
<p class="p1"></p><p><b style="color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 21px; line-height: 1.5em;">What is your role with Friends for Asia and where are you based?</b><br></p><p class="p1">I lead the Medical Internship program. It&rsquo;s located in Chiangmai, Thailand.</p><div class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://www5.goabroad.com/images/interviews/friendsforasia1-1416964368.jpg" alt="Medical internship in Thailand"><div class="caption"><p>Medical internship in Thailand. Photo credit: <a href="http://www.volunteerthailand.org/projects/medical-internship/" data-contentlink="3787">Friends for Asia</a></p></div></div><h3 class="p1"><b>How many participants typically participate in Medical Internships in Thailand annually?</b></h3><p class="p1">There are about 60 participants per year.</p><h3 class="p1"><b>What requirements must participants meet to attend your internship programs?</b></h3><p class="p1">The participants have to have their degrees or be studying in Science or Medicine.</p><div class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 350px;"><img style="" src="http://www5.goabroad.com/images/interviews/friendsforasia3-1416963961.jpg" alt="Medical internship in Thailand"><div class="caption"><p>Local nurses in Thailand. Photo credit: <a href="http://www.volunteerthailand.org/projects/medical-internship/" data-contentlink="3788">Friends for Asia</a></p></div></div><h3 class="p1"><b>What makes Friends for Asia&rsquo;s Medical Internships ideal?</b></h3><p class="p1">Since we work with the high experiences, literate, and enthusiastic doctors who can communicate in English very well. The interns will gain a lot of knowledge and see many things that they&rsquo;ve never seen before, such as Caesarean section.</p><h3 class="p1"><b>How do you prepare for the arrival of new participants?</b></h3><p class="p1">The participants need to provide us their documents, which are an application form, CV, reference letter, letter of motivation, and department selection, one month prior to their arrival. Once we get all of those documents, we will contact the hospitals and place them in their interesting departments.</p><h3 class="p1"><b>What is a typical day like for a medical intern?</b></h3><p class="p1">The interns will follow the doctors and nurses to observe them interacting with the patients.</p><h3 class="p1"><b>How do you make sure participants know how to be safe in Thailand?</b></h3><p class="p1">We have the presentation about it during the orientation.</p><h3 class="p1"><b>How do you help participants learn about Thai culture and the work environment?</b></h3><p class="p1">We also have the presentation about it.</p><div class="awesome-image left-aligned" style="width: 370px;"><img style="" src="http://www5.goabroad.com/images/interviews/friendsforasia2-1416964064.jpg" alt="Interns on duty"><div class="caption"><p>Interns on duty. Photo credit: <a href="http://www.volunteerthailand.org/projects/medical-internship/" data-contentlink="3789">Friends for Asia</a></p></div></div><h3 class="p1"><b>What optional activities do you offer to participants in their free time?</b></h3><p class="p1">There are many excursions to do, such as White water rafting, Zip lining, Biking, and a Cooking course.</p><h3 class="p1"><b>How do you hope to continue expanding programs in the future?</b></h3><p>
















































</p><p class="p1">We&rsquo;ll ask the hospitals for more available departments to accept our future interns.</p><p><br></p>


Wanwisa “Imm” Sirikhampa

Wanwisa “Imm” Sirikhampa - Medical Internship Coordinator

Friends For Asia

<h3>What inspired you to go abroad?</h3><p>To travel with purpose. To offer something of myself to some small piece of the world and gain a memory and experience different from popping on and off a tour bus. I think I’m able to operate, at times, in the upper portion of Maslow’s Hierarchy… Transcendence. Give back and collect experiences, not things. </p><h3>Why did you choose GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization?</h3><p>I felt drawn to go to the Galápagos Islands. After teaching all my life, on this trip, I specifically wanted to work with animals. The GoEco website looked inviting so I mucked around in it and felt comfortable exploring the idea of going somewhere through them. I felt drawn to several of the programs and finally chose the Galápagos.</p><h3>What was your favorite part about your host country/city?</h3><p>I found the people to be warm and caring. They don’t have nearly the physical and material life I’m used to but the sense of community, the connectedness, the family, the happiness at every age was something to envy. I could walk in any direction and find the end of town within 15 minutes. Small by my standards but comforting and a wonderful realization about other peoples’ joys in life. </p><h3>What made your experience abroad extraordinary?</h3><p>Experiencing a new culture, new biome, new animals, meeting and making friends with folks from all over the world. By volunteering you get to immerse yourself in your chosen place in ways typical tourism can’t begin to offer. When I was inside the corral feeding the giant tortoises, I knew the tourists (or most of them)wished they were me!</p><h3>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h3><p>Our local staff was fine. I can’t say it was amazing. They supported the volunteers but it seemed to me and the volunteers I worked with that once we were set up, we only interacted with them on an as-needed basis. However, we were invited to participate in a local festival with the staff. That was very fun and allowed a little bit of connection. I wonder if we had not been part of the festival, would we have known the staff much at all.</p><h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?</h3><p>Gotten a better weather report prior to leaving and packed better. I wish I studied Spanish longer before my trip. My minimal Spanish was a hindrance. Thank God for translation apps! It was fun and funny to type and hand your phone to someone to read your meaning. But also a bit embarrassing to be in their world and not be able to speak their language. </p><h3>Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.</h3><p>Every day was a delicious breakfast with my host family. It was great that I was allowed to talk about my food preferences before I left with the GoEco staff. My host family was very attentive to my food needs and desires. That was greatly appreciated. Monday through Friday we worked from eight to noon. Sometimes the work was very rewarding and sometimes a little mundane. We worked in all sorts of weather conditions. It wouldn’t have been for the weak. We ate lunch (included) together in beautiful spots often along the beach. The rest of the day was ours to do what we pleased. Dinners were with our families. Weekends were completely free for investigating anything you wanted or nothing. </p><h3>What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?</h3><p>Swimming every day in the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Often with seal lions, penguins, pelicans, boobies, sea turtles and occasionally iguanas. Sometimes snorkeling sometimes not. Walking through town eating ice cream. Some side tours to see volcanoes, farms, more rugged habitats, renting bikes, making friends. </p><h3>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</h3><p>I lived with a family, but my room was separate and private with a private shower and toilet. My family was warm and accommodating and we enjoyed our time together including some extra time we spent because we wanted to. They did my laundry several times, which was very important due to the heat and rain. I really appreciate it ability to be private and resting or interacting as the day dictated.</p><h3>What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?</h3><p>Working at the giant tortoise breeding center in Isabella was an amazing experience. However, you are there as a helper. You get access to more of the facility than others, but you are really not working with tortoises directly other than feeding them and getting them clean water. There was a lot of time raking and landscaping to keep the grounds clean and beautiful so that paying tourist groups would have a great experience. It was not hard work but it was hot sometimes and rained sometimes. A volunteer should be physically ready for that sort of work. </p><h3>Would you recommend your program/provider to others? Why?</h3><p>I would recommend this to everyone who wants to help the world will be a better place. I would recommend it for people who want to experience South American culture. I would recommend it to people who like or want to experience tropical island living. I recommend it to people who love animals and want an up close ability to meet them in their natural habitat. For instance, while swimming on the beach, pelicans were fishing, literally next to us. One was so close to me that when it flew away, it’s wing grazed my face.</p><h3>What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?</h3><p>I have never done tour bus travel, and I never will. My foreign travel has always been with purpose. I believe, staying in one spot, even for a few weeks, allows for a better and bigger growth experience. I’ve seen castles and cathedrals and works of art enough to know that, given a choice, I’d rather get to know the people and see everyday living. Volunteering, as a component of travel, help me feel like I make a difference.</p><h3>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</h3><p>I’m still sorting that out. As with all my travel and volunteer experiences, I feel wiser, more cosmopolitan, more adaptable, more valuable, and more comfortable with myself… That my time on the planet is, in some small way, making it better as well as myself. There is something (secretly) elevating about volunteering and staying put while you do it. It’s difficult not to brag about what you’ve done. I hope I’m getting better at explaining without putting on airs. </p><h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3><p>The place I visited is hopefully better. The “me” I bring home is hopefully better. They say tech technology is making the world smaller. That is absolutely true. But more importantly, being a great ambassador for yourself and your nation is very meaningful to make our shrinking world a happier world. </p>

Larry Webber

<h3>What inspired you to go abroad?</h3><p>I was inspired to go abroad because I wanted to experience a different culture, meet new people, and do something meaningful outside of my everyday routine. I was drawn to the opportunity to immerse myself in a new community, learn from the people around me, and make a positive impact while gaining a new perspective on the world.</p><h3>Why did you choose Give and Surf?</h3><p>I chose Give & Surf because I wanted an experience that combined travel, cultural immersion, and giving back to the local community. I was drawn to its mission of supporting education and community development in Bocas del Toro, Panama, and loved the idea of being able to make a meaningful contribution while learning from the people and culture around me.</p><h3>What was your favorite part about your host country/city?</h3><p>My favorite part of Bocas del Toro was the combination of its natural beauty and the welcoming local community. The beautiful beaches, clear turquoise water, and laid-back island atmosphere made it such a special place to explore. What made it even more memorable was getting to connect with the local people and experience the culture beyond just being a tourist.</p><h3>What made your experience abroad extraordinary?</h3><p>What made my experience abroad truly extraordinary was the relationships I built, especially my connection with Bahía Roja and Marialena, one of the teachers who has become like a sister to me over the past 10 years. What started as an experience abroad turned into a lifelong bond that has kept me connected to the community long after my time there. Being able to build such a meaningful relationship, watch it grow over the years, and know that a place so far from home will always hold a special place in my heart is something I will always treasure. Give & Surf gave me so much more than a travel experience — it gave me a second home and relationships that have lasted a lifetime.</p><h3>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h3><p>The local staff made my experience incredibly special. Marialena and Vanessa were so welcoming, supportive, and dedicated to the community. Marialena, in particular, has become like a sister to me over the past 10 years, and my relationship with her is one of the most meaningful things I have taken away from my time with Give & Surf. Both teachers helped me feel connected to the community in a way that went far beyond the program itself. Emily Talentino, the executive director, was also wonderful. She was organized, thoughtful, and consistently checked in to make sure everything was going well and that I felt supported throughout the experience. It was clear how much everyone cared about the volunteers, the students, and the community. Their kindness and commitment are a huge part of why Give & Surf has remained so meaningful to me over the years.</p><h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?</h3><p>I wish I had stayed longer during my first trip so I could have more fully immersed myself in the language and culture. I would have loved to become more confident speaking Spanish and communicating with the local community in their native language. Building those connections was such a meaningful part of my experience, and I know that having more time to practice the language would have made those relationships even stronger from the very beginning.</p><h3>Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.</h3><p>A typical day in Bocas del Toro started with waking up at the volunteer house and cooking breakfast together before waiting for Eddy, our boat driver, to pick us up. We would travel by boat through the beautiful mangroves to Bahía Roja, where the school was located, and spend the morning with the students and teachers. After a morning snack and time at the school, we would head to Bastimentos for lunch at a local Afro-Caribbean restaurant. Afternoons brought new adventures, whether it was surfing, exploring the beaches, or visiting the after-school center in Bastimentos. Every day was a mix of meaningful work, cultural immersion, and exploring the incredible islands. Some of my favorite moments were the simple ones — sharing meals, laughing with the kids, spending time with the teachers, and getting to know the local community. It was a lifestyle that allowed me to connect with the people and the place in a way that went far beyond a typical trip abroad.</p><h3>What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?</h3><p>During my free time, I loved exploring the islands of Bocas del Toro, spending time at the beach, surfing, and enjoying the beautiful Caribbean water. I also loved trying local food, getting to know the culture, and spending time with the other volunteers. Some of the most meaningful moments, though, were the times I spent with the local community outside of the school day. Over time, the people I met became so much more than friends, and those everyday experiences helped Bocas del Toro feel like a second home.</p><h3>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</h3><p>I stayed in a volunteer house with the other volunteers, which quickly became a home away from home. I loved the communal atmosphere — waking up together, cooking breakfast, sharing meals, and spending time together after a day at the school. It was a great way to bond with the other volunteers and share the experience of living in Bocas del Toro. Some of my favorite memories came from the everyday moments at the house, and I loved how it brought everyone together and made the experience feel like a little family.</p><h3>What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?</h3><p>Go into the experience with an open mind, be flexible, and be ready to step outside your comfort zone. Life in Bocas del Toro is different from what you may be used to, and that is part of what makes it so special. Embrace the local culture, try to learn some Spanish, build relationships with the community, and be present for the little moments. Give & Surf is so much more than volunteering abroad — it is an opportunity to form genuine connections that can last a lifetime.</p><h3>Would you recommend your program/provider to others? Why?</h3><p>Absolutely! I would recommend Give & Surf to anyone looking for a meaningful experience abroad that goes beyond typical travel. The program provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, contribute to the community, and build genuine relationships with the people you meet. The staff are incredibly supportive, and the experience is so much more than volunteering — it is about becoming part of a community. Ten years later, my relationships with people in Bahía Roja, especially Marialena, are still such an important part of my life. Give & Surf gave me a second home in Bocas del Toro, and I couldn't recommend it more highly to anyone looking for an experience that will stay with them long after they return home.</p><h3>What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?</h3><p>I think the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is gaining a new perspective on the world and realizing how much you can learn from people whose lives and experiences are different from your own. It pushes you outside your comfort zone, teaches you to appreciate different cultures, and helps you build connections that you might never have made otherwise. For me, my time with Give & Surf in Bocas del Toro was especially meaningful because the relationships I built have lasted far beyond my trip. Ten years later, I still have a deep connection to the community and consider it a second home. Traveling abroad showed me that the greatest memories aren't always the places you visit, but the people you meet and the relationships that stay with you long after you return home.</p><h3>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</h3><p>My time with Give & Surf had a lasting impact on my life because it gave me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone and travel to other countries on my own. It showed me that I didn't need to wait for someone else to join me to explore the world and have meaningful experiences. I became more independent, open-minded, and comfortable navigating unfamiliar places and cultures. That first experience abroad gave me the confidence to keep seeking out new adventures, meeting people from different backgrounds, and embracing the unknown. Beyond the incredible relationships I built in Bocas del Toro, one of the greatest things I took away was the confidence to put myself out there and continue exploring the world on my own.</p><h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3><p>Meaningful travel, to me, is about connecting with people and a place on a deeper level than simply visiting as a tourist. It's about immersing yourself in a different culture, stepping outside your comfort zone, and learning from people whose lives and experiences are different from your own. My experience with Give & Surf taught me that some of the most valuable parts of traveling are the relationships you build and the perspective you gain along the way. Meaningful travel is about being open to new experiences, making genuine connections, and returning home with a broader understanding of the world and yourself.</p>

Georgie Garner

<h3>What inspired you to go abroad?</h3>
<p>I was inspired to go abroad because I wanted to step outside my comfort zone, discover a new culture, and gain experiences that would help me grow as a person. I wanted to meet people from different backgrounds, learn about their daily lives, and contribute to a local community in a meaningful way. Volunteering abroad also appealed to me because I could combine my interest in education with the opportunity to make connections, learn new perspectives, and create memories that would stay with me long after returning home.</p>
<h3>Why did you choose Future For Africa?</h3>
<p>I chose Future For Africa and the School Teaching Assistant program because I wanted an experience that combined volunteering, education, and cultural exchange. I liked the idea of supporting teachers and helping students with their learning while becoming part of a community different from my own. I also wanted to understand the local education system and discover how teachers and students work together in a different cultural setting. The program seemed like a meaningful way to contribute my time, develop new skills, and learn through real-life experiences rather than simply visiting a country as a tourist.</p>
<h3>What was your favorite part about your host country/city?</h3>
<p>My favorite part about my host country was the opportunity to experience everyday life and connect with people in a way that would not have been possible during a regular holiday. I enjoyed discovering local traditions, learning about cultural values, and seeing how people came together within their communities. The warmth of the people and the opportunity to experience a different way of life made the experience especially memorable. I appreciated being able to learn through conversations, shared experiences, and daily interactions, which helped me develop a deeper appreciation for the country's culture and community.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered"><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1/images2/interviews/tv9juu3dre5tskuhjwlp.jpg" alt="Festival"><div class="caption"><p>Festival</p></div></div>
<h3>What made your experience abroad extraordinary?</h3>
<p>What made my experience abroad extraordinary was the combination of volunteering, cultural discovery, and personal growth. Being involved in a school environment allowed me to connect with students and teachers while gaining a better understanding of the importance of education and community support. Every day offered opportunities to learn something new, challenge my assumptions, and appreciate different perspectives. The experience reminded me that traveling is not only about seeing new places but also about building relationships, being open to unfamiliar situations, and learning from the people around you. I returned with memories and lessons that went beyond sightseeing.</p>
<h3>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h3>
<p>The local staff played an important role in helping me adjust to the new environment and understand the expectations of the School Teaching Assistant program. Having people available to provide guidance and answer questions made it easier to become familiar with the local culture and the school setting. Their knowledge of the community helped me better understand local customs and the importance of approaching my volunteer role with respect, patience, and an open mind. Support from local staff is valuable when volunteering abroad because it helps participants feel more comfortable, learn from local perspectives, and make the most of their experience.</p>
<h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?</h3>
<p>If I could change one thing about my experience, I would make an even greater effort to explore the local community and take part in more activities outside my regular volunteering schedule. When traveling abroad, it can be easy to focus on your daily responsibilities and forget how many opportunities there are to learn beyond the program itself. I would have loved to spend more time speaking with local people, learning more about traditions, and documenting the small everyday moments. The experience taught me to make the most of every opportunity, remain curious, and appreciate each moment instead of worrying too much about what comes next.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered"><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1/images2/interviews/i37wqfundgg7meqxvle8.jpg" alt="Weekend Trip"><div class="caption"><p>Weekend Trip</p></div></div>
<h3>Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.</h3>
<p>A typical day during my time abroad involved preparing for the day, traveling to my volunteer placement, and supporting teachers and students with classroom activities. As a School Teaching Assistant, I was able to experience the school environment and learn more about the role education plays in the community. Throughout the day, I focused on being helpful, patient, and open to learning from the teachers and students around me. After my volunteering responsibilities, I could reflect on the day's experiences, enjoy my surroundings, and learn more about the local culture. Each day brought something new to appreciate and remember.</p>
<h3>What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?</h3>
<p>During my free time abroad, I enjoyed the opportunity to discover the local culture and experience life outside the classroom. I appreciated exploring my surroundings, trying local food, learning about traditions, and interacting with people from the community. I also enjoyed having time to reflect on the day's experiences and appreciate how much I was learning from being in a different environment. For me, free time was an important part of the cultural exchange because it allowed me to see another side of the country, develop a deeper connection with the place, and create memories beyond my volunteering responsibilities.</p>
<h3>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</h3>
<p>My accommodation was an important part of my experience abroad because it gave me a place to relax, recharge, and reflect after my volunteering activities. What I valued most was the opportunity to settle into a different environment and experience aspects of daily life that were different from what I was used to at home. Living abroad helped me become more adaptable and appreciate the importance of being respectful of local customs and routines. The accommodation also formed part of the overall cultural experience, reminding me that meaningful travel involves adapting to new surroundings and learning to feel comfortable outside your usual environment.</p>
<h3>What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?</h3>
<p>One thing every future participant should know is the importance of arriving with an open mind, realistic expectations, and a willingness to adapt. Volunteering in a school is not just about helping with classroom activities; it is also about listening to local teachers, respecting the existing education system, and understanding the needs of the students. Cultural differences may take some time to adjust to, but they are an important part of the learning experience. I would encourage future participants to be patient, ask questions, take initiative when appropriate, and remember that the experience is just as much about learning from the community as it is about contributing to it.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered"><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1/images2/interviews/dvohpc0qarmfvz1b3ktc.jpg" alt="Waterfall"><div class="caption"><p>Waterfall</p></div></div>
<h3>Would you recommend your program/provider to others? Why?</h3>
<p>I would recommend considering Future For Africa's School Teaching Assistant program to anyone interested in combining volunteering with cultural exchange and personal development. It offers the opportunity to experience a different educational environment, connect with a local community, and learn valuable lessons about communication, adaptability, and teamwork. For anyone who wants to go beyond traditional tourism, a program like this can provide a more personal understanding of the destination and its people. I would encourage future participants to research the program carefully, communicate their expectations, and arrive ready to learn, contribute respectfully, and make the most of their time abroad.</p>
<h3>What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?</h3>
<p>I believe the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is the opportunity to see the world from perspectives different from your own. Living and volunteering in another country challenges you to adapt, communicate with people from different backgrounds, and question assumptions you may not even realize you have. It also helps you develop independence, patience, and a greater appreciation for cultural differences. Through experiences such as volunteering in a school, you can build meaningful connections and learn lessons that cannot always be gained from books or online research. Traveling abroad encourages personal growth and reminds us how much we can learn from one another.</p>
<h3>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</h3>
<p>Since returning home, my experience abroad has encouraged me to be more open-minded, adaptable, and appreciative of different cultures. It helped me understand that people may have different lifestyles, traditions, and resources while sharing many of the same hopes and values. My time volunteering in a school also strengthened my appreciation for education, community involvement, and the people who dedicate themselves to helping others learn. Looking back, I see the experience as more than a trip; it was an opportunity to challenge myself, develop a broader worldview, and gain memories and lessons that continue to influence how I approach new people and situations.</p>
<h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3>
<p>To me, meaningful travel means going beyond visiting famous attractions and taking the time to understand the people, culture, and everyday life of a destination. It means approaching new experiences with curiosity, humility, and respect while recognizing that you are a guest in someone else's community. Volunteering abroad can make travel more meaningful by creating opportunities to build relationships, learn from local people, and contribute responsibly. I believe the most valuable travel experiences are not measured by the number of places you visit but by the lessons you learn, the connections you make, and the way your perspective changes after experiencing life outside your comfort zone.</p>

Staff Interview with Wanwisa “Imm” Sirikhampa

Get to know Friends For Asia's staff!

How many participants typically participate in Medical Internships in Thailand annually?

What requirements must participants meet to attend your internship programs?

What makes Friends for Asia’s Medical Internships ideal?

How do you prepare for the arrival of new participants?

What is a typical day like for a medical intern?

How do you make sure participants know how to be safe in Thailand?

How do you help participants learn about Thai culture and the work environment?

What optional activities do you offer to participants in their free time?

How do you hope to continue expanding programs in the future?

Wanwisa “Imm” Sirikhampa

Recent Interviews