AN i-NET BULLETIN FOR TAKING TIME OUT FOR A GAP YEAR ABROAD
The Gap Year Bulletin

Summer 2005
Current Issue


English Teaching to Karen Hill Tribes in Thailand

Organisation:
Karen Hilltribes Trust

Location:
Thailand

Details:
The Karen Hilltribes Trust provides opportunities for people aged 18 and over to carry out long term voluntary work among the upland and hill communities in Thailand.
The volunteer programme is an essential part of the Trust's work. Placements are found for volunteers to help with teaching English in both primary and secondary schools.

As a volunteer, you will need good self discipline, a sense of duty, and the drive and motivation to get involved! You will live and work among the Karen people, experiencing life in the remote villages and sharing their culture.

You must be prepared to go for at least six months, either from October to March or from January to July. You'll be working in Thai and Karen schools at either primary or secondary level, or both. You'll act as a classroom assistant, usually working alongside a qualified teacher, but you will also be able to do a lot of teaching on your own two feet. Outside school times, you'll get involved in every aspect of Karen life.

Eligibility:
KHT are looking for people who are over 18, and who have completed at least higher education (sixth form) or who are post graduate. Volunteers will need to be self starters with wide life experience; they need to be team players, with a positive attitude towards work and a genuine interest in the cultural exchange.

No formal qualifications are needed, although a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) qualification is very useful for volunteers working in schools. (The Trust can sometimes arrange special weekend TEFL courses for potential volunteers if the timetable allows)

Selection is subject to approval of an application form, at least one interview, and satisfactory references. Potential volunteers are asked to attend a training weekend held annually in York, UK.

Cost:
Teaching volunteers are generally required to obtain sponsorship of £1250. A deposit of £100 is paid to confirm the place, and the remainder is paid at least one month before departure.

This volunteer fee covers some of the administrative costs, your stay in the village, and telephone support in case of difficulties. In addition, the money raised by volunteers is used for general costs in Thailand, in support of our work to help the Karen people.

You'll have to find your own air fare and insurance (KHT can provide information on recommended packages). But the spending money you'll need is minimal, and you won't have to pay for accommodation as you'll be living with the Karen people.

Departure Dates:
October to March or January to July.

Contact:
Karen Hilltribes Trust
Mrs Penelope Worsley, Midgley House, Heslington, York YO10 5DX, UK
Ph: +44 (0)1904 411891 (ask for Penelope Worsley)
Email: penelope@karenhilltribes.org.uk
www.karenhilltribes.org.uk

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