Description

Unique chance to volunteer work in community based and sustainable eco tourism and wildlife conservation projects in Thailand, Nepal and Laos.

The projects are mostly in mountainous and forested regions, with some of Thailand's/Laos/Nepal's most treasured protected and important areas for biodiversity conservation. CNN recommends 8 volunteer organizations in their Be the Change Initiative.Open Mind Projects is one.

Create increased understanding and awareness of the importance and long term advantages of protecting the wildlife and preserving the environment is a major mission of the parks and volunteers.

Some projects in Thailand:
* KuiBuri NP
* Kaeng Krachan NP
* Tai Muang Marine National Park
* Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary

In Laos:
* Phou Khao Khouai
* Xe Pian, southern Laos

In Nepal:
* Chitwan, southern Nepal

Highlights

* Projects focus on preparing the national park staff and local population involved to receive overseas visitors and create awareness of local environmental, nature, wildlife issues.
* Teaching relevant eco and tourism English to park rangers, visitor center staff, villagers, guides is important.
* Volunteers help develop eco tourism activities such as suitable trekking and camping packages and are involved in tour guide training
* What volunteers do depends on their backgrounds and interests too.
* Volunteers can translate or create tourist information, education material for schools and help with web design and other promotion work. They help with visitor service development and training.
* Qualified volunteers participate in wildlife surveying, incl. marine wildlife survey diving at marine national parks. Specialists such as zoologists, marine biologists, botanists, eco tourism experts, web design/database specialists, are sometimes wanted for special tasks.
* Accepted volunteers receive a 3 day free volunteer orientation in Thailand, and normally stay some more days to prepare themselves prior to going to the national park/project. Accommodation is free.

Travel Types

• BackPacking Abroad
• Birdwatching
• Canoeing
• Climbing
• Cooking
• Eco Tours
• Ecology
• Environmental Studies
• Heritage Tourism
• Hiking
• Homestay
• Kayaking (River)
• Language Immersion
• Mountaineering
• Native Culture Studies
• Nature Tours
• Rafting
• RainForest Tours
• Scuba
• Trekking
• Volunteering

Qualifications

* Good command of spoken, written English
* An understanding and interest in eco tourism and environmental/wildlife protection
* Initiative and ability to work independently
* Ability to go trekking on field trips
* Capable of living in remote villages and under simple conditions

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Program Fees Include:

- Arranging for volunteer placement
- Pre Departure Handbook Online
- 3 day in country volunteer orientation and training
- Accommodation at the placement, local host family
- Meals
- Local contact persons and support
- A certificate upon completion of volunteer assignment

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Independent, energetic and patient self starter who likes to work with people from other cultures and countries.

Age Range

20 plus

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays
• Other
• Group living

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

One - two weeks

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network
• Alumni Network

Open mind projects's Mission Statement

To bridge the knowledge divide between the rich and poor. We do this by helping the underprivileged gain access to better learning opportunities with the help of modern information technology and international volunteers; To contribute to the fight against increasing threats to our environment, nature, and wildlife; To offer international volunteers unique opportunities to help bridge knowledge divides and to help save nature, while growing as persons in our grassroots education and eco projects.

Year Founded

2001