Starfish Country Home School Foundation

  Thailand

• Chiang Mai: 
Chiang Mai

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 3-6 months, 7-12 months, 1-2 years and over 2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: Open

Description: Job Description: A wide variety of opportunities are available. In-school activities include teaching life skills, art, crafts, music, dance, 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 out site in the city of Chiangmai or elsewhere; however, the interns may be busy 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. 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 4.

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. In addition, the Starfish Country Home School Foundation will provide volunteers and interns a monthly stipend of 4000 Thai baht (about US $130) to support incidental costs. Volunteers and interns will receive reimbursement for the initial costs of visas and work permits after six months of service. Volunteers and interns will receive up to US$800 to reimburse travel costs and $200 for personal medical insurance costs after 12 months of service.

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

International travel: Provided that the volunteer or intern has worked full time at least 12 months at the site, the Starfish Country Home School Foundation will reimburse $800 to cover part of the cost of a round-trip coach fare from the US or Europe to Chiangmai.

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 25 rai (~10 acres) of landscaped or wooded land adjacent to the Mae Ping (river). The property currently has 34 sleeping rooms, four classrooms and an attractive large main building in the Lanna style with restaurant facilities, tennis court and two swimming pools. A large new school is being constructed.

The Starfish Country Home School is a free alternative school and 'orphanage' for very needy children age three to nine. 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.

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, Vietnam and Burma. The Starfish Country Home School Foundation also operates the Starfish Home for needy children in the city of Chiangmai. That program also accepts 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: High School

Cost in US$: Free

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: We have had volunteers from age 20 to 63. Most have been university students finishing their degrees.

Age Range: 20-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

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

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