Programs
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FAQ
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Project Introduction
This project involves volunteering to teach English to children living in Thailand. English serves as the sole means through which these children can escape poverty. Join local staff and international volunteers from around the world to live together in the village, becoming English teachers for local children!
1. Meeting International University Students of the Same Age?? GO!
The organization where this project takes place is an NGO initiated by young students in Thailand dedicated to community development. Over 20 years later, the same spirit that started it continues, and now it attracts university students worldwide to participate in volunteering. If you are looking to join fellow peers of similar age, you might initially feel some awkwardness, but it quickly turns into camaraderie. Joining this volunteer activity with peers who share your mindset can provide a meaningful and enriching experience!
2. Minimize the Burden of English Education Volunteering, Maximize the Fun!
Are you concerned because it's your first time volunteering for English education? Don't worry! If you have beginner-level skills, you can teach young children at childcare centers, hospitals, or orphanages using the alphabet through songs and games. If you have intermediate or higher skills, you can follow the elementary school curriculum or teach basic English to local staff members. With activities scheduled on specific weekdays at various locations, you'll have a lively and enjoyable time without any chance of boredom. Remember, passion is more important than English proficiency!
3. Maximizing and Enjoying Weekend Free Time by 200%
Volunteer activities take place every Tuesday through Saturday morning, with free time available afterward for personal pursuits. You can enrich your experience by participating in eco-tours that support the local economy and allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture. Explore the city with friends and stay at guesthouses operated by local organizations to enjoy the local atmosphere fully. During weekdays, engage in fulfilling volunteer work, and on weekends, use your free time to explore every corner of the Chiang Rai region in Thailand. It's a chance to bond with friends and experience the diverse aspects of the local community.
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In Chiang Rai, Thailand, more than 70% of the total area is covered with mountains, allowing for an experience of living in nature. Through the lives of the local people known as hill tribes, you can glimpse their unique culture and way of life. The local institution where the project takes place is structured in a town-like format within the village, where local staff and volunteers live together harmoniously. Experience a tranquil and simple life here, taking time to reflect on your own life. |
■ Growing with the Project
| After 2 weeks | After 4 weeks | After 6 weeks |
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| STUDY IT! | EXPERIENCE IT! | BREAKTHROUGH! |
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◇ Developing English Teaching Materials and Activities ◇ Building Interpersonal Skills through Meetings with Diverse People |
◇ Embracing Warmth by Connecting with Local Staff and Residents ◇ Fostering Camaraderie with Peers through Volunteer Work |
◇ Boosting Confidence through Teaching English Classes ◇ Enhancing Cross-Cultural Adaptability by Experiencing Minority Cultures ◇ Strengthening Community Spirit through Group Living |
Project Activities
■ Project Activites
1. Childcare Center
Teaching English activities, such as English songs and games, targeting young children aged 4 and below who are just starting to walk. Through engaging lessons that children enjoy, you will teach the alphabet and simple words in a fun and interactive way. Each daycare center consists of approximately 8-40 children. Classes run for about 2 hours.
2. Elementary School
Conducting English classes in lively classrooms with bright students, who enjoy activities from 1st to 6th grade, at public elementary schools. The curriculum aligns with the school's schedule, culminating in monthly tests for the children. Each class comprises 15-30 students.
3. Hospital
Providing creative English education activities to bring smiles to children suffering from chronic illnesses in hospitals. Due to fewer children, up to 3 volunteers may be assigned. Each hospital accommodates 3-15 children.
4. Orphanage
Teaching alphabet and basic words through fun activities like music, art, crafts, and games tailored to children of various ages in orphanages. Each orphanage houses 20-40 students spanning grades 1 to 6, with classes lasting about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
5. English Camp
Organizing English camp activities during vacation periods within schools or organizations, catering to a diverse group of 15 children of different ages. Emphasis is on engaging and fun activities aligned with children's interests since it's vacation, with classes lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes.
6. Local Staff Members
Offering English classes to local staff and indigenous women living in the village where volunteers reside. Classes involve 1-4 adults and last approximately 1 hour.
7. Kitchen Girls
Conducting English education sessions for 1-4 elderly individuals. Classes typically run for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
8. Village Teenagers
Providing English education to teenagers aged 15-17 residing in the village. Classes are held for 1 hour.
9. Monks in Temples.
Offering education to monks residing in temples, with class sizes ranging from 2 to 30 students, spanning grades 1 to 6. Classes are conducted for 2 hours.
■ Example Daily Schedule
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Time |
Tue to Fri | Sat | Sat Afternoon to Mon Evening |
| 8:00 | Breakfast | Free Time | |
| 8:30 | Morning Meeting | ||
| 9:00-12:00 | Morning Volunteer | ||
| 12:00-13:00 | Lunch | ||
| 13:00-16:00 | Afternoon Volunteer | Moving to the Downtown and Free time | |
| 17:30 | Dinner | ||
* Please note that this schedule is provided as an example and may be subject to change based on local conditions, class schedule, and detailed scheduling.
* Activities are conducted from Tuesday to Saturday. Volunteers have free time from Saturday afternoon to Monday evening.
During this time, volunteers can explore nearby areas or visit the city, but meals will not be provided.
■ Details
- The project's first orientation day (local orientation) is held every first and third Monday of the month.
(Participants should purchase flights arriving on the first or third Monday of each month.)
- On the first day, participants will get to know each other through local orientation and engage in a Thai dessert-making activity. The following day, they will focus on learning the teaching methods, making it suitable for those without prior teaching experience to join.
- During Thailand's holiday and vacation seasons from late February to mid-May and in October, official classes will not be conducted, but project recruitment will continue. During this period, participants may engage in English camps organized by institutions or prepare educational materials for children. Additionally, due to flexible scheduling, outdoor activities such as community volunteering, painting, or repairing buildings damaged by heavy rains may be organized.
* Participants must submit an English Criminal Record Check, an English Insurance Certificate, and a Copy of Their Passport to join this program. Other necessary preparations will be guided by the responsible personnel.
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■ English Proficiency ★★★☆☆ Participants must be capable of basic communication in English as they will be teaching local children English and communicating in English with local staff members. * Depending on participants' capabilities and local conditions, discussions with local authorities may lead to alternative activities such as childcare or outdoor volunteering. |
▲ This is a video filmed directly by participants of the project.
It was initially 'much worse than I thought.' However, the place has been there and will be there, before we arrive, after we leave, and even if we don't go. I think we should understand them and accept them with an open mind, not try to change or complain. Although it may be surprising at first, you will be able to adapt quickly after living there for a few days. You will also realize that it does not hinder your life at all and that the form of housing is not important.
+ Read Yang Hae-mi participant review
I met so many wonderful people. Each volunteer had such distinct personalities and strengths that it's hard to single out just one. I don't know if I'll ever have moments like this again, where I'm with friends from all over the world with diverse professions and ages. It was amazing how we could blend together through work, food, songs, and dances despite our different languages and appearances.
- THANKS GAPYEAR
* Detailed participant reviews can be found on GapYear Story (click).
* More participant reviews are available under "Participant Reviews" at the bottom of the project page.
 Local Orientation |
 Online Orientation |
 Online Consultation |
 Certificate of Completion |
 KGY Certification |
 Pre-Departure Care |
 KGY Consultation |
 KGY Mission |
 24hr Emergency Care |
 Airplane Ticket |
 Real-Time Consultation Service |
 KGY Note Book |
 Project and Participation Costs |
 KGY Mission Scholarship |
 OT Documents |
 Local Volunteer Accommodation |
 Airport Pick-Up (Round-trip) |
 3 Local Meals |
 Round-Trip Transportation from Accommodation to the Volunteer Site |
 Wifi in Accommodation |
 Local Manager |
Details of Support
- Meals are provided from Monday lunch to Saturday lunch.
Not Included
- Round-trip airfare
- Individual Traveler's Insurance Costs
- Other Local Stay Expenses
* Please make flight and transportation reservations only after receiving final confirmation of project participation and departure schedule.
Institution Introduction
Word from the Local Institution Representative
Do you want to learn about diverse cultures, return to nature, live simply, and help minority communities?
Then, be sure to participate in this project. Through this project, you will have the opportunity to directly interact with village students and residents of various ages, ranging from 3-year-olds to adults. You will engage in teaching English as a second language.
We look forward to meeting you on the first and third Monday of each month as we start this project :)
Accommodation Introduction
Shared Room / Shared Bathroom / 3 Meals Privided / WIFI
Location Introduction
ㅣ Location : THAILAND, Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai, established as the northern region's prominent city alongside Chiang Mai in Thailand, attracts backpackers with its untouched natural landscapes and hidden gems. The city's charm lies in its temples scattered throughout the downtown area and the lively atmosphere of nightly markets. These gatherings create a simple, but vibrant ambiance. Engage in volunteer activities here among people living modestly and peacefully, and plan your unique gap year experience.
Requirements
- Anyone who is 18 years of age or older
- Anyone who can communicate in basic English
- Anyone who wants to help children achieve a better future with their own talents.
- Anyone who wants to do volunteer work with international friends
- Anyone who desires a gap year in the tranquil villages of Chiang Rai to reflect on themselves.
* Depending on the participants' abilities and local conditions, discussions with local organizations may lead to alternative activities such as childcare or outdoor volunteering.
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* COORDINATORS: TARGET When I first visited this place, I was instantly charmed by its tranquility and peaceful atmosphere. There were shelters scattered throughout spacious areas like playgrounds, where people of various nationalities gathered to chat. Approaching them with a friendly 'HI', they warmly welcomed me as if we had known each other for ages. Then there were the pure-hearted children running up with smiles towards the volunteers. I recommend this serene village to those who want to laugh, enjoy, and chat cheerfully with foreign friends and innocent children, rediscovering their pure selves and confidence in a place untouched by time. |
Schedule and Prices
■ This project starts every FIRST and THIRD Monday of every Month.
■ The minimum duration of participation in this project is at least 2 week.
■ Project Costs
| 2 weeks | 4 weeks | 6 weeks |
| 1,330,000 KRW | 1,510,000 KRW | 1,800,000 KRW |
| 8 weeks | 10 weeks | 12 weeks |
| 2,130,000 KRW | 2,470,000 KRW | 2,760,000 KRW |
* For popular projects, there may be no TO, so please apply quickly to secure your spot.
When calculated based on local prices, the TOTAL amounts to approximately 2,274,000 KRW!
However, participating in the Gap Year Project could potentially save up to 764,000 KRW!
* These costs are based on a 4-week participation period, including Gap Year Care Services and a maximum Gap Year Scholarship of 257,000 KRW.
■ KGY Mission (▶MORE)
■ Notice of Installment Payment
If you are unable to pay in full, please deposit 500,000 KRW in advance for the registration fee and deposit the balance within two weeks. The process of confirming participation in the project will be conducted based on the date of payment of the registration fee to check the availability and TO. It is important to secure a position as soon as possible to participate in the desired date and period! (No refund when confirmed participation)
*However, if the start date is imminent, the balance deposit schedule may vary depending on the situation.
■ Early Bird And Late Application
We recommend that all projects be applied three months before the start date of the project participation with normal procedures and KGY's preparation periods, and in principle, you can apply at least two months before the start date. However, if you need to participate in the project urgently or urgently, we will help you with the procedure as soon as possible by paying an additional amount through the emergency application service.
*We are helping you with the quick procedure as soon as possible, but there is a basic time such as communication with local organizations and time to confirm participation, and all procedures are the same as regular participants, so those who participate through the late application service should actively cooperate with the Korea GapYear operation team.
** Those who apply 180 days before the start date can get an early bird discount.
*** The emergency late application service can be applied from the selection option at the top, and if you have any questions related to the emergency application service, please contact koreagapyear@gmail.com.
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☞ Provision: Automatic application for gap-year missions and notes / Full provision immediately upon confirmation of participation in OT materials / Additional emergency personnel / Support for preparation if documents are required
* If you have a hard time calculating the date, please refer to NAVER's date calculator >> 네이버 날짜 계산기 바로가기
Note: In the case of an emergency late application, there may be no TO depending on the local situation, and subsequent procedures will be carried out in accordance with the gap year refund policy. In addition, the participant is responsible for any problems caused by the participant's non-cooperation.
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