Community Development Internship in Thailand

This is an excellent course that opened my eyes to several aspects and challenges of community development, as well as reinforced what I have previously learned during my public health education. It allowed me to think critically and reflect on, and even change, some of the views I had in regard to the use of donated funds and inequities in the current grant awarding processes. As a result of this course, I plan to spend more time listening to and involving members of the communities I am desiring to help when working on sustainable development interventions and rely less on my own ideas based on the assumptions or single stories I may have of the community I am helping. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone working or volunteering in community development (or even just in general to those open to thinking critically on how we perceive other communities outside of our own communities).

I learned an abundance about myself, what I wanted to do when I got home, and how I wanted to present myself in my community and in the world. In Phang Nga, I had no idea how much I'd grow as a person. I tested my strength, my comfort levels, and emotional maturity, as well as growing my passion to help others in whatever form they need it most.

I think the programme is great. But I think GVI is charging far too much money for their projects. As I joined the project before at a cheaper price I don’t think it’s fair to charge people a much higher amount for the same programme. Especially when they have to fund their own visa runs. I have many friends who chose not to return with me purely due to the price increase. I would not have returned if not for the ambassador scheme which has since been changed to only allow a smaller amount to used on projects. I also think more advise should be given on visa arrangements before hand with a rough price guide.