Make a difference through our teaching program
Overview
Our volunteer teaching program offers a meaningful opportunity to support English education within our community in Luang Prabang. All our volunteers work alongside our Lao teachers in the classrooms to provide engaging and supportive learning experiences for students of all ages.
Our students come from various age groups and educational levels, including children, teenagers, university students and young professionals. Many come from rural areas, low-income families, or ethnic minority communities, and each group brings unique strengths, needs and perspectives to the classroom. Volunteers are supported by our local team to adapt teaching methods to match each learning level, ensuring that every student feels welcome and motivated.
By joining our teaching program, volunteers not only support the community but also gain rewarding cross-cultural experience, develop teaching skills and build meaningful connections with learners in Luang Prabang.
Teaching GALLERY
Requirements to Participate
No Experience Needed
Teaching certification, experience, or native-level English proficiency is not a requirement for participation. Just bring flexibility and an open mind.
Age 18+
Open to all adults ( under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian). Perfect for students, professionals, and retirees.
Required Documents
Clean criminal record, CV, passport copy, emergency contact, and travel insurance.
English Speakers
Must be able to communicate in English at an intermediate level (native fluency not required).).
Arrival & Orientation
Volunteers should arrive at Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) on either Saturday or Sunday before orientation week begins. A team member will pick you up at the airport, take you to your guesthouse, and help you get settled with your host family. You’ll then have the rest of the day to relax and adjust to your new environment.
If you're traveling to Luang Prabang from Vientiane by land, train, or another method, just let us know ahead of time so we can organize your pickup without any delays.
On your orientation day, a team member will guide you through a relaxed session to help you feel at home and ready for your volunteer work. You’ll meet our staff and other volunteers, learn about the amenities (like common areas and internet), and get to know the layout of Luang Prabang, including places like ATMs and shops. We’ll introduce your project supervisor, explain your role, and set up your weekly schedule. You’ll also get updates on current project activities and learn how to get to your placement. Feel free to ask questions and share your thoughts. We’re here to support you!
Volunteer Schedule
Volunteers normally spend 5-6 hours per day, Monday to Friday, supporting the teachers and students during the different classes and delivering English lessons using a variety of techniques included:
- English lessons using games and songs
- Conversation practice sessions
- Interactive learning activities
Typical Daily Schedule:
We ask all volunteers to be flexible with program and a typical daily schedule is likely to go something like this:ACCOMMODATION & WIFI
Volunteers will stay in a local guesthouse in private room. Each room is comfortable and equipped with a fan, air conditioning and a private bathroom featuring an electric hot water shower and a western-style toilet. The guesthouse provides free Wi-Fi and a spacious kitchen that volunteers are welcome to use. Complimentary coffee, tea and fresh fruit are available at all times.
The guesthouse is centrally located in a safe area and is a well-known landmark in the city. Within walking distance, you will find banks, bars, coffee shops, restaurants, supermarketsand the vibrant night market. The guesthouse owner is exceptionally friendly and welcoming, offering warm Lao hospitality that will make you feel at home. The school is just an 8 minutes walk from the guesthouse.
MEALS
Volunteers are provided with three meals per day. Breakfast is provided at the guesthouse and typically includes tea, coffee, eggs, bread, noodle soup and fresh fruit.
Lunch and dinner are served at a local restaurant near the school on weekdays (Monday to Friday). We can accommodate most dietary restrictions with prior notice, though we encourage a flexible attitude. Please note that on weekends, only breakfast is provided.
Weekends are a great time to experience the culinary diversity of Luang Prabang. The city offers a wide range of restaurants serving Lao, Thai, Indian, Chinese and Western cuisines all at affordable prices. A local food market, located just a 3 minute walk from the guesthouse, is famous for its street food and an all you can eat vegetarian buffet for only $2. Restaurants in town are generally open from early morning until late at night.
Location: Luang Prabang
Roots-Leaves Volunteer Laos is based in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, a place renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Nestled among Laos’ lush hills and mountains, and situated along the banks of the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, the town offers breathtaking scenery at every turn. Its charming colonial French architecture blends seamlessly with magnificent Buddhist temples, creating a city that is as inspiring as it is welcoming. .
As a volunteer in Luang Prabang, you will become an integral part of our community, teaching in diverse settings that make every day both meaningful and dynamic. You may work with novice monks or children from rural villages who have traveled to the city in search of quality education. Volunteering here is more than a journey—it’s an opportunity to create lasting impact while experiencing a culture that will stay with you long after your stay.
FREE TIME ON WEEKEND
Volunteer schedules are intentionally designed to be flexible, allowing ample opportunity to experience the rich culture of Laos and the UNESCO-listed city of Luang Prabang. From natural wonders like caves, lagoons, and rice fields to a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking, there is much to enjoy. Within the city, volunteers can unwind in a relaxed atmosphere, sample local and international dishes, and explore historic temples and bustling markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are an independent organization, operating without external financial support. Our goal is to provide affordable volunteer opportunities that are enriching and impactful. At Roots-Leaves Volunteer Laos, we offer a balanced experience that combines travel and service, allowing volunteers to engage with the local culture while giving back meaningfully.
Volunteers differ from tourists in their purpose and mindset. While tourists seek to be served, volunteers are here to serve. As a volunteer, it’s important to integrate into the needs of the project, rather than expecting the project to revolve around your expectations.
You are encouraged to contribute where support is most needed – even if that means stepping into roles you hadn’t initially anticipated. Adaptability, initiative, and a positive attitude are essentia.
As a local agency headquartered in Luang Prabang, where our project is located, we are able to operate without the high overhead costs often associated with international organizations. This allows us to offer more affordable rates. Nonetheless, we maintain strong local partnerships and provide a personalized, high- quality experience.
If you prefer accommodation different from our standard offering, we’re happy to arrange that and discuss the associated costs.
Yes! You will both need to fill out an application form individually. Just make sure to add in the ‘extra information’ box, the name of your travelling companion.