GVI: Internships in Laos

For the last three months of my internship, GVI sent me to Nam Thuam in the north of Luang Prabang province. I stayed at a private primary school where I taught children as well as a class for high schoolers after school. It's a little isolating but also an incredible opportunity. At most there is one other foreigner out there which might seem daunting but really helps with immersion. The Lao English teacher speaks great English but everyone else speaks Lao so it really forces you to work on your Lao language skills as well as charades and other forms of communication. All the primary school teachers are wonderful people (even if they are a little shy), a lot are trying to learn English. The family that runs the school includes you in their family outings to visit family and go to Lao weddings. I still have so much love for everyone there.

I interned with GVI Laos from January to June 16 and found it a totally positive experience. With the calm and happy temperament of the country, the supportive but hands off (if desired) staff and the eager and non-judgmental students, this was the ideal internship for me to build my confidence and skills.
I was fully prepared for the placement in rural (ish) Laos and only regret that I had leave.