An Epic Journey of a Volunteer in Laos – Travel Adventures
As you visit Laos, volunteer opportunities arise, and you find yourself in a school surrounded by local students. The children look at you curiously, sitting on the dusty concrete floor while slowly eating their lunches.
Volunteering opportunities in Laos are not uncommon, and you feel proud to be a part of this experience. The kids have seen foreigners before, but to see a group of volunteers from abroad wandering through their school grounds is an experience they cherish.
As you wave, smile, and hand out high fives, some kids smile and frown, and others run up to you as if you are a rock star here to perform a hit concert. You are far from being a rock star, though. You are a Laos volunteer here to lend a helping hand and hopefully make someone’s day better.
The experience of volunteering in an undeveloped country with little infrastructure and dodgy roads full of potholes is like no other. The smell in the air is different from what you are used to at home, and their way of living is unique to the standards of Western civilisation. However, you don’t let it deter you.
Volunteering duties in Laos is a chance to support those who need it most, and you can create a lasting memory that will last a lifetime. You can’t change the world, but for a fleeting moment, you can change someone’s life experience and bring happiness to others.
If you’re looking for volunteer opportunities, consider visiting Laos. The experience of interacting with local students is unforgettable, and you can make a difference in their lives by doing something as simple as teaching English or lending a helping hand.
Do you want to visit Laos for an incredible experience? Book a hotel in Vientiane on Booking.com!
A group shot with monks and volunteers in Laos.
An Epic Journey of a Volunteer in Laos – Travel Adventures
Embarking on an epic journey to volunteer in Laos is a unique experience that will stay with you forever.
The opportunity to give back to a local project while immersing yourself in the culture of this fascinating country is an enriching experience.
As a volunteer in Laos, you will have the chance to explore ancient temples, learn from local artisans, and savour the flavours of traditional Laotian cuisine. This is not just a regular adventure but a chance to make a difference and enrich your life.
With an open mind and heart, you will have an unforgettable travel adventure in Laos.
What triggered the decision to do Volunteer Work in Laos?
I have travelled to some fabulous destinations throughout Southeast Asia, stayed in some luxury resorts, drank booze by the pool, and been on incredible adventures through various stunning scenery.
I felt the need to do something different this time: give back to a community that needed a helping hand. Therefore, I decided to volunteer overseas; the only decision to make next was which organisation to volunteer with. And which country to visit?
I searched a few voluntary services overseas on the internet and studied the many countries available, the prices and the programs offered. Some organisations were expensive, so I chose the more affordable International Volunteer Headquarters (IVHQ).
The IVHQ organisations were professional and thorough; the only thing to do was to pay the fees and choose which country to do my volunteer travel experience.
Amongst several eye-catching destinations, I narrowed it down to Nepal and Laos, and for no particular reason, I chose to volunteer in Laos.
A view of Vientiane, Laos, is one to admire.
The Green Lion Volunteer Organisations
After completing your dealings with IVHQ, you will be transferred to The Green Lion, the local team that runs the volunteering program in Laos. However, you will still contact IVHQ throughout your volunteering program in Laos.
The Green Lion is led by two brothers, Micky and Ticky, who will pick you up from the airport and help you plan weekend activities. They are well-connected with the local community and will assist you with translations and provide schools or monasteries where you can teach English while volunteering.
The accommodation provided is located a little outside of Vientiane, the capital of Laos, and limited activities are available at the placement. However, you can explore local markets and play sports with the locals and other volunteers. The rooms are dorm-style, with three bunk beds and a small bathroom in each room. Although it’s not fully occupied, you won’t be alone in the dorms.
The Green Lion grounds have a kitchen and dining area, a common social area under a terrace that overlooks the fields and a minor water feature. There is occasional WIFI available, and there is also a boutique sports field made entirely of a gravel playing field. By working with the local team and community, you will gain a deeper understanding of the culture and make a meaningful impact on the lives of the locals.
Volunteer in Laos at The Green Lion.
Playing sports is a popular pastime during volunteering.
A Splash of Culture when you are a Laos Volunteer
Entering the Green Lion organisation is not just about getting into the nitty-gritty of doing volunteer programs in the Capital, Vientiane.
The program begins with a step through a little educational Laos Culture, starting with making flowers for the monks and delivering them to their very own temple, the Vat Pana Khoun Temple, where they lived their everyday lives.
We offered the monks the handmade flowers and received a spiritual and profound meditation lesson from the gracious monks. Learning and doing new things had well and truly begun.
The cultural trip in our Loas travel continued through the week with a day trip into the capital city of Vientiane, where we learned about the tragic tale of the cluster bombs. This sad tale destroyed many innocent lives long after they were ejected from a U.S. warplane during the Vietnam War.
We wandered the streets of Vientiane, making our way into a few low-key markets, shopping malls and the Patuxai War Monument, a proud country landmark.
The best bit, however, was entering the Golden Palace, a stunning Buddhist temple decorated with symbolic statues seen regularly throughout the Southeast Asian countries. Laos tourism has much to work with to attract more travellers.
A display of cluster bombs at COPE museum in Vientiane, Laos.
Further into the week, we ventured deep into a local village, a real highlight of work in Laos, as we walked down the dusty gravel road and witnessed how the locals lived during a typical day.
The houses are made of wood, and there are no windows. Everyone is smiling, and the kids are playing on the streets without a care. It’s terrific to see a different world from what you’re used to.
A hike through some beautiful Laos bushlands in humid conditions capped off culture week, finishing on top of a rock with a great view of the countryside in Laos.
It was the perfect spot for a picnic lunch with fellow volunteers, although there was no respite from the heat. The food prepared was a treat, with various Lao meals.
Lying Buddha at the Golden Palace.
What are the Major challenges of doing a Volunteer project in Vientiane, Laos
Volunteering can be a gratifying experience, especially when immersing oneself in a new culture and helping the less fortunate.
But volunteering abroad comes with its own set of challenges, especially when heading to Vientiane, Laos. One of the biggest obstacles is navigating through local authorities.
They don’t always make volunteering easy and require patience and thorough communication. Additionally, Laos programs require considerable cultural sensitivity, patience and adaptability.
The key to overcoming these challenges is to do as much research as possible and contact any local organisations that can provide insight and assistance. Nonetheless, with willingness and perseverance, volunteers can still make a meaningful difference in the lives of the communities they serve.
Hard work in Laos Village, but the local community does their work with smiles.
The Best Bits about doing community service when conducting Volunteer work
Community service in Vientiane offers a rare combination of experiential learning and cultural immersion.
The city’s quaint charm lies in its innate simplicity. Hence, volunteering here is a popular choice for those who want to contribute to society while experiencing the local way of life.
As you explore Vientiane’s bustling streets and traditional Buddhist temples, you’ll find several volunteer opportunities to work with locals and contribute to various development programs.
The Mekong Delta is another popular area where volunteers flock to contribute toward sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.
Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect of community service in Vientiane is building long-lasting relationships with locals and gaining a new perspective on the world.
The Patuxai War Monument in Vientiane, Laos
The Negatives of doing Volunteer programs in Laos
While it is true that there are few negatives to be found when it comes to volunteer opportunities abroad, those who decide to give back in Laos may encounter some challenges.
This fascinating country is home to a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, but it also has a complex political and economic situation that can make volunteering there tricky.
However, determined volunteers willing to put in the effort and work with local organisations can make a massive difference in the lives of those they can help.
Despite any potential challenges, choosing to do volunteer work in Laos is a worthwhile and rewarding experience that is sure to leave a lasting impact.
There are no negatives when you volunteer in Laos; giving back to travel is a good thing.
Teaching English to the Lao Monks
From an outside perspective, I have always viewed the monks as extraordinary people, and they are unique and fantastic gentlemen.
From my perspective, I always thought it would be forbidden to approach a monk, to communicate or shake one’s hand.
Not that I had previous dealings with monks beforehand, and any knowledge I did obtain was simply a guess. I had to volunteer in Laos to change that perspective and how wrong I had been.
It was a privilege to be in the presence of the monks, talk with them, teach them, and even laugh with these great men.
No matter the person or their position in the world, everyone is a human being first, which is a great lesson to know. That rule is no exception to the monks.
They have a great sense of humour, are full of wit and character, and sometimes are even cheeky. If that’s not enough, the monks in Laos also go on Facebook, and if you befriend a couple, you’ll see they’re pretty active throughout their day.
Besides their excellent character, sense of humour, and obsession with Facebook, the monk’s willingness to learn English was astounding, and they were simply a pleasure to teach.
Communicating at times was tricky, but they never shied away from the Challenge of learning English, and their development gradually improved even if our time as a global volunteer in Laos was short-lived.
Teaching English to the monks in Laos is a challenging yet rewarding experience.
The Challenge of doing volunteer work for primary-aged kids
I always knew this journey would be a challenge, I mean not one of the volunteers are teachers by profession, we only know how to speak English.
The kids idolised the volunteers from the moment you walked into the school grounds, but maintaining the focus of a child who couldn’t speak our language was another challenge altogether. That’s the life of an international volunteer abroad and the challenge of overcoming such obstacles.
They had the fundamentals of English, in terms of counting, shapes and the alphabet, but to go further than the basics was when the roadblocks began.
Again, I had to learn kid songs and basic games to hold their attention(my kids had passed that stage). To the best of my ability to teach English, I tried to entertain the kids when boredom started to sink in, trying being the keyword.
These challenges made me sign up for the Laos volunteer programs in the first place.
The unbridled joy came when everything clicked together, and the students would burst out in full voice to make everything seem worthwhile. It was hard work but a high reward daily.
School kids look on in the classroom.
Teaching the primary kids is a lot of fun.
Exploring Local Villages in Vientiane and assisting the Local Communities
Embarking on an adventure to discover the hidden gems of local villages in Vientiane is an enriching experience that offers a glimpse into the authentic lifestyle of the locals. You can fully immerse yourself in the unique surroundings and customs of the community, which are rich in cultural significance. The traditional way of life, which includes farming, fishing, and weaving, is an essential part of the local identity.
The stunning scenery surrounding these villages, such as the Mekong River and the lush greenery, is a sight to behold. You’ll be captivated by the breathtaking views nature offers in these regions.
However, it is crucial to take note of the local conditions in these areas. Some villages still struggle to access necessities like clean water, healthcare, and education. By extending a helping hand to the local communities in these villages, you can significantly impact their quality of life.
Whatever skills you possess, you can contribute to improving these communities. For instance, teaching English, providing medical assistance, or supporting the local economy can improve the community’s overall well-being. Doing so can also help me better understand the local culture and create meaningful connections with the locals.
A local village in Laos
Getting along with fellow volunteers from all over the world
An unknown when volunteering abroad is who will be joining you on the adventure.
Upon entering the program, you anticipate many things and expect volunteers to be of different nationalities and age groups.
You can imagine my surprise when I rocked up at the Green Lion Organisation, and most of the volunteers were university students. At the tender age of 35, I was the oldest in the program by a considerable margin.
During my placement, there were seven French people: two Danish girls, two Malaysian women, a Dutch woman, an Englishman and a Canadian. I was the lone Aussie.
All the volunteers were youthful, at least to me, but they’re great young people with good intentions. We’re there for a common cause, to volunteer and to lend a helping hand in any way we can.
It was a pleasure to meet such fine people, and there will be great memories of the time spent together. Especially during those tense volleyball matches against the French.
I am settling into Volunteering with other volunteers from around the world.
An Experience that I will Never forget
Volunteering in Laos was an incredible journey I had the privilege to experience. It was a chance to immerse myself in a culture that was very different from my own and to be of service to the people there. During my time in Laos, I worked with various organisations, such as schools, orphanages, and healthcare centres, and to help wherever I could.
The memories I made during my journey will stay with me forever. I met so many amazing people, both local and other volunteers, and formed friendships that I still maintain today. It was a chance to connect with people on a deeper level and share my experiences with them.
Of course, there were challenges along the way. Laos is an underdeveloped country, and the conditions are not always easy. However, these challenges made the journey even more meaningful, and I learned so much from them.
I hope that during my time in Laos, I was able to make a difference in people’s lives, even if it was just for a short while. Whether helping to teach English to children, providing care for the sick, or simply sharing a laugh with someone, I hope to bring some joy and positivity to those I meet.
If you ever have the chance to volunteer, I encourage you to take it. It is a chance to give back to the world, learn about different cultures, and connect with people in a way you might not have otherwise. It was indeed one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to do it.
Meditation time while volunteering in Vientiane as a Laos Volunteer.
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