Volunteer Abroad - Thailand

  Thailand

• Bangkok: 
Bangkok
• All Other Areas in Thailand: 
Trang

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Trimester, Winter 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: Beginning at various dates year-round

Description: Volunteering abroad is the opportunity of a lifetime, and our flexible short-term programs let you design your ideal experience in Thailand. Volunteer from 2 weeks to 3 months in your choice of 12 countries, in meaningful projects that will let you work side-by-side with local people and experience the Thai culture like never before.

As an international volunteer with Cross-Cultural Solutions, you're making a positive contribution, by sharing in the goals of a Thai community that warmly welcomes you. You'll gain new perspectives and insight into the culture and yourself. It's an exciting and personally inspiring experience, and you'll develop memories that will stay with you forever.

When you volunteer in Thailand, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a country known for its scenic diversity and ancient traditions. Bordered by Malaysia, Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), Laos, and Cambodia, "Thailand" means "Land of the Free" and is the only country in Southeast Asia that has never been colonized. Though it is heavily influenced by India and China, Thailand has a unique and fascinating culture of its own. It has attracted international travelers for many years, who are interested in its Buddhist roots and its natural beauty.

Volunteers in Thailand are involved with:

* Caring for infants and children
* Teaching children
* Teaching English
* Assisting teachers
* Sharing their professional skills/experience
* Caring for the elderly
* Observing and assisting local health professionals
* Caring for people with disabilities
* Assisting teachers of special education
* Working toward women's empowerment

Cross-Cultural Solutions is a recognized leader in the field of international volunteering, with more than 4,000 volunteers each year. Founded in 1995, we are an international not-for-profit organization with no political or religious affiliations. CCS has a worldwide staff of more than 300 people, and operates in 12 countries, with administrative offices also located in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. We are in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations, and have been profiled in more than 500 news outlets.

Highlights: The Community. Thonburi, the capital of Thailand until 1785, is now mainly a residential area. Just outside of Bangkok, it offers the comforts and tranquility of a small town to volunteers, while still being convenient for the many urban work placements. In Thonburi, you will witness the strong community links that are a result of the importance placed on personal relationships in Thailand. Thonburi's beautiful landscape of vibrant flowers and canals are also a great contrast to the bustling streets and skyscrapers of the city. As you walk through the wide streets of Thonburi, visiting the nearby Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn) or the Internet cafe, you will be greeted by everyone you pass.

The people. The Thai people embody the sentiments of Buddhism. They value friendliness, and you will always be greeted with a smile. Having fun (sanuk), and maintaining a calm equilibrium (jai yen) are of the utmost importance. In fact, raising your voice or any display of anger is considered extremely rude. Respect is given to everyone, no matter their social standing. In Thailand, you will have to be proactive. Out of respect, Thai people are unlikely to tell you what to do. Developing relationships is the best way to immerse yourself in Thai culture. Once you take the first step, the people you meet will welcome you, sharing their most intimate thoughts and feelings and displaying their endless generosity.

Qualifications: No special skills or experience required.

Cost in US$: Visit our website for program fees.

* Personalized Volunteer Placement with our Partner Programs, based on your skills and interests, including all the coordination, in-person visits and communication necessary with each local organization.
* In-country Perspectives Programming that includes excursions to nearby points of interest, special events and discussions with a variety of local cultural, professional, governmental and community agencies and people.
* Cross-Cultural Solutions' Home-Base structure, providing you with a comfortable, safe place to live, the basic amenities, all of your meals, and transportation to and from all Cross-Cultural Solutions' placements and programs.
* An experienced U.S. based Cross-Cultural Solutions Program Manager (and former volunteer with Cross-Cultural Solutions) who will serve as your coordinator, guide, and liaison with our in-country staff.
* In-country basic language assistance (optional).
* Professional, locally-based staff to provide orientation, supervision and guidance throughout your stay.
* Travel medical insurance and emergency evacuation insurance, applicable to participants worldwide.
* Important documents, including in-depth pre-departure packs, orientation information, and all in-country informational materials.
* Country-based airport transportation.
* Local phone calls.
* In-coming international phone service.
* A toll-free 24-hour emergency hotline in the U.S.

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: While other volunteer programs may require certain skills or degrees, Cross-Cultural Solutions' programs are open to everyone. No matter what you believe your skill level to be, you have something meaningful and helpful to offer. We are dedicated to providing a meaningful placement for anyone willing to volunteer, and believe that the only skills required for international volunteering are a willingness to learn and an open mind.

Age Range: 18 and older, younger volunteers accepted with application

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

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Other

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Cross-Cultural Solutions's Mission Statement: Our mission is to operate volunteer programs around the world in partnership with sustainable community initiatives, bringing people together to work side-by-side while sharing perspectives and fostering cultural understanding. We are an international not-for-profit organization with no political or religious affiliations.

Year Founded: 1995