The International Office based at the University of Bath are helping to organise a fantastic opportunity to volunteer as a teacher in Thailand......
Introduction
In June – August 2009, the Migrant Outreach Education Initiative (MOEI) will return to Mae Sot for their third English-language camp for Burmese refugees and migrants, mainly located around the Mae Sot area. A few of the placements are in refugee camps, one of which is several hours from Mae Sot and therefore if placed there you would be able to stay in the teacher rooms on the second floor of the school, everyone who has done this has had an excellent time and would like to go back! MOEI itself is run and organised by the Dean of Social Sciences from Hong Kong University and has three main NGO partners alongside the schools it works with on a daily basis:
Concept
This is the third time that MOEI will run. The inaugural placements were in June to August 2008. More than 20 undergraduates and graduates were selected, including one from the University of Bath, and were trained to work in the schools. This lasted for 7 weeks, however the general consensus was that this was too short and so this year the program will last for 9 weeks, the first week being a training week in which we will equip the volunteers for their teaching. A couple of the comments from last year’s volunteers are below:
Thank you so much again for organizing MOEI, I know for a fact it's changed a few people, it certainly has changed my outlook and priorities in life!!
Carl Browne, The University of Kent
Thanks again for helping make my summer so great and giving me the opportunity to experience all that we did in Mae Sot and beyond.
Leo Stoll, The University of Warwick
MOEI is currently teaching in the same schools, on a smaller scale, with undergraduates from around the world including Australia and New Zealand. This summer there will be roughly 30 teachers in total, with about 15 from Hong Kong University and 15 from the UK, US and other parts of the world.
Timing
The program will begin on Monday 8th June and will terminate on the 7th August. All applicants must be willing to stay for the whole duration. The programme will not work for our partner schools if the placements are cut back, so shorter time scales are not possible.
Location
MOEI is based in Mae Sot, Thailand, which is situated just a few miles from the Burma border. Most of the schools MOEI works with can be reached on a daily basis from Mae Sot – either by bike or by songtaew (line-car). Teachers at these schools generally stay in hotels and guesthouses in Mae Sot – though some occasionally stay at their schools.
Format
The program will be split into a 1+8 format. The first week will provide training on effective teaching methods and will aim to orientate the volunteers. There will also be guest speakers providing local, up to date information and who will be happy to answer any specific questions about the Burmese situation which may arise after the introduction.
Teaching Duties
There is no normal teaching day. Some students may be asked to work 5 hour days, Mondays to Fridays. Others may only have to work 2 hours per day. The major expectation of all volunteers is very simple: enthusiasm and a hard working ethos. Although the teaching may not occupy all the day, volunteers should be aware of their other duties which will include marking work and preparing lessons. Last year the group formed a good bond, and whilst these were long days, there was a great community spirit and everyone was more than happy to help each other out. In short – it is hard work but enjoyable. More information can be obtained by reading the blog mentioned above.
Accommodation
There are many cheap hotels in Mae Sot. In June-August 2008, most volunteers stayed in DK Hotel, which became the MOEI home base. However, there are many other options, and volunteers are encouraged to search online. In many hotels and guesthouses, rooms can be booked for THB250. If occupied on a twin-share basis, the cost per person per night is THB125.
Budget
The key costs to consider for students from the UK are:
Return flight – around £430 but check with a local travel agent
Insurance – University will cover
Visa – University will cover
Accommodation - £150
Travel Jabs - £190
Malaria Tablets - £75
Transfers - £20
Food and Drink £350 (approximation, depending on type of food, amount of drinks etc.)
With all of this in mind, an approximate budget of £1200 seems to be appropriate. There is no funding available from the university, other than what is specified above. If this is a foreseeable problem for you, please think about fund raising and contact Steve Gomersall with your ideas. The university can also help support and co-ordinate where possible any specific fund raising events that individuals wish to carry out.
Application deadline and further information
Applications should be addressed to Andy Howman ( A.Howman@bath.ac.uk ), Head of International Office by 24th April 2009. Applications should consist of a brief summary of why this project appeals to you and what skills you think you possess which will aid you in teaching. CV’s are not required but may be useful. Andy will then forward selected applicants from Bath to Hong Kong University for final approval.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss any issues, please contact Steve Gomersall or search for MOEI 2009 on facebook. There is a page on there specifically for students from the University of Bath, which we invite you to join and utilise the discussion board.
Interviews will take place on the last week of term before Easter holidays.
The following websites may be useful for you: