Description

We provide a four-step support to your volunteering ambitions. First your individualized placement in one of our projects. Volunteer work and our projects focus on education projects (computers/Internet and English) with children, teenagers, adults, sustainable community development/eco and culture tourism. Second an online orientation, information about education and eco tourism, wildlife conservation projects, pedagogical aspects, cultural norms, travel information, volunteering and teaching tips. Third an on site, after arrival practical (normally 3 day) orientation and training incl. language training.

Fourth a 24 hour telephone availability (with our English and Thai/Lao speaking contact persons) while you are in the country and regular field visits to project sites by our staff.

Volunteer stays range from 4-24 weeks. The fees for the second and following months are significantly reduced.

Highlights

Gain new culture and global perspectives in Open mind projects' volunteer program in Laos and Thailand. International volunteers work side-by-side with local people in locally designed and driven projects. You see the country through the eyes of local people. Open mind projects has received and welcomed hundreds of volunteers since its start in 2001.

Qualifications

No special skills or experience required. Only general computer literacy and good command of the English language.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

580 first month then reduced

Program Fees Include:

* Personalized Volunteer Placement in our projects, based on your skills and interests, including coordination and personal Open mind projects staff visits and communication necessary with each local organization and project.
* Open mind projects Houses in NongKhai and Satun, providing you with a simple but safe place to start your volunteering and to come back to on week ends if you want to.
* Meals
* Initial transportation to your placement
* Experienced European and local Openmind projects management and staff who will serve as your coordinator, guide, and liaison with our placement
* Initial in-country basic language assistance
* Professional, locally-based staff to provide orientation, supervision and guidance throughout your stay.
* Important documents, including pre-departure packs, orientation information, and in-country informational materials.
* In-coming international phone service at the Open mind projects Houses

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

While some of our projects may require certain skills or degrees, many projects are open to everyone. If you believe your skills may be meaningful and helpful then offer them! We want to provide meaningful placements for volunteers willing to help others and interested in learning about different life styles and conditions, and we believe that the most imortant skill required is a willingness to learn, adapt and an open mind.

Age Range

18 years plus

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 2-4

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

One - two weeks

Post Services Include

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

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