GVI: Volunteer in Laos

I spent 4 months in Luang Prabang with the GVI staff and volunteers and it was an amazing experience. I met so many wonderful people all involved and doing interesting things with their lives, getting to know them was such a pleasure. I am also still in touch with my fellow volunteers and even had the good fortune of visiting a few on later travels.
The GVI staff are always trying to help their volunteers and were such a fantastic support net and resource for the time I was there.
I spent about 4 hours a day in an actual class teaching and an hour or so lesson planning. I got to experience working in teams and partnerships which made lesson planning easier and quicker but also added a lot of quality to the lesson that one mind, by itself, might lack.
One of my favorite memories was on my birthday when my adult class, whom I had been with for my whole time in Luang Prabang, bought in a cake and a small gift and surprised me at the end of class - it was just an unimaginably touching gesture. The Lao people are so lovely and it was a pleasure to teach them (and celebrate Lao New Year with!).
I also got to teach Novices of Theravada Buddhism which immersed me in the very core of Lao culture, and that deep connection to the community and culture is something tourists and travelling alone couldn't give to you.
Luang Prabang as a city has my highest commendation as a travelling destination, especially as a volunteer, because you can immerse yourself in the culture, or go for a trekking or kayaking adventure, or anytime you feel home sick go indulge on their tourist strip catering for westerners. As an Australian the Asian flora and fauna is so unlike what i'm used to and so their was a constant feeling of awe and surreal-ness about the beautiful foreign surroundings.
I would highly recommend going to Luang Prabang to volunteer with GVI, hopeful I can come back and commend you for your choice.

I had an absolutely wonderful experience in Laos.
I taught 3 novice classes a day and a class at Xayadeth college with mixed students. I loved all of my classes, and they were very different, so I got challenged in different ways.

The staff was always very friendly and helpful - from help to lesson planning to medical advice when you get sick.

The program is very social, and there are volunteers from all over the world in different age groups. I think, it was really nice with the differences because people accepted each other.

The accommodation is fine. Nothing too luxurious but it works and it's a nice place. You can always upgrade if you want a nicer room.

It is an expensive program, but I do not regret spending the money at all. The students are so eager to learn and genuine kind people, so you can only be happy every single day. I was crying when I was leaving after 6 weeks, and I hope I can come back one day :)

(Teaching)
I was a little worried whether I could teach English because I did not have any experience before. However, GVI gave volunteers thorough trainings on how to conduct a class and this training helped me a lot. We were given a demo class in Laos language which made us aware what it would be like to learn a new language. It was a great demo and fun!!

(Students)
I had two classes, Novices class and Laos children class aged 9 to 16.
They are eager to learn anything from the volunteers.

(Volunteers)
There were young and middle aged volunteers when I was there.
We got along very well. During the weekdays, we plan and prepare for our classes and for weekends, we had free time. Some of us took Laos cooking class which was awesome, sat on elephants,cruised along Mekong River, etc.

(GVI Staff)
They were always efficient, happy and helpful. The seem to solve problems very quickly.

(What I think now)
When I applied for this programme, I thought it was expensive. But now, I don't think so. I would not have seen Laos, the Novices and the people
the way I did had I gone there just as a tourist. I pay for the experience and my money is wisely spent for the benefits of the students.

I learnt to be flexible when it comes to living in a different culture.
I also learnt to respect their culture and now I miss my students, the Laos people I met and the GVI staff and volunteers so much. I wish each one of them a good and happy life.

I was teaching at 2 private Lao schools at Luang Prabang with Global Vision International (GVI). Teaching itself and the students and fellow voluntters were a lot of fun - oncel you accept local conditions: you work for free while the students have to pay substantially and you don't understand where all the money goes to. And at one school students essentially paid for getting their diploma - not for learning the language - since they received the diploma no matter what their final exam revealed. Which of course did not enhance their motivation to learn - only half the class usually turned up.
Also, you pay to GVI about twice the amount that you would pay, if you went there on your own and in return and as appreciation for your work as a volunteer they give you a 'food allowance' which is definitely below the subsistence level.
Luang Prabang and surroundings is beautiful and I had a great time.

Program provides a variety of teaching experiences from teaching first time English learners to students that are proficient in the language. You can get a taste of teaching all kinds of learners. Schools vary from very well equipped to very primitive. The students are enthusiastic and ready to learn. The price is quite reasonable, you stay in comfortable guest houses in your own room with a bathroom and hot water. You are given a weekly stipend for meals which is quite generous.