Seasonal Escapes in Thailand

  Thailand

• Bangkok: 
Bangkok
• Chiang Mai: 
Chiang Mai
• All Other Areas in Thailand: 
Ayutthaya

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Winter Escape : December 10, 2007  January 6, 2008, Spring Escape : April 7  May 4, 2008, Summer Escape : June 30  July 27, 2008, Fall Escape : October 6- November 2, 2008

Description: With an amazing combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring Buddhist temples, smiling faces, and ruins of an ancient kingdom, Thailand is a country to be savored. In our Thailand Seasonal Escapes program, spend four glorious weeks discovering the fascinating contrasts between rapidly changing Bangkok, and slower, rural Thailand with its rice fields and tranquil villages, passionate Buddhist rhythms and beautiful beaches. Thailand offers something for every type of traveler.

Highlights: Orientation in Bangkok (4 days)

Program: Seasonal Escape
Highlights: Community work, culture, travel
Arrival/Departure Point: Bangkok International Airport
Duration: 28 Days
Accommodation and meals: Hostel, host family, local meals three times a day
Program fee: $1799 for 4 weeks (including one week of travel)

Begin your Thailand adventure with our fascinating orientation period joining lectures on Thai culture and customs, and learning Thai language, all followed by afternoon trips. Learn about the language, customs, religions, and the role of the royal family in modern-day Thailand. Also, as part of this exciting orientation program, stroll through the major tourist attractions of Bangkok.

Activities: Orientation, Thai language classes, exploration of the present and former capitals of the kingdom ( Bangkok and Ayuthaya), exploration of the ornate Grand Palace, visits to a temple of Buddha, the Bangkok floating market, Chatuchak weekend market, and a boat ride along the Chaophraya river in Bangkok.

Trip to Kanchanaburi (3 Days)

Journey to Kanchanaburi (128 km. west of Bangkok ) and visit the magnificent waterfalls of Erawan. Absorb the culture of Thailand in various museums, and see the notorious Death Railway Bridge over the River Kwai. Stay at a guest house during the trip.

Activities: See elephants and the waterfalls of Erawan, visit museums, Bridge over the River Kwai, and more

Village Stay and Service Projects (12 Days)

Leave for a beautiful rural Thai village at Samutsongkram Rajaburi or Nakhon Nayok to explore the Thai way of life. Spend time living with a caring host family and working in a local school as an English-teacher or supporting local children in primary schools and child development centers. Become an integral part of village life by working in the fields with local farmers and gardeners, preparing and distributing food for Buddhist monks, rowing a boat, visiting the local floating market, and hiking and biking around the local villages.

Activities: Village stay, service projects, work on fruit orchard or local farms, teach English to local children or share your love with kids in a child development center, evening local markets and explore beautiful local areas.

Relax and Explore the Regional Beaches (5 days)

After breakfast, set out for Pattaya one of the most popular, sea-side destinations in Thailand . Spend three full days exploring this region's beautiful, sparkling beaches before returning to Bangkok for the conclusion of the program.

Activities: Travel by bus/minivan, explore Thai villages/towns along the seaside, enoy various water sports, enjoy the real tastes of Thai seafood and relax on the white sandy beaches, etc.

Qualifications: No qualifications are needed.

Cost in US$: $1799

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18 or above

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Global Crossroad's Mission Statement: Global Crossroad offers many remarkable and challenging volunteer, internship, mini-adventure, and cultural immersion opportunities to interested international volunteers in marvelous countries such as India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, China, Mongolia, Ghana, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Kenya. Our unique programs are creative and exciting, as they engage volunteers in breathtaking journeys. Here, a volunteer can become involved in service projects while they explore remote villages. A volunteer can also learn a wonderful new heritage as the Global Crossroad provides language training courses and cultural tours.

Year Founded: 2002