Help A Family In Thailand Learn English
Live like a local with a screened host family and receive free room and board.
More information
COVID 19 Update 07/06/2020: Royal Thai Government Extends State of Emergency and Incoming International Flight Ban Until July 31.
We will continue to update this program page.
Homestay Tutor In Thailand
This is an immersion opportunity to learn some elementary Thai and enjoy the Thai culture and food for 1, 2, or 3 months. You'll live like a local with a carefully screened host family and you'll become a part of the community. You will soon learn why this country is called "The land of smiles."
When your host family learns English, you're leaving a lifetime skill that they (and you) will never forget.
Overview
Teach English abroad in Thailand for up to 15 hours each week and live like a local for up to 3 months when you help a family in Thailand learn English. Don’t worry if you’ve never done this before! Your new host family is more interested in learning conversational English than they are grammar. You'll have so much fun living in Thailand by simply speaking English the way you normally do at home. Also, you also have a unique opportunity to learn Thai!
In a matter of hours, you're walking around your new community like a real Thai citizen. It won’t take long for the locals to start recognizing you and for you to consider your host community your new, temporary home. It’s real and authentic. Get to know the locals. Wake up each day and feel a connection.
Eligibility And Fees
The program fee is $799 for 1 month, $899 for 2 months, or $999 for 3 months.
- Be between 18 and 70. Yes, we can place "more mature" travelers!
- Native English speakers are preferred. If you are not a native English speaker and you have a clear accent, we may be able to place you.
- Have at least a high school diploma.
Included in the program fee:
- Personalized placement with a carefully screened host family. In other words, a place to call home in Thailand.
- A comfortable private bedroom for the duration of the program.
- Tutor resources.
- Meals each day except when you’re not at the host home.
- Local support in Thailand, 24/7.
- Pre-departure materials.
Not included in the program fee:
- Airfare to and from Thailand.
- Meals when you're away from the host family and traveling on your own.
- Spending money.
- International insurance
How does GeoVisions choose host families?
Host families contact us because they want to provide room and board to an English speaker who will help them with their conversational English. When there are children in the family, mostly they need help with their English homework, but many times the adults want to join in as well.
Families are screened. They have to show a need and a desire to host an English tutor. And they have to pass a background check, an interview by in-country staff and agree to a home inspection and provide photos of the home (inside and out). Tutors are promised their own private room but there are times a bathroom might be shared. Families provide meals except when the tutor is traveling.
We take our time making a match because it is impossible to change a host family based on location, for example. However, once you are on the program and if issues arise, we maintain emergency families and can step in and help. This is extremely rare.
Can I choose my location?
For the most authentic experience of living each day in Thailand, you cannot choose your exact location.
What you can do is tell us the area where you’d like to be and whether or not you’d like a large city, a small town, or rural placement. And we’ll try our best.
Remember … the host families choose us when they need a live-in tutor and so timing is everything. There are many locations that you may not have considered prior to applying that are fantastic places in Thailand. (We can tell you about many tutors that have loved their locations!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get a visa?
For most homestay tutors, you'll enter the country on a tourist visa and you can stay 90-days. If you have concerns, check with the embassy of your destination.
When can I book my flights?
DO NOT book any flights until you are matched with your host family. They will go over several arrival dates with you. We'll tell you when it's safe to book your airfare.
How long can I stay on the program?
For Thailand, you can stay up to 90-days.
Don't surprise your host family. They might not be able to host you past the agreed-upon dates.
Do I need to speak the local language?
No! Although if you arrive with a little knowledge of the local language, it is going to be a little easier for you.
Do I have to have the classes prepared in advance?
Remember, your host family wants to learn conversational English. Most of what you have to do is just speaking as you normally would.
Our own tutoring book with lesson plans and games is provided to you before you depart.
I've heard bringing a gift for the host family is a good thing?
Who doesn't like a present? We recommend bringing something that represents where you are from. Maple syrup, pancake mix, a coffee mug are a few ideas.
Do I have free time?
We are asking you to tutor the family 15 hours a week. Outside of that commitment, you're free to explore. In fact, we hope you will!
Will my host family speak English?
Count on them knowing basic English. That's why you're there!
Can I be placed with a travel companion?
Host families for the most part have room for one tutor. If you want to travel with someone, we can try to find a family who would like a tutor and who lives nearby your host family. Or at least where you could see each other a few times during the week.
This is something you want to mention right from the start. Think of it as a puzzle. We can put it together, but it might take a little time.
How long does it take to be placed with a family?
If you can give us 90-days, we will succeed in an awesome placement. Some tutors want a last-minute placement. We charge extra for that. The longer we have to make the match, the better program you're going to have.
What can I do in my free time?
Outside of the 15 hours a week, the time is really yours to do what you like.
As you read the Blog posts from former tutors, here are a few things they've done:
- Take language courses
- Visit museums
- Take cooking classes (and bring home all those recipes to try)
- A long weekend traveling around
- Meeting new friends
What is the application process like?
Application Process
After you make sure that you meet the Homestay Tutor qualifications, the next step is to apply.
Click this button:
1. Submit the online application along with the $350, non-refundable deposit. This amount comes off your program fee.
2. You'll receive a link for a supplemental form and additional materials to submit.
3. We begin to match you with a well-screened host family.
4. We'll email you the host family information. Set up a Zoom call with the host family for your interview.
5. Once you and the host family agree that it's a good match, you and the family arrange the exact arrival and departure date.
6. Now you'll pay your 2nd $350 payment. You will have now paid a total of $700.
7. Find and purchase your flights.
8. Arrange your international health insurance.
9. If you need a visa, please arrange for your visa.
10. Make your final payment on your program fee 60-days before your departure. Remember, you will have already paid $700 by now.
11. Fly overseas and begin your Homestay Tutor program and cultural experience!
"Best Decision Ever
I know it sounds cliché but this was truly one of the best decisions I've made so far. This has been the most challenging, rewarding, and eye-opening experience and I've loved every second of it. There are definitely times where things were a little bumpy, but they were just that. A LITTLE bumpy.
I have a great support network, and there are tons of people I know I can reach out to if anything were to go wrong. Geovisions made the process leading up to getting to Thailand as smooth as possible and they put up with all my silly questions graciously and put my mind at ease. I recommend to anyone that wants a new experience that they just go for it. I don't mean to make moving to a foreign country and starting a new life sound like a breeze because it is by no means a job for the faint hearted, but if you're up for a challenge I promise you wont regret it.
"
Rachel
November 6, 2019
"The true way to experience another culture!
Having never been out of the country, I decided to sing up to teach English in Thailand so I could not only have the opportunity to visit another country, but to learn about it. This was the perfect experience for that! It was just the right amount of time to get a wonderful feel for the Thai culture and to try my best to embrace it.
I was able to learn Thai dancing at work and go to celebrations almost every week that helped teach me about Thailand. It challenged me in ways I never thought I would be challenged. I would not take back the experience for anything.
"
Maegan
August 11, 2019
"My overall experience in Thailand was wonderful.
Living in Thailand was fantastic, it doesn't take long to get your bearings and to feel safe and comfortable. The food and people in my town were great and I already miss them dearly! I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who wished to see the real Thailand!
"
Zach Edler
April 28, 2019
Request More Information - Opportunities For You
This experience will look great on your CV or Resume. Learn about Thai culture and food in an immersion setting. Contribute a skill that will last a lifetime.
There are no official "start dates." You can set your dates up with your host family in advance. Age range is 18+ and if you have a clear accent, you don't have to be a native-English speaker. Take the iTEP Conversation test and find out about your English level and accent.
Become A Homestay Tutor In Thailand
Learn Thai Culture While Teaching English
We would love to talk to you when you're ready!