Volunteer at Restoration Camps in Thailand

  Thailand

• Chiang Mai: 
Chiang Mai
• All Other Areas in Thailand: 
Nong Khai

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months

Description: T2T volunteer restoration projects are an affordable summer holiday activity (February-May and October). Based in the rural parts of Thailand we work in the small communities that don't have enough funding to maintain or repair their school grounds, therefore the money and help you bring to the project has a direct impact on the local community.

The projects are often designed according the to the skills of the volunteers. If you already have experience or are a student of architecture or civil engineering, these projects are an excellent opportunity to put some of your skills to good use, and gain useful experience.

Volunteers who have no previous experience need not worry as there are plenty of simple tasks to do such as cleaning, gardening, and painting. For bigger tasks we employ local masons, carpenters, electricians and craftsmen.

The working schedule is varied depending on external factors such as the public holidays and the weather; however, a typical day will start at 9.30 and end at 3 with an hour for lunch, allowing time for volunteers to teach evening classes if they wish.

The two previous vacations we have worked at a primary school in the Meechai community near to Nongkhai. The first vacation was spent clearing the grounds, mending the toilet block, painting the community hall and playground equipment, fixing the water filtering unit, rewiring the school and repairing the sports field. Meaning that these facilites can now be used not only by the students but also the community. The second vacation concentrated on the school, two derelict classrooms were renovated and fitted out with brand new art and music equipment.

Volunteering during this time actually serves a dual purpose as we invite many university and college students to assist in the restoration project providing them the much needed opportunity to practise their English skills. At Travel to Teach we believe that students learn through the pracitcal application of skills and have found that the restoration projects provide the perfect setting this.

Highlights: Thailand is a wonderful country in which to volunteer. The welcoming attitude of the Thai people, their desire at all ages to learn English, and the beauty of the landscape - coupled with the integrity of Thai culture - makes Thailand an ideal place for volunteering.

From downtown Bangkok to the rice farming villages of the Isan region, Thailand is a nation that is moving into modernity. Thailand has recently experienced relatively strong economic development, but large parts of the population are being left behind. There is still a strong desire for Thailand to keep its village/community based culture that is so strong and that fascinates so many Westerners.

Volunteering during this time actually serves a dual purpose as we invite many university and college students to assist in the restoration project providing them the much-needed opportunity to practise their English skills. At Travel to Teach we believe that students learn through the practical application of skills, and have found that the restoration projects provide the perfect setting for this.

Qualifications:
- Good knowledge of English
- Curiosity and respect for other cultures
- Ability to work alone and in groups
- Ability to live in groups

Cost in US$: US$660 for one month, US$255 for each more month

- T-shirts, Thai language book, Info booklets on Teaching, on T2T and on Thai culture
- A two day orientation upon arrival
- Thai Language and cooking lessons
- 24 hour support from T2T (thai and western) staff living in the same town
- Accommodation in T2T dorms according to specifications in your "Placement information"
- Regular follow-up meetings
- Transportation between projects
- At some teaching placements you join the school for lunch

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, Kiwi, South African and World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of 3-5

Application Process Involves:

• Resume
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Travel to Teach's Mission Statement: Travel to Teach is a non-profit organisation, which provides affordable volunteering opportunities to teach English whilst travelling abroad. Provide valuable working opportunities for our volunteers. Ensure genuine travelling experiences of different cultures at a cost that most travelers can afford. Teach English and Computer skills to the poorer parts of the world where too little education is provided. Travel to Teach has had the ambition to develop our programs according to Guidelines for Ethical Volunteering as presented.

Year Founded: 2001