Phayao Education for the Future Foundation (PEFF)

Program Reviews

Balazs
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

2 week stay in Phayao, Thailand

I had an amazing time in the north of Thailand. I had the great opportunity to meet many truly inspiring people; it was a valuable experience for sure. I absolutely loved every minute I spent around the kids.

The teachers here are wonderful people, really supportive and friendly, they even invited me for dinner from time to time and we also had a couple of beers together eventually.

I ate so many interesting and new foods, on the weekend I was free, so I could explore Phayao a little more, I saw countless night markets, and met new people.

I am thankful that I have been part of this journey.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
It has to be Durian
Tracy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My experience as volunteer

it was such an incredible and rewarding experience to teach English as volonteer in this lovely school. I had the opportunity to teach children aged 7 to 12. It was truely happiness to share my knowledge with them, their smiles are so communicative. I also had the chance to participate in thai events at the school. Everyone was very welcoming and made me feel at ease. The accomodation provided is very convenient, close to the school. The director is very available and helpful. I would like to thank you everyone for their kindness and the moments shared with us and highly recommend this opportunity to everyone who is looking for a nice teaching experience in an authentic thailand (and the landscape in Phayao are beautiful)

Suzanne
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

1 month stay with PEFF

Phayao is stunningly beautiful, not only because of the lake, mountains and infinite rice fields, but due to its community.
I received so much love and care from the host, teachers and students. I felt very welcomed and I hope the kids learnt a lot during this month. I will miss everybody!

Also, the food was delicious and we had AC. The room is big and we had not 1, but 3 bathrooms.

I recommend this program to anyone who wishes to share time, energy and love with kids to help them improve their English. I can assure that Hani (the host) will be there to support you if you have any questions. Moreover, the local teachers will be willing to teach you about their culture and Thai language.

What was your funniest moment?
Having 6 kids trying to crawl on top of me at the same time!
Pros
  • Character development
  • Yummy food
  • Welcoming environment
Cons
  • Wake up early
  • Little guidance on what to teach
Edward
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Phayao Education Foundation

What an amazing time it has been helping out at the school. This was my first workaday, so I expected the rural nature of the school to be a shock. However, from the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with open arms and was immediately made to feel at home. Helping out in the classrooms and helping to engage the children was really rewarding, and watching them learn English was truly heartwarming. The work felt more like fun, and I was never made to feel out of my depth. Even with little teaching experience, I still felt that I was really adding value, which was important. Outside of school hours, one of the teachers kindly helped me arrange a motorbike rental (super cheap compared to tourist areas). This was really useful to get around and see the area, and allowed me to try different places to eat outside of the village. Nevertheless the teachers invited on a variety of trips, and welcomed me into their family homes for evenings of traditional Thai drinks and food, which was beyond generous. The people in the area were so friendly too - never before had I imagined that somewhere so comparatively un-used to foreigners, would be the most welcoming and friendly part of the world I'd ever been to - I drank many a beer with locals, was welcomed to look round a farmer's traditional fruit farm, and was even invited on a fishing trip on one of the local lakes - and I could go on! Seeing a completely different way of life was really eye opening, and I've learnt so much about myself during my time here. A big thank you to everyone that has been so kind to me, and thank you to Hani and the foundation for setting up this project and facilitating everything. And for other Workawayers: If you're still unsure about whether this will be for you, all I can say is just go for it!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Just go ahead and speak to people. The locals were so unbelievably warm and welcoming, and you will 10/10 have some amazing and authentic experiences if you're outgoing.
Pros
  • Cultural immersion was amazing.
  • How friendly everyone is
  • Talking to the children
Professional photo
Stuart
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Dream job

This was my 2nd the school with Hani's foundation. I've been really impressed each time with how much detail Hani provides about the the school, in order to provide a suitable match and to ensure that there are no surprises.

You'll partner with a lovely English teacher. The classes are textbook based, with room for creativity to play games and ask the students questions (which the students love). Teachers are really friendly.

The school is in a beautiful area surrounded by hills and fields. The room is comfortable with amenities like a TV, microwave and kettle. 3 delicious meals are provided daily.

What was your funniest moment?
It sounds silly, but being around kind people with genuine facial expressions kept making me smile. Kids and teachers alike enjoy having a laugh when appropriate.
Pros
  • Fun environment
  • Improved teaching skills
  • Immersion in Thai culture
Cons
  • For me, not a con, but the food is always Thai
Niey
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best experience in Thailand

I had an incredible experience teaching at this school! The teachers and students were so welcoming, always making me feel at home. The place is surrounded by stunning nature, creating a peaceful and beautiful environment to work in. 🐸🐛🌴The room provided for volunteers was very decent and spacious⭐, and everyone went out of their way to ensure I was comfortable and enjoying my time. It truly felt like a community where everyone cares for each other, and I couldn’t have asked for a better teaching experience!

Kieran
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A great experience

This was a really great experience. I was well looked after. I didn't have to worry much about logistics. My accommodation and meals were taken care of. All I had to do was teach a few hours a day. I then got to enjoy this beautiful area of Thailand. Mountains, waterfalls, great food. Staff and students were really friendly and were keen to show me around and get me to try new foods. I will never forget this experience. Met some wonderful people along the way. I highly recommend this. If you're thinking of taking the plunge, go for it!

Lucy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Ban Don Mun School - amazing experience

This experience was amazing. Right from the start, communication was clear from Hani about what the program involves. It was well organised and I felt supported the whole time. I was teaching the classes myself and got so much time interacting with the kids, it was great connecting with them. If I had any questions, the other teachers would help me out. I felt safe throughout my entire stay. The school gave me a bicycle and I rode through the village with everyone being very friendly. All in all, I could not recommend the experience higher! Give it a try!!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
You will have a lot of spare time, so it is good if you are studying something or have a side project to do in your free time
Angharad
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Ban Mae Sai Community School

My experience volunteering at the school has been amazing! I can’t thank enough all the teachers, children and Hani for making me feel so welcomed and for taking care of me. Teaching classes to the children was so fun and you really feel like part of the community. The accommodation provided has lots of room and a private bathroom. 3 meals a day are provided for and there is a nice lake with a market nearby to visit on the weekends. This experience has taught me alot and allowed me to fully experience the local life in the community.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I attended a funeral at a temple with some of the teachers, a very interesting experience to see the cultural differences.
Pros
  • Everyone makes sure you are happy
Cons
  • The town is a little far
Jaione
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

unforgettable experience

Hello future participants,

I was volunteering in a school in Phayao for 2 weeks and I can guarantee that it was one the best experience in my trip in Thailand. Being with local Thai people, learning from them, sharing experiences and having a privilege to be able to teach beautiful children was a very special and unique adventure for me. Children and students are incredibly friendly and they made me feel at home. The homemade food was delicious too and I also had a chance to learn some Thai cooking and hang out with local people. Just incredible! I loved every single day and I am sure I will be back some time. I highly recommend to live this adventure. By the way, Hani also is the kindnest and most helpful person as well.

You will not regret!
Jaione

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I ate lots of unfamiliar things and but one of them were fried insects. they were actually so so nice!
Pros
  • cultural emergion
  • incredible personal experience
  • learning and sharing opportunity