"Discover Thailand" - Inclusive Volunteer Programs with the Int'l Internship & Volunteer Network

  Thailand

Rural Areas

Term: Throughout the year 
Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Programs begin weekly, year round. Participants may extend their program for a maximum of 6 months at an additional fee.

Description: Thailand is not only one of the most famous tourist destinations, but also one of the most exciting countries in the world! Here you can experience the agitation of the city life as well as the serenity and tranquility of some of the most spectacular remote islands in the world. Be immersed in the culture, lifestyle, language, food, traditions and customs during our "Discover Thailand" program in Singburi.

Week 1 - Orientation: The Orientation is the first step for a successful stay in Thailand! Therefore, the first week is dedicated to getting to know the country and meeting other participants. A sample of the things you will learn about include the Thai culture, language lessons, cooking lessons, visit the famous Buddhist Temple: Wat Phranon Jaksi, the old capital of Ayutthaya (including visit to the elephant village), Lopburi's museum and pagoda, and a cruise along the Chaopraya river. You will also have time to meet the local people, taste the food and learn about the Thai customs.

Week 2 - Thai Traditional Culture: During this week, you will have the opportunity to get to know more about Thai Buddhism: You will get the chance to practice meditation and chanting together with local monks in a quiet and spiritual environment. You will also visit the Bueng Chawak Zoo and Suphanburi, where you will learn about traditional Thai pottery, called Benjarong.

Week 3 - Volunteer at a Teaching Project: Participants will be placed in a home stay family near the school, where you will volunteer during the week.   Volunteers are invited to teach English in a creative way to the local children. Volunteers should have a good level of conversational English and some knowledge and prior experience in teaching are highly appreciate, but not required. The most important thing is to always shave a very good humor! You have to enjoy being surrounded by children as you will have to experience this situation on a daily basis.

The mission of this project is to: To give you an insight into the Thai education system; To help children in rural Thai areas to practice English; Interact with the children and motivate them to learn; To provide participants with an opportunity to make real friends among (young) student and teachers.

Week 4 - Holiday Week at Koh Samet Island:   As everybody knows, Thailand has some of the finest beaches and weather in the world! You will have the opportunity to enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches in the Gulf of Thailand, with free time for relaxing, reading, snorkeling and swimming or anything else you wish. You will also go on a boat trip, in which you will have the opportunity to snorkel, fish and sightsee around the island.

Highlights: This is a program that, in addition to the standard IIVN Program inclusions, also includes all accommodations, meals and a variety of planned activities!

Additional highlights may be experienced during Week 4, Holiday Week at Koh Samet Island:   As everybody knows, Thailand has some of the finest beaches and weather in the world! You will have the opportunity to enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches in the Gulf of Thailand, with free time for relaxing, reading, snorkeling and swimming or anything else you wish. You will also go on a boat trip, in which you will have the opportunity to snorkel, fish and sightsee around the island.

Qualifications: Applicants for each program must: Be at least 18+ years of age by start date of program. No one is too old to participate!; Present current Resume or Curriculum Vitae, Motivation Letter and two Referrals for program participation; Internship candidates must be currently enrolled in, or a graduate of, an approved higher education institution; Internship candidates must present a Transcript or Certificates of study related to the occupational category they are applying for; Volunteer candidates must have a strong desire to contribute to the betterment of society and help those less fortunate, including women, children, the homeless and ailing; All participants must speak fluent English. In some cases, Internship candidates must have an intermediate+ conversation level of the language of the host Country they desire to visit. Volunteer participants are not required to speak the language of the host country they are visiting; Be enthusiastic, self-motivated, dependable, flexible, open-minded and eager to experience new cultures; Be committed to the entire duration of the project selected; Have a valid e-mail address throughout the duration of their program.

Applicants must be aware that the programs are a personal & professional growth/training experience that will be useful for future development, and their placement may not be at a managerial or senior level.

Participants should not try to use their program participation as a step to getting hired permanently by the Host Employer/Association, as this may lead to disappointment and may violate government regulations.

Minimum Education: Associates

Cost in US$: Independent Programs=$1650.00; Pre-Med and Inclusive Volunteer Programs =$1950.00; Premier Program Fee varies based on country and program selected.

Inclusive Volunteer Programs - $1950.00 USD: Inclusive Programs are based on a duration of 4 weeks. Programs may be extended at an additional cost of $200.00 USD per week.

Pre-Med Programs - $1950.00 USD: Our Pre-Med Programs are ideal for individuals looking to add an international medical component to their resume, in an effort to gain acceptance into a graduate program, or further enhance their medical training & exposure. Our Pre-Med programs offer hands-on, shadowing and field work experiences in a wide variety of medical arenas; including pediatrics, emergency, trauma care, maternity, nursing, physical therapy, public health, psychology and many more.   Programs are customized for mature, self sufficient, professional individuals who do not require hand holding and planned social activities.

Premier Programs - *Fee varies based on Program Selected: Premier Programs are offered in many exotic locations and countries worldwide. They include a variety of inclusive packages in a wide array of professional fields.

All IIVN Program Fees are calculated to provide participants with the highest level of quality and service and include the following:

- IIVN Application Fee of $175.00 USD;
- IIVN Commitment to ensuring that every participant is provided with the highest level of personal attention and service.

- Accommodations:
* Independent & Pre-Med Programs - although housing is not included in our independent & pre-med programs, we are happy to provide resources and recommendations for options that are affordable, safe and in an area convenient to your placement location;
* Inclusive Volunteer Programs - all housing is included throughout the duration of our inclusive programs and may include one or a combination of the following; home stay, volunteer house, community living and city hotels* (*during the Holiday week);
* Premier Programs - Housing options vary based on country and project selected.

- Meals:
* Independent & Pre-Med Programs - independent & pre-med program participants will be on their own for all meals;
* Inclusive Volunteer Programs - The majority of meals are included throughout the duration of our inclusive volunteer programs. Participants may enjoy traditional meals prepared by host families, project staff, or on a rotating basis by the participants themselves;
* Premier Programs - The number of meals offered vary based on country and project selected.

- Ground Transportation:
* Independent & Pre-Med Programs - We are pleased to provide all participants with transportation to/from the airport of the host country to their housing location;
* Inclusive Volunteer Programs - Ground transportation will be provided for all inclusive volunteer program participants to/from the airport, to/from project sites/housing and to all planned sightseeing & social activities. Participants will be on their own for any transportation outside of those noted;
* Premier Programs - Ground transportation will be provided for all premier program participants to/from the airport. Additional transportation offered will vary, based on country and project selected.

- Arrival Orientation:
All Programs - An arrival orientation will be conducted for each program, to ensure a smooth transition. Duration & content will vary based on country selected.

- Holiday Week:
Each inclusive volunteer program includes a full week of rest and relaxation where you will have an opportunity to reflect on your project experience and further enjoy the many unique sights your selected country has to offer, including organized sightseeing & planned social activities;

- Preferred Placement Matching ensures each IIVN participant is given placement priority over other programs participants;
- Customized & Professional Program Development - taking into consideration each participant's personal goals, experience and qualifications, in addition to the Host Employer/Association needs;
- Confirmed Program Placement - prior to departure;
- Pre-Departure Materials - including detailed Participant Handbook outlining important Intl Travel & Program Information;
- Project Training & Materials While experience is always helpful, it is not necessary to participate in all of our programs. We are happy to provide you with training and materials necessary to ensure successful completion of your assigned project tasks;
- Academic Credit (based on educational institutions discretion) & Certificate of Completion;
- Program Supervision, 24/7 Emergency Service and Participant Support - to ensure all of your needs are met;
- Professional Guidance - in securing proper Passport & Visa and/or other required travel documents, in addition to guidance on securing Intl Travel /Medical Insurance;

** Unless otherwise noted, IIVN Programs DO NOT include:
- Round-Trip Airfare & Airport Taxes;
- Passport/Visa Fees or Other Necessary Legal Work/Travel Documents;
- Travel/Medical Insurance;
- Personal Expenses;
- Immunization Fees (as applicable).

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: IIVN Volunteers are looking to add a real-life International experience to their resume, while discovering another culture first hand! They represent IIVN with the highest degree of professionalism, warmth and friendliness. Extending respect to every individual they interact with. Volunteers have a good level of conversational English and enjoy spending time surrounded by children. Participants are flexible and eager to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity!

Age Range: All participants over 18 years of age are welcome!

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

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

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Int'l Internship & Volunteer Network's Mission Statement: The International Internship & Volunteer Network is dedicated to providing individuals with an opportunity to strengthen their professional business experience and further develop their cultural knowledge, by acquiring supervised International Work & Volunteer Experience in an occupational category relevant to their education and interest through customized internship and volunteer programs abroad. We pride ourselves on being able to personally work with each participant to find the perfect placement to meet their individual needs.

Year Founded: 2008