Island School, Free Volunteer House Program

I volunteered in the International Primary School for almost two months during the beginning of this year and it was one of the highlights of my whole trip. Koh Tao is amazingly beautiful and the people are so nice that you feel like home straight away. The job itself is taking care of amazing kids that are so kind and cute that you want to hug them all the time. Of course sometimes you get angry with one or another but that is normal and you just have to deal with it properly.
I didn't stay at the volunteering house but I know is very very close from the school and I'm sure is the best place to be. You can go walking to the main center called Sairee and you can find everything you might need.
If you want a true experience with lovely kids, staff and environment, that's the right place to apply. The owners of the school will become your friends and for sure you will consider staying in the island forever.

I stayed with them for only two weeks because I had plans coming up, but felt more and more at home as the time went by. I was treated super kindly by Clair, Lukas, their beautiful lovely 1 and 9 year old kids and all the staff at the school, they were all there for me on a moment that wasn't the easiest on these 2 years on the road. It was really healing to be around the kids at school observing how purely and kindly they connect with each other even being all from such different cultures...
I ended up staying at Clair's house as I was their first volunteer and the volunteer's house was still not ready, which was really bonding and I really appreciated the way they opened their family house for me. Although, you'll have a volunteers house available for your stay right next to the school, which is on a very central area of Koh Tao, that makes it easier to get around on your free time! ;) Im really greateful for the time shared and will bring this place in my heart wherever I go! See you guys soon, much love, Vitoria xxx

My time at Koh Tao Primary was one I'll never forget. I wasn't sure what to expect on a small island in Thailand, but there is a great sense of community and lots of support from the staff... The kids are absolutely adorable and have brought so many smiles and so much happiness to my life. I cannot wait to see the things these children and this school will accomplish. The shared volunteer house offers a lot of space...there is a shared bathroom, large bedroom with bunk beds, a small fridge and a microwave. The house is located super close to the school and at most a ten minute walk to Sairee Beach. You can get good Thai food for around 70TB. There are quite a few western food options but for higher prices. I love Thai, so it was an easy choice for me...the school also offers a free lunch every weekday...important to note that when walking home at night be sure to have a flashlight or phone to help light your way, there aren't many street lamps and it can get pretty dark...You can rent a bike for pretty cheap, but I didn't feel the need to do so, everything for me was walkable...there is also a good hiking spot close by called Fraggle Rock. Great for a sunset or view of the island. I found tons of opportunities to get certified in scuba diving as well. It's so cool, and I highly recommend some scuba if you've never done it! Also, I did some research about the island as I was literally on the boat to Koh Tao. I found a lot of bad press on it and was a bit nervous, but to be honest, I'm glad I hadn't seen it before making my decision, it would have made me think twice about going and I'm so happy that I've had this opportunity...I travel alone and I am carful anytime I'm in a foreign country, therefore I haven't done anything or traveled any differently then I would in any other country...obviously be smart about where you go and when, and if you drink be sure to know how you are getting home and with who. The island is beautiful and has a lot to offer. I'm so happy I got to do this and was able to be one of the first to be a part of this awesome project and school.