Chiang Mai - Kindergarten

Chiang Mai is a city in the mountains of Thailand, famous in the Backpacker world because of its laid back feel and welcoming vibe. Home to some of the most amazing temples and city views, Chiang Mai is a stop you want to make along your journey because it gives you the best of both worlds. You can expect to enjoy the ancient city and the modern city that has sprouted up around it. There are lots of fabulous things to do, wonderful places to see, great food to eat and awesome people to meet in this northern Thailand city.

- Engage with the local children and teach them basic English
- Gain practical experience in teaching young children
- Assist and support the local teachers and staff

Mandatory Orientation Day
On Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to familiarize you with the surroundings as well as local culture. Your program will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.

Schedule for Introduction Day
- Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and handling of documents, and Signing of Documents.
- Thai Do's and Don'ts, Thai Culture Lessons, and Thai Language Lessons.
- Lunch
- Project Meetings, Preparation, Visits, and Observation alongside the Local Coordinator
- Dinner

Monday to Friday
Breakfast at the Center
Teaching at Kindergarten/Childcare center
Lunch
Teaching at Kindergarten/Childcare center
Prepare lessons for the next day along with your partners
Dinner at the Center

Experience the beauty and rich traditions of Chiang Mai, set in the stunning mountains of Northern Thailand. This cultural immersion program lets you explore authentic Thai culture through activities, sightseeing, and free time to enjoy the natural scenery. Chiang Mai is known for its beautiful landscapes, handicrafts, and tribal villages, offering a unique environment for cultural discovery.

Throughout the program, you’ll learn Thai customs, language, and cooking. You’ll also visit Buddhist temples (Wats) to understand Thai Buddhism and explore local markets to experience the vibrant Thai lifestyle, try street food, and shop for unique products.

Program Highlights
- Breathtaking Natural Scenery: Explore Chiang Mai’s stunning mountain landscapes and tribal villages.
- Cultural Immersion: Participate in traditional activities, learn Thai language and customs, and try your hand at cooking Thai dishes.
- Buddhist Exploration: Gain insights into Thai Buddhism through visits to local temples.
- Local Market Experience: Wander through vibrant markets and indulge in authentic Thai food and handmade products.
- Active and Engaging Activities: Enjoy a mix of cultural activities, sightseeing, and outdoor adventures.

Please note the Culture Week only begins on the 1st and 3rd week of every month.

When confirming your dates, please take note of the long school holidays and other public holidays. On public holidays the project is either closed giving you the possibility to join the local festivities (such as the Songkran festival for the Thai New Year in mid-April that is a particularly eye-opening and fun experience!), or alternatively you will join other programs where for example light renovation and construction work is available.

Public Holidays 2026
28-30 July
12 August
13 & 23 October
07, 10 & 31 December

Public Holidays 2027
Please note 2027 dates are only a guideline and can change.
01-02 January
21 February
06 April
13-15 April**
01, 04 & 20 May
03 June
18, 20 & 28 July
12 August
13 & 23 October
06, 10 & 31 December

Sonkran Celebration**
Thailand will celebrate their new year during the week of April 13th to April 15th, 2027. During this time, there will be no regular programs running at any of our locations. During this time, only Songkran-themed activities will be available. This special week is always a lovely time for everyone to enjoy the festive atmosphere and take part in the celebrations.

School Holidays
During the school break, teaching and kindergarten program activities will take place at The Green Lion Center or in the community area in Kids club or English camp. Please keep in mind that the school break date will be decided by the administration of each school and will not be the same for all schools. The school holidays usually run from mid-March until May, and from October until mid-November.

School Holidays 2026
16 March - 17 May
Semester break - October to November (around 2-3 weeks)

School Holidays 2027
Please note 2027 dates are only a guideline and can change.
TBA
15 March - 16 May
Semester break - October to November (around 2-3 weeks)

There are 3 different options during the school holidays:
1. Teaching at our volunteer center: This is an English teaching program that we conduct for the local children around the village.
2. Teaching at summer camps arranged by local schools can involve private or public schools.
3. In the event of a shortage of students during the summer camps, renovation and construction work will be available.

Minimum age of 18
Intermediate level of competency in English
Police Clearance Certificate on sign-up
Passport copy required on arrival
All volunteers are required to submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card
Volunteers Under 20 - additional documents required

Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.

Volunteering work and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. At times, alterations in activities are due to changes in local conditions. This can be part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that it is.

Our volunteer partner in Thailand is based in Chiang Mai. The focus is on experiencing a range of local cultural activities and traditions, as well as joining ongoing volunteer programs where you can give your time and energy for a few hours each day. The projects and activities we have chosen are interchangeable locally, as it is possible to make a positive contribution within a week. The exception to this is teaching where we believe it is most beneficial to yourself and the school if you commit to four weeks and construction, where we recommend a minimum stay of two weeks. In our experience the longer you stay the more you will gain, as your understanding of the project broadens and you take on more responsibilities. Every volunteer will be given a certificate of appreciation at the end of their stay as a symbol of volunteering stay.