Description

Thailand has been touted for its diversity of indigenous hill tribes. Despite their rich cultural background and contribution to Thailand's thriving tourism industry, hill tribes are regularly faced with government policies that are detrimental to their way of life. As a result, members of hill tribes are relocating to the cities where they are impoverished and exploited.

Cultural Canvas Thailand places volunteers within a local organization called Thai Freedom House. Thai Freedom House is a recently established school set up for hill tribe and refugee children in Chiang Mai. Their mission is to provide hill tribe children with an education that will provide them with better work opportunities. The school offers an evening program that provides instruction in Thai and English. Classes are taught using art and Montessori techniques.

As a volunteer within TFH, you will teach English to students, work at their lovely cafe, and help out on an administrative level. Additionally, TFH has future plans to open a technical training center for teenagers, where they can learn skills such as baking, woodcarving, sculpture, photography and information technology. They also have plans to initiate weekly Saturday excursions for hill tribe families to nearby waterfalls, parks and attractions like the zoo, giving the children a chance to spend time with their parents in a fun, relaxed environment. TFH also accepts volunteers interested in teaching other subjects or creating and overseeing projects for the children.

Another volunteer placement involves working with Wat Pa Pao, a Buddhist temple that serves the interests of the Shan tribal group. The school located in the temple teaches a basic Thai curriculum, and they are also interested in having volunteers teach basic English.

Highlights

Chiang Mai has a close-knit volunteer community, and is a great place to pause and help out the numerous groups we work with. It is the second biggest city next to Bangkok, and never ceases to amaze with its dazzling temples, lush and mountainous landscape, and distinct culture.

Qualifications

No specific training is required but becoming acquainted with the issues pertaining to your placement prior to arrival in Chiang Mai is a highly recommended. If you are interested in teaching English, it is recommended that you come prepared to teach. Both placements have a curriculum that you are expected to follow, although it is never a bad idea to bring your own materials and ideas! You will receive training upon starting your volunteer experience and both locations have classroom materials at your disposal.

As for the cafe and administrative positions, the volunteer is expected to be self-motivated, friendly, and eager to help. Be creative on how to improve the cafe surroundings or recruit volunteers.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Program fees vary depending on duration of program.

Program Fees Include:

Transportation - Whether you are arriving by bus, train or plane, PBen (Thailand's finest street navigator), will take you to and from your destination. You will also be driven to and from your placement organization and any other CCT event taking place.

Food - Cee, our live-in house mom, takes care of volunteers by cooking their meals daily. She makes delicious Thai meals with fresh, local ingredients, and can accommodate dietary restrictions.

Housing - You will be living in a shared accommodation Thai-style home, located near the city center in a safe and quiet neighbourhood. It is within walking distance of various markets, cafes, and Chiang Mai's active nightlife.

In-country orientation/Training - Upon arriving in Chiang Mai our in-country director will make sure that you have a thorough understanding of Thai culture and are set up to live comfortably for the duration of your stay. This includes assistance with getting a cellphone, or locating markets.

In-country staff support - You will have 24 hour in-country support, as it is part of our job to make sure you are enjoying your experience abroad.

Language instruction - Every volunteer is given three hours of Thai language instruction to help them better communicate during their placement.

Medical insurance - The basic plan we offer covers both medical and dental insurance but if you want a more comprehensive coverage (extending as far as theft/damage of personal property) you may inquire about our Gold Travel Health Insurance Plan.

Pre-departure orientation/Training - After paying your initial deposit fee, you will receive a orientation package that will better prepare you for living abroad. We are happy to answer any questions you have via email or Skype.

Registration fees - This includes all the preliminary work it takes to place you within your desired organization as well as all the preparatory paperwork and actions needed to get you settled, including written materials abroad and written materials pre-departure.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

One Week

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Cultural Canvas Thailand's Mission Statement

To generate awareness and volunteer support of the current social issues facing Chiang Mai, Thailand. We promote equality, community interaction, and social change through artistic outreach and volunteer services in conjunction with local organizations. Cultural Canvas Thailand and our partner organizations focus on education and assistance in the following areas: people living with HIV/AIDS, refugees, impoverished ethnic minorities, former sex workers, mentally and physically disabled people, and single mothers.

Year Founded

2005