School of English for Engaged Social Service (SENS)
Overview
The School of English for Engaged Social Service (SENS) is a program for the rapid, enjoyable, and successful mastery of English-language skills while fostering personal growth and social engagement in a rich, cooperative, and relaxed learning environment. Please read below to learn about the program including the latest information about applying for SENS 2027 (4th January- 10th April)
Our Mission
To develop an English-language program as a model to be shared:
- Of socially conscious language learning.
- That allows for rapid, I enjoyable, and successful mastery of language skills.
- In a rich, cooperative learning environment.
- That fosters personal growth and social engagement.
- As a contribution to peace, justice, understanding, and sustainability worldwide.
Highlights
A unique opportunity to improve your English and:
- Study with a small group working to build a healthy, just, and peaceful world.
- Live in a picturesque setting in the Thai countryside, participating in a wide range of activities inside and outside the classroom.
- Learn through inspiring poetry, stories, philosophy, and literature in English, as well as games, field trips, music, films, debates, and hard work.
- Meet and speak in English with leading monks, thinkers, organizers, and educators. Learn about Buddhism and key social issues facing Asia.
- English and language teachers can learn methods developed over seven years for integrating personal growth, social and ecological awareness, and rapid improvement in English skills within one intensive program. Many of these methods are applicable in high-school and university classrooms, as well as in teaching or tutoring outside the mainstream.
Instructors
The primary teacher is Theodore Mayer “Education today is saturated with the need to measure and to rank, and students expect this. In our course we consciously undid this expectation in students’ minds. We began by providing practice in appreciating each other, listening to each other, and af rming each person’s intelligence and potential to do good. We found that doing this consistently helped learning to become a form of play—and when it really became play we saw that it was fast, enjoyable, and virtually unstoppable.”
SENS 2027
Starting Fresh – Learning to Rely on Each Other as We Build Something New
The years 2021 through 2026 have seen devastating wars in Myanmar, Sudan, Ukraine, West Asia, and beyond. Evidence of the climate crisis continues to mount through heat waves, wildfires, floods, and species extinction.
The world has become more unequal, while voices promoting hatred have grown louder.
Can we still live beautiful and meaningful lives?
Yes.
But doing so requires responding meaningfully to the world’s challenges rather than simply seeking personal comfort.
It also means bridging divisions created by wealth, generation, racism, sexism, ethnic discrimination, Islamophobia, and every other form of exclusion.
The wisest among us—spiritual leaders, writers, artists, historians, activists, and many others—have recognised the deep interconnectedness of humanity.
Together we can rediscover the joy of learning, strengthen our ability to communicate, listen deeply, understand today’s social and ecological realities, and become part of a larger solution.
We encourage applications for SENS from people who:
- Are native or near-native English speakers.
- Are conscientious and responsible.
- Wish to learn about leadership, listening, meditation, climate justice, Thailand, Buddhism, and transformative teaching.
- Want to practise teaching and leading others.
Volunteer tutors assist teachers in the classroom and lead small-group and one-to-one conversations outside class.
Some English teachers may qualify as tutors.
Volunteer tutors receive:
- Free accommodation
- Free meals
- Free travel on group excursions
Click the button below for further information about SENS 2027
Learn More about SENS
Volunteer tutors play an important role in the SENS learning community. Working alongside the lead teacher, tutors support students in developing confidence and fluency in English through classroom activities, small-group discussions, and one-to-one conversations. It is a unique opportunity to gain teaching experience while living in an international community dedicated to personal growth, social engagement, and compassionate leadership.
We encourage you to apply if you:
- Are a native or near-native English speaker.
- Are conscientious, responsible, and enjoy working with people.
- Want to learn about leadership, deep listening, meditation, climate justice, Buddhism, Thailand, and transformative education.
- Would like to develop your teaching and facilitation skills in a supportive learning environment.
What You’ll Do
Volunteer tutors assist the lead teacher in the classroom and facilitate small-group and one-to-one English conversations outside formal lessons, helping students practise their speaking and listening skills in everyday situations. Some qualified English teachers may also take on additional teaching responsibilities.
What’s Included
Volunteer tutors receive:
- Free accommodation
- Three meals each day
- Participation in field trips and group excursions
- The opportunity to become part of an inspiring international learning community
Interested in becoming a volunteer tutor?
Please send your cover letter, CV, writing sample, and two references to director@inebinstitute.org. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an online interview
Haruka Oyaizu (Japan)
When I came here I was always afraid of making mistakes. Ted and everyone celebrated my mistakes because they were part of learning. That experience changed me forever. I now know I can keep trying because mistakes are part of being human.
Anshika (Haryana, India)
I had already witnessed inequality before coming to SENS, but here I learned how to understand my own emotions, listen without judgement, and remain emotionally grounded. The programme didn’t change my goals—it prepared me to stay committed to them.
Waso (Myanmar)
This programme transformed me, especially by bringing out the English hidden inside me. I was respected in practising my religion during Ramadan, something I had rarely experienced. I am deeply grateful to everyone who supports this programme.
Mee Mee (Myanmar)
SENS became a safe space where I could be vulnerable without fear. The field trips showed me that leadership is about connection and collective action rather than control. Communities change when people truly listen and work together.
Total: 6,200 USD or 200,000 Baht*
This fee covers tuition, field trips, Internet access, private tutoring, group excursions, insurance, three healthy meals per day, snacks, and simple but comfortable and safe lodging.
Travel from your home country to Thailand and visa fees, as well as other costs outside the course dates, are not included in the total fee
SENS participants change the world—help change theirs by sponsoring a student for the 2026 program.
Sponsor a SENS student:
https://inebinstitute.org/donation