Description

This progressive center provides a haven for unwed pregnant girls from the local hill tribes. The girls are given pre-natal care, Thai, English and computer classes. In the morning the older children go to school, and the youngsters stay at the home. While the moms take classes on how to become self-sufficient adults, the younger children need to be looked after by those who enjoy spending time with adorable infants and toddlers. Although many of these young children have had a difficult beginning before arriving at the Single Mother's Home, they are fortunate to receive the opportunity to have a cross-cultural experience of being cared for by a foreigner so early in life. Volunteers involved in this project will have the chance to experience cradling a newborn ethnic Thai or hill tribe youngster in a bamboo constructed house surrounded by rice paddies and mountains, while the child's mother is learning the essential skills to improve her own and her young child's life and future. There are also construction and gardening positions available for volunteers who would like to focus on those projects.

Highlights

Thailand, the land of smiles, is bordered by Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Myanmar (Burma) and affords lots of opportunities to visit bordering countries. Thailand is typically tropical and humid, but Chiang Mai tends to offer some relief from the heat - cooler, dry breezes blow November through February.

Volunteers with this project live in a volunteer house with participants from all over the world who are working on various projects around the city.

It is best if volunteers arrive on a date below before 8pm, so orientation can take place over the weekend and volunteers can start their program bright and early on Monday.

2011: January 7, January 14, February 4, February 18, March 4, March 18, April 1, April 15, April 29, May 13, May 27, June 10, June 24, July 8, July 22, August 5, August 19. For dates after this please inquire.

Qualifications

Volunteers must be 18 years old, enthusiastic, and not too sensitive to heat and humidity.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

4 weeks at USD 1,100

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

* Pre-Departure Packet
* Airport Pick-Up in Chiang Mai
* Orientation
* City Tour
* Accommodation
* Most meals
* Access to a Travel Nurse and Activities Coordinator
* 24/7 In-Country Support

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

There is no typical volunteer, everyone has something to offer.

Age Range

18-80

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement

ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded

2001