Light the seed of hope
Since 2016, we have walked into remote villages in Chiang Mai with a sincere heart, working side by side with local schools and public welfare foundations to improve the educational difficulties. This choice not only changed the trajectory of our lives, but also ignited enthusiasm and hope in our hearts.
We are deeply grateful for the selfless contributions of students, frontline teachers and parents at home and abroad. Their sweat has won trust and praise for the teaching project. Seeing that the children, accompanied by volunteers, have rekindled their desire for the future and no longer retreat in the face of difficulties, we are full of pride and more determined to move forward.
The dedication of each volunteer is like sand, although small, it gathers into a towering monument. That weak light is enough to illuminate the children’s path and give them the power to move forward fearlessly. This is our mission-because of encounters, life blooms with more beautiful brilliance!
Before departure, volunteers from across the world were organized into online groups to carry out preparatory work. The activities included lectures by professional teachers, sharing sessions by experienced volunteers, collaborative lesson plan development, and lesson plan guidance. Additionally, pre-trip support helped volunteers adjust their mindset and provided them with important reminders and suggestions for packing. Through this series of training sessions, the volunteers gradually transitioned from the role of students to teachers, laying a solid foundation for their upcoming volunteer journey in Chiang Mai.
Upon arriving at the Chiang Mai volunteer camp, the daily lives of the international volunteer teachers were both fulfilling and well-structured. In the mornings, they attended Thai language classes to acquire basic communication skills. Following that, under the guidance of local teachers, they prepared for lessons by reviewing materials and creating teaching aids, ensuring they were fully ready for the day’s teaching tasks.
After classes, the volunteer teachers returned to the camp to reflect on the day’s teaching, summarizing their experiences and lessons learned. Based on feedback from students, they refined their lesson plans and teaching methods, continuously improving their skills for the next day’s classes.
Over the course of a few days, the international volunteer teachers were pleasantly surprised to notice significant improvements in their resilience, organizational and coordination skills, and teaching confidence. At the same time, their efforts earned them the affection and recognition of the local students, gaining them a group of enthusiastic young “fans.”
In the classrooms of Chiang Mai, volunteer teachers brought boundless enthusiasm and creativity to ignite every lesson. They not only imparted knowledge but also sparked students’ interest in learning through interactive games, vivid storytelling, and hands-on activities. Despite language and cultural differences, they used patience to bridge gaps and sincerity to build connections, gradually becoming trusted “big friends” in the eyes of the students. They keenly noticed each student’s unique strengths, encouraging them to boldly express their dreams—no matter how small—and with the affirmation of the volunteer teachers, those dreams could take root and grow.
As guides for these dreams, the volunteer teachers led by example, using their own experiences and insights to open a window to the wider world for the students. They shared stories of the outside world and painted pictures of future possibilities, inspiring the students to believe that hard work and perseverance could change their destinies.
As lamplighters, they ignited a spark of hope in the students’ hearts with every class—whether it was teaching them a simple English phrase, a scientific principle, or helping them build confidence. That small light could become a guiding beacon on the students’ future path toward their dreams.
Engaging and dynamic extracurricular activities
Mango sticky rice
Using fresh local ingredients, the cooking class at the volunteer camp offers an authentic culinary experience, satisfying the taste buds with Thailand’s signature spicy, sour, and aromatic flavors while also delving into the historical origins of Thai cuisine. The camp provides volunteers with cooking lessons and hands-on practice in preparing dishes such as Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup), mango sticky rice with coconut milk, and a signature Thai hot pot.
Boating on the Mae Ping River
Participate in local farming activities, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of city life to reconnect intimately with the earth and experience the hard labor of rural life—truly understanding the saying, “Every grain on your plate comes from hard work!” Alternatively, challenge yourself with outdoor activities in nature and take in the stunning scenery! Climb trees to pick longans, plant rice in the fields, or harvest rice, go boating on the Mae Ping River, and explore the local wilderness and mountains.
Thai flower garlands
The volunteer camp specially invites renowned local artisans to teach the traditional crafts of making classic Thai flower garlands, Lanna lanterns, and floating water lanterns, providing a deep dive into Thailand’s traditional culture surrounding religious beliefs and worship practices.
Thai monks in worship
Visit local temples and meet with esteemed monks to learn about the historical origins of Theravada Buddhism, as well as its similarities and differences with Indian Buddhism. Explore how Buddhism became Thailand’s national religion and how it profoundly influences every aspect of daily life for Thai people, shaping a unique, simple, and humanistic culture and historical tradition. Join local Thai monks in worship, listen to interactive meditation sessions led by temple monks, and gain insights into life’s epiphanies and the meaning of existence.
Volunteer camp
Rural Home Visits
Visit to an Orphanage: Visit Chiang Mai’s largest orphanage temple, dedicating your most precious time to quietly accompanying the orphans, sharing joyful and interesting moments with them, and becoming their family for a while to provide the warmth of familial love they long for!
Rural Home Visits: Gain a deeper understanding of the family situations and living environments of the students you teach, learn more about their learning conditions, and acquire insights into the realities of local education, all to better support and educate the students.
Thai Traditional Clothing and Dance
Thai Traditional Clothing and Dance: Dress in traditional Thai attire and, under the guidance of a professional Thai dance instructor, learn about the history and origins of Thai traditional clothing while studying Thai traditional dance, immersing yourself in the unique Thai culture!
Museum Visit: Explore the Lanna Culture Museum in Chiang Mai to understand the history of Chiang Mai and its historical connections with China.
Participation in Local Traditional Festivals: Join local traditional festival parades and celebrate Thailand’s joyous occasions together!
volunteer camp
Accommodation is primarily in rooms for 2-4 people, with separate lodging for males and females.Rooms are clean and tidy, equipped with basic amenities such as fans, air conditioning, and hot water.Wi-Fi is provided.Bottled purified water is available.Three meals a day are provided for free: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.Meals mainly consist of local cuisine.
volunteer camp
The camp is surrounded by a beautiful natural environment with particularly fresh air, situated independently amidst fields, offering a cool and scenic setting. At the center of the camp is a bamboo pavilion, showcasing a distinctive local Thai style. The volunteer camp is approximately a 35-minute drive from Chiang Mai International Airport.
Chiang Mai International Volunteer Teaching Project – Summer 2025, Thailand
Camp available: Sat 03 May –Sat 30 Agu 2025
Duration: Three weeks/ Four weeks
We warmly invite individuals, teams, schools, and businesses to join the Chiang Mai, Thailand Volunteer Teacher Activity as a group and make a meaningful impact together.
Volunteer Teacher Without Borders 