Programme details
| Programme length | Start | End | Price | Age on departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community Service Programme | July 2007 | January 2008 | $8,250 + $330 visa | 18+ |
Known as “the land of smiles,” Thailand is the gateway of Southeast Asia. This country draws more visitors than any other country in Southeast Asia, thanks to an irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned hospitality, robust cuisine, and ruins of fascinating ancient kingdoms.
Thailand offers something for everyone as it is made up of diverse cultures with influences from India, China and neighbouring countries such as Laos, Cambodia and Burma. Buddhism, which places a high value on hospitality and kindness, is the dominant religion, and you are likely to see orange-robed monks and statues of the Buddha throughout the country. Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia never to have been colonised by a European power.
You’ll experience the engaging warmth of the Thai people who will want to learn about you and life in your country.
Family life
Extended Thai families are very close and are customarily lead by the father. Both parents usually work. Caring for the children and managing the household are generally the responsibility of the wife. The father is more involved with work outside the home. Families are protective.
Community Service in Thailand
Projects include working in (mainly rural) hospitals administering basic first aid, helping staff with English and developing programmes to highlight health issue (including tobacco, drug and HIV/AIDS education). You may also assist in a secondary school, highlighting social/health issues, helping with animal care and publicity within a zoo, assist mentally disabled children and adults with art and craft projects, physical activities and social skills.
Other projects include working in a centre for the blind, marine research (this has limited placement), working on AIDS prevention projects within an orphanage or temple and projects for the empowerment of women and children, focusing on but not limited to reducing migration to cities and helping to prevent people joining the sex-trade.
