Helping Orphans in Northern Thailand

  Thailand

• All Other Areas in Thailand: 
Chiang Rai

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: 2nd Monday of each month.

Description: Baan Kru Mookda is the residence for 29 children ranging in age from 8 to 17. This project was established in 1989 to provide accommodation, education, and a better quality of life for local children and children from nearby mountain tribes whose families are unable to support them through high school.

The children who live at Baan Kru Mookda attend a nearby school during the day. After school the children return to Baan Kru Mookda and finish their homework and then have time free for other activities including soccer, local games, or fishing. In the evenings there may be additional group activities or tutoring.

Volunteers are very active in the day to day activities of the children at Baan Kru Mookda. They teach conversational English to students at the school as well as at Baan Kru Mookda. They look after and treat children as another member of the family, while acting as a suitable role model, counselor and cultural ambassador. Volunteers also help arrange camp and recreation activities related to camping.

Location: Baan Kru Moodka is located in the Kod Kham Thai district of Phayao province in northern Thailand. It is a rural area about 45 km outside of the town of Phayao, which is just two hours south of Chiang Rai and three hours east of Chiang Mai.

Highlights: The benefits of this project are great: teaching English to underprivileged Thai children; an exchange of culture and cultural differences; learning Thai northern rural community living and ways of life.

Cultural Activities: Excursions may include Ko Samet (beach), Chaing Mai or Chaing Rai to go mountain hiking or rafting, and to Bangkok for shopping and nightlife. 3 nights in Chaing Rai, accommodation and meals are included.

Orientation is in Bangkok and includes 3 days of orientation and language training and a free day in Bangkok. Sightseeing includes Wat Pra Keaw and Bangkok landmarks. Accommodation and meals are provided during the entire program and on orientation.

Qualifications: Physically able to walk long distance or ride bikes. 18 years and above.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: $1230 for 4 weeks. Please visit our website for additional information.

Other Services Included: 3 days of orientation in Bangkok and a free day. Bus transportation to Chiang Mai, 3 nights there with accommodation, meals and tours and transportation to the orphanage.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: The typical volunteer at Baan Kru Mookda is very young (18-25). It is possible an older volunteer would find this project of interest, but the toilet facilities and actual lodging (hut) may make the experience more challenging. As long as you can walk 1/2 mile to school and then back to the orphanage each day, age is not a factor.

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad

GeoVisions's Mission Statement: GeoVisions is committed to help individuals develop global skills to succeed in the twenty-first century. These skills will ultimately lead to greater cooperation and understanding among nations and peoples of the world. We are committed to treating every person on a GeoVisions program with respect, and devoting our energies to helping participants meet their individual and collective goals.

Year Founded: 2001