March 3, 2016

How To Teach Youth In Rural Thailand

Written By Leonardo Gubinelli

The Surin Teaching program is an exciting opportunity to experience life in a rural Thai school.

You will be supported by a bilingual coordinator and working in small groups you will plan and teach English lessons for students’ aged 5 -16. The majority of your teaching will be done at primary schools for children aged 5-12. Your coordinator will give you full details of your timetable and school location during orientation.

English is a very important subject in Thai schools and forms part of the core curriculum. Children who develop their English language skills have a huge advantage moving into higher education or finding employment.  Historically the Thai school system puts emphasis on complex and often impractical grammar exercises. Today, Thai schools are now appreciating the contribution of native English speaking teachers as the focus shifts towards communication. Many rural schools do not have the funding to hire full-time English speakers so they are very grateful for all the support from volunteers. In exchange, you will have a memorable time learning about rural Thai culture as well spending time with some great children.

The focus of your classes will be communication and encouraging the children to have fun learning English.  You will be responsible for planning your own lessons and will be provided a range of topics as suggestions including animals, colours, numbers and the world around us. Don’t worry you’ll have plenty of time to get prepared and will be given advice and lesson materials to help you with your planning.