Sacramento State students could go to Thailand for free by teaching English to children.

Students are given the chance to take a year-long trip to Thailand for free and get paid to do so by teaching English in Thailand’s Chitralada Royal Palace School.

Only two students from Sac State will get to take part in this teaching abroad experience this year.

“We want students who have skills in teaching,” said Asian studies professor Pat Chirapravati during an information session about the program.

The students will be paid a monthly salary and will be provided with a place to stay while they work 14-16 hours a week.

An information flyer states, “Of the approximately 700 applicants each year, about 70 are usually admitted.”

The Chitralada School is looking for graduate students who majored in communication studies or English, although that is not required. Students are also not required to learn how to read, write or speak Thai. Once in Thailand, the students will be assigned either an elementary school-aged class or a high school-aged class.

The program is not limited to two students every year.

“There was one year that we had five students,” said Chirapravata. “And then some of our students decided to stay. So they stayed longer.”

“I just wanted to get more experience and just to try to explore Thailand,” said liberal studies major Der Lor, a student who is going to apply.

The program has been around for 11 years and has grown since it first started.

“There’s a lot of strong connections with the program between Sac State and Thailand,” said English Department Chair David Toise.

The deadline to submit applications is Oct. 30, and students can find more information about teaching in Thailand by speaking with David Toise.