Teaching English and cultural exchange in rural communities in Ubon Ratchathani
       Ubon Ratchathani Province          August 16 - August 31, 2008
       Ubon Ratchathani Province          September 13 - September 28, 2008

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 Ban Thai 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 Ban Thai area.

The volunteer work will vary in the different project sessions.
First group (April 5 - April 20, 2008): 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 occasionally. Despite being the public holidays for schools, the volunteers will also hold English teaching workshops for the children of several Ban Thai sub-district villages.

Second group (July 12 - July 27, 2008): The volunteers will run English language courses and workshops in the local primary and secondary school for the children of a village in the Ban Thai district and renovate (painting, fixing…) the playground of the school.

Third and fourth group (August 16 - August 31, 2008 and September 13 - September 28, 2008): The volunteers will run English language courses and workshops in the local primary and secondary school for the children of a village in the Ban Thai district. They will also assist local villagers, farmers, artisans and the town-hall in some of their daily tasks, to be defined by the actuality of the village during the project, as a social support measure.

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 will take place during the first project session (April 5 - April 20, 2008). The volunteers in this 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 Ban Thai sub-district area is about 30 km far from Kueng 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: 6500 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.
 

Developing a network of natural caves into an eco-tourist site
       Phatthalung Province          August 23 - September 7, 2008
       Phatthalung Province          September 13 - September 28, 2008
       Phatthalung Province          October 4 - October 19, 2008

Volunteer project: Due to the lack of activities and tourist infrastructure, the young generations often leave the countryside to go to the big cities or the capital. Most of the District offices try to stimulate the development of eco-tourism in their region when potentially interesting spots can be found, to give the youth the chance to stay in their region of origin. It’s the case of the Phattalung district and the head of the Klon La village, in cooperation with the local eco-tourism club.

Among the beauties surrounding the village, we can find a network of wonderful natural caves lying in a beautiful but fragile nature. It is known and visited by few locals only. The partners involved want to develop information about it, build infrastructures to sensitize the population and visitors about environmental protection and structure a trekking circuit. They count on the volunteers to support the initiative.

In the first project (August 23 - September 7, 2008), the volunteers will trace the path connecting the major caves together and work on the infrastructures of the starting point.
The second group (September 13 - September 28, 2008) will create information panels and signs, build garbage bins in natural material to keep the site clean, and will also give few English language lessons to the stakeholders of the eco-club.
The third project (October 4 - October 19, 2008) will continue to work on the information related to the path and caves, create descriptive brochures in several languages and draw maps of each of the caves.

Study theme: The volunteers will learn about the environmental specificity of the region and how the site was used by the local population through the ages.

Special requirements: Nature lovers will enjoy this project especially. The volunteers will sometimes need to work physically hard.

Language: English

Leisure time: Leisure time will be organised by the volunteers with the support of the group leader. The region is full of nice places to visit during the free time. Nature is everywhere and very beautiful there. The nearby city isn’t that close.

Accommodation: The volunteers will stay in a house in the Klong La village. Rural Thailand with very basic conditions. Sleeping bags required.

Location: Phatthalung Province, South of Thailand. Klong La village is about 45 km from Phattalung city, itself being at about 1150 km south of Bangkok and about 150 km north of Hat Yai city.

Terminal: Bus and train terminal: Phattalung; National airport: Hat Yai; International airport: Phuket

Age range: 18 and over

Extra fee: 6500 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
       Chieng Rai Province          August 30 - September 14, 2008
       Chieng Rai Province          November 8 - November 23, 2008
       Chieng Rai Province          December 6 - December 21, 2008

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 several 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 moment 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 with 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.

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 Chieng 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: Train: Chiang Mai; Bus and national plane: Chiang Rai

Age range: 18 and over

Extra fee: 6500 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

Environmental campaign for cleaning the channels of the biggest floating market in Thailand
       Ratchaburi Province          September 6 - September 21, 2008

Volunteer project: The capital city of the province with the same name, Ratchaburi, is an important town in the history of Thailand. It’s organised around the Mae Klong River and dozens of man-made channels, hosting the biggest floating market of the country: Damnoen Saduak. The district administration wants to sensitize the inhabitants of the sector about the environmental protection of this important historical, economical and tourist place and support the linguistic development of the population of this area.

The volunteers will be part of the environmental campaign of the Damnoen Saduak district administration in contributing to the cleaning of the Klongs (channels) around the old floating market, together with the locals. Additionally, they will hold English language courses and workshops for the main primary and secondary school of the zone.

Study theme: The volunteers will learn about the history of the city and historically relevant province. The life around the channels and floating market is very specific and interesting. Thai language lessons will also be given.

Special requirements: The volunteers shouldn’t be afraid to get dirty for the first part of the project but no specific requirements are asked. A decent level of English language and the will to teach it to kids is 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: Ratchaburi is a medium size city with all access to modernity. The province is very beautiful and full of tourist attractions for the free time. The volunteers will organise their leisure activities with the support of the group leader.

Accommodation: The volunteers will live in a traditional Thai house on the channels close to the floating market. Basic conditions to be foreseen. Sleeping bags required.

Location: Ratchaburi Province, Centre of Thailand. Klong Ratchaburi province is in the centre of Thailand, stuck between Myanmar and the Gulf of Thailand. Ratchaburi city is about 100 km south-west of Bangkok, 50 km from the coast and 100 km from the Burmese border.

Terminal: Bus and train terminal: Ratchaburi; Air terminal: Bangkok

Age range: 18 and over

Extra fee: 6500 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.
 

Nature conservation and raising environmental awareness in Kao Yai National Park
       Nakhon Ratchasima Province         September 6 - September 21, 2008

Volunteer project: Nakhon Ratchasima, generally known as "Khorat", is Thailand's largest province situated on sprawling northeast plateau. Located approximately 260 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, the city itself serves as the gateway to the lower northeastern region. Covering an area of 25,494 square kilometres that is mainly plateaus and mountainous terrain, Khorat has fascinating traditions, charming hospitality, splendid natural scenery and awesome historical sites.

The project will consist of working for two weeks in and around one of Thailand's largest national parks, the Kao Yai National Park. Though located only 250 km from Bangkok, it is still largely pristine and unspoiled. Wild bulls and many other large and smaller species of animals roam free through the forests.
The biggest threat to the National Park is humans. The people living in villages surrounding the park are poor and often make their living by going into the forest illegally to cut the plants and kill the animals to sell on the black market.

The international volunteers will work in the frame of the Khao Yai Conservation Project. Activities include:
• teaching the children at local schools about the forest and the effects of poaching
• work with the rangers in the park
• planting trees, possibly together with the local population
• making trails for eco-tourism in the park

The September project is recognised as a ‘Patrimonito’ workcamp as promoted by UNESCO. During the project, the volunteers will design an exhibition on Khao Yai as a World Heritage site in addition to the work above.

Study theme: The volunteers will have plenty of opportunity to learn about the national park and environmental issues in Thailand. They will also be able to learn more about the traditions and culture of rural Thailand in general. Thai language lessons will also be given to the volunteers.

During the September project, special attention will be given to Khao Yai as a UNESCO world heritage site and to raising awareness of its importance among the local population, living close to the park. A meeting with a UNESCO representative in Thailand will be organised, either close to the park or otherwise in the UNESCO office in Bangkok. Also planned are study parts using UNESCO world heritage material, a visit to the park’s visitor's centre and a discussion with a representative of the park on the importance of the preservation of the World heritage in general and of the Khao Yai site in particular.

Special requirements: The volunteers need mostly to be motivated to discover Thai culture and nature 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, but the extraordinary beauty of the surrounding nature makes up much! It is even possible to spot wild animals in the early morning and early evening.

Accommodation: Home stay or in a school with the same basic conditions. Sleeping bags required.

Location: The Wang Nam Keow district is about 70 km Southwest of Nakhon Ratchasima, in the Isan region, North east of Thailand. Wang Nam Keow is about 3 hours by bus from Bangkok.

Terminal: Bus: Wang Nam Keow; Train: Nakhon Ratchasima; Airport: Bangkok

Age range: 18 and over

Extra fee: 6500 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.
 

Environmental and social activities in the Isan Region of Northeastern Thailand
       Roi Et Province          October 11 - October 26, 2008
       Roi Et Province          December 20, 2008 - January 4, 2009

Volunteer project: Roi-Et is one of the provinces in the North East of Thailand, known between Thais as Isan. The Isan is also one of the regions of Thailand where traditions are preserved and respected; the Isan culture is influenced by Laos and Lao culture. This influence is represented in their special cooking, handicrafts, music and dance and on the typical Muay Thai Boxing.
The Bo Pan Khan site dates back to the bronze era, when it was a main economic centre of the region due to the rock salt that could be found in the soil. Nowadays, the site is virtually abandoned despite efforts of the Thai government in the 90's to attract local tourists. Bo Pan Khan is surrounded by water, which is now filled with riverweed.

Environmental and social is the main work in the project. The volunteers will work at Bo Pan Khan to help cutting the riverweed and cleaning around the area, and planting trees or flowers in the garden. The volunteers will also discover the typical Isan culture and traditions, visiting villagers, farmers and local artisans, helping them in their tasks occasionally.

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: The volunteers need mostly 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.

The end of the Buddhist lent will coincide with the October project, giving rise to the organisation of the traditional regional boat races. The volunteers will have the great chance to attend the ceremonies and festivities in the village with the local population.

Accommodation: Home stay in a traditional Isan house in the community with access to the same basic conditions as any villager. Sleeping bags required.

Location: The Denrat sub-district area is about 8 km far from Nong Hi, 25 km far from Panomprai city and 95 km from Roi–Et city, in the Isan region, North east of Thailand.

Terminal: Bus: Panomprai; Train and national airport: Ubon Ratchatani

Age range: 18 and over

Extra fee: 6500 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.
 

Organising recreational and educational activities for kids in an English holiday camp
       Songkhla Province          October 18 - November 2, 2008

Volunteer project: The volunteer project will take place close to the city of Hat Yai, in the Songhkla province (Southern Thailand). Volunteers have contributed to the activities of several schools in the neighbourhoods since 1998, particularly by holding lessons and activities in English for the children. Out of the lessons given by the volunteers during the school year, English camps have been regularly organised during the holidays for the kids of the surroundings. This is the topic of this project.

The volunteers will organise recreational and educational activities in English for the children (6 to 12 years old) of the neighborhoods during this “English holiday camp” which will take place in the project base close to the city of Hat Yai.

Study theme: The volunteers will be introduced to the non-formal education techniques.

Special requirements: A good level of English and the will to teach it to kids is required. Volunteers experienced in children animation are most welcome.

Language: English

Leisure time: Leisure time will be organised by the volunteers with the support of the group leader. The project base lies in a very peaceful and nice piece of nature, where the volunteers will be able to relax after the activities. The city of Hat Yai can be reached by public transport in about half an hour and the coastal Songkla city and its Samila beach can be reached in about an hour and a half.

Accommodation: Dormitory-style accommodation. Basic but sufficient conditions. Vegetarian food only. Sleeping bags required.

Location: Khrong Hoykrong, Songkhla Province, Southern Thailand. The city of Hat Yai, third biggest in the country, is in the very south of Thailand, about 1300 km south of Bangkok, 420 south of Phuket and 535 km north of Kuala Lumpur.

Terminal: Train, bus and national airport: Hat Yai; International airport: Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok or Phuket

Age range: 18 and over

Extra fee: 6500 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.
 

Language classes for children and youths in a rural area in South Thailand
       Phatthalung Province          November 15 - November 30, 2008

Volunteer project: The Phattalung projects are part of the campaign for stimulating 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 schools to transmit these values to the children.

The volunteers will give English language lessons to the children of the primary and secondary school of the Banphud village, close to Phattalung city. They can also organise handicraft and artistic workshops after school for the kids and teenagers of the community.

Study theme: The volunteers will be introduced to non-formal education principals and intercultural group dynamics during the project.

Special requirements: A good level of English and the will to teach it to kids is necessary.

Language: English

Leisure time: Leisure time will be organised by the volunteers with the support of the group leader. The region is full of nice places to visit during the free time.

Accommodation: The participants will stay in houses built to host volunteers. Very basic conditions, rural Thai standards. Sleeping bags required.

Location: Phatthalung Province, South of Thailand. Banphud village is about 40 km from Phattalung city, itself being at about 1150 km south of Bangkok and about 150 km north of Hat Yai city. The surrounding nature is especially beautiful.

Terminal: Bus and train terminal: Phattalung; National airport: Hat Yai; International airport: Phuket

Age range: 18 and over

Extra fee: 6500 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.
 

Teaching English in primary schools in Songkhla Province
       Songkhla Province          December 6 - December 21, 2008

Volunteer project: The volunteer project will take place close to the city of Hat Yai, in the Songhkla province (Southern Thailand). Volunteers have contributed to the activities of several schools in the neighbourhood since 1998, particularly by holding lessons and activities in English for the children. The project this year is a continuation of these efforts.

The volunteers will run English workshops, games and educative activities in English with the kids of several primary schools in the surroundings, using non-formal education techniques.

Study theme: The volunteers will be introduced to non-formal education techniques, intercultural learning and group dynamics in general, and in how it is specifically practiced in Thai schools.

Special requirements: Good level of English and the will to teach it to kids is necessary.

Language: English

Leisure time: The free time will be organized by the volunteers with the support of the group leader. The project base lies in a very peaceful and nice piece of nature, where the volunteers will be able to relax after the activities. The city of Hat Yai can be reached by public transport in about half an hour, and the coastal Songkla city and its Samila beach can be reached in about an hour and a half.

Accommodation: Dormitory-style accommodation. Basic but sufficient conditions. Vegetarian food only. Sleeping bags required.

Location: Khrong Hoykrong, Songkhla Province, South of Thailand. The city of Hat Yai, third biggest in the country, is in the very south of Thailand, about 1300 km south of Bangkok, 420 south of Phuket and 535 km north of Kuala Lumpur.

Terminal: Train, bus and national airport: Hat Yai; International airport: Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok or Phuket

Age range: 18 and over

Extra fee: 6500 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.
 

 

Environmental and educational activities in Tsunami-hit area on the Andaman Sea coast
       Ranong Province          December 20, 2008 - January 4, 2009

Volunteer project: The Ranong district coastline was badly hit during the 2004 Tsunami. The Natural park and the Scientific centre linked to it were damaged severely. About 400 volunteers worked in the region in relief projects and stayed active until now. In 2008 we will continue to support the activity of the National park, its Coastal Research Centre and communities in the Tsunami area.

The volunteers will contribute to the action of the Research centre through different environmental activities, like cleaning some of the park areas, work in the mangrove zone and participating in the environmental education campaign they operate for the local population and the youth of the area.
The volunteers will help to translate a questionnaire and go to the village to collect information for the Research centre. They will also play with the local children at the school or in the village, and teach them some English that way. The group can also teach those adults who are interested some basic English.

Study theme: The volunteers will receive information about the impact of the Tsunami in the region, its environment and population.

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 group will stay very close to the sea and will have full access to it.

Accommodation: The volunteers will stay in one of the houses built after the tsunami to relocate the villagers who had lost their home. Very simple conditions but 50 meters from the sea. Sleeping bags required.

Location: The accommodation and the Research centre are on the seacoast in the Ranong district, on the northern coast of the Andaman Sea. The closest towns to the project site are Ranong (45 km) and Kapoe (10 km).

Terminal: Bus terminal: Ranong; Train terminal: Chumpon; International Air terminal: Bangkok or Phuket

Age range: 18 and over

Extra fee: 6500 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.
 

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