Volunteer in the Thailand-Myanmar border mountains

🇹🇭, 🇲🇲

Teach English, Ethnic Minority, and Migrant Project Info:

This opportunity is perfect for those passionate about making a difference, combining teaching and technology, and experiencing a new culture. It's ideal for individuals who enjoy working with young people, fostering learning, and gaining a deeper understanding of global education challenges.
Volunteer work starts on weekdays

We focus on providing access to quality education and opportunities for marginalized communities in the Thai-Myanmar border region, particularly in Mae Sot and Umphang. These regions face significant challenges due to ongoing conflicts in Myanmar, resulting in high poverty rates and a large stateless population.

Our project, “Volunteer with Burmese, Ethnic Minority, and Migrant Students,” aims to make a lasting impact on the lives of these marginalized students. By volunteering, you can help them overcome poverty, gain essential skills, and find better job opportunities.

Project Objectives

  • Educational Empowerment: Help children learn English, Thai, IT, and internet skills. Support students in online research, sharing information, and engaging in discussions.
  • Community Engagement: Partner with a non-profit charity dedicated to creating sustainable change.
  • Direct Support: Work directly with some of the most marginalized and poor young people in Thailand.
  • Cultural Exchange: Experience the beautiful natural environment of the Thai-Burmese mountains. Learn about the local people, customs, and way of life.
  • Volunteer Support: Provide comprehensive support to volunteers, including cultural workshops, teaching assistance, and IT and internet training.
Volunteer migrants Burma border

Tell Your Friend:

Why Volunteer in the Thailand-Myanmar border mountains

There are several compelling reasons to volunteer with Burmese, ethnic minority, and migrant students through OpenmindProjects:

  • Make a lasting impact: Help marginalized students gain essential skills, overcome poverty, and find better job opportunities.
  • Partner with a dedicated organization: Work with a non-profit charity committed to creating sustainable change in the region.
  • Directly support vulnerable youth: Help some of the most marginalized and poor young people in Thailand.
  • Gain valuable experience: Teach English, Thai, IT, and internet skills while supporting students in online research and discussions.
  • Experience cultural immersion: Learn about the local people, customs, and way of life along the Thai-Myanmar border.
  • Enjoy the beautiful surroundings: Volunteer in the stunning natural environment of the Thai-Burmese mountains.
  • Receive comprehensive support: Benefit from cultural orientation, teaching assistance, and IT and internet training.

How volunteers make an impact

Volunteering with Burmese, ethnic minority, and migrant students is a rewarding experience that offers both personal and professional growth while making a real difference in the lives of underprivileged youth.

What to Expect

  • Meaningful Role: You'll be guiding and supporting students from marginalized communities in Mae Sot and Umphang, helping them learn essential skills.
  • Engaging Teaching: You'll teach English, Thai, IT, and internet skills, using interactive methods to help students learn and grow.
  • Cultural Immersion: You'll experience the unique culture of the Thai-Myanmar border region and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by these communities.
  • Personal Growth: You'll gain valuable teaching experience, enhance your cross-cultural communication skills, and develop a deeper understanding of global education issues.

 

How You'll Make an Impact

  • Educational Empowerment: You'll equip students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the modern world.
  • Breaking Barriers: You'll help marginalized youth overcome the challenges they face and access better opportunities.
  • Building Bridges: You'll foster cultural understanding and create lasting connections with students and the local community.
  • Making a Difference: You'll directly contribute to empowering these students, helping them break the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future.

Volunteer requirements

✅ Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
✅ All volunteers must speak good English
✅ Volunteer must be 18 years of age or older
Volunteer helping Karen Burmese migrant children

Volunteering to teach migrants, refugees, and minorities

  • What is the main focus of OpenmindProjects for this project?

    We focus on providing access to quality education and opportunities for marginalized communities in the Thai-Myanmar border region, particularly in Mae Sot and Umphang. These regions face significant challenges due to ongoing conflicts in Myanmar, resulting in high poverty rates and a large stateless population.

  • Why should I consider volunteering to teach migrants, refugees, and minorities?

    Volunteering provides a chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of marginalized students. By teaching essential skills like English, Thai, IT, and internet literacy, you can empower them to overcome poverty, gain confidence, and secure better job opportunities. You'll also contribute to breaking the poverty cycle and fostering a love of learning in these communities.

  • What makes OpenmindProjects unique compared to other volunteer organizations?

    OpenmindProjects has a long history and deep understanding of the local context and challenges faced by these communities. With strong ties to the area, the organization ensures that volunteers are directly involved in helping the most vulnerable young people in a meaningful and sustainable way. We prioritize a "learning by doing" approach, where campers actively engage with information and solve real-world problems.

  • What specific tasks can I expect to do as a volunteer?

    Volunteers will primarily teach English, Thai, IT, and internet skills to children in the region. This may involve supporting them with online research, facilitating discussions, and sharing information. You'll also help to create a supportive and inspiring learning environment where campers can thrive.

  • What kind of support does OpenmindProjects offer its volunteers?

    OpenmindProjects provides comprehensive support, including:

    • Cultural Orientation: Introductions to local customs, people, and way of life to help you adjust smoothly.
    • Teaching Assistance: Guidance and resources to ensure effective English teaching, even without prior experience.
    • IT and Internet Training: Support in teaching IT and internet skills to students.
  • Where will I be located during my volunteer experience?

     Volunteers are placed along the Thai-Myanmar border, specifically in the towns of Mae Sot and Umphang. These locations provide a unique opportunity to experience the beautiful natural environment of the Thai-Burmese mountains. 

  • Who are the main beneficiaries of OpenmindProjects’ efforts?

    OpenmindProjects focuses on empowering Burmese and Thai-Karen youth who have been displaced or marginalized due to conflict and poverty. We also work with ethnic minority and migrant students, providing them with the skills and confidence to pursue their dreams.

  • How can I apply to volunteer with OpenmindProjects?

    1. Apply Today!    

    2. Schedule an online chat with our team to discuss your skills, interests, and available placements.

    3. Connect with current and former volunteers to learn firsthand about their experiences.

Play Video
DSC04159

Application Process:

  1. Select the right application for you, i.e., Volunteer (Onsite/Online) or Internship, and fill out the application form below.
  2. Tell us what you want to do, your skills, and your interests.
    We will reply with suggestions of what you can work on.
  3. Then, we can schedule a talk online.
    After we have agreed on your project, you will receive a Volunteer/Intern Handbook with teaching, culture, language, and travel advice.