Volunteer English Teaching Program
Teach English in Luang Prabang. The right way.
A structured, ethical, child-safe volunteer program with real classrooms, real students, and real preparation. 2 weeks. Year-round intakes.
What the program looks like
You'll co-teach English to young learners (ages 8–14) and lead small adult conversation clubs at our city campus in Luang Prabang. Most volunteers stay 8–16 weeks.
Every volunteer is paired with a Lao co-teacher and a CELTA-certified academic mentor. You'll never be left alone in a classroom on day one.
Minimum commitment: 4 weeks. Maximum: 24 weeks. Intakes start the first Monday of every month.
Beyond the classroom
Hiking, farming, cycling & more
Volunteers don't just teach — afternoons and weekends are filled with guided activities that make this trip truly unforgettable.
Where we're headed
Our first three years
As a new organization, here is what we're working toward. Goals are directional targets for our founding years — not current totals.
10+
Partner Villages
200+
Students Reached
150+
Global Volunteers Welcomed
Requirements
- We welcome volunteers from any background; minors are not eligible.
- You will teach, mentor and play with primary and secondary school children daily.
- Native fluency is not required, but you must be confident leading lessons in English.
- All volunteers complete a background check and child-safeguarding training.
What's expected of you
- 10 hours per week of classroom teaching and conversation practice.
- Share meals and learn the rhythm of Various tribes in Laos.
- Plant rice, ride trails, forage, build fires — life happens outside the classroom too.
- Strict safeguarding rules apply at all times, both on and off duty.
Included in your placement
What you'll receive
Onboarding plus a Lao staff mentor for your whole stay.
Comfortable accommodation and meals with a vetted Lao or Hmong family.
Time for biking, hiking, foraging and exploring Luang Prabang Province.
A recognized certificate documenting your hours, role and impact.
Child Protection Policy
GM English Hub requires every volunteer, staff member, and contractor to pass a criminal background check from their country of citizenship and any country they have lived in for more than six months in the past five years — before they are confirmed for a placement and before they step into a classroom.
This is non-negotiable and not optional. Volunteers cannot teach, work one-to-one with a student, or be photographed with students until verification is complete.
Read the full policyHow it works
Application process
From application to first day of teaching usually takes 4–8 weeks.
- 01
Submit your online application
- 02
Document & background check
- 03
Confirmation & welcome pack
- 04
Travel, orientation & start teaching
From our community
Volunteer voices
"Teach a child. Explore a country. Change a life. That is the whole idea behind GM English Hub."
Founding Team
GM English Hub
"Our children rarely meet anyone outside the province. Having volunteers in our classrooms changes what they believe is possible."
Village Partner
School director, Luang Prabang
"I came to teach English and ended up planting rice, riding mountain trails and learning Hmong words from my host family."
Volunteer
Founding cohort
Common questions
Volunteer FAQ
- How long can I stay?
- Placements run for a minimum of 2 weeks onwards.
- Are there fees for volunteers?
- Charge 30$ per day, We provide food and accommodation, and visa( you pay for the visa)
- Is a TEFL certificate required?
- Preferred but not required. We provide a 3-day orientation and ongoing mentorship.
- What about background checks?
- Required from every country you've lived in for 6+ months in the past 5 years. No exceptions.
- Will I be in the classroom alone?
- Never in your first 4 weeks. You'll co-teach with a Lao teacher and shadow our academic lead before leading sessions alone.
- What visa do I need?
- Most volunteers enter on a 30-day tourist visa. For 60+ day placements we help arrange an education visa via our partner school.
- How much does it cost to live in Luang Prabang?
- USD 400–700/month including accommodation, food, and local transport.
- Can I bring my partner?
- Yes — partners are welcome in town but cannot enter classrooms without a background check.
- Do I need a special visa?
- Most volunteers enter on a 30-day tourist visa and extend on arrival. For placements over 60 days we assist with an education visa via our partner school.
- Do I need to speak Lao or Chinese?
- No. All teaching is in English and our staff translate when needed.
- Is Luang Prabang safe?
- Luang Prabang is one of Southeast Asia's safest cities. We brief every volunteer on local customs, transport, and emergency contacts during orientation.
- What's the climate like?
- Warm year-round (avg 25–32°C). Cooler Nov–Feb, monsoon May–Oct.
Ready to apply?
Applications take about 15 minutes. Your progress is saved automatically if you need to pause.