Living with Forest Monks:
A Volunteer Story
Loei is - supposed to be - famous for its mountainous landscape and cooler temperature.
To be honest, that's what it says in Lonely Planet, but I hadn't heard of this place before :).
I decided to stay in a Buddhist temple with 5 monks and 3 novices for two weeks.
Read Pascal's story
Combination Stay: From Thailand to Vietnam
There were many differences between teaching in Thailand or Vietnam, but one thing still was the same....they love playing games or singing songs!
People always ask me what I liked the most: teaching in Thailand or Vietnam? I honestly can't tell, because both were so different. I really am glad to experienced both cultures and to see both countries.
Looking back at it I honestly can say "it's been an experience I never ever will forget", I really loved every second of it!
Read Anouk's story
1st Phon Phisai Volunteer Stories
Gary Wooton and David Styles were the first volunteers in Phon Phisai. They both decided to teach IT in our Computer Learning Centre.
Both Gary and David were instrumental to the success of our IT programs in Nong Khai, Thanks Guys. Read about their time with us.
Read Gary's Volunteer story
Read David's Volunteer story
One year with Travel to Teach
The year 2005 has been a fabulous year for Travel to Teach. Last year at this time we were working in Nongkhai, Namsom, Tijuana and Hanoi.
With the arrival in Nongkhai of both Nat and Charlotte this year proved to be the most dynamic in our history so far. We are now working in sixteen places in six countries on two continents. We do not only teach English and computers, but do lots of different projects.
We produce media for teaching, we develop eco-tourism together with local communities, we build recycling stations, we repair buildings and amenities of schools and we also plant trees.
We have developed curriculums for several different teaching situations we have improved on our routines, our receptions. We have set up our own Computer room for teaching IT related skills.
Our staff now counts 35 people; we collaborate with universities in Europe and the US, with organizations in Germany and the Netherlands and with several other organizations in South East Asia and Latin America. We have built a cadre of Home Country Representatives.
Our plans for the future?
We intend to start programs in Africa and to continue expanding in Latin America. We intend to make more programs of our own initiative. We intend to keep our fees at a minimum.
Travel to Teach Ecuador / Galapagos Islands
Ecuador is an extremely poor country, nearly 50 percent of its population live in poverty.
There is real need for volunteer contribution to the development and conservation of many areas in Ecuador.
Travel to Teach volunteers will work in several institutions such as schools, orphanages, nurseries, juvenile homes, jails, centers for children workers and the elderly.
We also will work with several community projects involving Agriculture, Conservation, Infrastructure and Construction, among others.
View the Ecuador section of our website
Loy Kratong
The traditions of Loy Kratong remain uncertain, some believe it is a festival to honor the water spirit 'Phra Mae Kongka', others believe it is to pay respect to ones ancestors.
One thing that is certain is it is one of the most spectacular of all Thai festivals. Traditionally made of banana leaves the Lotus shaped kratong is adorned with candles, flowers, incense, coins and food. Thai people gather in their hundreds to set the offerings adrift on ponds, lakes and rivers. As they released so are the sins of the previous year, it is also customary to make a small wish for the forthcoming year.
Along with the releasing of the Kratongs this is a time for celebration and dancing. Our volunteers were invited to participate in the festivities by the local community, making Kratongs, dressing in traditional Thai costume and practicing their Thai dancing skills!
Surin
Two years ago Travel to Teach joined and English camp in Surin province. This year we were invited back to participate once more.
Set up by the Thai branch of International Care Relief Foundation, the camp took children and teachers from 35 schools in Surin province and provided four days of intensive English training.
Each day started at 6 am with an aerobics session followed by a full days worth of teaching, singing, acting and playing games meant that when the day came to an end at 9pm everyone was exhausted.
At the end of the week our hosts were generous enough to take us all to the legendary elephant festival. 350 elephants, playing football, basketball, painting and stepping over our volunteers made for a truly unforgettable week.
View the Surin English Camp and Festival Gallery
