Description

Our volunteers serve within the division of Public Parks, Landscape Development and Special Event Planning of Chiang Mai City Hall. Volunteers work alongside city officials, grounds keepers and horticulturalists from 8:00am-4:00 pm (Monday-Friday). Due to serving within the sphere of Chiang Mai City Hall, volunteers will be invited to take part in many activities that include the city officials.

Volunteers assist in research and upkeep of Chiang Mai's old and historic trees, many of which are located in and amongst the ruins of the old city. Chiang Mai is 710 years old. It has many special and historic trees that need upkeep, attention and care. Considering wood is a highly valued commodity in Thailand, Buddhist monks have taken the initiative of blessing many of the historic trees and dressing the trees with holy saffron colored robes to keep them safe from the axes and saws of greedy people. Once blessed and dressed with the sacred saffron robes, the trees are considered to be Buddhist holy trees. Cutting one down would bring bad will to that person's family and life. These trees, do, however need special care in their upkeep and preservation. You would assist in this special preservation and upkeep of these holy trees that surround and fill the green spaces of Chiang Mai.

Research is also needed in what types of new plant species and horticultural techniques can be utilized in beautifying the city. Volunteers will assist in the upkeep (trimming and fertilizing) of these historic trees. There is a Chiang Mai horticultural center and nursery where volunteers will assist in the research and breeding flower, plant and tree species along with upkeep of the facility.

Highlights

Chiang Mai is a pleasant city, encircled by mountains and lush rice fields. Chiang Mai is Thailand's second largest city with a population of roughly 700,000. The city is considered the cultural and physical capital of (what used to be) the northern Thai (Lanna) kingdom. Chiang Mai is the home of an international airport, restaurants of almost every cuisine, incredible shopping and world class hospitals.

During or after one's volunteer service, Friends For Asia recommends for volunteers to take part in some of the many different local attractions and/or courses. Every Sunday Chiang Mai closes off one of the main roads in the old city to put on a walking street market. Vendors and artisans from the area set up their small booths to sell their handicrafts, art and mouthwatering finger foods.

Chiang Mai offers Thai cooking courses starting around USD 35, Thai massage courses starting around USD 45, along with jungle treks and regular Muay Thai (Thai boxing) matches. Upon your arrival into Chiang Mai, Friends For Asia will be more than happy to help you sign up for one of these exciting opportunities to learn more about this beautiful culture.

Qualifications

Volunteers do not need any specific qualifications, but should be able-bodied, enjoy working outside and flexible to change. Decisions on events in Chiang Mai City Hall are sometimes made at the last minute which requires a great amount of flexibility and understanding for all involved.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

695

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Registration fees
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Participation in the Horticultural Research Volunteer Project starts at USD 695 for two weeks. Each additional week is USD 100.

FEE INCLUDES: Airport pick up, accommodation during orientation and entire project time, breakfast every morning, lunch every work day, 2 day orientation, half day city tour, cultural dinner and show, onsite coordinator and 24 hour emergency assistance.

FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE: Plane tickets, travel insurance, cost of transportation to and from work location and accommodation, ride to the airport after service, dinner.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Eco-tourism
• Gardening
• Research
• Tourism
• Volunteering

Typical Volunteer

An individual who loves to travel, wants to learn more about Thailand and assist Asia in it's development.

Age Range

18 and up

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Independent living

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 2 or 3

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Friends For Asia's Mission Statement

The mission of Friends For Asia is twofold. We offer an opportunity for people to contribute, in a meaningful way, to the improvement of standards of living by building capacity in our host agencies and we provide committed volunteers to work on projects developed with host agencies that benefit the people of Thailand.

Year Founded

2008