Gap Year Expeditions, Global Volunteering & Conservation Projects – Greenforce

Highlights

In the centre of Thailand lies an ecological centre, designed to provide assistance and focus to the environmental projects taking place. It educates the locals and raises awareness on issues such as preserving natural resources and biodiversity. If you have a keen interest in conservation and nature, you will enjoy this challenge as we work to help the Thai environment.

Some of the conservation projects include:

• Wildlife spotting and research

• Building paths and fences for protection

• Photography and monitoring

• Tree planting

• Planting of native species in reserve forests

• Protection against forest fire and prevention

• Fighting global warming

• Environmental education and awareness

Essentials

What will I achieve?

• Having the chance to participate in amazing conservation projects.
• Gain confidence and enthusiasm through your endeavours.
• Explore the region and witness Thailand at its very best.
• Combine rewarding work with amazing trips to some of the most exotic and sublime destinations the world has to offer.

Where will I live?

Your new home will be an Eco House in Central Thailand. The camp is situated 30km from Nakhon Ratchasima. The nearest town is Wang Nam Keow and takes about 30 minutes from the accommodation. You will find all the amenities you need such as internet, shops, swimming pool, hospital, pharmacy, banks and restaurants.

All rooms within the house have their own bathrooms and showers! The water is always cool – nice and refreshing in the heat. All houses have a communal area where you can eat, relax and meet.

Most of the houses are within walking distance of a local shop and a make shift bar provided by the friendly locals.

There are limited laundry facilities so expect to wash your clothes by hand. All participants are expected to be environmentally aware and clean up after themselves, and to play your part to keep the accommodation neat and organised.

All food is included during your stay. The meals will be typical Thai fare, including plenty of rice dishes.

Money

• The currency in Thailand is the Baht.
• Because of the remote setting to this programme, there are no ATMs near the centre so it is important to have some before embarking on your expedition.
• All the urban areas have numerous ATMs, although they do charge for withdrawals.
• Make sure you inform your bank that you will be travelling as some like to cancel your card when they see irregular behaviour.
• Pounds are not common so dollars are preferable. The best idea is to change money prior to departure.
• At the start of 2009, the rate of exchange was 1 GBP to 53 Baht.

Money issue - there are numbers of bank and ATM machine near by. The nearest one is a few km away at Thakam market.

Country facts

• Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. Over 10 million people live in its metro area.

• 63 million people live in Thailand, making it the 20th most inhabited country on earth.

• Thailand is one of the most devoutly Buddhist countries.

• Many of Thailand’s cultural traditions and customs differ from neighbouring countries such as India and China.

• Hello in Thai is: sà-wàt-dee . Thank you is: kòp koon.

Did you know? The Siamese cat was brought to Britain from Thailand in 1884 by the British Consul General of Bangkok.

What's included?

• A Meet Your Team briefing day and BBQ in central London.
• Being met at the airport by a staff member.
• All meals and accommodation for the duration of your stay.

• A full introduction week
• A captivating experience that will change your life.
• A unique opportunity to explore Thailand like never before.
Points to note:
• On receipt of deposit, you’ll receive a Welcome e-mail with access to your personal page.
• We give you helpful advice about equipment, recommended flights, insurance and more.
• You will gain access to your very own personal website that allows you to input information and also has valuable information about fundraising, vaccinations and country information.
• A staff member is in the region all year round.
• International phone cards are available at all towns and cities throughout Thailand.

Maps

Itinerary

Introduction Week:

The Introduction is the first step towards a successful stay in Thailand! Therefore the first week is dedicated to getting to know Thailand and meeting the other participants. During this time you will also engage in the following activities and other more: learn about Thai culture, Thai language and cooking lessons, visit the famous Buddhist Temple: Wat Phranon Jaksi, the old capital of Ayutthaya (including visit to the elephant village), Lopburi's museum and pagoda, and a cruise along the Chaopraya river.

 You will also have time to meet the local people, taste the food and learn about the Thai customs. Of course, this is also the time in which you will be informed in detailed about your program and the different projects. Following our induction program, which arms you with the basics in Thai language, culture, know how of local transport and social do's and don'ts, you'll be ready to continue your Cultural Immersion Programme in Thailand.

Because of the changing nature of these activities, it is very difficult to include an itinerary. You will be working 5 days a week, with the weekends to explore as you will.

However, the first week is an introduction to Thailand. It is designed for you to get to know the country and to meet other volunteers. During this week, you will learn to cook scrumptious Thai cuisine, visit a famous Buddhist temple, cruise along rivers and meet the friendly locals. Then you will participate in the progressive conservation project.