I feel that I grew as a person and was able to fully immerse myself in the culture and lifestyle in Thailand. I have already recommended the program to friends by telling them how organised the program is and how safe I felt throughout the whole experience.
Sports Education Volunteer Project in Thailand - Hua Hin
Purpose
Improve well-being through physical activity
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 1-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 4 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 17+ and families
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:
Active volunteers who love sports, playing games, and enjoy working with children and teenagers.
Project details
Are you looking to make a positive impact in a community through sport and movement? Join International Volunteer HQ’s Sports Education project in Hua Hin and get involved in fun, engaging sports sessions at local schools, and introduce children from rural communities to new physical activities. Through this project, you’ll help children develop socially, physically, and mentally by guiding them in team sports such as soccer, volleyball, rugby, and basketball. These activities not only promote fitness but also foster teamwork, discipline, and positive habits that will benefit them well beyond the playing field.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
As a Sports Education volunteer, you’ll play an important role in enhancing the existing sports, physical education, and health curriculum at local schools. Currently, students receive only about one hour of sports lessons per week. This project offers them the chance to engage more actively in physical activities and introduces them to new sports they might not otherwise experience.
While the existing curriculum typically focuses on soccer for boys and volleyball for girls, this project expands their options with additional team sports, such as netball, rugby, and more, encouraging participation among all students.
In addition to sports, the project includes health education, covering topics such as personal care and gender equality, delivered through fun, interactive sessions on the sports field. Through these activities, children not only improve their physical fitness but also develop valuable life skills such as teamwork, confidence, and respect.
As a Sports Education volunteer, your role is to:
- Inspire the children through sports
- Coach students with various skill levels
- Teach new sports and activities
- Help children improve their skills, personal growth, and be active
- Set up games and activities
A strong interest in sports and a positive, encouraging attitude will go a long way in helping you make a meaningful impact with the children.
Why do Sports Education volunteering in Hua Hin with IVHQ?
While volunteering on the Sports Education project in Hua Hin, you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving the health and well-being of students through sports
- Sharing your language and culture
- Gaining teaching and leading experience
- Developing your communication skills
- Immersing yourself fully in Thai life
- Contributing meaningfully to the development of future generations
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program, provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their start date, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead, and are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
All volunteers under 20 years of age who are joining the program without their parents are required to show immigration on arrival the following: return flight ticket, parent signed consent (a template will be provided to you), parent passport copy, an invitation letter from our local team
To respect the local culture and customs in Thailand, volunteers should be aware that they’re unable to have anything obstructing their face while at their volunteer placement.
Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
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?
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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 Sports Education project
IVHQ Sports Education project
IVHQ Sports Education project
IVHQ Sports Education project
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 creditLocation
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 program starts every Monday, with airport pick-up in Bangkok on the Sunday before your start date (between 6am and 4pm). If you book an extra night, Saturday pick-up is also available.
Once registered, please book your flight to Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK). A team member will meet you at the airport, help you to the shuttle terminal, and you’ll take a 3-hour shuttle to Hua Hin. Please note: the shuttle has a 20kg checked luggage limit, so pack accordingly.
When you arrive in Hua Hin, the local team will meet you and take you to your volunteer accommodation, which is around 20 minutes away.
If you’re already in Thailand, we can pick you up from a meeting point in Bangkok at 2pm on Sunday, or you’re welcome to make your own way to Hua Hin.
There are two options for orientation in Thailand - Hua Hin, a One-Day Orientation and an Culture 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.
Culture Week: The Culture 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 Culture 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 Culture Week in Thailand - Hua Hin does incur an additional cost.
If you wish to participate in the Culture 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
First Day
On the first day of the volunteering placement, you will be escorted to the project by our local staff and introduced to the staff at the placement you will be working with.
Weekdays
A typical day would be as follows:
| 7:00 AM | Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation. |
| 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Lunch at the volunteer accommodation. |
| 3:00 PM | Lesson plan and preparation. |
| 3:40 PM | Departure to the community field. |
| 4:00 - 6:30 PM | Coaching and stretching. |
| 7:00 PM | Dinner at the volunteer accommodation. |
Please note that the schedule may occasionally change due to weather, public or school holidays, or other unforeseen events that could affect your placement. We recommend checking in advance whether your intended travel dates coincide with any public or school holidays.
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, or south to popular tourist destinations such as Phuket, Krabi, and Surat Thani.
Looking for more ideas of things to do in Thailand? Check out our Thailand Experiences & Tours page!
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 are available upon request for an additional cost, subject to availability. Both private rooms are located offsite, approximately a 10-minute drive from the main accommodation. Pick-up and drop-offs are included, and all meals will be provided and served at the main accommodation.
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
Typical Volunteer bedroom
Private room upgrade
Volunteer kitchen
Volunteer kitchen
Volunteer dining room
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
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$329 (approximately £257), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately £257) 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 Fee
Due 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$329 (approximately £257) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Meals
- Airport pickup
- Transport to and from volunteer project
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- 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 tours & experiences in Hua Hin
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular tours and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Hua Hin program.
Popular
Hua Hin Culture Week
Learn more about the Thai culture and tick off some must-do Thai experiences.
£251
Private Room Upgrade
Upgrade to a private room with a private bathroom.
From £168
Traditional Muay Thai Sessions - Hua Hin
Elevate your experience with daily Muay Thai training! Train for 2 hours per day in your free time, learning authentic techniques from skilled local fighters. Perfect for all levels - whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills!
From £21
Check what's required to visit Thailand
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
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).
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
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Abby Tootill
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Thinula Karunarathne
My volunteer experience in Thailand made me more adaptable, independent, and open-minded. It also showed me that even small efforts can create real impact in people’s lives, which was very rewarding. For anyone hesitant, I’d say that feeling unsure is normal, but that’s where growth and meaningful change happen. You don’t need to have everything figured out, just being willing to contribute can go a huge way.
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KL
Kirsten Looker
I am so proud that I finally took the leap to volunteer abroad. It is certainly scary, however you will meet SO many like-minded travellers who have the same thoughts and feelings as you. These quickly disappear when you become friends with all of your fellow volunteers and enjoy every moment of the experience that you are having.
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SW
Susannah Wilkinson
I would say go for it, throw yourself into volunteering with everything you have, because I promise you, you will have the best experience of your life. You will make friends for life and meet incredible people from all over the world. Take everything with an open mindset and with no expectations and you will have a blast!
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
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