Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. This exotic country attracts with its white sand beaches, delicious Thai cuisine and beautiful nature. But did you know that besides a relaxing vacation, you can also come here as a volunteer? There are numerous volunteer programs conducted in Thailand annually. Most of them are aimed to improve the social, educational and natural environment of the country. We found several interesting projects, which might interest you.
Teach English to children with Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation
The Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation is supporting the introduction of English language classes into the public schools of Thailand. In order to implement this idea, the foundation created a “Coconut Club”. This language club is located on the west coast of Thailand on the island of Phuket. Children from low economic background and orphans have a chance to attend classes 5 days a week. On the weekends, the club hosts sport and creative activities, such as swimming and art classes.
The Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation is interested in getting help from volunteers who want to work with children. Volunteers help teachers to conducts lessons, assists with planning club activities and practice English with students.
Volunteers are invited from May to September and from November to March. The duration of the program is from 3 to 6 months. Volunteers can work full-time or assist part-time. Those who want to work every day are offered a contract, housing and a visa support.
Drawing class at the “Coconut Club”
Take care of the dogs in Headrock Dogs Rescue
Headrock Dogs Rescue is a shelter for homeless and abandoned dogs, founded by a French couple in 2003. Over the past 7 years, the shelter staff managed to save more than 700 adult dogs and puppies. Headrock Dogs Rescue is located in a Prachuap Khiri Khan province in Thailand.
The staff of the Headrock Dogs Rescue will be happy to welcome everyone who wants to help taking care of the dogs. Volunteers are asked to help with brushing, shampooing and giving the dogs vitamins. There also will be a lot of cleaning and day-to-day tasks to make sure the shelter runs smoothly. If you have any free time, you can also take a few dogs to the nearest beach to play.
Volunteers are accepted for a minimum of 10 days since it takes a while for the staff to train the participants. The program is completely free, but you will be asked to bring suitable clothes which can protect you from the dog’s scratches.
Dogs at the Headrock Dogs Rescue
Help children with the Camillian Home
The Camillian Home is a non-profit children’s charity organization located in the capital of Thailand. The idea to create a loving home for orphans and children with disabilities belongs to the Italian priest Giovanni Contarin, who has been working on various social projects in Thailand since 1985.
With the help of the Camillian Home, children receive the necessary education and treatment. The charity organization has special programs for children with HIV and AIDS, as well as blind and kids with disabilities. All of this hard work is done by a professional staff of doctors and teachers. However, social and medical workers cannot carry all the work by themselves. Therefore Camillian Home often seeks for volunteers.
Volunteers from other countries can participate in this program from 3 to 6 months. The administration of the orphanage warns that this type of work requires emotional maturity. Participants have to have patience and be able to cope with stress. Volunteers are not required to have any special education. But the applications from professional doctors and teachers will be in priority.
The duties include assistance in taking care of the children, cleaning, conducting games, educational and social activities. Be aware of possible difficulties in communication with staff, since not all of them speak English.
A volunteer with children in Camillian Home
Educate the young member of Akha
Various ethnic groups from Asian countries like China, Burma and Laos live in the mountainous regions in Thailand. Akha is an ethnic group settled in the northern Thailand in the province of Chiang Rai. Women from this agricultural tribe are famous for their bright national costumes. Despite adherence to traditions, Akha members understand that their children need to be educated in order to have a successful life in the modern world.
Akha Hill House is a tourist and educational center built with the initiative of local residents. Akha Hill House offers travelers bungalows for rent and various excursions with a certified guide. Several years ago this center launched an educational project aimed to teach English to the local children. Volunteers who are fluent in English are invited to participate in the project. The main task is to conduct classes in local schools for children from 5 to 15 years old. The minimum period of this volunteer program cannot be less than one week. Volunteers are provided with free accommodation and a shuttle service to the village.
Akha Hill House
Help to develop the poorest region in Thailand with Volunt2Thai
Volunt2Thai is a private non-profit organization, which was created to help develop the north-eastern region of Thailand. This area is considered one of the poorest in the country. Agriculture is the main activity of local population. And there are no quality educational and medical centers here. In order to create the necessary social infrastructure, Volunt2Thai founded training and sports centers for children, a hospital, a kindergarten and a program for helping the local farmers.
Volunt2Thai invites volunteers to work on farms, conduct English classes for children and assist with almsgiving to the monks. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, have a clean criminal record and a valid medical insurance. Recommended, but not required to have a volunteer, farming or teaching experience.
All participants are accommodated in the village houses with beds and an access to cold showers for free. It is recommended to bring a sleeping bag since bed linens are not always available. There is no kitchen, but for a small fee of 1000 baht per week, volunteers are provided with food. The organization also provides transfer services and the necessary visa support.
The volunteer may choose the period of stay, which can last from 2 weeks and up to one year. Volunteers work 5 days a week. During the weekend participants have a chance to explore the surroundings: book a tour or visit the lake. At the end of the program, all volunteers receive a certificate of participation. If you want to apply for the program, just complete an application and send it through the official website of the organization. Note that volunteers have to pay a €150 as a participation fee.
A volunteer reads books with children
