Gap Year Expeditions, Global Volunteering & Conservation Projects – Greenforce

Highlights

Participating in the Hill tribe volunteer programme in Northern Thailand gives you the opportunity to meet rural communities while also giving you the chance to really understand and appreciate the rich culture and traditions of this fascinating region of Thailand. This program is all about discovering Northern Thai traditions! During these 2 weeks we will work together with AFECT, an organisation that supports the AKHA minority group in Thailand and stay in one of their centres. The work is very diverse, from construction to teaching and working with the villagers, depending on the needs of the community and on your personal preferences! Of course, during these two weeks we will also visit local markets and help local initiatives when they appear. During your time here, you will see so much.

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?

Accommodation & Food
Accommodation: Homestay or in the AFECT centre (please note that the accommodation is very basic: Thai bathrooms, with Asian toilets and ‘shower’ only). There are limited laundry facilities so expect to wash your clothes by hand. All food is included during your stay. The meals will be typical Thai fare, including plenty of rice dishes. You have the opportunity to learn how to cook, Thai style, by preparing your daily meals with the help and assistance of your new Thai friends and other volunteers.

Facilities:

Transportation—In Chiang Rai you can easily get a tuk tuk, taxi or local bus (Seungteow) to go anywhere. From the village, it is possible to go to town by truck, but you should note that you’re going to a very remote area and coming back at night is not always possible!

Internet use— there are internet cafes in the city of Chiang Rai – about 5km from the AFECT centre. No internet in the mountains!

International Phone calls – you can buy an international telephone card (with PIN code) in Chiang Rai. The best ones are from CAT PhoneNet, with which you can call from any phone in Thailand. They can be bought at the post office or CAT office. Don’t hesitate to ask your coordinator for assistance! Please note that there are no public phones in the villages (and no signal for mobile phones).

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.

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? A good way to escape from the heat for a while is to go in a barbershop and get a haircut. Most places will include a soothing shampoo and scalp massage. The cost? About £3.

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.
• Education and immersion with some of the most unique tribes 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

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.

At the Hill Tribe project:

The programme and ideology behind this programme is to participate with, in peace and ease, a new culture. Please pay attention during some language lessons and other introductions to know how to behave smoothly in Thai society. Please note that the construction work may also take place in Lampang province, where AFECT is constructing a new centre. The programme below may therefore change for the construction work, even if the spirit of the programme remains the same!

First Sunday
* In the evening departure is planned from Bangkok to Chiang Rai by bus. The travel takes more then 10 hours.

First Monday
* We will arrive Chiang Rai in the very early morning
* After some rest, we will start with a short explanation of the program and will hand over a kind of detailed schedule about the 2 weeks * In the afternoon we move to Mae Chan
* Upon arrival in the AFECT centre, we will briefly inform you about the area, AKHA Customs and where to do what. Our friends of AFECT support more then 60 AKHA students with education and a place to stay. AFECT invite all our participants to the Youth Hostel and welcome any help.
* Welcome party with the young Akha students in the Youth Hostel of AFECT.

First Tuesday-Friday
* Thai and AKHA people are very spontaneous and act instead of following precisely a schedule. Below some possibilities of what can happen.
* We will visit the local market and use this as a starting point to continue on how to bargain (in Thai) and learn more Thai.
* Continue with teaching English and help the students with homework. Of course playing and making fun with the students is part of the job.
* Getting familiar with the public transport system.
* Probably there is some time to send mails.

First Saturday
* Excursion
* Back in the evening.
* Possibility to stay on one’s own in Chiang Rai and return Sunday evening.

First Sunday
* Free time

Second Monday-Friday
* We will continue with volunteering and be with the students.
* Don't be surprised by an unexpected change in schedule this week: It keeps everyone alert and enables our coordinator to show you better the area and culture.
* Probably there is some time to send mails.

Second Saturday
* Another excursion around the area
* Back in the evening, time for a rest

Sunday
* departure.

Maps

Feedback

"I am back from Thailand and would really like to  do something to help the family I stayed with. A groups of us would like to fund raise at Uni to send some books , the children really need them. So if the next group can take them out if thats ok?

It really made me grow when I am out there, realise what we have back here in the West that we take for granted"

Anne-Marie - Thailand, October