Teaching English and cultural exchange in rural communities in Ubon Ratchathani
       Ubon Ratchathani Province          February 1 - February 14, 2010
       Ubon Ratchathani Province          March 1 - March 14, 2010
       Ubon Ratchathani Province          April 5 - April 18, 2010
       Ubon Ratchathani Province          May 3 - May 16, 2010

Volunteer project: Ubon Ratchatani is one of the main cities of the Isan region, in the North East of Thailand, close to the borders with Cambodia and Laos. Although it remains among the most traditional areas of the country, it is also the poorest and less developed part in terms of infrastructure or industry; creating a huge rural exodus and migration from the Isan inhabitants to Bangkok. The Khueang Nai District administration wants to dynamize the Deng Mor rural areas and stimulate English learning through the international volunteers’ presence. The main target group of the project will be young people and children. Inside this larger framework, each project will address the specific target group in different villages in the Deng Mor area.

Cultural exchange is the main work of the project. The volunteers will discover the typical Isan culture and traditions, visiting villagers, farmers and local artisans, helping them in their tasks. The volunteers will also hold English teaching workshops for the children of several district villages. The exact nature of the work will depend of the needs of the village at the time of the project.

Study theme: The volunteers will learn about the culture of rural Thailand in general and the traditions and specificity of the Isan region. Thai language lessons will also be given to the volunteers.

Special requirements: A correct level of English language and the will to teach it to kids is obviously necessary. The volunteers need also to be motivated to discover Thai culture and to present the one of their country of origin.

Language: English

Leisure time: Leisure time will be organised by the volunteers with the support of the group leader. The closest city is far but accessible. The region isn’t very tourist attractive as such but the nature is of extraordinary beauty: rice fields, small temples and natural parks are all over the region.

New years Eve, according to the Thai Buddhist calendar takes place in April. The volunteers in the April group will have the great chance to attend the ceremonies and festivities in the village with the local population.

Accommodation: The volunteers will be hosted in a traditional Isan house in the community and have access to the same basic conditions as any villager. Sleeping bags required.

Location: The Deng Mor sub-district area is about 20 km far from Khueang Nai city and 60 km north west of Ubon Ratchatani city, in the Isan region, North east of Thailand. 

Terminal: Bus, train and national airport: Ubon Ratchatani

Age range: 18 and over

Extra fee: 7500 Thai Baht
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
 

Preserving the culture of the hill tribes in Northern Thailand
       Chiang Rai Province          February 8 - February 21, 2010
       Chiang Rai Province          March 8 - March 21, 2010
       Chiang Rai Province          April 12 - April 25, 2010
       Chiang Rai Province          May 10 - May 23, 2010

Volunteer project: The Akhas are part of the Golden Triangle hill-tribe cultures. Like in the neighbouring countries where they also live, they face in Thailand strong difficulties to be recognised and to value their particularities. The AFECT organisation contributes since 1981 to the defense of their rights, youth empowerment, elders support and cultural preservation and study. The volunteers will learn about their culture and problematic situation and contribute to AFECT projects and the daily life of the Akha villages.

The main objective of the project is cultural exchange between the volunteers and the local villagers but the participants of the project will also practically work in the communities doing different kinds of support and development works, like renovation of some community spaces or field works and farming with the villagers. The exact nature of the work will depend on the needs of the village at the time of the project.

Study theme: The volunteers will learn about the AFECT campaigns and discover the Akha culture, lifestyle, particularities and problematic situation in Thailand from the inside and from Akha people themselves. An introduction to Akha and Thai language is foreseen.

Special requirements: No special profile is required. Nature lovers, ethnology fans and human rights activists will be particularly interested in this project. Adaptability is required from the participants.

Language: English

Leisure time: The free time will be organised according to the weather and the actuality of the communities but in general it will be essentially spent in the community. The volunteers will have the chance to learn about Akha cuisine, massage and specific handicraft. They might have the opportunity to attend traditional Akha ceremonies and events (like the principal Harvest celebration in March). If the weather permits it, trekking in the hills can also be foreseen.

New years Eve, according to the Thai Buddhist calendar takes place in April. The volunteers in the April group will have the great chance to attend the ceremonies and festivities in the village with the local population.

Accommodation: The volunteers will be hosted by the villagers in the communities where they will work. The conditions will be the same as for the Akhas themselves: very basic compared to urban Thailand, but very authentic. Do not expect occidental luxuries in any case. Sleeping bags required.

Location: The project will be held in the Chiang Rai region (North-west Thailand) and the surrounding mountains all the way to the Golden Triangle borders, maybe one of the most beautiful locations in Thailand! The influence of the hill tribes and nearby Burma, Laos and China shapes the culture here.

Terminal: Bus and national plane: Chiang Rai

Age range: 18 and over

Extra fee: 7500 Thai Baht
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
 

          "First of all it was an incredible experience and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to do something meaningful and enjoyable. The Akha people are very intriguing and very kind. We spent our time in two different villages where we were treated with great respect and cared for as honorary guests.
Nevertheless the conditions were very simple, and I would not recommend this workcamp to anyone requiring "western" standard facilities or food. We ate many traditional Akha dishes which consisted of various vegetables and meats (both cooked and uncooked for the daring). We were lucky to take part in a festival that was occurring at one of the villages called the "swing festival". To prepare for this we helped the villagers collect trees from the jungle and then build a giant swing that we could all use, it was a lot of fun. Other projects we worked on included building a house and clearing a long road of foliage. The mountains surrounding Chiang Rai are beautiful, and our camp leader was very catering to all of our touristic needs (sightseeing and what not). The greatest aspect of the camp was living among the Akha people, sleeping and eating in their homes, and taking part in their customs and traditions."

Anthony P., Cadip volunteer 2006

 

Construction of community facilities and cultural exchange with the local people of Sing Buri
       Sing Buri Province          February 15 - February 28, 2010
       Sing Buri Province          March 15 - March 28, 2010
       Sing Buri Province          April 19 - May 2, 2010
       Sing Buri Province          May 17 - May 30, 2010

Volunteer project: The Singburi projects are part of a larger campaign and efforts to stimulate rural development with the support of International Voluntary Service. We believe that the impact of the international volunteers in rural communities is an important stimulus to open minds and reduce prejudices. We work a lot with rural areas to transmit these values to the villagers.

The main objective of the international volunteer project is cultural exchange between the volunteers and the local villagers. The participants in the project will also practically work in the communities, getting involved in several kinds of support and development works, such as construction of a village house or a school, etc. The exact nature of the work will depend of the needs of the village at the time of the project.

Study theme: The volunteers will learn about the culture of rural Thailand in general and the traditions and specificity of the Central region. Thai language lessons will also be given to the volunteers.

Special requirements: No special profile is required for this project, but having experience in construction work will be appreciated. Nature lovers and ethnologists will particularly enjoy the project. Adaptability is required from the volunteers.

Language: English

Leisure time: The free time will be organised by the volunteers with the support of the group leader. The closest city is far but accessible. The region isn’t very tourist attractive as such but the nature is of extraordinary beauty: rice fields, temples and natural parks are all over the region.

Accommodation: The volunteers will be hosted by the villagers in the communities where they will work. Volunteers should bring their own sleeping bag.

Location: The project will be held in the Singburi region (Central Thailand). Sing Buri is 142 km north of Bangkok on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It was established in the year 1895 during the reign of King Rama V. The province currently occupies an area of 822 square kilometres. Singburi has many beautiful temples to visit.

Terminal: National airport: Bangkok. From Morchid bus station 2 hours.

Age range: 18 and over

Extra fee: 7500 Thai Baht
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.