Gap Year Expeditions, Global Volunteering & Conservation Projects – Greenforce

Highlights

This program consists of working with local students at various schools (we have strong relationships with several primary and secondary schools and colleges) where the students will be between 7 and 18 years old.

The different schools encourage a non-formal approach to teaching. This means that you will not have to conform to the local teaching methods or style, but you will be free to choose your own way of teaching and may bring your own ideas into class. It is important to understand that your methods of teaching are less important than your attitude towards the students. Also, the subjects you teach can alter, depending on current activities in the schools and might include, for example, environmental issues.

Nobody expects you to teach the students to speak English fluently in four weeks; everyone involved considers it more important for the children to develop an interest and a desire to learn English and to have exposure to foreign volunteers and to learn about the world outside of their community.

The teaching program serves a dual purpose; of course it is meant to help children in rural Thailand to have a chance to speak more English (usually even their teachers aren’t up to standard) and secondly it will give you an insight into the education and give you real friends among (young) students and teachers alike.

What will I achieve?

• Having the chance to run a classroom and be a part of these children’s education.
• 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?

Accommodation & Food
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.
• There are ATMs close to the centre.
• 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.

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 name Thailand means ‘Land of the free’.

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 during your stay.

• A full introduction week.
• Hands-on experience with one of the most amazing creatures on earth.
• 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

Program Description

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.

Schedule and Activity

This program below is written to achieve an idea of the introduction week:

Sunday

After the transfer to one of our eco-houses in, there will be time to check in and settle down. We will start with a short introduction to the program, an intro to the other participants, the group leader and the eco-house.

Monday

After breakfast we will continue with an introduction and take a short walk around the village. Schedules will be given and a brief explanation follows of the program. Have some sightseeing and we will have lunch in a restaurant. In the afternoon, there will be an introduction into Thai culture: do and don't s in Thai society. In the evening, there will be an introduction to the projects and discussion about the volunteer programs. 

There will be a welcome party in the evening with the school students from the local town performing a Thai traditional dance. During the party we will try to know each other quickly and play a presentation game in which you can perform something that is typical for your culture of origin

Tuesday

All day trip to the ancient city of Ayutthaya is scheduled. Many ancient ruins and art works can be seen in a city that was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong when the Thais were forced Southwards by northern neighbours.

We will visit the Elephant village and followed by dinner near the river side. 

Wednesday

In the morning we start with another Thai lesson, after which will visit some of the beautiful and famous monuments and Buddhist temples near our centre: Wat Phranon Jaksi (A huge reclining Buddha image) and the Bang-Rachan hero monument. In the afternoon there will be some free time to spend in  town, whether to shop or check email. In the evening, we will dinner at the famous Thai BBQ restaurant. 

Thursday

In the morning, we visit a school where we will do some activities with the children or teach English. During school holidays (from mid-March till mid-May and in October), when the school is closed, we visit a palm tree farm instead.

Just before lunch, we will visit a local handicraft place. 

There will be a continuation of Thai language lessons for those who are interested in learning more Thai. Following this, we have an interactive Thai cooking class: after a short Thai lesson introducing the different ingredients you will learn how to cook these ingredients into a Thai dish, and to cook dinner. 

Friday

A full day travel with several visits.. Some of the highlights would be visit to the famous Somdet Phra Narai National Museum and the Wat Phraputhabaht Temple (Buddha's footprint) and we will experience some local cuisine at a nearby restaurant. 

Saturday

There will be brunch at 10am, after which participants can choose between optional Thai Cooking Class or Thai Language lesson or visit to the Swimming pool.

Sunday

Free time

 

Example Itinerary for Teaching weeks:

Monday-Friday
In the morning you will teach young students of primary school and in the afternoon in a secondary school.. It can be nice to have presents with you for students. In our experience the students are less interested in toys (some typical toys of your country might be interesting), but pictures of your family/house or pets is standard a success.* You will have lunch at the school and work from 8.30 hrs in the morning until just after 15.00 hrs.

* Thai schools show respect each day to the Kingdom of Thailand. They invite participants to join a few 8 o'clock morning ceremony and be part of the morning exercises.

*** Note: Thailand is a tropical country with occasional violent storms, heavy rains and floods. During such times, the above schedule may be subject to change.

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.