Discover Thailand - Travel, Volunteer and Cultural Exchange

  Thailand

• Bangkok: 
Bangkok

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: All year round. Program Starts every 1st Monday of each month. Min. 4 wks. Max. 6 mos.

Description: Cultural Embrace partners with local humanitarian organizations to share knowledge about the people and cultures of Thailand. Our goals are to immerse you with the communities that you are visiting, and to provide a cultural exchange between you and the local people. You will spend at least a month to become more familiar with this fascinating destination.

Discover how the people live, and learn what their culture is all about, while you provide a service to the at-need communities. Most of our projects and activities will take place in Singburi, Thailand, about two and a half hours from Bangkok. Opt to teach English or assist at a local orphanage. Projects have been selected in the Southern and Central regions of Thailand, with great travel opportunities for you to enjoy the diverse and beautiful environments this country has to offer. By contributing your time, energy, and passion to others, you can return the smiles back to the Thai communities and gain an invaluable experience.

Orientation week
The first week is dedicated for you to get to know Thailand, and to meet the other participants of the program. During this time you will engage in the following activities: learn about Thai culture, Thai language, and take cooking lessons; visit local sites such as: the famous Buddhist Temple: Wat Pharanon Jaksi, the old capital of Ayutthaya (including a visit to the elephant village) Lopburi's museum, and pagoda, and a cruise along the Chaopraya river.

After your week of orientation, you will have the option of choosing from the following options. Programs may be combined or extended for additional weeks.

Option 1: Volunteering
If you are interested in volunteering during your time in Thailand, Cultural Embrace can organize week-long projects to: teach/tutor English, work on environmental/eco projects in the forest and hillside, provide assistance at local orphanages, or volunteer at hilltribe villages. Please note that the hilltribe volunteering option is offered in two-week increments, while all other projects can be organized for a minimum of one week.

Option 2: Thai Culture
Thailand is rich in history and culture, and now is your chance to learn and improve your skills for the following activities: Buddhism, Muy Thai boxing, or eco-tours. Or opt to go on a trek through the hilltribe villages or jungle, which will give you a first-hand look at how many Thai minorities live and how pristine and beautiful these areas are.

Option 3: Work with Elephants
During this week, you will be able to help the mahouts (elephant trainers) at the elephant sanctuary as they take care of the elephants and join them for their daily exercises.   You will also learn about the place of elephants in the culture in Thailand, their needs and the social problems involved. Daily chores include washing and feeding the elephants, learning some gardening and working with the people of the center.

Option 4: Trekking

This week is spent trekking in the jungle & rainforest of the Phutoei National Park, a lush park not often visited by other tourists. The week also includes the change to experience the different lifestyle of a nearby hilltribe village. This will be a unique experience: you will be roughing it in beautiful surroundings, surviving with just the basics, while experiencing a side of Thailand that many tourists never get the opportunity to see.

Highlights:
- Program Placement Prior to Departure
Cultural Embrace pre-arranges your complete program before you leave home to ensure an easy and hassle-free transition to your new life abroad.
- Room & Board
All accommodations and meals are included during the program. Housing will be located at either host family or volunteer sites. Your first night of arrival will include one night's accommodation in a standard hotel in Bangkok.
- Arrival Assistance
An airport pick-up and transfer to a standard hotel in Bangkok will be included upon arrival.   
- Arrival Orientation
A one-week all-inclusive comprehensive orientation will be included. The orientation introduces the local community, Thai cultures, basic Thai language, and Thai cuisines/cooking.
- Excursions and Activities
Enjoy a variety of activities and visit local sites in this beautiful country. Learn to cook, meditate, speak and perform like the locals. And experience it through the city, rural, rainforest and beach environments.
- Visa Assistance
Cultural Embrace will assist you with the information to obtain a visa, but we have no control nor the ability to guarantee of government issuances and visa availability.
- Traveler's Medical Insurance
Cultural Embrace includes a comprehensive international health insurance during your time on our program.   
- Cultural Embrace Kit
Useful tips, advice, and information to prepare you for the amazing adventure of living and working abroad.
- Full-time Representation
Cultural Embrace provides representation in the United States and Thailand.

Qualifications:
- A first-hand and authentic experience to see and improve Thailand
- A broader perspective on world views
- A chance to learn the Thai's lifestyles and community initiatives as well as other cultural activities (ie: language, crafts, dance, etc)
- Memorable experiences while traveling and seeing exotic sites
- Lifelong friends from all around the globe
- International work and cultural experiences that strengthens your resume
- Support and development of self-confidence and personal skills

Cost in US$: From 930 for 2 weeks

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Volunteers must be at least the age of 18. Or, if younger than 18, you must have parental or guardian consent. Minimum commitment of 4 weeks, maximum 6 months. Enjoy working and serving others in an underprivileged and struggling environment. Open to foreign cultures and living abroad. Responsible and dedicated to full-term of commitment.

Age Range: 18-70 years old; minors require adult consent

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

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
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

Cultural Embrace's Mission Statement: Our mission is to encourage people to recognize and appreciate cultural diversity. We believe that visiting a place firsthand allows one to truly experience the authenticity of a culture and develop his/her own impressions. Our goals are to provide quality service and opportunities for people to explore their world and enlighten their eyes, mind and heart. Traveling is a reciprocated flow of communication and interaction between people...the more you seek, the more you learn. "Discover the Similarities - Share the Differences"