Languages | Thai |
| Currency | Thai Baht (THB) |
| Time zone | UTC+07:00 |
Weather and climate
The climate in Thailand varies between the north and south regions although the temperature is relatively hot year-round throughout the country. The southern coastal region is characterized by a monsoon climate, which brings heavy rainfall from April to October in the South West and from September to December in the South East. In central and northern inland parts of Thailand, the climate is tropical with the rainy season lasting from May to November, bringing hot and humid weather. During the dry season, temperatures are cool from November to February and are hot from March to May.
Hua Hin has a warm tropical climate with temperatures fairly consistent throughout the year. December–April hosts the dry season before the monsoon rains arrive in May. Over the course of the year, the temperatures typically vary from 72°F (22°C) to 92°F (33°C).
Apply to check if you're eligible!
Latest blog posts
Other projects you may be interested in
Childcare in Hua Hin, Thailand
Construction & Renovation in Hua Hin, Thailand
Environmental Conservation in Hua Hin, Thailand
Childcare in Chiang Rai, Thailand
Hill Tribe Support in Hua Hin, Thailand
Animal Care in Chiang Rai, Thailand
Outdoor Volunteer Work in Chiang Rai, Thailand
Teaching English in Chiang Rai, Thailand
