Description

Thailand is a popular and exhilarating country to volunteer abroad. Projects are available for anyone interested in volunteering in the developing world -- whether you are on a gap year, a summer internship, or a career break.

Projects Abroad Thailand is based in Ao Nang near Krabi, a one hour flight south of Bangkok on the Andaman Sea coast. This area is famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs. Volunteers can choose from Teaching, Care, and Conservation & Environment volunteer projects in Thailand and internships in Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy.

Most of our Teaching and Care projects are located in and around Krabi town and Ao Nang. We also have some Teaching and Care projects about two hours drive away in Phuket. All Teaching and Care volunteers live with local host families.

Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy interns also live with host families and are usually based in Krabi, Phuket, or Surat Thani, two hours from Krabi. Nursing interns are based in Surat Thani.

Conservation volunteers are based at our shared volunteer house just inland from Ao Nang.

Wherever you volunteer, other fellow Projects Abroad members and staff will be close by, creating a great volunteer spirit as well as a feeling of belonging to the local community. The friendliness of the Thai people is world-renowned, which you are sure to experience first hand (as well as some amazing food choices!). Many will want to practice speaking English with you, whether on the bus, at the market or on your walk home from work.

Thailand is a great introduction to South East Asia. It's a beautiful country where there is so much to see, including pristine beaches, exotic food and golden temples. Anyone doing international volunteer work in Thailand will have the chance to get beneath the country that tourists see and discover the incredibly friendly people and unique culture that define this beautiful place.

Unlike much of Asia, the West has never colonized Thailand. Consequently, Thai culture and deeply felt Buddhism are influential throughout the country; even amid the urban bustle and with the onslaught of tourism. Modern Thailand juxtaposes the influence of the West with its many ancient beliefs and is a fascinating place to experience while you are volunteering abroad.

Highlights

During the weekends or on days off, volunteers often choose to explore attractions in the surrounding region. Boats regularly leave from Krabi to Ko Phi Phi Island, famous location of the film, The Beach. There are numerous local activities, including rock climbing and elephant trekking as well as many beautiful beaches where you can relax, party, or take part in water sports. Plus, as the Conservation volunteers in Thailand quickly discover, the seas around Krabi are amazing for snorkeling and diving opportunities.

After finishing your international volunteer work in Thailand, you can choose to venture further a field. Travel within the country is simple and cheap. Popular trips include trekking in the northern jungles of Chiang Mai or relaxing and diving on the paradise islands of Koh Samui, Ko Pha Ngan or Ko Tao. You could always travel on through South East Asia, which can be done very cheaply by bus and train. Recently launched low cost airlines are tempting people to explore even more widely. Remember that however much of Thailand and South East Asia you see, it's unlikely to be enough!

Qualifications

None.

Intern Types

• Education
• Social Sciences
• Social Work

Languages

• English
• Thai

Cost in US$:

please go to our website for prices.

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The price of each placement includes all your food and accommodation, transfers to and from the airport, full travel and medical insurance plus support and 24 hour back-up from our staff based around the world.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Open-minded with a desire to travel.

Age Range

16-80

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 days

Post Services Include

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

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement

As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded

1992