Have you ever thought about going on a volunteer vacation in Laos? If you have, you're one of the few as almost nobody searches 'volunteer vacation in Laos'. If you are here and reading this (or listening to the podcast episode above), then you are a unique human being and you probably have a giving heart. Read on and listen on to learn how to have an incredible Laos volunteer opportunity of a lifetime.

Volunteer in Laos Podcast Show Notes

I interviewed Carly Schade, the Program Coordinator for the Laos Volunteer Expedition with Growth International Volunteer Excursions or otherwise known as GIVE. Carly has spent significant time giving of her time in Laos through GIVE Volunteers Laos Volunteer Program. Carly originally started with GIVE as a volunteer in Nicaragua in 2014, but since then her heart has been with the Laos volunteer program.

Where is Laos?

It's Southeast Asia's best-kept secret. Not many people know about Laos, it's mysterious and mind-blowing. Laos is located between Thailand and Vietnam, north of Cambodia.

How Is Give Volunteers Helping the community in Laos?

When GIVE Volunteers chooses a community it is asset-based community development (ABCD). Which means there are very capable strong people in these communities that don't the team per se. All of the projects are centered around the community and the communities' ownership of it. These projects are community-owned and the community is excited about the projects happening in their own community. These projects build on their strengths and existing resources. That's how you know the project won't fail when they leave.

The Current Volunteer Opportunity in Laos: Permaculture

Permaculture is a more sustainable way of farming, essentially sustainable agriculture. It's strategically designing the land to yield more crops and use nature as is to work itself. For example, a catfish pond filled nutrients may feed the crops with more nutrients in it. It's a strategic plan for farming. Deforestation is a big issue in SE Asia and this is helping to renew soil and plant crops. The community in Laos is very excited about the permaculture project and is something they can use the rest of their lives.

Before Permaculture in Laos: Slash-and-Burn

Slash-and-burn agriculture was a technique they were using prior to being introduced to sustainable agriculture. They would grow something on the land then move on. Their growing practices weren't renewable and after they were done with the land, they would move onto the next one. This Laos community didn't know they could grow different crops on the same plot of land. GIVE Volunteers taught them crop rotation and have helped them replenish the soil.

Ready for a Volunteer Opportunity in Laos? What does the Trip Look Like?

They combine cultural immersion with the volunteer opportunities in Laos. You would fly into Luang Prabang, a UNESCO world heritage site. A few days are spent there and you would have the opportunity to meditate with a local monk in an OM ceremony. The local monk they bring you to does speak English and you have the opportunity to learn more about their culture.

Time to Explore a Waterfall - Tat Kuang Sii

In the first part of the trip, they head to Tat Kuang Si waterfall, a picturesque turquoise waterfall in the Luang P...