Welcome to the Little STAR Program/ようこそ！

STAR stands for:
• S – Sharing: Share your knowledge and culture with Thai students and teachers
• T – Teaching: Teach and exchange educational practices
• A – Aspiring: Inspire and be inspired by the learning journey
• R – Respecting: Build respect and understanding across cultures
Join us for an unforgettable week at Banklongmanao School, Thailand, where you will:
• Experience the warmth and culture of a small but big-hearted school (“Little”)
• Teach and learn alongside Thai students and teachers, sharing your knowledge and ideas
• Inspire and be inspired by the learning journey of both students and teachers
• Build friendships and understanding across cultures
• Share your own culture and discover new perspectives, creating connections that last beyond borders
This program offers Japanese teachers a unique opportunity to make a difference, exchange ideas, and explore a world of learning and collaboration—all while having fun and creating lasting memories.

About Banklongmanao School / 学校について

Banklongmanao School is a rural primary school under the Sakaeo Primary Educational Service Area Office 2, Ministry of Education, Thailand.
The school is committed to:
• Developing English language skills among students
• Promoting cross-cultural understanding
• Broadening students’ horizons through international collaboration
Currently, the school serves 173 students with 14 teachers and staff from four nearby villages. Despite its rural location, the community has accessible facilities including a supermarket, health station, police outpost, 7-Eleven, and internet access, providing a supportive environment for students and visitors alike.

Background and Inspiration/ プログラム内容

The Little STAR Program is rooted in a successful history of global partnership. From 2012–2019, Mr. Wichai Nontakan (Director of Banklongmanao School) initiated and managed an international volunteer program, hosting over 500 volunteers from 64 countries to deliver vital educational and cultural experiences.

Inspired by these experiences and his subsequent participation in an educational exchange program in Tokyo, Japan, Mr. Nontakan relaunched this mission as the Thai–Japanese Exchange Program in 2026. The program is dedicated to:

Fostering educational collaboration between Thai and Japanese teachers.

Promoting cross-cultural understanding among students.

Building global friendships and peace through education.

Profile: Director Wichai Nontakan (Project Founder)
Mr. Nontakan is an expert in Educational Management and the Founder/Coordinator of this volunteer initiative. He holds two Master's degrees and has significant cross-cultural experience from service in the USA and participation in the ACCU (UNESCO-affiliated) exchange program in Japan. He is nationally recognized as a Model High-Potential Administrator for driving innovation.

Program Overview/プログラムの目的

• Program Length: One week
• Annual Available Periods:
o June 1 – September 30
o November 1 – March 15
• Number of Participants: 3–5 Japanese teachers
• Application Deadline: At least 30 days in advance

Program Objectives:プログラムの目的

Program Objectives:プログラムの目的
• Introduce Japanese culture to Thai students
• Share teaching practices and educational ideas
• Foster friendships between Thai and Japanese teachers
• Inspire students through exposure to international perspectives

Participants Requirements/参加者の条件

Program Participant Requirements
Age: 20–55 years old
Gender: Male or Female
Profession: Active school teacher with at least 3 years of experience.
English Level: Basic English for daily communication.
Health & Insurance: Must purchase personal travel and accident insurance.

Note:
English fluency is not required; communication can be supported via language apps.
Priority will be given to those with an English major or knowledge of AI/communication technology.

Tentative Program Schedule/プログラム内容

Day 1 (Sunday)
Arrival, airport pick-up, and check-in at accommodation.
Day 2 (Monday)
Orientation, school tour, and welcome ceremony.
Day 3 (Tuesday)
Teaching and cultural exchange activities led by Japanese participants.
Day 4 (Wednesday)
Continued teaching and cultural collaboration with Thai students.
Day 5 (Thursday)
Learning and sharing sessions with Thai teachers and students.
Day 6 (Friday)
Activity review, reflection, questionnaire, and certificate presentation.
Day 7 (Saturday)
Cultural sightseeing: Ayutthaya, Bangkok (self-funded).
Note: The school arranges transportation, but participants are responsible for meals, personal expenses, and entrance fees.
Participants return to their own accommodation (self-arranged or hotel; self-funded).
Day 8 (Sunday)
Free travel or independent return to the airport.
No school-arranged accommodation.

Accommodation & Meals/宿泊と食事

• Days 1–6: Homestay with local families or school-arranged accommodation
• Facilities: Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, 24-hour hot shower
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner provided by school or host family
• Day 7: Participants arrange their own accommodation; school provides transportation for sightseeing only
• Day 8: Free travel or independent airport return

Cost and Support Details/費用

Air Ticket: Paid by the participant.

Accommodation:

Days 1–6 are provided by the school (homestay or school arrangement).

Day 7 onward is self-funded.

Meals:

Days 1–6 are provided.

Day 7 onward is self-funded.

Insurance: Participants must purchase personal accident/travel insurance.

Cultural Tour (Day 7):

Transportation is arranged by the school.

Meals, entrance fees, and personal expenses are self-funded.

Application Process/ 応募方法

Application Process/ 応募方法
Required documents:
1. Completed Application Form
2. CV / Résumé
3. Letter of Recommendation
4. Copy of Passport

Application Steps: 申込手順

1. Submit all required documents to the email above.
2. Selected applicants will be invited to an online interview.
3. After the interview, successful candidates will receive an Acceptance Letter with detailed program information.
4. Upon final approval, participants will receive a Confirmation Letter to formally accept and secure their place in the program.

Contact Information/ お問い合わせ

Person in Charge: Mr. Wichai Nontakan (Jason)
Position: School Director, Banklongmanao School
? Cellphone: +66 97-283-1072
? Email: nontakan073@gmail.com
? LINE ID: California1892
? School Website: https://bkm.ac.th/blog