Teach English and Explore Northern Thailand’s Culture

Volunteering in Phayao was the most meaningful and unforgettable experience of trip! From the moment I arrived, all the students and teachers made me feel incredibly welcome and supported. The school creates such a positive, encouraging environment where the kids are eager to learn and engage, and the teachers were so kind and helpful, always willing to answer my questions, share ideas, and make sure I felt comfortable in the classroom. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to volunteer here. It’s a place full of warmth and growth and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone thinking about joining as a volunteer.

I spent three weeks here as an English teacher, and it truly was the experience of a lifetime! It was a privilege to feel so welcomed and integrated into a real Thai community. From the very beginning, everything was clear and well explained by Hani, and everyone greeted me with so much warmth. All the teachers were kind and helpful, and the school director is such a sweet and caring person! She showed me around the beautiful surroundings of Chiang Kham and always made sure I was doing well and that everything was going smoothly. The kids will always stay in my heart — every hug they gave me and every step they made in learning English melted my heart. I highly recommend this experience to everyone, even if it’s your first time volunteering!

This experience has truly been fulfilling. Hani provided very clear and detailed information during our first contacts and both the director of the school and the entire teaching staff have been very welcoming and took good care of me. The kids of this community can really take advantage of practising English with foreigners so this opportunity has a real social impact. Plus, you get to live and eat as a local which can be really enriching! Thank you all! I hope I'll get to see you again sometime in the future! :)

This was my first time volunteering — and honestly, what an absolute blessing it turned out to be. From the get-go, I felt incredibly fortunate. Special shoutout to the host, Hani, who was endlessly supportive, informative, and just genuinely kind — from the moment I started my journey to the school, right through my time there. Although I was only here for a short three weeks, I already hold the community and the school close to my heart. The people were so warm, welcoming, and full of life — it made it incredibly hard to leave. I was lucky enough to arrive during a national holiday (if you’re thinking of volunteering, definitely aim for the beginning of July (around the 6th/7th). I got to join the school in visiting a local Buddhist temple, witness a beautiful ceremony alongside the students, and get a real taste of the deep spiritual roots that run through Thai culture. Then came the celebrations — a street parade, dancing with the locals, karaoke, drinks, laughter, and the kind of joy that makes you feel like you truly belong. But it wasn’t just parties and parades (though I won’t pretend that part wasn’t amazing). Volunteering never really felt like work. The school and students made every day enjoyable — cheeky, curious, and full of energy, they kept me on my toes in the best way. I genuinely had so much fun teaching, and I leave with a deeper, hands-on understanding of what it’s like to teach at a primary level. And it didn’t stop at the classroom! After-school sessions in Thai language, dance, and cooking were the cherry on top — memories and skills I’ll take with me wherever I go. To sum it all up: the hospitality was unmatched. I felt seen, supported, and celebrated. It’s an experience I’ll always hold close — a first step into volunteering that set the bar sky high. A huge thank you to the organisation, the school, and of course, the students. I’m leaving with a full heart.

I really had a great time volunteering here. Since the first moment everyone was so helpful and charming all the time. Everyone in the school helped every day in everything they could for me to have a good time. I enjoyed so much teaching english, sports, IT and robotics to all these kids that are so kind and energetic during all day. Also I had the opportunity to receive cooking classes and Thai language classes from local people from the village, allowing me to get in touch directly with the culture. I really recommend the stay in here and live the experience, you will not regret it.

I had the opportunity to volunteer at the school, and I truly can’t recommend this experience enough. The kids were so motivated and eager to learn, which made teaching really meaningful. I also loved spending time with them outside the classroom, playing football with them during lunch quickly became one of my favorite parts of the day. What made this experience even more special was the kindness of the staff. The teachers and the director were always open to talk and made me feel very welcome from the start. I’m really grateful for everything I learned during my time here, and I definitely recommend this experience!

I spent three weeks volunteering in the mountains in Phayao. The experience was wonderful. The staff were really kind and generous. They couldn't do enough for me; from involving me in the ceremonies to taking me to the local market they really took me in as a part of their community. The kids were fantastic. They were energetic, super sweet and full of character: clearly loving having a foreigner teach them English. I would recommend this opportunity to anyone who wants to experience real Hmong Thai culture and is willing to throw themselves fully into the experience. The mission is to help underprivileged students learn English and although I was there a short time I truly learnt a lot. A massive thank you to Hani for creating the organisation and for being very communicative throughout. I hope to do another volunteer experience like this again.

It was one of the most incredible experiences I had during my backpacking trip. The students are lovely, the teachers are friendly and kind, everyone cares about your stay, the classes are a lot of fun and the interaction with the community makes you feel very happy. I will miss everyone I met and I hope one day to return and meet again everyone I had the pleasure of meeting. The food is incredible and gives you an experience with the local food. I would especially like to thank Hani, Ta and Kru Laead who welcomed me with great attention and care. I will never forget them.

I had an incredible experience teaching at this school! The teachers and students were so welcoming, always making me feel at home. The place is surrounded by stunning nature, creating a peaceful and beautiful environment to work in. 🐸🐛🌴The room provided for volunteers was very decent and spacious⭐, and everyone went out of their way to ensure I was comfortable and enjoying my time. It truly felt like a community where everyone cares for each other, and I couldn’t have asked for a better teaching experience!

That experience has been truly amazing. The school is a beautiful place to live in, surrounded by mountains and rice fields, which make the place really great to discover. The children, the teachers, the locals and the elderly people were all welcoming with kindness and taking care of us. During the month I spent at school, I had the chance to learn the culture of the locals from the inside and to enjoy so many great adventures and experiences! I want to thank all the people I met for making me live that incredible month with them!

This was my eleventh Worldpackers exchange, and I had the privilege of being Bam Nam Chun’s first. Hani is a joy to communicate with and ensures everything runs smoothly. The school is extremely welcoming and ensures that you have everything you need and quick to answer any questions you may have. The people of the village also receive you with open arms. For a genuine immersion into Northern Thai village culture, a warm, caring staff, and children brimming with curiosity, you’ll leave with a full understanding of why Thailand is called the Land of Smiles!

I had a wonderful 3 weeks at school 1 in Phayao. This was my first workaway and the students, teachers, community, and program coordinator were all so welcoming and made sure that I had everything I needed. The schedule was great with classes spread throughout the day. I was able to help teach students in grades K-9. Two of the teachers spoke very good English and helped translate for me in class. We were able to discuss the ways I could best help the kids: play games, make simple conversation, talk slowly to teach pronunciation, and get them excited about learning/speaking English. I got to use some of my favorite school games I was taught and find many new ones online to try! I would recommend coming to class equipped with some games or teaching techniques. The teachers all had different requests for me which kept the classes interesting. At this school I lived on campus in the old library with a roommate. We had three meals a day on weekdays which were overall good, three bathrooms in the building with hot water, AC, decent WiFi, a fridge, and two twin beds. They also let us use the washing machine and had a drying rack and fans. Highlights were playing ping pong with the kids after lunch, greeting the students in the morning with high fives, trying so many new Thai foods, and practicing sepak takraw with some students and community members who came after school to play. The school is a 15 minute grab bike from downtown. The downtown is quite large with gyms, a mall, restaurants, and the beautiful lake. Exploring the night markets was fun. A bicycle is also provided for a short ride to a fruit market, 7/11, cafes, and a few good restaurants. I appreciated the obvious effort put into this program for the sake of the kids, teachers, and volunteers. I would highly recommend this position to anyone who wants a fun experience teaching English to wonderful kids and connecting with a kind community.

I had the opportunity to volunteer with the PEFF (Phayao Educational and Farming Foundation) program in Phayao, and it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed by a warm and passionate community dedicated to making a real difference. Volunteers support local schools, help improve English communication for students, and engage in meaningful cultural exchange. The educational sessions are well-structured, yet flexible enough to allow creativity and connection with students of all ages. What makes PEFF stand out is its integration with local farming and sustainable living practices. You’re not just teaching—you’re learning, too. Whether it's planting rice, helping in the garden, or participating in community events, everything feels deeply rooted in respect and shared purpose. Phayao itself is a peaceful and stunning province, far from the tourist crowds. It's the perfect setting for those looking to give back while experiencing the slower, more authentic rhythm of Thai life. If you're looking for a volunteer program that combines education, community, and sustainability in a genuine way, PEFF is an amazing choice.

I will always cherish this experience; it was deeply enriching. The children were absolutely wonderful—smart, kind, and full of curiosity. Working with them was an absolute joy. I highly recommend this kind of experience to anyone! The organization was flawless, and I didn’t have to worry about a single thing. Hani was exceptionally helpful, taking care of every detail with the utmost care and ensuring everything went smoothly.