Internships ThailandPre-Departure Guide
สว�สด�ค�ะ (Hello)
Congratulations on your decision to intern in Phuket, Thailand with World Internships Thailand!
We will help you make this an unforgettable experience that will allow you to grow both as an
individual and as a business professional.
The information provided in this manual should answer many of your questions and help you get
prepared for your adventure in Phuket, Thailand.
Your first step in preparing to go abroad is to keep a positive attitude and an open mind throughout your experience. From going overseas to returning home, you will be making many adjustments. You must remember to be patient with yourself and others as you transition into and out of a new culture. Meeting new people, eating new food, and exploring a new country, are just some of the changes you will face while abroad that can be easily dealt with if you keep an open mind and a positive attitude. Internships Thailand provides superior on-site support and Internships Thailand are your main point of contact from the application and while you are in Thailand.
Be sure to contact Internships Thailand if you have any further questions and best of luck in your
preparation!
Sincerely,
Worldwide Internships Thailand Team
Worldwide Internship (Thailand) Co., Ltd.99/7 Moo 1, T. Kathu, A. Kathu, 83120 Phuket, Thailand
P. +66 (0)76 612 550-2 F. +66 (0)76 612 553 E. [email protected]
Table of Contents
History of Thailand ............................................................................................................. 3
Island of Phuket .................................................................................................................. 3
People and Culture of Thailand ........................................................................................ 4
Geography .......................................................................................................................... 6
Airport Reception ............................................................................................................... 6
Orientation ......................................................................................................................... 7
Internship Quality Commitment Guidelines ....................................................................... 7
Housing ............................................................................................................................. 9
Electricity .......................................................................................................................... 10
Transportation ................................................................................................................. 11
Banking and Money .......................................................................................................... 11
Metric System .................................................................................................................. 12
Computers and Internet ................................................................................................... 13
Phones .............................................................................................................................. 13
Mail .................................................................................................................................. 14
Cost of Living .................................................................................................................... 15
Health and Safety ............................................................................................................. 17
Medicine and Vaccinations ............................................................................................. 18
Independent Travel .......................................................................................................... 19
Getting There ................................................................................................................... 19
Passport and visa information .......................................................................................... 19
Additional Resources ........................................................................................................ 20
Worldwide Internship (Thailand) Co., Ltd.99/7 Moo 1, T. Kathu, A. Kathu, 83120 Phuket, Thailand
P. +66 (0)76 612 550-2 F. +66 (0)76 612 553 E. [email protected]
History of Thailand
People are thought to have migrated into Southeast Asia
beginning in the 10th century specifically from the Yunnan
province of China, although indigenous communities date
back as far as 500,000 years ago! Most literary and other
evidence of the Thai people’s presence in the area dates
back to around the 13thcentury.
The city of Ayutthaya became one of the most important areas of Thailand because it was
encircled by three rivers. It was here that King Ramathibodi I established Theravada Buddhism as
the official religion, in contrast to surrounding areas being under Hindi. He also established the
Dharmashastra legal code which furthered some of the traditional Thai customs that we see today.
In the 1500’s the city of Ayutthaya was visited by a Portuguese ambassador and began trading with
the Dutch and the French. Thai rulers in the 19th and 20th centuries focused efforts on protecting
various areas from Western colonialism and as a result, Thailand (known as Siam at the time)
became the only country in Southeast Asia to avoid European colonization. In 1946, the country’s
name was officially changed from “Siam” to “Thailand.”
Island of Phuket
Phuket is one of the southern provinces of Thailand and is an island approximately the size of
Singapore, and about 3 times the size of Washington, D.C. Phuket is also Thailand’s largest
sland and it is connected to mainland Thailand by two bridges. The island is divided into 4 main
areas: Western Phuket, Southeastern Phuket, Interior Phuket, and Phang Nga Bay.
Worldwide Internship (Thailand) Co., Ltd.99/7 Moo 1, T. Kathu, A. Kathu, 83120 Phuket, Thailand
P. +66 (0)76 612 550-2 F. +66 (0)76 612 553 E. [email protected]
Western Phuket is the most popular area and boasts lots of beaches and tourists and is also home
to Patong, one of the party capitals of Asia. The three other areas are a bit quieter and also have
great beaches, mangrove forests, cliffs and fishing / farming villages.
People and Culture of Thailand
Thailand is home to about 65 million people and
is primarily a Buddhist country, with a lot of their
culture being centered around their belief system.
Known as the “Land of Smiles,” Thai people follow
the wai, meaning they acknowledge and greet others
with a bow of the head, hands in prayer like position
and a smile to show recognition and a welcoming
attitude. About 80% of Thai’s work in agriculture which plays into a lot of the religious ceremonies
and festivals that shape Thai culture. Below you will find some useful tips on the culture and
etiquette of Thai people. Please be advised that even though you will be interning and residing in
the rather touristy island of Phuket where rules are a little more relaxed, it is important to follow
the tips listed below until you experience, firsthand, the way of the Thai, especially if you travel to
areas outside of Phuket City.
Clothing
In Phuket, Bangkok and other major cities, you will see people wearing more “westernized”
clothing and opting for traditional clothing only for festivals/events. If you are visiting a holy or
sacred place, you may be required to be covered up in order to enter.
Worldwide Internship (Thailand) Co., Ltd.99/7 Moo 1, T. Kathu, A. Kathu, 83120 Phuket, Thailand
P. +66 (0)76 612 550-2 F. +66 (0)76 612 553 E. [email protected]
Food etiquette
As in many cultures, meals are an important, communal activity. Here are a few tips:
Let the elderly women do the ordering, its tradition.
Wait for the host to ask you to “dig in”.
Don’t leave your chopsticks in the bowl – it symbolizes death.
Do not order one dish and expect to have it for yourself, everyone shares.
Do not put your fork to your mouth, instead use it push food into a spoon.
General Etiquette
You should not touch people on the head nor should you touch
touch or point your feet at people or above them. When seated,
the feet should not point towards others, they should be to the
side or tucked behind. This can be a grave insult. As with many
other Asian cultures, the idea of community is very important,
as is “saving face” – therefore you should never ask a question
that would have a “no” answer, as it will be an embarrassment
for the other person to have to tell you “no” and in all likelihood,
they will instead say “yes” but then not perform or do whatever
it was. This also leads to the idea of minimizing confrontation
and most Thai people live the “it doesn’t matter” attitude as a result. Physical contact between
men and women or any sort of affection should be avoided in public. You should be especially
Worldwide Internship (Thailand) Co., Ltd.99/7 Moo 1, T. Kathu, A. Kathu, 83120 Phuket, Thailand
P. +66 (0)76 612 550-2 F. +66 (0)76 612 553 E. [email protected]
sensitive about etiquette in places of worship. Dress conservatively and keep shoulders and knees
covered. Always take off your shoes before entering.
Geography
Thailand is situated in Southeast-Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. It is
bordered by Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Malaysia. Thailand is usually classified into four
geographical regions, the Northern Region that is extremely mountainous, North-Eastern Region,
the Central Region or the "rice bowl" of Thailand, and the Southern Region, which is home to the
island of Phuket.
ClimateThailand has 3 seasons, winter, monsoon, and summer, with variations from North to South. April
and May are typically the hottest months of the year, reaching temperatures of over 38°C / 100°F
with the rainiest season being from June to October. Phuket, along with the rest of southern
Thailand, enjoys a tropical rainforest climate with year-round temperatures of about 28°C / 82°F.
Airport ReceptionWe will arrange for a driver to pick you up at the airport on your scheduled arrival date. The driver
will be waiting at the exit gate with a sign that has your name on it.
If your flight is delayed or you are unable to arrive at the airport at your scheduled time, simply call
or email your Program Coordinator to let us know. Please respect the drivers time and go
immediately to meet him when you get off the plane.
A representative will be waiting for you with your name plate when you arrive. If you are not able
to find the representative, there is a phone booth you can use at the airport to call and inquire the
whereabouts of your driver. Lastly, please be aware when claiming your baggage - other people
might try to take your belongings and/or ask for money.
Worldwide Internship (Thailand) Co., Ltd.99/7 Moo 1, T. Kathu, A. Kathu, 83120 Phuket, Thailand
P. +66 (0)76 612 550-2 F. +66 (0)76 612 553 E. [email protected]
Orientation
We want to take advantage of the short time you will be in Phuket so we get you up and running
as soon as possible with an introduction to the culture you will get to know!
An orientation of Phuket will take place immediately upon your arrival by your on-site coordinator
who will greet you at your accommodation and check you in. The goal of the orientation is to
familiarize you to the city, including transportation, ways of staying safe and healthy, and to go
over your program itinerary.
Internship Quality Commitment Guidelines
Overview
World Internships Thailand provide interns the invaluable experience of working with a company
in this vibrant city. These internships enhance cultural and business understanding through an
exchange of knowledge where the student provides real work assistance while the company
provides insight to the business world of Thailand.
What is expected of you, the intern?
Treat the internship as you would any job, with respect and professionalism.
Approach the experience with an open mind, everything from time to communication to feedback could be different than what you are used to.
Work towards real results that are useful to the company.
Show up on time to work and meetings.
Be able to work independently and in groups.
Comply with all arrangements negotiated for the placement and do everything necessary to make the placement a success.
Abide by the rules and regulation of the host organization, the agreed-upon schedule, code of conduct and rules of confidentiality.
Worldwide Internship (Thailand) Co., Ltd.99/7 Moo 1, T. Kathu, A. Kathu, 83120 Phuket, Thailand
P. +66 (0)76 612 550-2 F. +66 (0)76 612 553 E. [email protected]
Communicate with World Internships Thailand about any problems regarding the placement.
Qualities of a successful participant
Upbeat - You're in an amazing place, enjoy it.
Stay interested - Learn about Thai culture and language - this is as much a cultural
immersion program as it is an experiential learning program.
Be considerate of others - Think about how your actions affect your host, program staff, and
other interns.
Be open minded - Try it! You'll probably like it!
Keep a journal - It helps you save your memories and it helps you process your feelings and
experiences.
Logistics
On average, interns will dedicate 40+ hours per week to the internship placement. The schedule is flexible and will be determined in conjunction with the placement supervisor and the company’s needs.
Students must dress in a manner appropriate to the placement, be sure to check with the company and your on-site coordinator for details that may be particular to your placement company.
If you are sick (or for any other inconvenience/setback) and cannot go to work one day, immediately call your company’s supervisor to inform him/her about your absence.
Worldwide Internship (Thailand) Co., Ltd.99/7 Moo 1, T. Kathu, A. Kathu, 83120 Phuket, Thailand
P. +66 (0)76 612 550-2 F. +66 (0)76 612 553 E. [email protected]
What is expected of your Internship Supervisor
Provide the intern with meaningful work experience and tasks.
Assign the interns tasks and responsibilities to match their knowledge, skills, competencies, and training objectives.
Ensure appropriate resources and support is available.
Have an open mind and accept that the interns may come with a different work style and way of viewing time, accomplishing tasks, etc.
Provide guidance and support to the intern.
Have projects ready for the intern from day one.
Share your culture and your way of business with the intern.
Incorporate training of the intern on the first day.
Appoint a mentor to advise the interns, help them with their integration into the host organization and monitor their training progress.
Give the intern an overview of the different aspects of the organization
Provide practical support and facilitate understanding of the culture
Housing
Please note that although we make every effort to provide your preferred form of housing, we cannot guarantee that all personal preferences are met. We have carefully selected safe and adequate housing for each student; each living arrangement is distinct and special in its own way. Should you have problems or questions about your living arrangements once you arrive, you should speak with your on-site coordinator. There is a natural adjustment period to life abroad and making any housing changes during this time is usually premature. Each housing option is different from the other, and different from the housing you are accustomed to back home. The available storage and living spaces will be smaller than you are accustomed to.
Every housing placement is different with pros and cons. Accommodations will have different bonuses, such as location or room size. Now is the time to open your mind and get ready to experience something different; this attitude is in the spirit of your decision to intern abroad.
Worldwide Internship (Thailand) Co., Ltd.99/7 Moo 1, T. Kathu, A. Kathu, 83120 Phuket, Thailand
P. +66 (0)76 612 550-2 F. +66 (0)76 612 553 E. [email protected]
Due to the amount of time it takes to confirm housing, students may not receive specific housing
details until 2 weeks prior to departure. If information is available sooner, we will send it out;
however, we ask that interns remain patient.
Housing Policies and Restrictions
Living in Thailand means that you will be subject to local laws and standards of living. These laws
are quite different than what you are accustomed to back home. It is important to remember that
you are among other people who also live and work in Phuket. Your residence is in their
neighborhood, and you are living as guests among them. Interns must remember they are no
longer in their home country and that keeping regular sleeping and waking hours is important so
as not to disturb the other people living in your accommodations. Absolute respect for, and
consideration of, all who live in your area is expected. Anything less will not be tolerated.
Utility Bills
Utilities are very inexpensive. Program fees include the regular usage of utilities (heat, hot water,
and electricity) by Thai standards during your stay in Phuket. However, any abuse of these stated
standards will result in additional fees, which will be charged to you. To avoid additional charges,
be sure to keep your consumption to a minimum; turn off lights when not in use, and avoid long
showers. Average consumption in Thailand is far less than it is in other parts of the world and you
are expected to adjust your habits accordingly.
Electricity
Thai voltage is 220 volts, which means that unless your American appliance has a built-in
converter, it will explode when plugged into a Thai outlet (most computers have a converter built
into the power cord). If you must use a plug-in appliance (clock radio, hair dryer, etc.) it is best to
buy these appliances in Thailand. If you want to bring one, make sure the appliance says
somewhere on it that it can operate on 220v. Please note that outlets and plugs in Thailand have a
Worldwide Internship (Thailand) Co., Ltd.99/7 Moo 1, T. Kathu, A. Kathu, 83120 Phuket, Thailand
P. +66 (0)76 612 550-2 F. +66 (0)76 612 553 E. [email protected]
different prong configuration, so be sure to get a plug adapter for your US electronics (these are
available in airport shops and electronics stores). For more information, visit:
http://www.travelproducts.com/electricity_guide.htm
Transportation
There are a few ways to get around the city of Phuket,
but it is important to plan in advance. Taxis are always
a good option, but you need to be well aware of the
taxi driver’s intentions when it comes to paying. You
can negotiate with the driver about the price of the
ride, and it is highly advised you research beforehand
the length and typical price of your journey as they will
try to rip you off. You can also use a Tuk Tuk which is like a bus that can take you around the city.
The most common way of navigation throughout the city is by foot. If you want to save money and
get true first-hand experiences of the marvels of this great city while also getting some good
exercise, walking is a great option!
Banking and MoneyCredit Cards/ Debit Cards/ ATMs.
Major establishments accept credit cards whose logos
are posted in their front windows, just as they do in
the USA and Canada. You should check with your credit
card company to see if they charge you an international
transaction fee or foreign transaction fee. Visa and
Master Card charge a processing fee on international
transactions,and most card-issuing banks add their
Worldwide Internship (Thailand) Co., Ltd.99/7 Moo 1, T. Kathu, A. Kathu, 83120 Phuket, Thailand
P. +66 (0)76 612 550-2 F. +66 (0)76 612 553 E. [email protected]
own fees on top of that. They equal to generally a percentage of your overall purchase price,
sometimes as high as 3% extra.
Major establishments accept credit cards whose logos are posted in their front windows, just as
they do in the USA and Canada. You should check with your credit card company to see if they
charge you an international transaction fee or foreign transaction fee. Visa and Master Card
charge a processing fee on international transactions, and most card-issuing banks add their own
fees on top of that. They equal to generally a percentage of your overall purchase price,
sometimes as high as 3% extra.
Conversion Rate
The official currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht. When exchanging money, Thailand is
represented by the three-letter code, THB. It’s important you know how to estimate the exchange,
so that you avoid overspending! You can find up-to-date exchange rates online at
http://www.xe.com.
Metric System
US Measurement Metric
Measurement
Metric
Measurement
U.S.
Measurement
1 mile 1.609 kilometers 1 kilometer .62 miles
1 foot .3048 meters 1 meter 3.28 feet
1 inch 25.4 millimeters 1 millimeter .0393 inches
1 gallon 3.785 liters 1 liter .2642 gallons
1 pound .4536 kilograms 1 kilogram 2.2 pounds
Fahrenheit = (Celsius x 1.9) + 32 Celsius = (Fahrenheit – 32)/1.8
Worldwide Internship (Thailand) Co., Ltd.99/7 Moo 1, T. Kathu, A. Kathu, 83120 Phuket, Thailand
P. +66 (0)76 612 550-2 F. +66 (0)76 612 553 E. [email protected]
Check out http://www.worldwidemetric.com/metcal.htm and bookmark it in your web browser
for quick and easy metric conversion.
Computers and Internet
We encourage all students to bring their laptops with them to Thailand. Nowadays many houses
and restaurants have WiFi or internet access. As a side note, internet in Asian countries is much
slower than what you may be accustomed to and often not the most stable.
One program you may want to consider downloading is Skype, a free service that offers an easy
way to keep in touch with friends and family back home via online messaging and phone calls. If
your family also has Skype, you can make free calls to one another when you are both logged on.
Calls from your Skype account to a phone in the US (or elsewhere) are also very affordable and a
good way to keep in touch.
Phones
Long Distance Calls
You will be provided with an international calling card during orientation. Both local and long
distance require the proper area code before dialing the number. Ex: To call USA or Canada from
Thailand: 001 + area code + phone number.
Cell phones
Before you go abroad, you should look into your different options for cell service abroad. You can
call your cell phone provider and ask them about what you may need to do if you wanted to use
your phone abroad. Most likely, you will need to unlock your phone and buy a SIM card once you
are in the country abroad. If you try to buy the SIM card before you go abroad, there are good
chances it will not work in the country you are going to, so it is best to wait. Another option is to
Worldwide Internship (Thailand) Co., Ltd.99/7 Moo 1, T. Kathu, A. Kathu, 83120 Phuket, Thailand
P. +66 (0)76 612 550-2 F. +66 (0)76 612 553 E. [email protected]
wait and buy a cell phone once you are abroad, these phones are relatively inexpensive and you
can purchase pay as you go plans so you can purchase credit as needed.
Phone and Area Codes
Emergency Telephone Numbers:
Police 191
Ambulance 1669
Tourism Police 1155
Tourism Authority of Thailand 1672
US Embassy 66 (0)2 205-4000
Mailing Home
“Snail mail” is still a great way to share your experiences with friends and family! Try writing letters
and postcards while you are abroad, rather than or in addition to calling home and emailing.
Letters are wonderful, tangible, and personal expressions of your experience that you may be able
to add to your memories souvenirs at the end of your time abroad.
Mailing Restrictions
Please be aware that there are some things you and
your family will not want to send through the mail, due
to federal restrictions. This includes prescription
medications, cash, produce, live animals and weapons,
among others. Please be sure to check mailing
regulations before having anything sent to you.
Worldwide Internship (Thailand) Co., Ltd.99/7 Moo 1, T. Kathu, A. Kathu, 83120 Phuket, Thailand
P. +66 (0)76 612 550-2 F. +66 (0)76 612 553 E. [email protected]
Customs may go through your items in transit, so it is not recommended to mail any expensive
items or large packages. Mail can take anywhere from 2 weeks up to 2 months to travel
internationally to and from Thailand.
Cost of LivingThe table below should provide you with some approximate costs for everyday items.
http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Thailand
Cultural Adjustment
Culture Shock occurs as a result of total immersion in a new culture. Newcomers may be anxious
because they do not speak the language, know the customs, or understand people’s behavior in
daily life. The visitor finds that “yes” may not mean “yes,” that friendliness does not necessarily
mean friendship, or that statements that appear to be serious are really intended as jokes. The
foreigner may be unsure as to when to shake hands or embrace, when to initiate conversation or
how to approach a stranger. The notion of culture shock helps explain feelings of bewilderment
and disorientation.
When this happens, visitors may want to reject everything about the new environment and may
glorify and exaggerate the positive aspects of their own culture. The severity of culture shock
depends on visitors’ personalities, language ability, emotional support, and duration of stay.
It is also influenced by the extent of the differences, either actual or perceived, between the two
cultures. There are recognized periods of adjustment, and although the stages in the cycle do not
always occur in the same order and some stages may be skipped, the following pattern is a
common one.
Honeymoon Period - Initially many people are fascinated and excited by everything new. The
visitor is elated to be in a new culture.
Worldwide Internship (Thailand) Co., Ltd.99/7 Moo 1, T. Kathu, A. Kathu, 83120 Phuket, Thailand
P. +66 (0)76 612 550-2 F. +66 (0)76 612 553 E. [email protected]
Culture Shock - The individual runs into some problems: Housing, transportation, shopping,
and language. Mental fatigue results from continuously straining to comprehend the foreign
language. Complaints are the first symptoms.
Initial Adjustment - Everyday activities such as housing and shopping are no longer issues.
Although the visitor may not be fluent in the language spoken, basic ideas and feelings in the
second language or new dialect can at least be expressed.
Mental Isolation - Individuals have been away from their family and good friends for a long
period of time and may feel lonely. Many still feel they cannot express they as well as they
can in their native culture. Frustration and sometimes a loss of self-confidence result. Some
individuals remain at this stage.
Acceptance and Integration - A routine (i.e. work, business or school) has been established.
The visitor has accepted the habits, customs, foods, and characteristics of the people in the
new culture. The visitor feels comfortable with friends, the classmates and culture of the
country.
A similar process occurs when a person returns to their native country, although the stages are
usually shorter and less intense. It can be hard to express to family/friends about your experience
and pictures/ words can only do your trip so much justice.
Some ways to combat stress produced by culture shock are:
Be Patient – It takes time to acclimate to new cultures and find a new routine.
Carpe Diem – Seize every opportunity to learn the language or local lingo, participate in
cultural and social activities, consider joining local clubs or groups, explore your city and the
surrounding areas.
Physical Activity – Whether you are an avid runner or prefer calming yoga, exercise is proven
to release positive endorphins .
Worldwide Internship (Thailand) Co., Ltd.99/7 Moo 1, T. Kathu, A. Kathu, 83120 Phuket, Thailand
P. +66 (0)76 612 550-2 F. +66 (0)76 612 553 E. [email protected]
Health and Safety
Emergency Contacts
Phuket On Site
Phuket Office Phone number:
Jorge de la TorreMobile: (089) 725 6994
Judith ArndtMobile: (086) 475 6513 / (083) 697 4966
Worldwide Internships (Thailand) Co.,Ltd.Phone: (076) 615 550-2
Emergency Numbers:
Police 191
Phuket Immigration (076) 221 905
Tourist Police 1155
Hospitals:Bangkok Phuket 1719 / (076) 254 425
Mission (076) 237 220-6
Patong (076) 342 633
Phuket International (076) 249 400
Vachira (076) 371 234
In an emergency, dial 191 (this is like dialling “911” in the USA).
Alcohol
For some of you this will be the first time you are legally allowed to drink and you will feel excited
about your new found freedom. While we want you to enjoy your experience abroad, we also want
you to remember that you are there to develop as a professional. World Internships Thailand has a
zero tolerance policy for excessive alcohol consumption during any World Internship related
activity. This is includes, but is not limiting to: orientation, excursions, social events hosted by
World Internship, and your internship. World Internships staff nor a host company will take kindly
to an intern coming in disheveled, hung-over, tired, or drunk.
Worldwide Internship (Thailand) Co., Ltd.99/7 Moo 1, T. Kathu, A. Kathu, 83120 Phuket, Thailand
P. +66 (0)76 612 550-2 F. +66 (0)76 612 553 E. [email protected]
Also, be aware that the use of “rape drugs” is becoming more prevalent around the world. Never
leave your drink (alcoholic or not) unattended at any social event, and never let someone you don’t
know fix you a drink if you are unable to watch them. Be sure that you go out with a group and
remain in control so you are aware of your surroundings and can avoid being a target for pick
pocketing.
What Students Say: “Drinking is a huge social aspect in almost every culture, but nothing calls you
out as a tourist faster than being belligerent in public. It’s hard for people to take you seriously if
you’re stumbling all over yourself and you wouldn’t want to run the risk of seeing someone from
work and making a fool of yourself. Play it safe and be social, not sloppy.”
Medicine and Vaccinations
Before departing to Southeast Asia, you should double check with your healthcare provider which
immunization shots you may need before arriving, especially if you are staying for a long period of
time.
It’s usually best to boost up about one month before your intended travel duration. Not all
foreigners in Thailand receive vaccinations before arriving, but it is highly recommended. Highest
recommendations are MMR, tetanus, chicken pox and flu. Read here for more information:
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/thailand
If you use any type of prescription medication and will be travelling with a supply of these
medicines, be sure to obtain a note from your physician, approving the use of the medication.
If you use any type of prescription medication and will be travelling with a supply of these
medicines, be sure to obtain a note from your physician, approving the use of the medication.
Worldwide Internship (Thailand) Co., Ltd.99/7 Moo 1, T. Kathu, A. Kathu, 83120 Phuket, Thailand
P. +66 (0)76 612 550-2 F. +66 (0)76 612 553 E. [email protected]
Independent TravelIt should be noted that independent
travel outside of Phuket is undertaken
entirely at your own risk. World
Internships cannot be held responsible
for anything that might happen to you
during independent travel, thus it is
vital that you exercise caution and good
judgment when travelling
independently. If you plan to travel independently away from your program site, please be aware
that it is mandatory to notify the World Internships staff of your plans. It is always wise to let them
know where you are going, when you will be back, and how they can contact you while you are
travelling in case there is an emergency and they need to contact you. You may also want to inform
your employer of your plans in case you are delayed due to weather or another reason. Do keep in
mind that your internship is your priority and while you may request time off from your employer;
your employer is not required to grant you the time off. Also, please check in with our on-site staff
once you’ve returned so we know you are safe!
Getting There
The following information is important to keep in mind prior to your travel and as you prepare for your trip abroad.
Passport and visa information
Your passport is extremely important. Make sure you keep your passport in a safe place and only
carry it with you when necessary so it is not lost or stolen. The passport is the most recognizable
form of identification, and you may be required to show it. However, it is not recommended that
you carry your passport around daily. If you lose your passport, contact your native Embassy Worldwide Internship (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
99/7 Moo 1, T. Kathu, A. Kathu, 83120 Phuket, ThailandP. +66 (0)76 612 550-2 F. +66 (0)76 612 553 E. [email protected]
immediately to get a replacement. It’s not the end of the world, but it is a hassle you will want to
avoid. When traveling inside or outside of Phuket, you should carry a copy of your passport at all
times.
Power of attorney
It is a good idea to have a Power of Attorney designated before you go abroad in case your
signature is needed while you are away. Things that you might need to sign for include financial
aid documents and registration papers. By having a notarized document giving these rights to
someone close to you (parent is usually best) you can alleviate possible hassles down the road.
Time Zones
Thailand is on Indo China Time (ICT) and is 11 hours ahead of EST, 12 hours ahead of Central
Standard Time (CST), etc. If in doubt, you can use www.worldtimezone.com. This is also a good
website to give family and friends so that they know when it’s okay to call you.
What to bring
When it comes to packing, most people complain about packing too much and almost never
complain about packing too little. You should avoid over packing for your own benefit.
You can find almost anything in Phuket that you can find at home, and you will probably end up
doing some shopping there. If you pack lightly now, you will save yourself some trouble and
money when it comes time to return home.
Clothing
Pack comfortable clothes that you are likely to wear. It will be hot and humid in Thailand and the
temperature rarely gets any colder then about 70°F (22°C).
Toiletries
You only need to pack enough for the flight and your first few days. You can buy the rest in
Thailand, this will save space in your suitcase for more important items.
Worldwide Internship (Thailand) Co., Ltd.99/7 Moo 1, T. Kathu, A. Kathu, 83120 Phuket, Thailand
P. +66 (0)76 612 550-2 F. +66 (0)76 612 553 E. [email protected]
Electronics
You can bring your hair dryer, electric shaver, etc. however PLEASE note that voltage in Thailand is
230V, so your appliance must have a switch from 110 to 220. Also, some plugs are shaped
differently in Thailand, so you may need a plug adapter. Please take a look at this website as it will
be very helpful in what adapter to purchase.
http://www.travelproducts.com/electricity_guide.htm
Carry-on luggage
Try not to bring too much, for your own comfort. Remember that you are not allowed to carry
sharp objects such as scissors or liquids over 3 ounces. For more information on what you are
allowed to carry on please check the following website: http://www.tsa.gov. Note that you can
also use your carry-on bag as a traveling bag for your short trips from Phuket. You should pack the
following items:
Basic extra clothing: A couple of pieces for one or two days just in case your luggage gets delayed
and doesn’t get to Phuket when you do.
Health: Bring a full supply of medication if you need it, and make sure all meds are properly
labeled and in their original packaging. If you are bringing prescription medication, you should
have a note from your doctor as well. It is also a good idea to bring extra contacts, glasses, and
copies of any prescriptions (medicine and eye glasses) that you have or might need with you.
Money and documents: Never pack essential documents or anything you could not do without in
Worldwide Internship (Thailand) Co., Ltd.99/7 Moo 1, T. Kathu, A. Kathu, 83120 Phuket, Thailand
P. +66 (0)76 612 550-2 F. +66 (0)76 612 553 E. [email protected]
your checked luggage. Put them in your carry-on bag. Never carry large amounts of cash. Try using
a neck pouch or a money belt under your clothing to carry your cash. Make sure you carry your
passport on you, and not in your checked luggage!
Identification tags
You will receive your address in Phuket at least one
week before you leave. That is the address that you
should write on your luggage tags. You can put the
on-site office phone number on there too:
+66 (0) 76 612 550
Valuables
Neither the program nor the airline company will be
responsible for anything stolen from your suitcase. For
safety reasons, we recommend you not pack any valuable
items in your checked luggage. If you must, please inform
the airline employees in case you need to fill out any
additional forms prior to check-in.
For more information, please check the website of the US Transportation Security Administration:
https://claims.tsa.dhs.gov/pack.htm
Lost luggage
If your luggage does not arrive with you in Thailand, remember to fill out a “Luggage claims form”
before leaving the baggage claim area. The best address to leave is the one where you will be living
and the phone number to put is +66 (0) 76 612 550
Worldwide Internship (Thailand) Co., Ltd.99/7 Moo 1, T. Kathu, A. Kathu, 83120 Phuket, Thailand
P. +66 (0)76 612 550-2 F. +66 (0)76 612 553 E. [email protected]
Please bring with you:
Two photocopies of the first page of your passport (the page with your photo
on it plus the page opposite)
One photocopy of your return plane ticket if you have it
Don’t Bring
Food, pets, unnecessary clothing, electrical goods that need a converter (unless you have a
converter and adapter for them), live plants, more than $6000 USD cash (travelers or bankers
checks are okay), or an overabundance of toiletries that you can get in Thailand, as they take up
space.
The golden rule about packing is to lay out everything you want to bring, and then take half. If you
forget something or feel that you should have brought something, have someone from home mail
it to you. You can also find just about whatever you need in Phuket. Remember that you’re
responsible for carrying all of your own luggage, so if you can’t manage it on your own it’s a sure
sign you’ve packed too much.
Also, it's very important to remember to check with your airline(s) to find out about luggage limits
how many suitcases/carry-ons, weight limits) for domestic and international flights. If you are
flying with more than one airline, check with all of them as regulations vary between airlines.
Don't assume you are under the limit, as airlines charge a hefty fee for overweight luggage and /or
too many bags.
We hope that you found this guide useful.
If you have any additional questions do not hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to
answer them! We can’t wait to see you in Thailand!
Worldwide Internship (Thailand) Co., Ltd.99/7 Moo 1, T. Kathu, A. Kathu, 83120 Phuket, Thailand
P. +66 (0)76 612 550-2 F. +66 (0)76 612 553 E. [email protected]