A member of our Facebook group shared this eco-education opportunity in northern Thailand, and it could be a great fit for experienced English speakers who also care about nature.
The Association for Development of Environmental Education and Participation (DEEP) is looking for 3 to 4 volunteers for a 6-month stay in Phayao, northern Thailand. The goal is to help pilot their new “Climate CLIL” project, a program that combines English learning with environmental education.
DEEP describes CLIL as Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), a method that uses English to teach another subject, in this case environmental science. You can read more about their Climate CLIL project on their website.
Quick check before you commit: confirm the weekly schedule (hours, days off, teaching load), what housing looks like, and what “visa support” means in practice, including any government fees you would still need to pay.
What the project is about
According to the host post, the Climate CLIL lessons begin by introducing local plants and animals and the ecosystems they depend on. The program then moves into community conversations about topics like big-headed turtles and otters. In the final stage, students use English to discuss ecosystem health, identify indicator species, and talk about biodiversity loss and restoration.
Who they are looking for
The host post lists these requirements:
- Native English speaker, or IELTS 7.5+
- 120-hour TEFL certificate, or willingness to obtain one
- An eco-centric mindset
- A 6-month commitment
The position is described as unpaid, with housing and visa support provided. If you do not already have a TEFL certificate, ask if DEEP requires a specific provider and what the expected costs are.
Your responsibilities
The host post says volunteers will follow DEEP’s lesson plans from the Biodiversity module of their Climate CLIL course, delivered at two pilot schools near Phu Lanka Forest Park in Phayao. Volunteers will help students build English skills for future climate conversations and action, and assess progress in English proficiency and pro-environmental behavior (PEB).
Important notes on safeguarding and permissions
This project takes place in schools, so volunteers should expect clear rules around child safeguarding, supervision, and privacy. Ask how classes are supervised, what training or checks are required, and what the photo policy is.
Teaching and volunteering can have visa and work-permission requirements. The post mentions visa support, but rules vary by nationality and length of stay. Ask DEEP what visa route they expect volunteers to use, and double-check official guidance for your situation before you travel.
Research links and longer-term collaboration
The host post mentions that people interested in academia may be able to develop a Master’s or PhD research topic connected to the project. They also mention collaboration with lecturers from Phayao University, Chulalongkorn University, and Kasetsart University, and say they can host researchers interested in topics such as regenerative agriculture, ecosystems and biodiversity, or climate change mitigation and adaptation.
How to apply
Email DEEP and introduce yourself with your nationality, availability, teaching background, and any environmental education experience. It also helps to ask for a written outline of your weekly schedule, accommodation details, and the visa support process.
Contact details
Organisation: DEEP (Development of Environmental Education and Participation)
Website: deep-association.org
Project page: deep-association.org/climate-clil
Email: info AT deep-association DOT org
Location: Phayao province, northern Thailand (pilot schools near Phu Lanka Forest Park)
Original host message
The Association for Development of Environmental Education and Participation (DEEP) is looking for 3-4 volunteers to join us for 6 months in Phayao, Northern Thailand, to help pilot our brand-new “Climate CLIL” (English + Environment) project.
What we need from you:
• Native English speaker (or IELTS 7.5+)
• 120-hr TEFL certificate (or a willingness to obtain one)
• An eco-centric mindset
• A 6-month commitment (This is an unpaid volunteer position, but we provide housing and visa support)
Your responsibilities:
• Follow our lesson plans from the Biodiversity module of the “Climate CLIL” course at Ban Nammin school (โรงเรียนบ้านน้ำมิน) and Rajanukrao School (โรงเรียนราชานุเคราะห์) near Phu Lanka Forest Park.
• Improve students’ English to open doors for future conversation and climate action opportunities.
• Assess students’ progress in both English proficiency and pro-environmental behavior (PEB).
What you will get in return:
• The chance to be among the first to help DEEP build a generation of eco-centric minds in the Chiang Kham, Pong, and Phu Sang districts of Phayao.
• Real cultural immersion while working in small rural schools with friendly local staff.
• For those interested in academia, there is the possibility to turn this into a Master’s or PhD research project. The project is in its initial stages, and we are collaborating with lecturers from Phayao University, Chulalongkorn University, and Kasetsart University to improve and scale the curriculum.
Additionally, DEEP has field staff and local connections to host researchers who wish to conduct studies in topics such as regenerative agriculture, ecosystems and biodiversity, or climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Contact: info AT deep-association DOT org for more details
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