Gap Year Expeditions, Global Volunteering & Conservation Projects – Greenforce

Highlights

The work supports orphan children as you help them develop, Work closely with the schools and orphanages there. Most large orphanages in Thailand have integrated on their grounds their own primary (and secondary) school for their pupils. The school is also open to struggling families and allows their children to attend and get a basic education. Of course the orphanage provides housing, food and teaching materials for these students as well. Besides teaching English on a casual basis the volunteers are able to work with the children in their vegetable garden (for their own consumption) and to create activities for the students or arrange workshops for cultural exchange, environmental and other important issues. In cooperation

with our full time coordinator we will create a special program each

month for those involved in this initiative.

What will I achieve?

• Having the chance to participate in amazing anthropological insights.
• 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 one of our 3 ‘Eco Houses’ in Singburi. The camp is situated about 10 km from the town and takes about 15 minutes from the accommodation. In Singburi you will find all the amenities you need such as internet, shops, swimming pool, hospital, pharmacy, banks and restaurants.

The houses sleep 20 to 50 single gender shared dorm rooms with the number of beds ranging from 3 to 12. All houses have western style toilets and one even as an Asian toilet! Each bathroom has a shower and 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. The doors and windows are screened (to protect you from mosquitoes). There are fans in the room. For your valuables, we have lockers available. We strongly encourage you to use them, even if our centres are generally very safe.

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.

Essentials

• Remember to bring a sleeping bag and lots of insect repellent with you.

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.

Eligibility

• The trip is open to all nationalities.

• The minimum age for this trip is 17; there is no maximum. Expedition teams consist of individuals from a diverse range of ages, backgrounds, and experiences. Everyone is welcome

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.

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.

This is a sample itinerary and may differ slightly. The first week is a great introduction to Thailand. It is designed for you to get to know Thailand and 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 this fabulous Orphanage programme, which entails the following:

Our orphanage project includes an insight into teaching methods, as well as experience about giving workshops, gardening, awareness programmes and art. Before you start, you will be adequately briefed on the orphanage system and the work for the coming weeks will be outlined.

An average day will see you leave the centre at around 9 to head to the orphanage. In the afternoon, you will be transported back to the centre.

Maps

Feedback

"I left my Gapforce T at the school. Any chance I can have another please? I enclose a photo -just to prove it!

When is the Re union party? As I want to do another GF adventure, diving next time, Bahamas. Big thanks to Patrick for all is help out there - loved it!"

James - Gapforce Thailand, spring.