Recent reviews from volunteers
Irene Chua - Singapore
Date: November 2024
Teaching Program
3 Weeks
First and foremost, my heart felt gratitude to the principle, Mr. Somsouk for the awesome opportunity to participate in Roots-Leaves Volunteer Laos in teaching volunteering programme. All the staff and Mr. somsouk deserve commendation for creating such as warm and supportive environment for me to feel so inclusive that the four teaching weeks of experiences which I have had gained and the connections of your Laotian teaching culture and the community engagement. It was a privilege for me to be part of your very meaningful initiative. I travel for a purpose, that is, to serve those in need. Teaching novices especially us a personally fulfilling experience for me
Gerburg Kamm - Italy
Date: November 2024
Teaching Program
3 Weeks
I feel very lucky to have able to teach in Luangpabang. My assignment started on October 21, 2024 and finished on November 8. These three weeks of teaching experience have been horrendously enriching and joyful first and foremost because of the warm, friendly atmosphere created by my teacher colleagues, the head master Mr. Somsouk and office staff.
My young colleagues proved to be very keen on learning new teaching techniques as well as sharing their own ideas with me. Jad mired their gentleness and patience when dealing with our students, who, for their part were very well-behaved and never lacked respect. Their willingness and enthusiasm towards learning English were a great source of motivation for me as their teacher.
I would like to thank the director, Mr. Somsouk for his welcoming and for the joyful get-togethers he organized for all his teachers. These moments of socialization gave us the chance to get to know each other better, to exchange ideas and to gain insight into each other’s culture.
Susann Buehrer - Swiszerland
4 Weeks
Since I have retired, I have often volunteered in different countries (Asia and South America). Every school has its’ own character and atmosphere. But classrooms of root-Leaves volunteer Laos is one of my favorite schools because of the variety of students (Novices, Monks, Children and adult). They smile on their face. And most of them want to learn English. I have also impressed how the well skilled teachers are working and last but not last, I like the place where school located. Also Mr. Somsouk, the principal is very kind and lead his community very well. We had interesting talks! I hope to come back next year.
Martine BOUZLG - France
Date: October 2024
Teaching Program
5 Weeks
Thank you to Mr. Somsouk for my opening to Lao Teachers so involved. I stayed five weeks volunteer teaching in Luangprabang attending the classes morning and afternoon. I spent most of my time with Sombai who teaches different levels (Beginner to elementary Level). It was absolutely and it was the most incredible experience for me. I will bet outstanding memories of this wonderful experience. I do thank you to all staff for welcoming and help me during my stay. Hope see you again.
Loan Chevalier -France
Date: July 2024
Internship Program
12 Weeks
First of all, I would like to say thank you!
Thank you for your kindness as teachers and students, in this school you will find Somsouk the funder of the school & Roots-Leaves Volunteer Laos who as always, the smile and come to you to check if everything is OK. He takes care of you at every moment, even when you are sick … After Somsouk, you will find all the teachers, a great team of 7 teacher who also have always the smile! They really take care of their students and help to create links between them, sometimes with fun lessons that are very enjoyable for both the students and the teachers and also volunteers. This close knit-group makes this experience of volunteering amazing! Between courses and extra-curricular activity like lunch or just going out with them and build unforgettable souvenir. The students are very lovely, if they are comfortable with you, you will live an extraordinary adventure because they will ask you some question and you will make some valuable and unforgettable conversation! To finish my testimonial, I will talk about the Guest House. The owners are very kind, the rooms are very good! You have unlimited water and banana who are very delicious! I can only invite you to join this school for a humanitarian experience filled with happiness and sadness (on the day of departure …)
Alexsandre-Germany
Date: February 2024
Teaching Program
4 Weeks
It’s been a wonderful 4 weeks at this school. The whole team of teachers is very welcoming and so are the students.
In one class you’ll find an age range from eight – mid twenty years old, which is an interesting mix. I’ve learned so much from each of them and I do hope it’s the same the other way round This place has so much energy and variety. As a foreigner I can highly recommend going for it, get in touch with the students and novices, learn about their life and dreams, laugh together, watch the temple dog joining the lesson or observe the busy school yard after class. “You have a place in my heart “
Ross McAusland- UK
Date: Date: Feb 10, 2023
Teaching Program
4 Weeks
“ I’ve had the absolute privilege to work at the roots-leaves volunteer Laos for 4 weeks in 2023, teaching a plethora of classes filled with eager, joyful and fantastic students.
The students have been incredibly kind and polite and their daily greetings have been soulful and genuine.
Everyday I was greeted with a chorus of ‘hello’s’ alongside genuine smiles from the students and teachers. I will hold the the amazing memories I have from volunteering in Laos forever and I hope one day to return! Thank you to all the teachers and students of the school”
Michael S - USA
Date: Jan 27, 2023
Teaching program
6 Weeks
“And the hardest thing under the sun above is to say goodbye to the ones you love. All the things that I have known, became my life, my very own, but before you know, we say goodbye.
Oh….good times! Good bye! It’s time to cry, But I will not weep, or make a scene. Just say Thank you, Lao teachers, students and LuangPrabang for having been”. I will never forget.
Louise – Australia
Date: Feb, 2023
Teaching Program
4 Weeks
“I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching English again, and I am glad I chose to do it in Laos this time at roots & leaves volunteer laos – incredibly well organized and the local teachers are very friendly. In regards to teaching, yes, some days were tough, but it’s worth it when you remember why you are doing it in the first place. I visited Laos for the first time back in 2016, just as a tourist, so retuning in 2023, I have noticed a major difference in terms of economic development, and I am assuming, speaking English has opened up a lot of opportunities for the country (and people) to grow in a number of ways so I am incredibly happy to have contributed to that.
Having taught English before in primary schools in Vietnam, I was relatively confident at teaching kids, but I was apprehensive about teaching adults, older learners, and those with an already high level of English, but I was up for the challenge because I knew it would allow me to grow and develop my skills as a teacher, so it was a huge surprise to me when these classes became some of my favorite to teach. Overall, a fantastic experience and 100%. I will return one day to do it again”
Kristine-Denmark
Date: Feb, 2023
Teaching Program
2 Weeks