Thailand Development, Chiang Rai
Development Internship
OVERVIEW AND LOCATION
Internships in Thailand offer under-graduate, post-graduate and recently graduated students the unique opportunity to live and work in Chiang Rai, Thailand.
Far Northern Thailand bordering Laos and Myanmar is a beautiful, green, scenic area, rich in culture and ethnic diversity. However for many small groups of people living in remote traditional villages and speaking their own languages, the process of integration into Thai society and modernisation is difficult. Many lack citizenship, have insufficient land and no money to continue to high school education levels. Many people are recent refugees fleeing Myanmar or leaving a difficult life in China behind.
Human trafficking, drug abuse, cultural erosion, urban drift and lack of job opportunities are some of the common problems faced by the people here. Work with a local NGO and assist with their development work. Help them document their activities and write submissions whilst you gain experience and first hand knowledge of development work in a rural developing setting.
Unpaid internships are available in assisting the NGO in a variety of programs that they operate in the surrounding villages. Projects include English education programs that assist communities in gaining non-exploitive job such as working in the tourism industry as well as breaking the cycle of subsistence living, English curriculum development, human rights, health and education campaigns, providing affordable clothing, and online marketing of local hill tribe products.
FIELDS
Students with experience or interest in International Development, Education, Social Work or related fields are encouraged to apply.
SCHEDULE
Students will be required to work five days a week, up to six hours a day, with weekends off.
DURATION
Internships are a minimum of 8 weeks duration.
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
Many of the staff in the organisations you will be working with speak English and are keen to improve their skills and standard. We highly encourage you to learn a little Thai whilst you are in Thailand as it is an interesting language and will help you get by and get to know the locals.
VISAS
Students need only apply for tourist visa which may be extended in-country.
ACCOMMODATION
When staying in the villages, the living facilities are simple. The kitchen is basic (they cook on a fireplace), there is a squat-style toilet in an outside hut and the shower is a tap next to the toilet and a bucket to pour the water over your head. It gets quite cool at night. Meals are relatively basic but very healthy and they do not eat large amounts of meat. The lifestyle is a communal and happy one and you’ll be surprised how easily you get into it and how much you enjoy yourself.
Facilities at the main volunteer house are more modern although not extravagant and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to learn Thai cooking, Thai language, use the internet, and explore Chiang Rai and the local areas. There are some beautiful waterfalls nearby and some of the nearby villages keep domesticated elephants. The area is very peaceful and you’ll be helping the hill tribe people to adjust to their modern life by giving them English language skills that they are keen to learn.
PLACEMENT COSTS AND INCLUSIONS
Costs included
• Personal Interview
• Pre-departure orientation and information
• Assistance with fights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance and more
• Meet and greet at airport
• Full board and accommodation
• Airport transfers
• In-country orientation and Information Pack
• Support, guidance and assistance for the duration of your internship
• 24 hour back-up and support by Antipodeans Abroad in Australia
• 24 hour back-up and support by our In-country Agent in Thailand
Costs not included
• Airfares and taxes
• Comprehensive Health and Travel Insurance (possible to organise through Antipodeans Abroad)
• Visa fee
• Vaccination fees
• Tips and gratuities
HOW TO APPLY
Students are required to apply for an interview and submit a resume, a personal statement and two references. Students will then be offered a place on the program on the basis of their application.
ABOUT THAILAND DEVELOPMENT
Thailand has a huge amount to offer travelLers, from an exotic and historic culture, scenic beaches and islands, isolated and colourful hill tribes, jungles, waterfalls and mountains. On top of that there are the extremely friendly smiley people, delicious food, golden temples, fantastic trekking and amazing animals. Thailand is the only country in South East Asia that has never been ruled by a Western imperial power and now it manages to combine modern facilities with traditional values and beliefs. Generally most tourists gain access to only a few small tourist areas and see just a little of what Thailand has to offer. With more time and the right guidance, much more of Thailand’s intricate culture and her amazing treasures will be opened to the Antipodeans Abroad students to experience.
Internships in Thailand offer under-graduate, post-graduate and recently graduated students the unique opportunity to live and work in Chiang Rai, Thailand.
Far Northern Thailand bordering Laos and Myanmar is a beautiful, green, scenic area, rich in culture and ethnic diversity. However for many small groups of people living in remote traditional villages and speaking their own languages, the process of integration into Thai society and modernisation is difficult. Many lack citizenship, have insufficient land and no money to continue to high school education levels. Many people are recent refugees fleeing Myanmar or leaving a difficult life in China behind.
Human trafficking, drug abuse, cultural erosion, urban drift and lack of job opportunities are some of the common problems faced by the people here. Work with a local NGO and assist with their development work. Help them document their activities and write submissions whilst you gain experience and first hand knowledge of development work in a rural developing setting.
Unpaid internships are available in assisting the NGO in a variety of programs that they operate in the surrounding villages. Projects include English education programs that assist communities in gaining non-exploitive job such as working in the tourism industry as well as breaking the cycle of subsistence living, English curriculum development, human rights, health and education campaigns, providing affordable clothing, and online marketing of local hill tribe products.
FIELDS
Students with experience or interest in International Development, Education, Social Work or related fields are encouraged to apply.
SCHEDULE
Students will be required to work five days a week, up to six hours a day, with weekends off.
DURATION
Internships are a minimum of 8 weeks duration.
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
Many of the staff in the organisations you will be working with speak English and are keen to improve their skills and standard. We highly encourage you to learn a little Thai whilst you are in Thailand as it is an interesting language and will help you get by and get to know the locals.
VISAS
Students need only apply for tourist visa which may be extended in-country.
ACCOMMODATION
When staying in the villages, the living facilities are simple. The kitchen is basic (they cook on a fireplace), there is a squat-style toilet in an outside hut and the shower is a tap next to the toilet and a bucket to pour the water over your head. It gets quite cool at night. Meals are relatively basic but very healthy and they do not eat large amounts of meat. The lifestyle is a communal and happy one and you’ll be surprised how easily you get into it and how much you enjoy yourself.
Facilities at the main volunteer house are more modern although not extravagant and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to learn Thai cooking, Thai language, use the internet, and explore Chiang Rai and the local areas. There are some beautiful waterfalls nearby and some of the nearby villages keep domesticated elephants. The area is very peaceful and you’ll be helping the hill tribe people to adjust to their modern life by giving them English language skills that they are keen to learn.
PLACEMENT COSTS AND INCLUSIONS
Costs included
• Personal Interview
• Pre-departure orientation and information
• Assistance with fights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance and more
• Meet and greet at airport
• Full board and accommodation
• Airport transfers
• In-country orientation and Information Pack
• Support, guidance and assistance for the duration of your internship
• 24 hour back-up and support by Antipodeans Abroad in Australia
• 24 hour back-up and support by our In-country Agent in Thailand
Costs not included
• Airfares and taxes
• Comprehensive Health and Travel Insurance (possible to organise through Antipodeans Abroad)
• Visa fee
• Vaccination fees
• Tips and gratuities
HOW TO APPLY
Students are required to apply for an interview and submit a resume, a personal statement and two references. Students will then be offered a place on the program on the basis of their application.
ABOUT THAILAND DEVELOPMENT
Thailand has a huge amount to offer travelLers, from an exotic and historic culture, scenic beaches and islands, isolated and colourful hill tribes, jungles, waterfalls and mountains. On top of that there are the extremely friendly smiley people, delicious food, golden temples, fantastic trekking and amazing animals. Thailand is the only country in South East Asia that has never been ruled by a Western imperial power and now it manages to combine modern facilities with traditional values and beliefs. Generally most tourists gain access to only a few small tourist areas and see just a little of what Thailand has to offer. With more time and the right guidance, much more of Thailand’s intricate culture and her amazing treasures will be opened to the Antipodeans Abroad students to experience.
| 8 weeks: | $2890 |
| 12 weeks: | $3590 |
| Placement start 1: | 4 Jan 2010 |
| Placement start 2: | 1 Feb 2010 |
| Placement start 3: | 1 Mar 2010 |
| Placement start 4: | 28 Jun 2010 |