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Special Needs Care Volunteer Program in Chiang Mai – Thailand

Make a lasting impact in Chiang Mai by supporting children and adults with special needs. Assist in developmental classrooms, vocational training, and life skills activities while gaining meaningful volunteer experience in Thailand.

Thailand

country

2-12 Weeks

duration

from $790

price

18 years+

min age

Highlights

Volunteer for childcare in Chiang Mai and contribute to the development and welfare of children
Responsibilities include taking care of children, teaching them, assisting the local staff and making a congenial atmosphere for the kids
At some of the placements, volunteers can also assist in administrative tasks at the child care centers or in their fundraising activities
Volunteers who have an interest in teaching and are good with kids should opt for the project
Volunteers can travel around during the weekends. Chiang Mai, which is a part of Northern Thailand, is well known as a lively backpacking destination

This meaningful volunteer program in Chiang Mai offers the opportunity to work closely with children and adults with intellectual disabilities and autism. The initiative is dedicated to enhancing quality of life through care, education, training, and empowerment.

The Northern Welfare Center for the Mentally Retarded, located in Saraphi, Chiang Mai, operates under the Foundation for the Education of Autistic Children and the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen. The Center is dedicated to improving the quality of life of individuals with intellectual disabilities by providing care, education, vocational training, and advocacy.

Currently, the Center supports around 40 individuals, half of whom are children aged 3–18, and the other half are adults above 18. Through structured learning environments and skills training, the Center empowers individuals to develop independence and confidence. Volunteers play an important role in both classroom support and vocational activities, contributing to a nurturing and inclusive learning environment.

By joining this project, you’ll be contributing to a nurturing environment where every individual is given the chance to grow, learn, and thrive.

Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

Morning Sessions: Developmental Classrooms

Volunteers assist teachers and caregivers in small classroom groups, organized according to developmental progress. Tasks may vary depending on the needs of the day:

Classroom 1: Early-stage learners, mostly non-verbal and requiring emotional and behavioral support
Classroom 2: Moderate developmental level, able to follow simple instructions and benefit from structured training
Classroom 3: Advanced learners developing vocational skills or assisting with responsibilities around the center

Volunteers help with learning activities, classroom engagement, emotional support, and encouragement tailored to each group’s needs.

Afternoon Sessions: Vocational & Life Skills Training

In the afternoons, volunteers participate in practical activities designed to foster independence and everyday skills. These sessions vary by day:

Monday: Basic computer training
Tuesday: Making mask straps
Wednesday: Cooking classes
Thursday: Candle making & tote bag painting
Friday: Swimming (off-site, rotating by classroom)

Volunteers play a hands-on role in guiding and encouraging participants, making activities fun, inclusive, and meaningful.

Requirements & eligibility

Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project. Participants should have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. Volunteers need to be flexible and open-minded. You should also be proactive and have an ability to take initiative. All volunteers must provide additional documents such as a clean criminal background check report, Resume/CV and passport copy prior to joining the program.The cost of the criminal police background check must be covered by the volunteer.Without the criminal police background check, volunteers will not be able to allow an individual to participate in the project.

Volunteer work schedule

A typical day

A typical volunteer schedule under this program is as follows;

Friday: Arrival in Chiang Mai

Saturday and Sunday : Volunteer Orientation, city tour and cultural activity. Volunteers also read through reports completed by past volunteers in the projects.

Monday – Volunteers begin service
Volunteer Coordinators escort volunteers to their volunteer project location by local transportation and introduces them to the administration and staff of the children’s home. More expectations, daily schedule and specific room and project placement, along with special activities will be discussed at this time

Saturday and Sunday – Days off
Volunteers do not need to go to the children’s home during the weekend, however, if there are the special events or activities during the weekend, you welcome to join (Depending on your decision). Or you can
take part in other activities or take this time to relax or travel.

Note: Please note, the schedule may vary depending on the project placement and changes can be there due to local circumstances.

Gallery

Life on the programme

Living

Accommodation & meals

Airport Transfer
Volunteers are picked up from the Chiang Mai International Airport in Chiang Mai by the coordinator or representative. Volunteers who’d be present already in Chiang Mai will be met by the staff at a designated meeting point decided beforehand. Please note that volunteers are provided pickup from the airport between 8am and 8pm only. In case you are arriving later than the scheduled pickup time, you are recommended to book your stay at a hotel near the airport and the local team will arrange your pickup from the hotel the next morning.

Orientation
All volunteers are provided with an extensive two day orientation including a city tour before starting their project work. The Orientation session covers areas like, local Thai culture, greetings, locations, transportation etc. Volunteers are also given a half day city tour of Chiang Mai and are given a cultural welcome dinner to make them feel immersed in the local culture.

Accommodation
Volunteers are provided accommodation in one of the two volunteer’s homes in Chiang Mai. Both the houses are located in close proximity to each other. Accommodation is shared with other volunteers. Nestled in the vibrant heart of the city, the two volunteer houses are just minutes apart, offering comfortable, air-conditioned bedrooms that can accommodate up to more than 30 participants. The houses offer facilities such as wireless internet, fully equipped kitchens, living room, washing machine for laundry, toilets and showers as well as air conditioned rooms. The accommodations have a large comfortable living room in which you can relax,watch movies or just surf the internet in your free time. The local coordinating team is available easily as the coordinating office is also located within one of the houses.The coordinators ensure that your project runs smoothly. Numerous restaurants, cafes, convenience stores as well as laundry facilities are located within a short distance.

Local Transportation
Airport pick up, the city tour and the transportation to and from the cultural show and welcome dinner are covered in the program fee.On the first day of the project, our volunteer coordinators will accompany volunteers to the children’s home project. However,thereafter, volunteers will need to use a mix of local transportation, with some help from the team with getting back and forth to/from the volunteer accommodation and project. Travel time to/from the volunteer accommodation and the project site for the project, is roughly 15-20 minutes drive from the accommodation. Daily transportation costs are normally around $2 US Dollars per day.

Meals
All ingredients for breakfast are provided and volunteers can cook their own breakfast at the volunteer home. Essential supplies such as bread, butter, eggs, coffee, tea, fruits are provided at the accommodation and participants cook their own breakfast.

Lunch is usually taken at the project site on weekdays and for dinner you can choose to head out to numerous restaurants and cafes in Chiang Mai city. The city has so much to explore and volunteers love to go out and explore the numerous restaurants and cafes in the close vicinity of the volunteer accommodation. During weekends volunteers need to buy both lunch and dinner on their own.

During your Free Time
Volunteers can take part in the Thai Cookery classes or Thai Massage course which are available all around Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai also boasts of restaurants of every international cuisine. During the weekends, you can travel to the cities of Pai,Chiang Rai or fly down to the capital city of Bangkok. Some volunteers also head down south to Phuket for a short break in the islands and to explore the beaches.

Dates

Start dates

Weekly start dates, year-round — pick any week across the next two years.

AvailableFilling fastFully booked

Costs

Program fees by duration Currency

A one-off application fee ($249 / £179 / €229 / AU$350) is charged in addition to the program fee — valid for one year, during which you may enrol in multiple programs. A 5% international banking fee applies to credit-card payments in USD or AUD.

Duration	Program fee
2 weeks	$790
3 weeks	$870
4 weeks	$970
5 weeks	$1,080
6 weeks	$1,190
7 weeks	$1,300
8 weeks	$1,410
Each additional week	+$175 / week

Indicative conversion — your booking is charged in the currency you choose at checkout.

✓ What you're paying for

24 hrs Assistance and support from Staff
Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
Airport Pickup
2 Day Orientation and half day city tour
Cultural Dinner and Show
Food – 2 meals a day
Accommodation in Volunteer House
Travel & Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost)
Certificate of Participation (On Request)

Not included

Airfare
Visa Fee
Return Airport Drop
Local Transportation
Vaccinations

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Application & getting started

When should I apply?

Apply as soon as your dates are decided — spots are limited. The application fee is valid for a full year, so you can apply early to secure your place.

How do I apply and when do I pay?

Fill in the online application form and pay the application fee. The program fee can be paid later, even in instalments, but must be complete 45 days before the program starts.

What are the requirements?

Participants must usually be at least 17 (families welcome with younger children), with an open mind, good health and respect for local customs. A clear criminal background check is required from all adults.

Accommodation, meals & support

Where will I stay and what about food?

You stay in a volunteer house or with a host family, with meals provided. Private-room upgrades are usually available.

Is there support while I'm there?

Yes — a local coordinator gives you an orientation on arrival and is available 24/7 throughout your placement.

Health, safety & visa

Do I need insurance and vaccinations?

Valid travel-medical insurance is mandatory (available from us at a nominal cost). Consult your travel doctor for recommended vaccinations; your pre-departure pack covers the details.

Do you help with the visa?

Yes — all enrolled participants get visa-requirement information in the pre-departure manual, and your point of contact can answer questions.

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