Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ments but in order to be an effective volunteer, you should dedicate at least a month to the
program. You should also have some experience in education or humanitarian work, so
that you aren't a burden to the host community. Voluntourism is very popular these days
and there are many pay-to-play opportunities of varying legitimacy. Investigate the organ-
isation's reputation, costs and services provided (training, lodging, support). The follow-
ing grassroots organisations are worth investigating.
Andaman Discoveries
( 08 7917 7165;
www.andamandiscoveries.com
;
Phang-Nga) Manages a learning centre for
children of Burmese migrants, an orphanage and a school for disabled children in southern Thailand.
Ban Thor Phan
(
www.banthorphan.com
; Sangkhlaburi) One of the few children's home in the area run by a local.
Cultural Canvas Thailand
(
www.culturalcanvas.com
;
Chiang Mai) Places volunteers in migrant learning centres, art
programs and other social-justice projects in northern Thailand.
Dragonfly Volunteer Projects
( 08 7963 0056;
http://thai-dragonfly.com
; Nakhon Ratchasima) Trains and places
volunteers in building, teaching and animal-welfare projects throughout the country.
Isara
( 0 4246 0827;
www.isara.org
) Places teachers in underprivileged schools around Thailand; one of the few vo-
lunteer programs that is free and placements include housing and some meals.
LemonGrass
( 08 1977 5300;
www.lemongrass-volunteering.com
) A well-run Surin-based outfit places native Eng-
lish speakers in local primary schools where they work alongside the regular teachers.
Open Mind Projects
( 08 7233 5734;
www.openmindprojects.org
)
Offers volunteer positions in IT, health care,
education and community ecotourism.
Travel to Teach
(
www.travel-to-teach.org
; Chiang Mai) Offers flexible volunteering positions in schools, English
camps or temples with placements in Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai.
Volunthai
(
www.volunthai.com
)
A family-run operation that places volunteers in teaching positions at rural schools
with homestay accommodation.
