Family Volunteering in Thailand

  Thailand

• All Other Areas in Thailand: 
Nong Khai,  Udon Thani
• Phuket: 
Phuket

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: On going

Description: Northeast Thailand, close to Laos
Thung Fon Preschool in Northeast Thailand, Isan. The Tung Fon Preschool is a very charming school in the Northeast of Thailand, Thung Fon, about an hour's drive from Nongkhai Open mind Projects base town.

A perfect way for a family with young children or teenagers to have a different vacation and get immersed in local culture, making young and adult friends. The headmaster is an expert on Thai culture, dancing, singing, martial arts and happy to share his knowledge and volunteers can learn to cook Thai food too.

A Home for Children with AIDS in Northeast Thailand This is an amazing home for children with AIDS located about 30 minutes by car from NongKhai. During school holidays, end of March to the beginning of May and October, volunteers are welcome help take care of the children. During the school period volunteers may help the   schoolwhere the children study. Volunteers stay, at a very nice volunteer house, and also eat there. Very suitable for couples.

Phu Wua Wildlife Reserve and Kham Pia Village by the Mekong River
Phu Wua Wildlife Reserve is located in the northeast, Isan, close to the Mekong River. Phu Wua is the home to a herd of some 35 wild elephants. Volunteers work with local schools, villagers, the wildlife reserve rangers, staff and the local community. They teach English and also help to improve trekking opportunities and improve home stay services for tourists in Ban Kham Pai.
Volunteer accommodation in host families or a special old style Eco tourism guesthouse. Basic and clean. Mattress, bed linen, fan and a mosquito net is provided. Separate bedroom provided. Volunteer food, Thai/Isaan style, plentiful fruits, vegetables and meats, included.

An amazing opportunity for a family with children to spend their holidays, meet and live with the local village people and to go trekking in the Phu Wua mountains or fishing in Mekong River.

The Ao Nang Primary School and Tsunami Learning Center, by the sea in South Thailand
A learning center and small tsunami hit school. Volunteers teach children however they can also teach teachers and other adults if they want to, English and computer skills. Volunteers can arrange activities after school or on the weekends. Volunteers normally stay at the school or with a host family.

Au Nang is a popular seaside resort. There are many dive centers and tour companies which offer tours to the Phi Phi island and else where. Very suitable for a family with children who want a vacation by the sea but also want to meet and help Thai people.

Highlights: Family Volunteering Opportunities

Thung Fon Preschool in Northeast Thailand, Isan.
Ideal for a family to stay at in their own guesthouse by the school with a nice garden. The school has about 70 children ranging from 3 6 years old. Volunteers play, teach new beginners English or the basics of how to use a computer. An ideal place for volunteers who love children!
Tung Fon is a small town with few foreigners. Volunteers stay at the very nice school guesthouse and eat at the school with the headmaster's family as hosts.

A Home for Children with AIDS in Northeast Thailand   
Due to the good care and medication provided, most children are in good health and go to school. The Home consists of several houses with boys and girls from a very young age to 15 years old. Children above 7 go to nearby schools in the daytime. Volunteers stay and eat at the home in a well furnished volunteer guesthouse with satellite television, A/C rooms and even a gym! Very suitable for couples.

Phu Wua Wildlife Reserve and Kham Pia Village by the Mekong River
We have started a special Eco tourism project here, the combination of home stays and wild elephant trekking in Phu Wua. Wild elephants can be spotted around different parts of the sanctuary depending on the season. Volunteer primarily focus on teaching English and guiding skills to village guides. Development of tourist information center and packages for tourists. And teach at the local primary school.

An amazing opportunity for a family with children to spend their holidays, meet and live with the local village people and to go trekking in the Phu Wua mountains or fishing in Mekong River

The Ao Nang Primary School and Tsunami Learning Center, by the sea in South Thailand
The school has 180 children ranging from ages 7-12 years old including Anuban (nursery school). There are 11 teachers who work here however they speak limited English and have limited computer knowledge.

Au Nang is a popular seaside resort. There are many dive centers and tour companies which offer tours to the Phi Phi island and else where.
Very suitable for a family with children who want a vacation by the sea but also want to meet and help Thai people.

Qualifications:
- Good spoken English
- Open minded, flexible, tolerant, curious

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: 20 - 70 years, traveler, curious, helpful, socially talented, likes challenges, new cultures

Age Range: 18 plus and families with children

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

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 2-5

Application Process Involves:

• Resume
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Open mind projects's Mission Statement: Open Mind Projects is a bridge to knowledge and cross-cultural understanding, bridging digital and knowledge divides between rich and poor. Open Mind Projects arranges placements for international volunteers to schools, Orphan Homes, other institutions and projects, in Thailand and Laos. Open Mind Projects cooperates with these schools and institutions with learning ideas, technology and international volunteers. Schools and other learning/youth institutions in developing nations are understaffed and under resources. New information technology and international volunteers help offset this advantage. Open Mind Projects wants to facilitate valuable cross-cultural experience, personal development, for volunteers and local childeren and students. An opportunity to learn about other cultures while making local and international friends, within an affordable backpacker budget.

Year Founded: 2001