Nivea Volunteers, Chiang Mai, THAILAND
Airing Date: Mar 24th, 2007
Have you ever left a country feeling like you wanted more? Wishing you had experienced something a little richer, a bit deeper, or that you'd gotten to know the locals that little bit more? Well, stepping out of the well-worn shoes of a tourist and into those of a volunteer worker is the way to do this.
Teaching spoken English to children in a remote village in the lush green hills of
Northern Thailand is something that anyone can do - AND no experience is needed! What you will need though, is a thirst for Thai culture, a love of children and to be over 18.
Involvement Volunteers Incorporated (IVI), will arrange your placement in a school and your accommodation, which if you wish, can be living with a family. Living alongside the Thai people on a daily basis, sharing meals together and working in the local school will give you a unique chance to fully immerse yourself in and understand the beautiful Thai culture.
$1200 will cover you for placement, accommodation and food for 4 - 6 weeks by IVI who has been placing English speaking volunteers in schools in and around Chiang Mai for the last 14 years.
Work ranges from teaching games and activities to help improve the children's English, to helping other teachers with daily running of the school such as organising a sports day or taking part in local ceremonies.
Can't hold yourself back from shopping or a bit of adventure travel? Then don't worry. Weekends are free and
Chiang Mai city is a short bus trip away. This city is close to the source of products, and that means the shopping is cheap. The
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is considered one of the cheapest places to shop in the country and it's alive and buzzing each night selling everything from antiques, jewellery, handicrafts and suits. Adventure travel thrives in the Chiang Mai region.
Rafting through rainforests, mountain biking or trekking among the hill tribes or visiting elephant nature parks only touch on what you can experience on your weekends off.
If you'd like to find out more about volunteer programs, check out the
'Related Links' section of this fact sheet.
