Make a difference through our teaching program
Overview
In Luang Prabang you will be given the opportunity to be part of a community and teach in different diverse environments, making your volunteer experience both interesting and dynamic. You will work with a wide variety of students teaching both practical and conversational English across different levels.
Our students come from various backgrounds - poor rice farming families, Buddhist monks and novices, and students from primary to university level. Regardless of their circumstances, they share a keen interest in learning English and attend classes enthusiastically before/after work or school.
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Requirements to Participate
No Experience Needed
No teaching certificate or experience required. Just bring flexibility and an open mind.
Age 18-80
Open to all adults (under 18 with parent). 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 (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—whether 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 4-6 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:
ACCOMMODATION & WIFI
Volunteers will stay at the guesthouse in a private room. The rooms are comfortable and equipped with:
- Fans & Air-conditioning
- Hot water showers with western toilets
- Free wireless internet
- Spacious shared kitchen
- Free coffee, tea, and fruits
This guesthouse is one of the original accommodations in the area and is centrally located. It’s surrounded by useful amenities like banks, bars, cafés, phone booths, and restaurants. The owner is a warm and welcoming host, embodying the genuine Lao hospitality that will make you feel right at home. It's just a 10-minute walk from the schoole.
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Location: Luang Prabang
Roots-Leaves Volunteer Laos is located in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Luang Prabang, surrounded by stunning mountains and rivers. The town blends French colonial architecture with beautiful Buddhist temples.
You'll teach in diverse environments - from temple schools to rural village classrooms. This experience will stay with you for life.
MEALS
Breakfast is served daily at the guesthouse, and complimentary drinking water, Coffee and fruit are always available.
During working days (Monday to Friday), we provide lunch and dinner at a nearby local restaurant. We can accommodate most dietary restrictions with prior notice, though we encourage a flexible attitude.
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 10- 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.
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.