The information below gives an broad outline of our expectations, requirements, and some general information.

            Cultural

            Rai Som Education Center is a learning hub for the entire community, providing education and hope to around 200 young lives, primarily ethnic Tai Yai children who are indigenous to the area, and other Tai Yai children who have migrated from neighbouring countries. The school, which has been operational for five years, started with bamboo huts as classrooms, but now has permanent structures for learning.

            Not only are you teaching in a different country to your own, but with students who have differing cultural understandings and relations to the world. Thus, in our lesson planning, we must be aware of cultural differences and connect to the frame of reference of our students. This makes learning relevant and connected to their reality.

            Length of stay

• Teaching: Minimum 2 weeks – Maximum 12 weeks
• Childcare/Farming: Minimum 2 weeks – Maximum 12 weeks
• Farming: Minimum 1 week – Maximum 12 weeks

            What to bring

            Required items

• Hard copy of your national police background check
• Hard copy of your insurance details
• Sleeping bag or sleeping bag liner
• Clothing which is appropriate to the work, Thai culture, and our dress code
  • • • • Teaching/Childcare:
          • Ankle length trousers
          • Smart top which covers the shoulders, and shows no cleavage
          • No back or mid-riff (waist) to be exposed
        • Farming:
          • Clothing will get dirty, muddy, smelly, etc… bring something that you’re prepared to throw away at the end of the programme
          • Long sleeved tops, long trousers, and brimmed hat to protect from the sun, raincoat for wet weather – you’ll be working in all types of weather
          • Thigh length galoshes/wellies for working in the rice paddies
  • Wet weather clothes: for rainy season – approx May-October
  • Warm clothes: November-February can get cold at night
  • Sturdy shoes and flip flops
  • Towel
  • Toiletry items
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Underwear
  • Flashlight/Torch
  • Small padlock for locker

            Optional

• Personal medicines
• First Aid kit

            Most of these items are readily available to buy in Thailand, if you have enough time before starting your programme.

            We would be very appreciative if you can donate any goods such as non-used stationery, toys, sports equipment, musical instruments, or laptops (if you have any of them). Either new, or in good condition and clean, which can be used in the project or passed on to the school.