Detours Abroad: Projects in Thailand

  Thailand

• All Other Areas in Thailand: 
Chiang Rai,  Mae Hong Son

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description: Conservation, Teaching English

There are several options for placements in Thailand.

Chiang Rai
Placements are available with the northern hill tribes of Thailand. This is a scenic area of Thailand, located in the hills. The placement is in the forest less than 30 minutes from Chiang Rai. People in this area are from Thai Karen, Lahu, Lanna and Akha tribes.

Volunteers work with a local Thai non-government organisation in the hills, helping the people in the area with issues such as poverty, unemployment and lack of Thai citizenship. There is a core of volunteer teachers and workers, all working toward this common goal.

Volunteers also teach basic English skills. The level of English is very poor so volunteers need to bring plenty of teaching aids and develop their own lesson plans. The aim of learning English is to increase opportunities for employment.

Mae Hong Son
Teaching and conservation placements are available. Volunteers stay in the small town of Pangmapa, just north of Pai in Mae Hong Son province. You will have the chance to visit the surrounding hill tribe villages whilst being involved in gibbon research and also teaching the local hill tribe kids. The gibbon is a rare ape found only in South East Asia and about which very little research has previously been done. The area is remote and surrounded by lush jungle, waterfalls and animals such as elephants, buffalo, deer and gibbons, as well as various hill tribe minority groups.

The local people are just learning to balance their traditional lifestyles with the modern world and you will help this process by teaching the young children, whilst assisting with the collection of data on the local gibbon population.

Chaiyaphum
Placements are available in a small village approximately 10km from a town called Chaiyaphum. Volunteers stay with local families. Most people in the village speak little English though everyone wants to learn. Volunteers usually spend 3 days a week in the high school and 2 days in the primary school. In the primary school, you have more freedom to plan your own lessons that should incorporate games, songs and fun. You need to organize your own lessons. The high school is about 3 km from the village, while the primary school is in the village. The high school has 800 students and class sizes are generally 35 to 40.

Highlights: Thailand has a huge amount to offer travellers from its exotic, historic culture to awesome natural beauty including scenic beaches, jungles and mountains peopled by isolated and colourful hill tribes. From Bangkok to the hill tribe districts, Thailand is a country full of surprises and delights - fantastic trekking, delicious food and amazing animals to name a few. The people are warm and friendly. Your contribution will be much appreciated.

Qualifications: Any special skills you have will be gladly received. It is essential to bring enthusiasm and an open mind. Bring a smile, commitment and a desire to meet the local people. The key to a successful volunteer experience is a desire to be involved.

Cost in US$: From $1850 for 4 weeks

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Detours Abroad's Mission Statement: Detours Abroad brings people and communities together by allowing travellers to immerse themselves in local communities where in turn they make a contribution through volunteering their services. Detours Abroad organises volunteer placements from 2-12 weeks in a variety of developing countries. These include Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Borneo, China, Peru and Ecuador. Volunteers assist in three areas - education, health and administration, community services including construction, care work and community development.

Year Founded: 1996