Volunteer at the New OpenmindProjects Volunteer and Training Center by the Mekong River

  Thailand

• All Other Areas in Thailand: 
Nong Khai

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: On going

Description: Teach English, computer and skills at the new OpenmindProjects Volunteer and Training Center in NongKhai by the Mekong River and the gateway to Laos.

Teach children, teenagers or adults at our new Training Center, in Buddhist temple or public schools, the town library, hospital and Children Centers. You can teach daytime weekdays or evening classes, weekends to adults and young people with an interest in computers.

By living at our Community Development Training Center and working there or at local institutions, you will be a part of the local community and get to know Thai people and culture and learn to speak some Thai.

Highlights: NongKhai provides a perfect setting for the less experienced volunteer. Popular with backpackers, many heading for Laos. There is plenty to cater to the western needs while losing none of its multiethnic Indochinese atmosphere. NongKhai is a popular volunteer location.

Our Head Office and Volunteer and Training Center, with wireless Internet, volunteer office, bedrooms and relax area, garden and tennis court, is located here making it the ideal placement if you feel like a soft volunteering start.

The Mekong River separates Thailand from Laos, but lifestyle, language, and culture is the same. The most convenient way to Laos is by way of NongKhai, a town in the heart of Indochina and on the shore of the legendary Mekong River, with the Friendship Bridge linking Laos to Thailand. Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is just a 30-minute drive from NongKhai!

Walk along the streets of NongKhai, along the river! Soak up the exotic Indochinese atmosphere. It could be anybody's favorite pastime. Eat at one of the many Thai, Isan, Vietnamese, Chinese, even Western, 'farang', restaurants. Food is easy to find, delicious and cheap, from 20 Baht and up!

There are other attractions too such as the many temples. The royal Wat Po Chai with its legendary Golden Buddha, once stolen from the Lao, is a must, as is the Buddhist/Hindu inspired Sculpture Park, Sala Kaeow Khu, unique in Thailand! You can do many sports, tennis at our own court, golf, swimming, tennis, gym, badminton, soccer, petanque or volleyball. Maybe you want to try the very local nightlife? Listen to Isan and Thai pop and rock performed by local artists!

Go on excursions along the Mekong River! The valley drive east of NongKhai is by many considered to be among the most scenic in Thailand. Go jungle trekking, swim in the waterfalls, stay overnight in simple but charming guesthouses.

Dine on the riverside, take part in Thai festivals; trek to a waterfall. All sorts of activities are available in NongKhai. Amenities include swimming pools, gyms, golf courses, tennis courts, genuine Thai massage, yoga and Reiki courses as well as aerobic sessions. Volunteers can even test Thai boxing at a Muay Thai training camp.

If the above is too energetic, then you can spend your evenings enjoying the local cuisine, socialize with Thai friends and overseas volunteers in one of the many local style bars, playing pool or enjoying the local, busy and noisy discotheques. Go exploring, shopping in Tha Sadet, the famous Indochinese market, better bargains than in Bangkok! Being so close to Laos, volunteers can also easily take a weekend trip to Vientiane, the capital of Laos or go to our eco project an hour from Vientiane to watch wild elephants.

Qualifications: Good English and open mind

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Curious, helpful, energetic, flexible

Age Range: 18 plus

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:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

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