Volunteering Work Camps in Thailand

Introduction to M/LT Program in 2007

Volunteering Solutions M/LT program helps to form the kind relationships with local communities. While short-term volunteers bring new enthusiasm and energy to Volunteering Solutions projects, medium and long-term volunteers help provide stability for our camps, initiate new projects based on observing a village's needs, and provide an important link between Volunteering Solutions and the communities it works in.

In return for their efforts, international volunteers are rewarded with an intimate knowledge and understanding of Thai culture far exceeding what a typical tourist normally sees, and a sense of accomplishment from knowing that they have not only shared their own culture, but also helped to make a difference in a Thai community.

The M/LT program 2007 is for volunteers wishing to be placed at Volunteering Solutions M/LT Camp for two months initially and if the Volunteers find these two months were productive, and then the volunteers can extend stay for more duration also. Volunteers begin with a one-week introduction the next seven weeks volunteers will involve themselves in different projects in the Isan rural areas.

In 2007 we have several camps in the North East of Thailand (Isan). Please check the list for the correct camp code and date.

What are the projects that I can join?

The main focus will be on the theme “cultural exchange”. The participants will be studying the Thai and Isan culture, lifestyle, traditions, while staying and involving themselves with the daily life of villagers. This beautiful village is situated in the northeast part of Thailand with the Isan tribe background and lies beside a gorgeous big lake. There are many projects the volunteer can choose and involve themselves.

Education
Environment
Social and Agriculture
Eco-tourism Development
Archeological studies (people applying for this project should have experience in archeology)

1. Education
Education topics include teaching English, Environment protection and hygiene. There are many schools in the village where volunteers will have to teach the children English language, environmental preservation and about general Hygiene. The participant will do a brain storming and come up with ideas for teaching these subjects to the school as well as the local community.

2. Environmental
Volunteers will involve themselves in developing the community forest that is beside the village. Volunteer’s can also organize an environmental camp for other volunteers, teachers or local people. Possible themes might be teaching the dangers of environmental unfriendly practices. They can give ideas and work on waste disposal projects that make the village cleaner and more Eco- friendly.

3. Social and Agriculture
The infrastructure of the village is not so good, for this the volunteer will be concentrating on improving the conditions in the village by giving good ideas and involve with the local people on village development. Volunteer should do a brainstorming and come up with different ideas for community development and to make the community more Eco -friendly. There are also many Buddhist temples around this village, volunteers interested in studying Buddhism can attend the daily rituals of these temples and understand the philosophy of Buddhism etc. Volunteers can also help the temples in their daily routine. Volunteers in the project can also work in the rice fields and vegetable gardens of the villagers. It's nice to lend a hand in their work, and you'll learn a lot about the Thai culture. During the rainy season, M/LT’s can plant their own organic gardens and experience the life of farmers and enjoy the harvest.

4. Eco-tourism Development.
Volunteers will be educating the local people, what the tourists will be expecting from them? What are the best hospitality services they can provide to make the tourist comfortable etc? You can stay overnight in villagers home to help them prepare for tourists. For the villagers to have cultural and international interaction. The aim is to get to know the village and show the villagers what they can expect from tourists and what tourists might expect from them.

5. Archeological studies around the Village.
Beside the lake is a Buddhist temple, which has a beautiful green emerald Buddha statue. Near to this temple is a well which is around 3000 years old and a pond where local people believe the water is medicine for many diseases, Volunteers can do archeological research near these places and make a document. Apart from these two places there are ruins of an 11th century khmer shrine where volunteers can involve themselves too. Volunteers applying for this project should have experience in archeological studies.

What we provide.

Orientation: A one week orientation will be provided by our staff for LT camps participants. We cover areas like, culture, greetings, locations, transportation etc. Each participant will be provided with a local Map of the city.

Lodging: Almost all placements have residential accommodation arrangements, however if that is not available volunteers will be staying with a local welcoming and educated family or in.

Food: 3 Thai meals will be provided in this project.

Insurance: All participants are covered for full comprehensive travel and medical insurance for their time of stay in our project. Please find details here.

In-country support: 24 hours support provided by our local staff.

Pre-departure information: After we receive full and final payment all participants are provided by a pre-departure information booklet by e-mail which will have all vital information about your program.  

Cost and Start Dates: We have programs running throughout the year for your convenience.

*A non-refundable application fee is charged above this fee for all projects, which includes – advertising, staff salary, communication , administration, application processing and overhead charges) The program fee covers – insurance, food and accommodation, transportation, orientation, in-country support etc.

***All payments will be processed in INRs (Indian Rupees) with weekly applicable currency rates. Please check for applicable rates on www.xe.com   As programs have limited availability we advise volunteers to apply are far in advance as possible to reserve a confirm placements for them.   What we do not provide Return airfare to
Thailand
Personal expenses
Visa charges
Local city
Transportation (except placement drop)
Anything else that is not listed above