Description

Thai Freedom House is a community learning center focused on teaching Thai and English languages and the arts to Burmese refugees, who fled Burma to escape severe human rights violations. They are currently based in a small, wooden house in the center of Chiang Mai, Thailand and have been in operation since 2006. Basic education is unavailable to most ordinary Burmese citizens, which makes our services extremely valuable to these people. TFH also has a vegetarian café (Free Bird Café) on site with a small shop (Pre Loved Clothing Shop) to help generate income for the learning center. Every staff member of TFH is a volunteer, including our directors. Volunteers at Thai Freedom House gain a wide variety of experiences, from teaching ESL and helping with administrative work to helping in the café project and recruiting new volunteers.

The students of TFH are Burmese refugees from construction camps around Chiang Mai and are not able to go to school for lack of I.D. cards and unstable living conditions. Therefore, our project may be their only chance for an education, and it's taken very seriously. That said, TFH also has a lot of fun with visiting artists, musicians and fund-raising events, not to mention being located in the historic city center of Chiang Mai.

Highlights

What you get in exchange for your work:

- On the job training and hands-on experience with a small grassroots not-for-profit learning center; setting up, coordinating and implementing all aspects of our organization and mission
- In-class ESL teaching experience
- An invaluable experience working with refugees and other international volunteers providing language and learning skills to stateless people
- Satisfaction of knowing you are helping to pass on education and create a community space for children and adults who can find it nowhere else
- A tour of Chiang Mai, orientation to Thailand and Thai Freedom House, Thai language basics, a local SIM card and phone and 24 hour emergency assistance
- The experience of a lifetime

Qualifications

- BA in related field or equivalent work experience a must; TEFL/TESL an asset
- Experience in teaching, administration or the arts
- Personal or professional experience working with refugees
- Knowledge and/or experience with ethnic struggles in Burma a plus
- Outgoing, flexible personality
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- Self-motivated with a strong work ethic and organization skills
- International NGO and/or community-based program experience desired

Languages

• English

Languages Used as a Medium of Teaching

• English

Salary/Pay

In-country Orientation: Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, whether by bus, plane or train, a Cultural Canvas Thailand staff member will be waiting to transport you to the Cultural Canvas Thailand headquarters where you will have an orientation. This will prepare you further for your chosen project and give you a chance to meet our staff and other volunteers. Wad, our In-Country Director, will make sure that you have a grasp on Chiang Mai by taking you around the city and helping you to get acquainted with Thai culture and the Home-Base. Thai Language Training: Cultural Canvas Thailand provides three hours of Thai language training in the first week of your volunteer placement. If you would like to study further, you can arrange to do so with our Thai teacher. Additional hours are not covered by the CCT program fee. Accommodations: You will be housed in the Cultural Canvas Thailand home-base conveniently located in the old city center. Here all of your basic needs are taken care of, including lodgings, meals, telephone and transportation. The home-base is located in a safe, conveniently situated neighborhood. It is a clean Thai-style accommodation with shared occupancy rooms. Burmese PainterFood: Our in-house cook will provide two delicious, home-cooked Thai meals per day six days per week. A light breakfast is always available with cereal, fruit, toast, coffee, and tea. On Sundays, volunteers can cook for themselves at the Home-Base or grab a bite to eat in one of the many near-by markets or restaurants. Please let us know any specific dietary restrictions in advance so that all of your needs can be taken care of. Transportation: Upon arrival and departure, Cultural Canvas Thailand will provide transportation between the CCT volunteer house and the airport, train station, bus station, etc. Cultural Canvas also provides daily transportation to and from your placement.Support and Safety: The Cultural Canvas Thailand home-base is in a secure location with staff available 24-hours a day. Here you can receive international calls and internet access is within walking distance. In case of emergency, friends and family can call the home-base or use our convenient U.S. 24-hour hotline. In case of injury you will be admitted to one of Chiang Mai's high-quality, private hospitals. We provide comprehensive medical insurance and emergency evacuation assistance.

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

American, Australian, Canadian, European and Kiwi Participants.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

One Week

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

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