What does it cost?
Here's the good news:
The answer is: Nothing !!!
We don't charge anything but are grateful for your presence and effort. Any financial support is of course most welcome, and would be for the sponsoring of our students, many of whom greatly benefit from this extra support as too many are from poor farmers' families trying to improve their lives through such opportunities that we provide.
Included
- Placement on the project
- Use of our facilities at our premises
Not included
- Flight
- Tourist visa to Lao PDR for 30 days (rates depending on your home country) - extension possible two times
- Accommodation. {We can recommend (cheap) guesthouses - we can't afford to pay...}
- Vaccinations
- Travel and health insurance
- Food, drinks and laundry
Luang Prabang
You cannot help but be amazed by Luang Prabang, perhaps the most charming city in all of south-east Asia. It has a remarkable mix of ancient colonial past and modern Lao life. The main road of Luang Prabang is a wonderful patchwork of traditional Lao wooden houses and hints of European architecture - reminders of when Laos was part of the French colony of Indochine. Golden-roofed wats (temples), decorated with mosaics and murals of the life of Buddha sit under the gaze of wrap-around balconies and 19th century shuttered windows. In the morning you can eat a fresh French baguette or pastry, in the afternoon wander around on a typical Asian foodmarket and in the evenings eat traditional Lao food in a restaurant overlooking the Mekong. On the weekends there is enough time to explore the town and make excursions: for example to Kuang Si or Tad Sae waterfalls, the Pak Ou caves, or one of the numerous temples in town.
Click on one of the photos below to get an impression...
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Climate
Laos generally enjoys a mild, tropical climate, but it can get quite chilly in the cool season.
Temperatures range from 10 - 45°C in Luang Prabang. There are three distinct seasons: cool from November-February;
hot from March-May and the rainy season which lasts from June -October.
Most people find the best time to visit from October-February; however the low season offers lush green landscapes in the rainy season and the colourful and exciting Lao New Year's festival in April.
Health and insurance
We advise to get a vaccine for Hepatitis A, DTP and typhoid fever (if your stay exceeds 2 weeks). Dengue fever and malaria still occur in Laos, although generally not in Luang Prabang. We advise you to consult a doctor and discuss your travel plans before you set off to Laos. A health and travel insurance is required.
Students at E4E.
From another volunteer...
"I loved being part of an effective initiative to improve both the teaching of English in Laos and the training of local teachers to be good English teachers."
Amy Dillon, Canada