Description

Job Description: A wide variety of opportunities are available. In-school activities include teaching life skills, art, crafts, music, dance, theater, computer instruction, reading, photography, cooking (by and for children), and, of course, English language communication for young but quick-learning and enthusiastic non-speakers of English. Potential out-of-school activities for children include formulating games, teaching swimming and sports, nature walks, gardening, leading excursions and a lot of playing with kids. Other related activities could include trips to identify new students and community service. The school could use assistance in curriculum and teaching material development, in developing brochures in Thai and English explaining its activities and philosophy and in developing multi-media (video, photography, computer learning) instructional presentations and in developing a Web site.

The volunteers or interns will have approximately two days off per week with the opportunity to spend that time at our site in the city of Chiangmai or elsewhere; however, the interns are likely to be busy on some weekends and evenings conducting activities for children.

Additional Information: An interview that will usually be in person, by telephone or through e-mails is required before accepting direct formal applications. The Starfish Country Home School has a Child Protection Policy that is enforced. Certification of non-involvement in criminal activities may be required.

Start Date: Because the Starfish Country Home School operates continuously, the starting date is open, provided that there are positions available.

Duration: Minimum 3 months commitment; 6 months or more preferred

Number of Positions: up to 2 at a given time.

Compensation: The Starfish Country Home School will provide the volunteer or intern with housing in a modern room with a private bathroom. Food will be served communally. Volunteers and interns who stay a full year will receive reimbursement for the initial costs of Thai visas and Thai work permits after one full year of service.

Accommodation: Room and board provided by the Starfish Country Home School.

Highlights

The Starfish Country Home School opened in July 2005. Its site is that of a former luxury resort about 45 km (27 miles) from Chiangmai on ~30 rai (~12 acres) of landscaped or wooded land adjacent to the Mae Ping (river). The property currently has a large new school, 49 sleeping rooms and an attractive large main building in the Lanna style with restaurant facilities, tennis court and two swimming pools. It has a new building for staff housing.

The Starfish Country Home School is a free alternative school and home for very needy children age three to 12. The school expects to retain and support most of these children through high school. Its early childhood education curriculum is principally based on alternative learning philosophies. Unlike a Thai international school, the school endeavors to be completely bilingual in Thai and English; it will emphasize both creativity and academics. Classes are taught by Thai- or English-speaking teachers, with assistance from staff and interns. Because the school is residential, sessions are held year around, with almost daily academic and non-academic learning activities. The school has a total of about 77 students in nine classes.

Location: About eight kilometers (five miles) from Mae Taeng, which is about 45 km (27 miles) north of the city of Chiangmai in northern Thailand.

About Chiangmai and Chiangmai province: The city of Chiangmai is the second largest city in Thailand, with a population of over one million inhabitants. Chiangmai province is a large province toward the border with Burma with a diverse landscape of flat rice-growing lands, rivers, mountains and heavily forested areas. It is also extremely diverse culturally, with a high population of indigenous people ('hill tribes'). It is a very popular tourist destination.

About the Richard P. Haugland Foundation: The Richard P. Haugland Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) foundation located in Eugene, OR. Its funds all come from its founder, Dr. Richard P. Haugland, who is usually resident at the Starfish Country Home School while in Thailand. The Richard P. Haugland Foundation funds both the Starfish Country Home School Foundation (of Thailand) and the StarFire Flower Foundation (of Thailand). The StarFire Flower Foundation (of Thailand) supports volunteer activities at other locations in Thailand and financially supports several other charitable, educational and medical projects in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, India and Burma. The Starfish Country Home School Foundation also operates the Starfish Homes for needy children in the cities of Chiangmai and Chiangrai. Those programs also accept volunteers and interns.

Qualifications

The volunteer or intern must be a mature person who can function in a different culture and contribute to the welfare of the children and program.

Minimum Education

Bachelors

Intern Types

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

The costs of travel, visas and work permits (partially reimbursable)

Salary/Pay

Free accommodations in a private, air-conditioned room and free food served communally.

Experience Required

yes

Experience as a teacher or with children as a voluneer is preferred

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

We have had volunteers from age 20 to 63. Most have been university students who have finished their degrees.

Age Range

20-80

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Other
• Resume
• Written Application
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 month

Starfish Country Home School Foundation's Mission Statement

The Starfish Country Home School will provide a quality education and living environment for all of its students so that they can lead a happy and productive lives. Academic excellence, individual creativity, personal responsibility and concern for others and for the environment are our goals.

Year Founded

2005