Description

Bring light and happiness to disadvantaged youth in Central Thailand by volunteering in an orphanage in "The Land of Smiles."

Global Service Corps' Orphanage Care volunteers work with orphanages in Central Thailand to improve the lives of disadvantaged children. Most of these children have lost their parents or are from impoverished families or disenfranchised minority groups.

Volunteers split their time between different duties at the orphanage. Volunteers spend time providing companionship and recreational activities for the orphans by helping organize activities and coaching sports. Additionally, volunteers assist teachers at the orphanage in teaching basic English classes. In the orphanages, you will not only be a teacher but also a mentor and friend while having the unique opportunity to live on the orphanage grounds with the children and staff.

Highlights

Accommodation: Volunteers experience true cultural immersion by living with locals on the orphanage grounds. GSC places volunteers with hosts who enjoy learning about other cultures and appreciate the unique opportunity that hosting an international volunteer gives to their family. Placement orphanages have been carefully chosen by GSC and our partners, and many have hosted volunteers over the course of several years. Whether you are learning Thai games from your new friends or sharing a spicy som tam (papaya salad) with your new Thai family, your experience with GSC hosts will provide memories and friendships lasting a lifetime.

Thai Partners: The experience of GSC volunteers is greatly enhanced by their daily interaction with local counterparts, whether a nurse at a hospital, a teacher at a school, or an English-speaking monk, Volunteers and their Thai partners build mutually beneficial and often long lasting bonds of friendship. Local partners assist Volunteers with obtaining local transportation, finding the best local restaurants, learning local language phrases, meeting community leaders, and giving tips about and often participating in social activities. Counterparts play a vital role in providing a true cultural immersion experience while helping to insure that the volunteers' interaction with and service to the community is appropriate and effective.

Cultural Orientation and Technical Training: All Thailand Service-Learning programs include in-depth cultural orientation including trips to important Thai temples and sites, Thai language training, as well as how to use a river boat taxi like a local. Volunteers also receive technical training on relevant to including the basics of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and how to conduct engaging classes.

Qualifications

Interest in international developmental a must. All nationalities are welcome. Proficiency in English is required. No experience is necessary, although many of our volunteers have school or professional experience in education, international development or related areas. Must be 18 years of age or older.

Intern Types

• Education
• English as a Second Language
• Interdisciplinary
• Social Work
• Sustainable Development

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Programs Starting at USD 1,170

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Living stipend
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure
• Travel while in host country

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

18-80

This Program is open to

American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 1-5 team members

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

Typically The Application Process Time is

90 days

Post Services Include

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

Global Service Corps's Mission Statement

Working from offices on three continents, Global Service Corps is dedicated to fulfilling our mission of designing and implementing effective service-learning programs that provide maximum benefit to our program participants and the communities we serve. Through the hard work of our staff, support of our advisory board, collaboration with our partners and the participation of hundreds of volunteers each year, Global Service Corps has earned its reputation as a leader in international volunteerism, service-learning and community development.

Year Founded

1992