Internships in Thailand

  Thailand

• Bangkok: 
Bangkok

Term: Throughout the year 
Dates: Monthly start dates

Description: The Thailand Internship Program is designed for those who are interested in having a more in-depth learning experience in Thailand, while participating in international development. It offers a unique way to experience the Thai culture while contributing to and learning from the community. GSC Thailand interns live with local hosts while completing internships in International Health, HIV/AIDS Education and Prevention, English Education, or Buddhist Immersion. Internships may be arranged at the start of any short-term program. Internships consist of the core short term program plus a long term extension, and are designed for proactive and self motivated individuals.

GSC works with each participant to assist them in selecting the appropriate internship program. Every effort is made to ensure that both the needs of the participant and the community are met during the internship. All interns, regardless of the focus they choose, spend some of their time teaching English as a second language. Participants choosing a Health Internship also shadow hospital staff while imparting valuable English skills to the hospital staff.

The GSC internship program is an excellent way for students who are looking for an adventure to fulfill either internship or independent study requirements. Students need not be U.S. citizens to participate. Academic credit may be obtained through the student's home institution or through our GSC partner institution, SUNY Albany. For further information, see our procedures for obtaining academic credit.

Although no specific educational background is required, Thailand internships would be particularly appropriate for those studying the following: international studies, sociology, pre-med, political science, cross-cultural anthropology, women's studies, English as a second language, religious studies, international health, nursing, community studies, Asian studies, and development studies.

The number of internship spaces is limited depending on the month. To ensure you are accepted, apply early!

Highlights:
Training

Thailand volunteers enjoy a 6-day orientation and training session to start their program. This includes pick-up at the Suvarmabumi Airport and two nights/three days accommodations in Bangkok with fellow volunteers and the in-country coordinator. During which, volunteers are taken on sightseeing trips to some of the famous sites in Bangkok that include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, the Jim Thompson House, and a river boat taxi ride to Wat Arun. Volunteers are also taken out for group meals to get accustomed to the deliciously spicy Thai cuisine!

On the third day, participants are taken to the GSC center in Singburi for cultural and program specific orientation and training. This includes Thai language training, an introduction to the specific project, a day trip to Wat San Phra Kan (Monkey Temple) in Lopburi, Wat Phra Baht Nam Phu AIDS Hospice, and an overnight Buddhist immersion experience at a local Wat (Buddhist temple). GSC also provides basic training in teaching English as a foreign language for those who will be teaching English to either local students or novice monks during their program.

For volunteer participants in the HIV/AIDS Education Program, training is conducted on the biology of the disease, contextual issues facing Thai youth in terms of this disease, and how to effectively lead lessons that integrates HIV/AIDS education and awareness with English language training.

Host Families

Participating in an international homestay is one of the best ways to learn about another language and culture. Every GSC program offers a homestay with a local Thai or Tanzanian host. GSC places volunteers with hosts that enjoy learning about other cultures and appreciate the unique opportunity that hosting an international volunteer gives to their family life. Thailand volunteers also have the option of staying at the volunteer center throughout the duration of their stay.

Qualifications: Participants must be at least 18 years of age and have conversational English ability. GSC actively looks for inspired, self motivated, and mature individuals.

Cost in US$: 9-week internships start at $4,914

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Year Founded: 1992