Thailand Brochure

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VOLUNTEER IN

www.lovevolunteers.org

thAiland

http://www.lovevolunteers.org

http://www.lovevolunteers.org/

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ABOUT thAiland

Thailand is the geographical heart of South-East Asia. The infamous golden triangle, located at the nation’s northernmost point, is where Thailand’s borders meet

those of both Laos and Myanmar (Burma). The border with Myanmar continues to the west and then south as far as the Malay Peninsula, much of which is occupied by Thailand. On the east, the border with Laos meanders southeast along the Mekong River until it reaches Cambodia, which is due east of Bangkok, the Thai Capital. In the south is the Gulf of Thailand. The northern mountainous region of Thailand contains numerous ruins and temples, the ancient city of Chiang Mai, and Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon. This region is also home to the hill tribes of Thailand, distinct ethnic groups which settled in the area thousands of years ago after migrating from as far away as Tibet and central China. Chiang Mai’s historical centre is the walled city, although only sections of the wall remain. Inside the remaining city walls are more than 30 temples in a combination of Burmese, Sri Lankan and Lanna Thai styles, decorated with beautiful wood carvings, Naga staircases, leonine and angelic guardians, gilded umbrellas and pagodas laced with gold filigree. Modern-day Chiang Mai has expanded in all directions, most recently to Ping River (Mae Nam Ping) in the east, where the famous Night Bazaar and the bulk of Chiang Mai’s hotels and guest houses are located. Loi Kroh Rd is the centre of the city’s night life, and Ratchadamneon Rd hosts the main Sunday night walking street market from Tha Phae Gate to the popular Wat Phra Singh. The town of Surat Thani is a small and quaint southern Thai city. It has very little western influence and gives a great perspective as to how southern Thai’s really live. Surat Thani is the largest city near the westernmost islands in the Gulf of Thailand. An hour bus ride and another hour on a ferry is the most direct route to the island of Koh Samui. In general, Thailand is famous for its friendly people and its safe, yet exciting backpacking destinations.

CULTUREThe culture of Thailand incorporates cultural beliefs and characteristics indigenous to the area known as modern-day Thailand coupled with much influence from ancient India, China, Cambodia, Laos along with the neighbouring pre-historic cultures of Southeast Asia.

CLIMATEThailand can be an extremely hot and soggy place. Its tropical climate is divided into three seasons: cool in November to February, hot in March to May, and rainy in June to October. The seasons are more extreme in the northern regions, where the dry heat can grow quite intense in late spring and the cool can become cold in the mountains. The rainy season is no detriment to travel in Thailand, as the rains can be cool and refreshing.

CUISINEChiang Mai’s restaurants offer a wide range of food, second only to Bangkok. Naturally it’s a good place to sample northern Thai food. Try some of the more well-known and local favourites:

Khao soi - yellow wheat noodles in curry broth, traditionally served with chicken or beef.

Pad Thai - Fried noodles with eggs, bean sprouts, onions and spices.

Tom Yam Goong - Spicy, herbal soup with shrimp.

Goiteow - Noodle soup.

Blah Nung Manao - Steamed fish stuffed with herbs, lime sauce.

For those tired of eating rice or noodles there’s also a wide range of excellent international food restaurants. You will easily find Italian, Mexican, American, German and Japanese restaurants as well as fast food chains like McDonalds, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Subway and Starbucks.

LANGUAGEThe official language of Thailand is the Thai language, or more precisely Siamese or Central Thai, but the languages spoken in Thailand include Thai, English, and various minority tongues.

MONEYThe basic monetary unit in Thailand is the Baht. A Baht is divided into 100 satang. The following coins and notes are currently in use: Coins: 25 and 50 satang; 1, 5 and 10 Baht. Bank notes: 10(brown), 20(green), 50(blue), 100(red), 500(purple) and 1,000(grey) Baht. The most useful bills tend to be 20s and 100s, as many small shops and stalls don’t carry much change. Taxi drivers also like to pull the “no change” trick; if caught, hop into the nearest convenience store and make a small purchase. Beware of 1000-baht notes, as counterfeits are not uncommon.

Albania

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PROGRAM DETAILS

OVERVIEWVolunteering in Thailand is bound to leave lasting memories and with a range of exciting programs in Chiang Mai, Surin, Surat Thani and Koh Samui we have the country covered.

The most satisfying experience for volunteers comes through interacting with the people of Thailand, learning something of the language, and throwing yourself into work designed to help the local community.

Love Volunteers’ partner have vast experience of guiding and overseeing volunteers during their placements. We do all we can to ensure that volunteers in Thailand derive real benefit from their stay, while remaining safe and gaining the respect of the people with whom they come into contact.

To spend time in Thailand – not merely holiday there – is eye-opening for all concerned. Whether teaching English in schools, working outdoors, or with elephants, every volunteer in Thailand becomes deeply immersed in this Far Eastern culture and gains an otherwise unattainable insight into a fascinating and vastly different culture.

Thailand is known as one of the most popular South East Asian travel destinations. Its beauty and the innocent friendliness of the Thai people is legendary. For trekking, scuba-diving, beach fun and eating, Thailand offers unique experiences.

Volunteer RequirementsVolunteers must be at least 18 years old at the start of their placement and have a good command of English. For English teaching some experience is preferred but not mandatory - being proactive and motivated to provide help at the school and in the classroom goes a long way. Working outdoors can be hard so volunteers joining the outdoors programs need to be physically fit, have a positive attitude and a willingness to help in many areas. Volunteers will be required to provide a recent CV or resume and a police background check if working with children.

A volunteers working day will generally last between 4 and 6 hours, however, specific details of the placement schedule will be agreed upon during orientation. It is extremely important to have a flexible attitude and fit in with the needs of your project. Please keep in mind that work hours may vary, but a typical pattern is likely to be:

7.00am Rise and have breakfast which will be provided at the volunteer house, or with your host family.

8.00am Prepare to start at your placement. We suggest speaking with the local staff members each morning to plan for the day ahead.

A tea break and lunch break will be fitted in during the day, but often the timing of breaks will change based on the needs of the local staff and number of volunteers on hand.

4.00pm A volunteers day will often finish around this time, but flexibility is required. There are cases where you might finish a couple of hours earlier, and likewise a couple of hours later. It is important to fit in with the needs of your project and as with many things in developing countries you should be prepared for changes.

Evenings and weekends: Volunteers are free to spend time in Chiang Mai, Surin, Surat Thani, Koh Samui or to travel further afield. Some highlights include, the bustling city of Bangkok, spectacular national parks, stunning beaches and islands, Thai cooking classes, and of course the exciting festivals throughout the country. The local team will be happy to suggest weekend activities.

Typical day Start and Duration

Programs in Chiang Mai and Surat Thani begin on 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, however volunteers must arrive on the Friday before their start date. Koh Samui and Surin programs start on the first and third Monday of each month, however those wishing to include the ‘Bangkok Arrival Weekend’ need to arrive on the preceding Thursday/Friday.

Transport and OrientationIt is preferred that volunteers arrive on the Friday prior to their project start date. During orientation local staff will introduce you to the team with whom you will be working, and will explain how the program works and what you can expect. You will be shown where you can withdraw money, buy snacks, phone cards, and other items that you might need during your stay. The orientation is also a great time to meet the other volunteers.

Food and AccommodationDepending on the program choice accommodation will be provided in a volunteer guest house or home-stay. Generally volunteers are required to share a room which is separated by gender. Breakfast is available for volunteers on all programs. Lunch can be bought cheaply at local cafes, markets or street stalls. Some programs include dinner while others give volunteers the option of preparing their own evening meal.

Thai cuisine - as exotic as it is - needs no introduction. It is well-known worldwide. Consisting of rice, noodles, vegetables, fresh herbs and spices, fish sauce, shrimp paste, chilis, flavorsome soups and curries, there are a huge range of delicious dishes to try during your stay.

Some favourites include, Khao mu krop - rice and crispy pork that is often served with boiled egg and a bowl of broth. Khao phat - one of the most common rice dishes in Thailand - fried rice with chicken, beef, shrimp, pork, or vegetarian.

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PROGRAMS IN THAILAND

TEACHING ENGLISH IN SCHOOLS (TWO WEEK MINIMUM)Our teaching volunteers have the choice of placements in Chiang Mai which is famous as Thailand’s Northern retreat. Or in Surat Thani which is nestled in Southern Thailand, away from the hustle and bustle of Thailand’s larger cities. Here volunteers enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere and a great perspective as to how southern Thais really live.

The schools are always thrilled at the opportunity to welcome native English speakers. Regardless of whether you have a teaching background, your presence alone gives students and faculty the chance to practice their English skills as they would in the real world. The role of a teaching English volunteer can be varied as it takes into account the needs of the school, the time of year, as well as the volunteers comfort level.

On day one each volunteer will be paired with a Thai teacher. They can simply help out with daily lessons or if they have the confidence and the drive to do their own lesson planning, they can lead their own class. Please note, all volunteers who will be working directly with children must file a certified police background check before their start date.

Fees and Expenses (USD)

1 week N/A 8 weeks 1260

2 weeks 600 10 weeks 1480



5 weeks 930 20 weeks N/A


* A Love Volunteers registration fee of US$235 is charged in addition to the program fees and is valid for 12 months from the start of your first intended placement.

TEACHING ENGLISH TO MONKS (TWO WEEK MINIMUM)Volunteers will be placed in a temple school where they will be teaching novice Buddhist monks. The volunteers’ role in the classroom depends on the school as well as their own comfort level. Volunteers are paired with a Thai teacher and have the option of simply helping out with daily lessons, or if confident they can jump straight in and start taking your own lessons.

It’s important to be flexible as there are a number of other things that volunteers can help with, like helping children with their homework, arranging games and activities, cleaning the classroom and assisting teachers with day to day administrative duties.

The time you will spend in class depends on the schools needs as well as the time of year. Generally, you’ll be in front of students anywhere from 10 to 20 hours per week. Volunteers with plenty of ambition can donate more time planning and possibly helping out with projects at school.

Please note, all volunteers who will be working directly with children must file a certified police background check before their start date.









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ELEPHANT CAMP (FOUR WEEK MAXIMUM)The elephant camp project site is roughly 40 miles (65 kilometres) from the centre of Chiang Mai. Volunteers stay on-site during the week and travel back to Chiang Mai for the weekend.

The camp is home to about 70 elephants and has been operating for over 20 years. Tourists visit on a daily basis to interact with the elephants, and the revenue funds are used to care for the elephants and help with upkeep of the facilities.

Part of the duties of volunteers is to feed and bath the animals each morning as well as helping to clean and maintain the facilities. In the afternoon volunteers may have the chance to work closely with the elephant trainers. Due to the nature of this program volunteers should be able-bodied, enjoy working outside and with animals.

Beyond this, the nearby village is home to the staff and their families, most of whom are from the countryside. There are all kinds of ways you can help but teaching English in the local school in your free time will be great appreciated.


1 week N/A 8 weeks N/A




5 weeks N/A 20 weeks N/A



OUTDOOR WORK PROGRAM (FOUR WEEK MINIMUM)Volunteers will help with gardening and construction at a home for single mothers. The tasks vary accordingly to the volunteers skill set, the needs of the compound, the number of volunteers on hand, as well as the season and weather conditions.

The work can involve bamboo construction, laying cement foundations, painting, digging and maintaining gardens and harvesting the organically grown produce. Volunteers will mostly work outside in the heat, they therefore need to be in good physical condition. Working with the single mothers to help them gain new skills and improve their quality of life is the number-one objective. As well as construction and gardening volunteers should be willing to share their skills and knowledge.

This might include teaching English, computer training, or handicraft demonstrations. While you will be supervised by our local team, it is expected that volunteers will exercise responsibility and use initiative while working on projects. Volunteers should have a basic knowledge of building and tools, be between the ages of 20-40 and enjoy working outside.



2 weeks N/A 10 weeks 1300

3 weeks N/A 12 weeks 1500





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TEACHING ENGLISH IN KOH SAMUI (KOH SAMUI ISLAND)Koh Samui is a stunning tourist island situated in the Gulf of Thailand. A playground for holidaymakers; beautiful beaches, a myriad of seafood restaurants, and a buzzing nightlife, it is not hard to see why the Island is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. However, what a lot of people do not realise is that there is another side to the island. Behind the bright lights and shiny resorts there is poverty and destitution.

Most government-run schools in Thailand suffer greatly from underfunding. Thailand simply doesn’t have the available money required to keep education as its priority. Teaching materials are severely lacking and antiquated. Computers are few and far between, if any at all! Lesson plans and curriculum’s suffer immensely, but most importantly so do the students. In places like Koh Samui, where tourism is the number one industry, to find a job of any kind, English is a prerequisite, and any Thai with an ability to speak even the most Basic English stands a better chance of breaking free from poverty. With just a Basic English ability, prospects are improved considerably. That where volunteers come in!

Volunteers joining this project do not necessarily need experience in teaching (although experience and qualifications will help volunteers to feel more comfortable, more quickly), just a good knowledge of the English language. Volunteers will be guided through the teaching process by the local team of trained, English speaking staff who have several years of experience teaching English to Thai school children. Lesson plans, teaching materials, guidance and confidence will be there waiting for them when they arrive.

Bangkok Weekend (Optional Extra – US$100): Volunteers can choose to be collected at Bangkok airport and spend the first night at the guesthouse located on amazing Khao San Road, in the heart of Bangkok. Here they will meet fellow volunteers, and be taken on a guided tour of the city, including a welcome lunch at a popular Thai restaurant. Volunteers are then assisted to the coach terminal where they board a coach and make their way to Koh Samui Island. This is a fantastic way to begin a placement and is highly recommended.


1 week 425 8 weeks 1615




5 weeks 1105 20 weeks 3655

6 weeks 1275 24 weeks 4335


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SCHOOL RENOVATION IN KOH SAMUI (KOH SAMUI ISLAND)When it comes to spending money, the maintenance of the buildings, classrooms, tables, chairs, canteen, bathrooms, playgrounds and buildings are often overlooked simply because there just isn’t enough money to go around. Classrooms don’t have enough tables or chairs for the students. Blackboards are worn out and can’t be used. Windows, doors and mosquito screens are missing. Playgrounds are a health and safety nightmare. It doesn’t take much to brighten up a classroom, replace a broken door hinge, construct a new blackboard or remove rusty nails from a child’s swing but schools need to prioritize their spending.

Our partner in Thailand works with a number of communities and their schools on Koh Samui. They can’t afford the additional funding to brighten up a school or improve the health, safety and sanitation. They rely on hand-outs that just aren’t there. As a volunteer on this project you will be making a donation of not just your time but also money to purchase the necessary materials to fix that window, replace that sink, improve the running water and more. You don’t need to be a DIY expert either. Whatever your skill-set (even if you have none) our local team will find a project for you that will be safe, fun, and make the kids surroundings more conducive to learning.

Koh Samui is a beautiful island; stunning beaches, crystal clear seas, and amazing food. The volunteer accommodation has everything you could possibly need in a location which caters for everyone. Close to the beach, close to the nightlife areas, close to the big shops and malls, you really are spoilt in this perfect location.

Bangkok Weekend (Optional Extra – US$100): Volunteers can choose to be collected at Bangkok airport and spend the first night at the guesthouse located on amazing Khao San Road, in the heart of Bangkok. Here they will meet fellow volunteers, and be taken on a guided tour of the city, including a welcome lunch at a popular Thai restaurant. Volunteers are then assisted to the coach terminal where they board a comfortable coach and make their way to Koh Samui Island (including a ferry ride). This is a fantastic way to begin a volunteering placement and is highly recommended.


1 week 460 8 weeks 1755



4 weeks 1015 16 weeks 3235

5 weeks 1200 20 weeks 3975

6 weeks 1385 24 weeks 4715


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ELEPHANT VILLAGE PROGRAM (SURIN)Located approximately 60kms north of Surin city lies a very rural and traditional Thai farming community. Houses made of wood, roads made of dirt, rice and sugar cane fields as far as the eye can see. This is one of the most beautiful and genuine areas of Thailand. For centuries, the locals here have used the indigenous Elephants as beast of burden, and up until the mid-1980’s local elephants here were still used for logging. Now however logging is an illegal process. This means that the elephants have literally been made redundant. Treated by their owners just like your ordinary household pets, these elephants can consume upwards of 300kgs of food daily and require constant health checks – this is extremely expensive for an ordinary farming family whose income maybe less than $5 per day.

In order to pay for an elephants care, many of their owners (known as ‘Mahouts’) began to walk their elephants through the streets of the big cities, selling photo opportunities to tourists. This is obviously a hugely dangerous activity, plus an elephant is built to live in a rural setting, not to walk hot, dusty roads and breathe poisoned air.

Our partners in Thailand have promised to support them and the elephants by supplying physical labour and finance if they promise not to tout their elephants to tourists. In addition to covering the costs of accommodation and food, program fees on this project are used to ensure the elephants remain in a healthy, natural environment. That they receive the right healthcare and a regular healthy diet. This is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live as and work with real Thai Mahouts. Spend 3 nights and 4 days each week learning how to work with, train, feed and wash the elephants.

In addition, volunteers on this program will experience ‘real’ Thai community life first-hand; help with cooking the meals, farming the land, getting their hands dirty on small micro-development projects, make paper from elephant poo, help with farming tasks, go kayaking and Thai fishing on the local river, learn the Thai language and Thai cooking skills, interact with the community kids and heaps more.


1 week 560 8 weeks N/A







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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why volunteer abroad?Being a volunteer requires you to give up your time and money to help those less fortunate than yourself. Despite these sacrifices most volunteers leave their experience having gained considerably more. It sounds like a cliche, but we constantly hear phrases like “life changing experience” - and that it is! In our opinion (and those of most of our volunteers), to get involved at a grassroots level is infinitely more helpful and far more rewarding than a simple donation.

Why should I pay to volunteer?Good question! A lot of people are surprised when they realise they have to pay to volunteer. However, the cost of volunteering includes accommodation, food, transport and in-country support staff. When you consider the costs you might incur at a hotel or eating at restaurants, the costs are minimal.

Plus, as Love Volunteers offer non-profit program fees you know that every penny of your program fee is going to the local organizations and the people you have chosen to support. Our local partners are grass-root organizations who, in many cases, are solely funded by volunteer fees and for the concept to work fees are essential. Ultimately, it is a decision of where your money goes. To a hotel, or a local family? We know which we’d choose.

Are there more expenses once I arrive?Although the program fee includes your accommodation and most meals you will need additional money for buying snacks and souvenirs, eating at cafes or restaurants, socializing with other volunteers and locals, transport and weekend travel. Other costs include your flights, travel insurance, visa and vaccinations, departure tax and buying a local sim card. Once you’ve arrived you may also need to pay for bottled water, wifi, and local buses to and from your project, which can cost around US$ 1-2 per day depending on your destination and program type.

Will I be useful?In your day-to-day work you’ll be helping impoverished people. Ultimately though, how useful you are depends on you! The volunteers who are willing to accept that life will be different, and won’t always go to plan, are usually the ones who have the most successful placements. Likewise, those who can use their initiative, will both give the most and in return gain the most from the experience.

Many volunteers choose to undertake additional “side projects” while working. If you see something missing or not working correctly while volunteering, make it your mission to fix it while you’re there. It doesn’t need to be huge! Maybe it’s a leaky tap, a broken gate or a chicken coop that needs to be built. Whatever it is, it will be your legacy after you’ve left!

There are so many ways to contribute, something that seems very small to you is likely to be life-changing for the person you are helping. A small act of kindness goes a long way.

How bona fide is the local organization?Love Volunteers only works with trusted, established partner NGOs. All of Love Volunteers partner organizations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of a high quality. Transparency is a high priority and their credentials can be checked out. Love Volunteers ensure that volunteers have access to local support 24/7.

Can I come with a friend, or as a group?Yes, we welcome individuals, couples, families, small and large groups, students and professionals to join our programs. We don’t have an age limit and we know from many past experiences that everyone has the capacity to make an amazing contribution by becoming a volunteer.

Will I be working with other volunteers?Generally, yes, but this depends on the location and time of year. Some of our programs are busier than others so please let us know your preference and we will make some suggestions.

We have found that some people prefer to be around fewer volunteers, as this is a great way to become part of the community and to be fully immersed in the local culture. Other volunteers prefer to be around more international volunteers, which is a great way to make new friends and means you will have like-minded people to plan weekend activities with.

Which countries do volunteers come from?We have volunteers from all over the world, but most of them come from North America, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Korea and Japan. What a great way to meet other like-minded people from around the globe!

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What skills or qualifications do I need?This is totally dependent on the program you choose and you will find specific requirements are detailed in each program description. Some specialized programs such Healthcare/Medical/Architecture/Media and others, require that you hold relevant qualifications and/or experience within that field. In these cases you will need to provide a current CV/Resume and/or proof of qualifications. Other Healthcare programs will simply require you to be undertaking some form of study in the field. Please note, these programs tend to be more ‘observatory’ in nature, but the experience can be hugely beneficial to students.

A good grasp of English is generally required for all programs and mandatory for all Teaching English programs. Some programs may require you to have an understanding of the local language and we strongly recommend that at the very least you learn the basics, so that your time volunteering is both productive and enjoyable. On many programs we can arrange for you to join language classes in addition to your placement.

Aside from specific requirements, all programs share a common prerequisite. That above all else, volunteers are open-minded and have a true and honest desire to help, no matter the situation. Having the ability to adapt and use your initiative will be the single determining factor in the success of your volunteer placement.

What are meals and accommodation like?Accommodation and meal types can be very different. Every country will have its own distinct ‘flavour’, not only regarding the food, but the accommodation as well. Where possible, we have deliberately sought out accommodation offering volunteers a ‘traditional/local’ experience, including the food that is provided at meal time. We feel strongly that immersion into the local culture is one of the fundamentals of successful volunteering. In short, the accommodation and food you will experience meet our own requirements. That is to say, we wouldn’t mind bedding down

there for a few weeks ourselves (and likely already have). That said, you need to remember that some locations will be lacking certain amenities you may be accustomed to at home. Hot water for instance ... so no bubble baths after a days work sorry!

Ultimately, the specifics of your accommodation and meals will depend on the location you choose. Check out the country ‘Details’ page for more info, or just ask us.

What can I do when I’m not volunteering?There will be plenty of time to relax in the evenings and weekends. We find that volunteers often spend their free time together and tend to visit local attractions, plan excursions or weekend trips to nearby areas, or simply relax at home after a busy week of volunteering.

Our local team can often help to organise weekend excursions and will have some great suggestions. These will incur additional costs, but by making these arrangements once you are in-country the costs will likely be much lower than booking in advance.

Will I have access to the Internet?In the vast number of cases, the locations where our volunteers are placed either have wifi at the project site, or in the volunteer house/host family accommodation. Where this is not the case, project sites are usually close enough to a sizeable city where internet cafes abound. The opportunity will arise at least once weekly to visit one of these. It is important to remember though, that the internet service in developing countries, as with many other aspects of life, will not be as reliable as you may be used to. Even when internet is available, it could be slow and/or intermittent. This is a factor that every volunteer will encounter at least once, and must become accustomed to. The lack of ability to communicate with friends and family as often as you may like can often sound daunting at first, but you may also come to find that this non-reliance on technology can be a refreshing change!

Do I need insurance?While not all of our programs require insurance it is highly recommended that all volunteers arrange travel insurance. Regardless of which country you are visiting it is important to be covered should something go wrong. You need to be prepared for all possibilities, which could include losing your luggage, dealing with flight interruptions or cancellations, and covering health and medical expenses. In our view the best option is World Nomads who offer flexible policies for travelers in developing countries.

What about flights, visas and vaccinations?Love Volunteers can advise on what is required to volunteer and are working closely with some amazing companies to help make this is a straightforward process. Whether you need quotes on flights and insurance, or information about visas and vaccinations please check our resources page for more information.

http://www.worldnomads.com/af.aspx?affiliate=lovevol&subid=&utm_source=lovevol&utm_medium=textlink&utm_campaign=easy_url

http://www.lovevolunteers.org/resources

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WHAT NEXT?: HOW IT WORKS

HERE! 1 Choose your countryand program

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Submit your applicationwww.lovevolunteers.org/apply

4Click the link in the acceptance emailand pay the registration fee online

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Within a day or two of registering you will receive your verification letter and the country guidebook which will help you prepare foryour adventure

7 Start planning and booking - flights, travel insurance, visas, vaccinations etc

8Pay the program fees if theyʼre due in advance(instructions are included in the guidebook)

9 Get ready, GO!

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We work on finalizing your placement

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We email you with application acceptance... success!(Donʼt worry, weʼll contact you if there are any problems)

SUBMIT

Guide

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BECOMING A LOVE VOLUNTEER

THE CHALLENGESVolunteering is going to be a life-changing experience, but it is important to remember that it won’t always be easy. You will find that things don’t always run smoothly in developing countries, and this experience will challenge and at times may frustrate you, but keep calm, stay positive and be considerate of other cultures.

Sometimes different customs can seem unusual, or even backward, but try not to forget that you are there to serve the local community. If you are concerned that something is not going your way, look at the bigger picture and ask if it is helping the local people. There are so many ways to contribute, something that seems very small to you is likely to be life-changing for the person you are helping. A small act of kindness goes a long way.

You will need to get used to living with fewer luxuries, having to be sparing with water, eating sometimes less varied food, getting more tired than you are perhaps used to, and being without the mod cons of home. Being immersed in another culture and understanding how they live can be exciting and an eye-opening experience. Relax and embrace it!

THE REWARDSIn addition to the fulfilling experience of assisting those in need, volunteering is also a wonderful way to meet new people and develop friendships that will last a lifetime. Many volunteers talk with enthusiasm about the relationships they have developed and still maintain with the local people and other international volunteers. We realise this is one of the true benefits of volunteering and encourage you to make the most of the unique opportunity to develop these cross-cultural friendships.

Take some time to explore your surroundings and truly experience another country and culture. The daily rigours of volunteer work, although extremely satisfying, can be hard. We encourage our volunteers to have a look around and plan weekend excursions where and when possible.

VOLUNTEERINGWe have volunteers join us from all walks of life. Perhaps you are taking a gap year, are in between jobs, or have taken a sabbatical. For some, it might be the chance to use your annual leave, or a school or university holiday to help others. Whatever the reason, volunteering is the ideal way to convert your free time into an enriching, life-changing experience.

By making the choice to volunteer, you unlock a whole dimension to yourself that could just lie dormant and untested your entire life. You get to experience life in another country. There are gains that will vary from individual to individual in terms of discovering depths of respect, understanding, compassion, maturity; which inevitably leads to a re-appraisal of oneself and what is important.

Deciding on how long to sign up for is very much a personal decision and will depend on factors that only you can determine. How long can you be away from your studies or career? What level of commitment and stamina do you possess? What can you afford to spend? Although any length of stay is beneficial, a common post-volunteering sentiment is: “I wish I’d stayed longer!”

WHY LOVE VOLUNTEERS?Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries. Why are we cheaper than other organizations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don’t have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we’re just volunteers who thought we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organizations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills as possible into the local communities where we operate.

All of Love Volunteers partner organizations have been fully vetted to ensure that not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers in are safe and of a high quality. We understand the importance of being involved with worthwhile projects and we work hard to ensure this.

Immersing yourself in new cultures and surroundings is part of the excitement and wonder of traveling. However, as with any travel to developing countries, there is always a chance that things might not go according to plan. The safety of our volunteers is our number one priority and we work closely with our partner organizations to understand the local security and safety arrangements and only provide programs where we have carried out a thorough safety assessment. In addition to this we will ensure that all safety and security considerations are made clear to you in your starter/welcome pack. We will also appoint a Love Volunteers staff member to be your point of contact throughout the duration of your placement.

Volunteering is exciting and challenging, fascinating and fulfilling, and will engage all of your emotions. It will highlight skills and strengths and inevitably, will lead to a re-appraisal of oneself, and we know you will be pleased with what you discover!

Are you ready to become a Love Volunteer?

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Love Volunteers New ZealandPO Box 199Pukekohe Auckland

US: +1 415 800 4993

UK: +44 1865 522 688

NZ: +64 21 443 243

or E-mail us

www.lovevolunteers.org

CONTACT

http://www.lovevolunteers.org

http://www.lovevolunteers.org/contact

http://www.lovevolunteers.org/

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Documents

Thailand Brochure