Education Support in Laos

Overall, this was an amazingly beautiful experience! :) Both teachers, volunteers and students were all very passionate, loving and excited about learning/teaching. To be surrounded by an atmosphere of positive people doing their best to improve (either themselves or others), can't help but leave a smile on your face from ear to ear! You fall in love with the Lao young people almost immediately! Lifelong relationships were absolutely formed and I would return with the snap of my finger if I could! :) Additionally, the logistics of the entire program were handled seamlessly. From the transportation from the airport, to establishment at the guesthouse, to our restaurant that provided meals everyday, it all flowed together, was within walking distance and overall very efficient. Luang Prabang and Laos overall is a very, very beautiful place! I see why there are SO many tourist in that UNESCO World Heritage town. Surrounded by mountains, rivers and a green blanket of nature, Laos/Luang Prabang is absolutely worth a visit either as a volunteer or nasty tourist! ;) The LV local team & staff are 200 percent incredible! The Lao teachers are some of the most loving, caring and supportive teachers I've ever seen. They truly care about the Lao students who are learning English and have great patience for all. They warmly accept volunteers into their classrooms and are not afraid to use us to the maximum extent possible; which is great because we are there to serve! They don't treat us like a nuisance and the whole Club knows the importance of having English speakers participate because it's such a powerful learning tool for their students. TIPS: Volunteer here! Now! Your help is wanted, valued and appreciated! The most important things you need to bring is energy, passion and a smile!:) Having a heart that is excited when the lightbulb turns on for the Lao young people is also needed. Everything else will fall into place. Having confidence too in front of a classroom and not being a weirdo in a bad way (I'm a weirdo but in a good way?) also help. Bring appropriate clothing to teach/volunteer since the location is at a monastery but to be honest that's what the Night Market is for; you can buy clothes there for real cheap and that's a great way to assimilate into the culture. Overall, you will love Luang Prabang. It's safe, clean and a vibing city to live and volunteer in. Just do it!

“I chose to volunteer with Love Volunteers Education Program teaching English in Luang Prabang, Laos for a few reasons. I wanted to meet the children of Laos and help them obtain a universal tool that could help them reach further in their lives. I also felt that it would be a great fit for me because I am currently studying in the field of Education. I wanted to experience a rich culture far from my own and make a difference there. I got all of that and more out of my experience and impact while volunteering. Did I mention that this was my 1st time teaching and my 1st time volunteering? I have to say that it couldn’t have been a better 1st-time experience! The smiles on the students faces when they learned new words, meanings, and pronunciations from our classes were amazing. The energy they displayed and the connection I was able to make with them touched my heart and confirmed that I had chosen the right volunteer program. I felt like part of the family immediately. Everyone was so incredibly supportive, great partners in the classroom, and helped me obtain some teaching skills to take back home! When my time was up in Luang Prabang, the hardest thing was saying goodbye to all of my students...and I quickly started thinking of when I would be able to come back and see them! I also was sad to leave the delicious Laotian food, beautiful scenery and people...I never passed a frowning face on the street during my time there. Shortly after returning home in Chicago, IL, I was hired as an educator at The Ogden International School of Chicago and I think my time teaching had a hand in that achievement. I can not wait to go back to Luang Prabang!”