TEACHING ENGLISH IN COASTAL SCHOOLS

Project Summary

The Thai children, especially in coastal areas, are very excited to learn and improve their conversational English as they often encounter many foreigners - sparking intrigue. All schools in Thailand , either state-run or private, strongly emphasize English education. The students of private schools (also called International Schools) have significantly higher English standards as compared to government-run schools. Due to excessively high fees charged by private schools, most of the children have to attend public schools where the level of English education is considerably low. All schools in Thailand have their own curriculum but, as a volunteer, you are free to teach English with lesson plans of your own design. In the beginning, you will be assisted by the schools' already-existing English teachers and, once you have demonstrated an ability to handle the classroom environment, you will be allowed to teach solo.

While most of Thailand's government-run schools offer poor resources for English education and are significantly understaffed, the level of the already-existing English-teachers is often poor (if existent at all). With a few exceptions, most English-teachers simply teach grammar and merely translate for their students. You can also provide significant support to the schools' faculty members by helping hone their English skills. Additionally, you can assist in creative, extracurricular activities such as sports, games, etc. - all while gauging the perception power of your students.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

There are no specific qualifications required for teaching English in Thailand . However, volunteers need only an interest and enthusiasm to help children. Non-native English-speakers with a masterful command of the English language may also be considered for this project.

VOLUNTEER'S RESPONSIBILITIES

Volunteers will primarily work as English instructors either in public and/or private schools throughout the coastal areas of Thailand . Depending upon the need, volunteers may be asked to assist in other extracurricular activities such as sports, games, etc. Some of the duties required of volunteers include:

• Teaching English (3-4 hours/day) in public or private schools for 5 days/week (Monday - Friday). Most of the students are between the ages of 6 and 13 years old. Volunteers will be assisted by other teachers employed within the schools
• Assisting with other creative, extracurricular activities (i.e. games, drawing, singing, dancing, etc.)
• Taking the students on educational tours/field trips (occasionally)
• Helping the students with their homework, monitoring their academic progress
• Assisting in other school-related activities or programs designed for the students

ROOM/FOOD

IFRE arranges room, food, and supervision for volunteer for the entire duration of the program. During the first week's program of language and cultural immersion, volunteers will stay in IFRE's hostel and/or with a host family. IFRE's hostel in Bangkok is located in the outskirts of the city, granting easy access to all parts of Bangkok . During the language program, volunteers eat out in different restaurants. Our local staff members supply volunteers a coupon or make dining arrangements directly with restaurants. IFRE does not offer expensive meals, but offer local food three (3) times a day.

During the assigned work period, volunteers stay in a hostel or with host families. IFRE manages a separate room along with a shared bath for volunteers both in host families and hostel. In host families, volunteers' "host moms" prepare the meals. But for volunteers living in the hostel, our local staff members arrange food in local restaurants or provide a coupon. The details pertaining to room/food will be furnished in volunteers' final placement details prior to departure to Thailand.