Where
Chiang Mai, Thailand
When
Weekly departures, year-round (except closure periods)
Duration
Minimum 1 week
Accommodation
Shared or private rooms in a volunteer house with meals included
Language
English (beginner level recommended)
Ideal for
For those seeking an intercultural experience combining teaching, community, and local discovery
Project details
In Chiang Mai, students of all ages meet volunteers who bring fresh ideas and new energy to the classroom.
In northern Thailand, many schools — especially in the villages around Chiang Mai — need support to give students more opportunities to practise English, a skill increasingly important for their future.
This project was created to work alongside local teachers with practical, creative activities that make learning more accessible and enjoyable. As a participant, you can lead small lessons, introduce games, songs, and conversation activities, and help prepare teaching materials.
It's an experience that lets you immerse yourself in Thai school life and discover local culture through everyday moments, helping to build students' confidence day by day.
This project was created to work alongside local teachers with practical, creative activities that make learning more accessible and enjoyable. As a participant, you can lead small lessons, introduce games, songs, and conversation activities, and help prepare teaching materials.
It's an experience that lets you immerse yourself in Thai school life and discover local culture through everyday moments, helping to build students' confidence day by day.
School and village: teaching in Chiang Mai
In Chiang Mai, students of all ages meet volunteers who bring fresh ideas and new energy to the classroom.
In northern Thailand, many schools — especially in the villages around Chiang Mai — need support to give students more opportunities to practise English, a skill increasingly important for their future.
This project was created to work alongside local teachers with practical, creative activities that make learning more accessible and enjoyable. As a participant, you can lead small lessons, introduce games, songs, and conversation activities, and help prepare teaching materials.
It's an experience that lets you immerse yourself in Thai school life and discover local culture through everyday moments, helping to build students' confidence day by day.
This project was created to work alongside local teachers with practical, creative activities that make learning more accessible and enjoyable. As a participant, you can lead small lessons, introduce games, songs, and conversation activities, and help prepare teaching materials.
It's an experience that lets you immerse yourself in Thai school life and discover local culture through everyday moments, helping to build students' confidence day by day.
Why participate
Bring creativity to the classroom
You help students practise English with simple, engaging activities that motivate them to participate.
The Weekly Program
Weekdays
From Monday to Friday you'll take part in lessons at local schools, in the morning or afternoon depending on the set schedule. In the classroom you'll support the teachers and engage students with practical, creative activities.
The rest of the day is dedicated to lesson preparation, meeting with fellow volunteers, and free time to explore everyday life in Chiang Mai and the surrounding villages.
07:30Breakfast at the centre and planning the day with other participants
09:00Morning lesson at local schools: conversation activities and English games
12:00Return to the centre and lunch with the group
14:00Afternoon classroom session: supporting teachers and creative workshops
16:30Preparing activities for the next day or free time to explore Chiang Mai
19:00Dinner at the centre followed by a shared evening of films, games, or cultural moments
Weekend
Weekends are free from scheduled activities. You'll be able to explore the area, join small excursions, or relax with other volunteers.
A walk among Chiang Mai's temples
Discover the famous Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang, soaking up the spirituality and architecture of the north.
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FAQs
🏠 Accommodation in Chiang Mai (San Sai)
Welcome to our community centre: a simple and functional home in San Sai, about 30–45 minutes from the airport. You'll find essential comforts, common areas to unwind after activities, and an authentic atmosphere — a little away from the city bustle but close to local markets, temples, and small restaurants.
The rooms are shared and lockable; you'll have a personal locker for your valuables. Bathrooms are shared, with hot showers. Common areas include a lounge and garden — perfect for studying, preparing lessons, or chatting with fellow volunteers. It's a small community — friendships form quickly here!
🍽️ Meals
Meals are included: 3 per day on weekdays and 2 on weekends. Home-cooked food, vegetarian-friendly, with a mix of Thai dishes and more international options. Drinking water, tea, and coffee are available throughout the day.
🛏️ Included services
• Shared lockable rooms with personal lockers
• 3 meals per day (weekdays), 2 on weekends
• Free drinks (water, tea, coffee)
• Common areas for relaxation and socialising (lounge and garden)
• Shared bathrooms with hot shower
• 24/7 support from the local team
📶 Useful notes
The accommodation does not provide towels; you'll find clean bed linen on arrival. Paid laundry service available (or hand-washing). Wi-Fi is available in common areas but may be limited: if you need to stay connected, consider a local SIM or an eSIM with Airalo.
💛 Living in the house
More than just a place to stay: it's a meeting point. Sharing meals, exchanging ideas, and organising evenings in the garden will make your experience in Chiang Mai even more special.
Welcome to our community centre: a simple and functional home in San Sai, about 30–45 minutes from the airport. You'll find essential comforts, common areas to unwind after activities, and an authentic atmosphere — a little away from the city bustle but close to local markets, temples, and small restaurants.
The rooms are shared and lockable; you'll have a personal locker for your valuables. Bathrooms are shared, with hot showers. Common areas include a lounge and garden — perfect for studying, preparing lessons, or chatting with fellow volunteers. It's a small community — friendships form quickly here!
🍽️ Meals
Meals are included: 3 per day on weekdays and 2 on weekends. Home-cooked food, vegetarian-friendly, with a mix of Thai dishes and more international options. Drinking water, tea, and coffee are available throughout the day.
🛏️ Included services
• Shared lockable rooms with personal lockers
• 3 meals per day (weekdays), 2 on weekends
• Free drinks (water, tea, coffee)
• Common areas for relaxation and socialising (lounge and garden)
• Shared bathrooms with hot shower
• 24/7 support from the local team
📶 Useful notes
The accommodation does not provide towels; you'll find clean bed linen on arrival. Paid laundry service available (or hand-washing). Wi-Fi is available in common areas but may be limited: if you need to stay connected, consider a local SIM or an eSIM with Airalo.
💛 Living in the house
More than just a place to stay: it's a meeting point. Sharing meals, exchanging ideas, and organising evenings in the garden will make your experience in Chiang Mai even more special.
🛡️ Safety and support
The safety of our participants is our top priority. In Chiang Mai, we only work with trusted local schools and communities, located in quiet areas that are always monitored by our on-the-ground team.
🔹 Participant screening and safe environments
To ensure a safe environment for everyone, each volunteer must provide a criminal background check before departure. We'll send you step-by-step instructions for obtaining it — it's a straightforward process, but essential to protect you, your fellow participants, and the local community.
🔹 High safety standards
• Shared lockable rooms
• Personal lockers for your belongings
• Constant presence of local staff
• The San Sai area is quiet and welcoming, with hospitals and medical centres easily accessible
🔹 Round-the-clock support
From the moment you arrive until the end of your stay, you'll always have a point of contact. The local team is available 24/7 for any eventuality, and our team back home is also reachable via WhatsApp for any practical need or urgent communication.
🔹 Training and orientation
On your first day you'll take part in an orientation meeting, where you'll learn everything you need: local rules, safety tips, customs, and practical information for getting around Chiang Mai with confidence.
🔹 Best practices for a safe and enjoyable experience
✔ Use official taxis or the Grab app for getting around.
✔ Only carry the cash you need for the day.
✔ Always follow the guidance and advice of the local team.
💡 Our goal
To create a safe, caring, and positive environment, so you can focus on what really matters: teaching, learning, and living an authentic experience in the heart of northern Thailand 🌸
The safety of our participants is our top priority. In Chiang Mai, we only work with trusted local schools and communities, located in quiet areas that are always monitored by our on-the-ground team.
🔹 Participant screening and safe environments
To ensure a safe environment for everyone, each volunteer must provide a criminal background check before departure. We'll send you step-by-step instructions for obtaining it — it's a straightforward process, but essential to protect you, your fellow participants, and the local community.
🔹 High safety standards
• Shared lockable rooms
• Personal lockers for your belongings
• Constant presence of local staff
• The San Sai area is quiet and welcoming, with hospitals and medical centres easily accessible
🔹 Round-the-clock support
From the moment you arrive until the end of your stay, you'll always have a point of contact. The local team is available 24/7 for any eventuality, and our team back home is also reachable via WhatsApp for any practical need or urgent communication.
🔹 Training and orientation
On your first day you'll take part in an orientation meeting, where you'll learn everything you need: local rules, safety tips, customs, and practical information for getting around Chiang Mai with confidence.
🔹 Best practices for a safe and enjoyable experience
✔ Use official taxis or the Grab app for getting around.
✔ Only carry the cash you need for the day.
✔ Always follow the guidance and advice of the local team.
💡 Our goal
To create a safe, caring, and positive environment, so you can focus on what really matters: teaching, learning, and living an authentic experience in the heart of northern Thailand 🌸
🧭 Orientation day
Welcome to Chiang Mai! Your first Monday will be entirely dedicated to discovering where you've ended up — and to feeling right at home 😄
During the day, the local team will guide you through a mix of practical activities and cultural moments to give you the right foundation before starting the project:
• Welcome meeting with an introduction to the programme and house rules
• Useful tips on health, safety, and good daily habits
• A short introduction to Thai culture (and a few Thai phrases to try out!)
• A cultural "survival guide": what to do and what to avoid to integrate respectfully
• A tour of the San Sai area with useful stops including markets, local shops, and points of interest
• Support for buying a local SIM or the option to arrive with an active eSIM through Airalo
It's also the perfect moment to meet your fellow participants, break the ice, and find out what brought you all the way here.
📌 From Tuesday, it's time to start!
After this introductory day, you'll begin the educational project in local schools, always supported by the local coordinators.
Welcome to Chiang Mai! Your first Monday will be entirely dedicated to discovering where you've ended up — and to feeling right at home 😄
During the day, the local team will guide you through a mix of practical activities and cultural moments to give you the right foundation before starting the project:
• Welcome meeting with an introduction to the programme and house rules
• Useful tips on health, safety, and good daily habits
• A short introduction to Thai culture (and a few Thai phrases to try out!)
• A cultural "survival guide": what to do and what to avoid to integrate respectfully
• A tour of the San Sai area with useful stops including markets, local shops, and points of interest
• Support for buying a local SIM or the option to arrive with an active eSIM through Airalo
It's also the perfect moment to meet your fellow participants, break the ice, and find out what brought you all the way here.
📌 From Tuesday, it's time to start!
After this introductory day, you'll begin the educational project in local schools, always supported by the local coordinators.
✈️ Arrival at Chiang Mai (CNX)
To start your experience on the right foot, book your arrival for Sunday between 08:00 and 16:00 at Chiang Mai Airport (CNX). Within this time window the pick-up is included and we'll take you to the San Sai centre.
If you arrive on Saturday, an extra night and paid pick-up are required.
If you arrive outside the Sunday time window, you can request a paid special pick-up or make your own way to the centre.
If you arrive by land or are already in the city, you can join the Sunday meeting at 14:00 directly at CNX airport.
📍 Airport meeting point
Meet at Level 1, Door 5 of Chiang Mai Airport.
If arriving on an international flight, exit into the arrivals hall, stay on the same floor, turn left and walk to Entrance 5.
If arriving on a domestic flight, exit into the arrivals hall, stay on the same floor, turn right and walk to Entrance 5.
The area can be busy. Wait near the entrance and look for a sign with your name or the association's name. Do not leave the meeting point.
⏱️ Allow at least 1 hour between landing and the meeting for passport control and baggage. Let the staff know about any delays via WhatsApp.
👜 Luggage
No specific luggage limit from the programme for arrival in Chiang Mai. If you're travelling with very bulky luggage, let us know in advance so we can arrange the transfer accordingly.
🚕 Making your own way to the venue
On Sundays, arrivals between 06:00 and 20:00 are accepted.
Taxi from CNX → approx. 30–45 minutes.
Estimated fare 300–400 THB per journey. Always ask for the taximeter or agree on the price before getting in.
📱 Internet connection
To stay in touch with the team, we recommend purchasing an eSIM before departure through Airalo, so you'll have internet as soon as you land. Alternatively, you can buy a local SIM at the airport.
🧭 If you can't find the coordinator
Check that you're in the right spot. Stay at the meeting point. After 15 minutes, send a WhatsApp message with your name and flight details. If there's no immediate reply, they may be welcoming another arrival. Do not leave the meeting point and try again.
📌 Before you depart
Send us your flight details as soon as you book.
Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 3 days of arrival.
For entry, we recommend Visa Exemption if eligible, or a Tourist Visa. If immigration officers ask about the purpose of your trip, you may say "Tourism with cultural learning and community activities".
🏁 Departure and return flight
Check-out is by 12:00 on Saturday.
The return transfer is not included. We can help you arrange a taxi to CNX or, if you're continuing your travels, to your next destination.
We recommend booking your return flight on Saturday evening or Sunday morning, so you can leave the venue at a relaxed pace and reach the airport without rushing. If you're heading to other Thai destinations, let us know in advance and we'll suggest the best option.
To start your experience on the right foot, book your arrival for Sunday between 08:00 and 16:00 at Chiang Mai Airport (CNX). Within this time window the pick-up is included and we'll take you to the San Sai centre.
If you arrive on Saturday, an extra night and paid pick-up are required.
If you arrive outside the Sunday time window, you can request a paid special pick-up or make your own way to the centre.
If you arrive by land or are already in the city, you can join the Sunday meeting at 14:00 directly at CNX airport.
📍 Airport meeting point
Meet at Level 1, Door 5 of Chiang Mai Airport.
If arriving on an international flight, exit into the arrivals hall, stay on the same floor, turn left and walk to Entrance 5.
If arriving on a domestic flight, exit into the arrivals hall, stay on the same floor, turn right and walk to Entrance 5.
The area can be busy. Wait near the entrance and look for a sign with your name or the association's name. Do not leave the meeting point.
⏱️ Allow at least 1 hour between landing and the meeting for passport control and baggage. Let the staff know about any delays via WhatsApp.
👜 Luggage
No specific luggage limit from the programme for arrival in Chiang Mai. If you're travelling with very bulky luggage, let us know in advance so we can arrange the transfer accordingly.
🚕 Making your own way to the venue
On Sundays, arrivals between 06:00 and 20:00 are accepted.
Taxi from CNX → approx. 30–45 minutes.
Estimated fare 300–400 THB per journey. Always ask for the taximeter or agree on the price before getting in.
📱 Internet connection
To stay in touch with the team, we recommend purchasing an eSIM before departure through Airalo, so you'll have internet as soon as you land. Alternatively, you can buy a local SIM at the airport.
🧭 If you can't find the coordinator
Check that you're in the right spot. Stay at the meeting point. After 15 minutes, send a WhatsApp message with your name and flight details. If there's no immediate reply, they may be welcoming another arrival. Do not leave the meeting point and try again.
📌 Before you depart
Send us your flight details as soon as you book.
Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 3 days of arrival.
For entry, we recommend Visa Exemption if eligible, or a Tourist Visa. If immigration officers ask about the purpose of your trip, you may say "Tourism with cultural learning and community activities".
🏁 Departure and return flight
Check-out is by 12:00 on Saturday.
The return transfer is not included. We can help you arrange a taxi to CNX or, if you're continuing your travels, to your next destination.
We recommend booking your return flight on Saturday evening or Sunday morning, so you can leave the venue at a relaxed pace and reach the airport without rushing. If you're heading to other Thai destinations, let us know in advance and we'll suggest the best option.
Book your spot
1
Send your application (free!)
Choose the project that inspires you most and indicate the period you would like to travel. No commitment: the application is free and non-binding.
2
Meet your coordinator
After your application, we will put you in touch with your dedicated coordinator. They will explain everything in detail and answer all your questions.
3
Confirm your spot
When you're ready, pay the deposit to lock in your spot. You'll get everything you need: local contacts, a visa guide and your pre-trip pack.
4
Set off on your adventure!
Pack your bags and go! On arrival you will find other volunteers like you, a welcoming local team and an experience you will hardly forget.
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