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GYC1105 - Teach on a tropical island Country: Thailand Cost: £1350.00 Cost Includes: The price includes accommodation and pickup from airport but does not include flight, insurance, food, kit or visas    Duration: 2 months Company Rep Nearby: All the time 0845 344 7535 or

 

	This placement would suit... you if you want to get to know Thailand and teach Thai children, while living on one of the most exciting and beautiful islands in the world. Please contact us to find out more and we can direct you to our website which has all the details or give you a call to tell you all about it. A 5 day TEFL course is included in the cost of this placement You will work in a local school for Thai children from four to 12 years old, teaching English in a communicative and fun way on the tropical island of Koh Phangan, off the South East coast of Thailand. Placements start in January, May and October and last for two months, although this can be extended. About the schools We work with 9 schools on the island of Koh Phangan. They are all Thai government primary schools with children aged from 4-12 years old. Schools range in size from 50-300 students. Introduction and training phase (in Bangkok) We will meet you on arrival in Bangkok and your first week will be based in this fascinating city. We will help you to acclimatise and arrange some Bangkok tours, before you start a five day teacher training course with an internationally recognised TEFL school. We will also give you Thai language lessons and Thai culture training. At the end of the course our staff will take you down to the islands on the overnight train. When you arrive we will settle you into your accommodation and do an island tour before introducing you to your schools. Lifestyle on the island of Koh Phangan The island is a dramatic mix of dense jungle and hilly terrain in its interior and granite outcrops and beaches along the coast. You will live in a Thai bungalow by the beach with restaurants and other facilities nearby. At the weekends you will be free to explore the island or, if you fancy a change, take a ferry over to one of the other islands. As well as stunning beaches, there is great snorkelling and diving, and jungle and temples to explore inland. The island is a popular traveller destination and there is a lively social scene with many bars and restaurants. A typical week A normal week will have around 10 hours of English lessons from Monday to Friday. When you include the planning and preparation time as well, this is plenty. You may teach on your own or in a pair with another volunteer (gap volunteers usually teach in pairs). Your role is to focus on improving speaking and listening skills and building the children's confidence to communicate with foreigners. This means lots of fun and interaction, including games, art, songs (the Thais love karaoke!) and any other creative activities that get the kids using English. The school day starts at 8.30am and finishes at 3.30pm. You are not expected to be in school when you are not teaching but you are expected to ensure that you plan and deliver good quality lessons. You will have plenty of free time after work and at weekends to explore the local area. What’s included A comprehensive information pack Travel advice and assistance Being met on arrival in Bangkok Thai SIM card for your mobile phone 5 day teacher training course (TEFL) in Bangkok Accommodation in Bangkok for 7 nights (shared room) Bangkok tours Thai language and culture training Transfers to Koh Phangan on the overnight train and ferry Accommodation on Koh Phangan in your own beach bungalow Local introductions, tours and visits on Koh Phangan Transport by taxi to and from your school (if required) Activities: Day trip by boat to explore the National Marine Park, Thai cooking class, 2 day visit to a National Park on the mainland, a beautiful area of jungle and waterfalls, where you will do activities such as trekking and elephant riding Ongoing support, help and advice from our local representative The benefit and requirements Teaching in Thailand is an unforgettable experience and the Thais love to have fun. You will develop your communication, organisational and teaching skills, while living an amazing lifestyle. It is challenging but extremely rewarding. For the Thai people, English is very important as it’s the number one language in tourism. Good English means good opportunities. A native English teacher is really valuable, building student confidence and quickly improving speaking and listening skills. Volunteers often worry that their English may not be good enough or that they don’t know how to be a teacher. This is not a problem - teacher training and support is provided and we can assure you that your skills are very valuable. There is no need to have any previous teaching experience, just enthusiasm, energy and a love of working with children. Our users say... "The placement is the best decision I’ve ever made. I do not believe my experience would have been as good without PoD. They personally decide who is suitable for the projects, so you meet some people who end up becoming very good friends. You experience working and travelling in a beautiful part of the world with a very gentle culture. I think that because PoD deal with you personally and get to know you, that you feel very secure. The price paid was very reasonable, considering all costs." Fiona "I loved the teaching, had a huge amount of support from the school and staff. PoD training was efficient and informative offering a good insight into TEFL. Support from PoD was always close by, offering encouragement and friendship. I would definitely recommend PoD to others with a teaching interest because it was an amazing opportunity and fantastic environment." Polly "I would recommend PoD as the teaching programme is rewarding and fun and set in the location where you can enjoy your surroundings. The whole placement is well run and value for money." Alice 0845 344 7535 POD - Personal Overseas Development: PoD provides the opportunity for people to volunteer and make a difference overseas, while experiencing incredible parts of the world that are rich in culture, variety and natural beauty. We also arrange placements and courses for people wanting to develop their skills in amazing locations. Great value 1 week to 3 month placements in Cambodia, Belize, Malawi, Nepal, Peru, Tanzania and Thailand. PoD is a small non-profit organisation that focuses on quality and safety rather than quantity.