Volunteer Programs in Luang Prabang, Laos

Volunteer placements in Luang Prabang often focus on community development, but placements can take many forms.

Most volunteers will find themselves immersed in the world of teaching English to both eager Buddhist monks and other community members. As Laos emerges as a growing tourism hot spot, it becomes increasingly appealing for Laotian people to learn the English language for both career and personal aspirations. Volunteer organisations in Luang Prabang will typically accept volunteers with or without teaching experience, and some will even train volunteers to Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and mentor them throughout their time volunteering in Laos. 

In addition to teaching, women’s empowerment projects are growing in popularity in Luang Prabang. Unfortunately gender equality is still an ideal and not a reality in Laos. Volunteers can work with female only classes and workshops that focus on career development, self esteem builders, and general group bonding activities.

Volunteers are not expected to know how to speak the Lao language, however some volunteer organisations will offer a general introduction to the language. If volunteers want to take more language classes while volunteering in Luang Prabang they are available. Volunteer programs in Luang Prabang range in duration from a few weeks to a few months.