Volunteer in Thailand

  Thailand

• Bangkok: 
Bangkok
• Chiang Mai: 
Chiang Mai

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks

Description: Thailand borders Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), Laos, and Cambodia. The east coast also lies along the Gulf of Thailand while the west coast joins with the Andaman Sea. Because of its many neighbors, each region has a distinct feel unlike any of the others. In the center is Bangkok, the melting pot of traditional cultures and modern influences. In the northern provinces, the traditional Hill Tribe culture can still be seen in the mountainside.

The northeast, known as the poorest region of Thailand, is often neglected by tourists but it holds some of the greatest treasures in Thailand. Along the southern coasts lie the pristine beaches popular for sunbathing and rock climbing on its limestone cliffs. The southern tip is best known for its Muslim influences and political unrest. Despite their different backgrounds, Thai people are all characterized by their warm welcoming smiles.

With its breathtaking natural beauty and warm and hospitable people, Thailand remains one of the most popular South Asian destinations for tourists. Thailand is divided into four natural regions: The mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semiarid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the Southern peninsula. Thailand is the only Southeastern Asian country that was never colonized. You can find remnants of almost 1000 years of history all through the country. Thai is the national language but English is fairly widespread.

Our volunteer program invites you to explore this Southeast Asian paradise while contributing to local communities. There are placements in and around Chiang Mai (the gateway to the Northern part of the country with its lush landscapes and rice fields) and Bangkok (the cosmopolitan and business center of Thailand). You can work with disadvantaged children, in local health centers or assist in an elderly home. You can teach English in many places including a Buddhist temple!

Highlights:
Thailand Language Classes:
1 week Language & Culture, or 3 hrs/day private classes Thai classes

AmeriSpan Tip:
Take some time before or after the volunteer project to relax on the world famous beaches!

Cost in US$: Varies on length of stay

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

AmeriSpan Study Abroad's Mission Statement: Since 1993, AmeriSpan has sent more than 23,000 people abroad. Our staff has three passions: language, culture, and travel. Individually and as a group, we have accumulated experiences and knowledge related to these passions. We have traveled to more than 65 countries - every continent except Antarctica - and speak 10 languages. We are happy to share this enormous amount of relevant knowledge with you. Every AmeriSpan staff member has studied and/or lived abroad for extended periods of time. We understand your questions and concerns because we have personally dealt with the same issues. We have gone to great lengths to make it easier for you than it was for us. After enrolling in a program, you will receive a copy of the "Need-To-Know" fact sheets on the country or countries that you will be visiting. These fact sheets include information about entry requirements, climate, health and many other "Need-To-Know" things. If you still have questions, we'll be happy to answer them. We are neither a language school nor a travel agent we're a hybrid of the two, a language travel organization. AmeriSpan has evaluated hundreds of schools, host families and destinations to determine which programs to offer. Our independence allows us to give you unbiased evaluations of the programs. We do not just list what is included, rather, we clearly state our opinions. Each program description contains a program review that describes what we like and what we don't like about the program. Aside from assisting you with which program to choose, we work hard to make the whole process as simple as possible. AmeriSpan pre-arranges your school, lodging, airport pick-up and other services. With AmeriSpan, you will not have to worry about international wire transfers, international phone calls or dozens of other possible complications with arrangements and money.

Year Founded: 1993