• General Thailand Volunteer Questions
• Service-Learning Programs in Thailand
• Buddhist Immersion
• Teach English Abroad
• Orphanage Program
• Volunteer Vacations

How long has GSC been doing international development volunteer work in Thailand?
 
GSC began doing international development work in Thailand in 1995.  

Does GSC have any religious or government affiliation?

No, GSC does not have any religions or government affiliations.

What is the average size of the service-learning program groups in Thailand?

Group sizes vary according to the time of year, but there is an average of seven overseas volunteers per group. You are together as a group in Bangkok for your tour, and during your cultural and program orientation. If you are in a homestay, when you meet your individual hosts you will leave the group. Whether you are residing at a homestay or staying together in group accommodations, you will have time to join other members of the group as well as new friends for weekend activities.  

Where are the programs located and who are the GSC partners in Thailand?

GSC offers the Buddhist Immersion-Teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) program and partners with a famous rural monastery (wat) complex about one and a half hours west of Bangkok. The Teaching English at schools programs, the Orphanage Care program and the Volunteer Vacation programs are located in the Singburi region about two and half hours north of Bangkok.  GSC partners with Greenway Thailand on these programs.

How long has GSC been working with Greenway Thailand and what is the nature of the partnership?

GSC began working with Greenway Thailand (GW) in 2005 when GSC moved its base of operations from the Kanchanaburi area of Thailand to the central province of Singburi. With a complete in-country local staff, GW provided support to the GSC in-country coordinator in providing effective logistical support for the GSC community based programs. GW staff assisted with volunteer transportation, in-country orientation, project placements, and host family arrangements. As of 2008, GW now serves as GSC’s partner organization and continues to provide these services for the Singburi-based Service-Learning and Volunteer Vacation Programs.  

How long has GSC been working with the Buddhist wat and what is the nature of the partnership?

GSC began working with the wat in 2008, teaching English to novice monks.  In 2009, GSC and the wat agreed to expand the teaching programs to include senior and novice monks working at the wat.  The teaching English program was also added to the curriculum of the college for Buddhist monks located on the wat complex.  Our program coordinator at the wat is a retired US college professor monk who supervises the English training and provides the GSC volunteers with meditation training as well as orientation and training on Buddhism and living at a wat.

When will I receive additional information about my service-learning project?

Thailand volunteer participants will be provided additional project information upon arrival in Thailand.

For what date should service-learning program participants book their flight?

Thailand volunteers should arrive on Friday, preferably landing in Bangkok between 10 am – 10 pm. However participants will be greeted at the airport by a GSC representative if they arrive ANY time between 12:01 am and 11:59pm on the designated Friday. Saturday is the official start date on which the Bangkok tour will begin. When departing Thailand at the end of a program, participants should plan their outgoing flight from Bangkok as late in the day as possible on Saturday to allow time for traveling to the airport.  Back

What if I arrive in Bangkok early/late?

Thailand volunteer participants who arrive in Bangkok prior to the designated Friday start date are responsible for their own transportation into Bangkok and accommodations. Thailand volunteers are then responsible for meeting the Greenway or wat staff and other participants at an arranged time in the hotel lobby on Friday evening. (*Please note that this location is subject to change so check with our staff before leaving) GSC will provide early arrivers recommendations on affordable hotels in Bangkok and provide instruction on getting from the airport to Bangkok in a safe and inexpensive manner. Back

What type of pre-trip and pre-placement orientation is provided for Service-Learning program volunteers?

Upon final acceptance into a GSC international volunteer program, participants receive a participant handbook with information on the country and program, a reading list, packing list and other health and travel tips. A short Bangkok tour followed by one week of orientation and training is given for BI-EFL participants at the host wat. For Orphanage Care and Teach English Abroad participants, the Bangkok tour is followed by one week of orientation and one week of EFL training in Singburi. The orientation for participants at the Greenway site includes an overnight stay in a Buddhist Wat, Thai language lessons, Thai cultural discussions, training on teaching English as Foreign Language, a trip to the local morning market to buy ingredients for a Thai cooking class, and a tour of local village areas. Back

Where do service-learning program volunteers stay during orientation?

During the two-day Bangkok tour, participants stay together at the designated hotel.   Back

Can I travel during my project time?

Yes. All Thailand volunteer programs include cultural excursions arranged by GSC. In addition to this, however, you will have the opportunity to travel independently on weekends.

Many overseas volunteers choose to take a “long weekend” in order to go trekking or do other activities. Long-term Thailand volunteers especially can take advantage of the many holidays and weekends to travel. Back

What is the food like?

Traditional Thai food has rice at every meal, a meat or fish dish and some veggies. In addition, lots of Thai sweets and Thai fruit are often available. Back

Can special dietary requirements be accommodated?

Yes, many international volunteers have had special dietary needs, and GW, host families, and the wat kitchen staff can accommodate vegetarians, as well as other dietary needs. If you have dietary restrictions, please notify GSC as early as possible, and an appropriate host family will be assigned to you. Back

How do Thailand volunteers get around?

During the orientation, small groups usually use public transportation and taxis to get around Bangkok. On a daily basis, homestay volunteers will usually get a ride from their host family to and from their project site, and some homes are within walking or biking distance.  Short-term volunteers are provided transportation by GSC to and from their project site. Back

How will I communicate with GSC staff in Thailand while I’m there?

Our in-country staff can always be reached by mobile phone, simply ask your homestay or worksite to call. Back

Will I need a phone while I’m there? How can I contact home?

Phones aren’t necessary, but they can be purchased in Bangkok during your orientation and will cost around $30-$50 for a second hand phone (plus airtime minutes). If your cell phone carrier uses SIM Cards in their phones (AT&T, Cingular, T-Mobile), they can be used in Thailand by simply purchasing a Thai SIM Card ($8) plus airtime minutes. Be sure to call your carrier before departure and obtain the code to unlock your SIM Card. Additionally, all Thailand volunteers have access to a phone either at their worksite or at their homestay. Back

Will there be internet access?

Volunteers staying at GW’s facilities have access to free wi-fi.  Buddhist Immersion participants will have access to internet at the college library on the wat grounds. Volunteer participants are also able to arrange transportation into the nearest town from their project site to visit internet cafes. Back

How much spending money is appropriate?

Volunteers will get the chance to do some shopping and sightseeing during the orientation so if you’re planning on picking up gifts you should bring a little extra money. All expenses are covered on the trip, but if a volunteer wants to travel on their own they should bring additional funds. $300 is often sufficient for covering shopping, extra food, extra traveling, accommodations, and transport. GSC also recommends bringing travelers checks. They can be cashed in Bangkok or at the banks in the provinces. Although there are ATM machines everywhere, which have good exchange rates, there are hefty international withdrawal fees from some banks that overseas volunteers should watch out for.  Back

Are there ATM machines near project sites?

Yes, in most Thai towns you will find many ATM machines! There are also plenty of banks where Thailand volunteers can exchange money. Back

When will I know who my homestay is?

For those eligible for the homestay option, GSC will make every effort to provide participants with relevant information regarding host families 1-2 weeks prior to departure. However, this is not guaranteed and depends on when all documentation provided by participants (PBI, personal statement, program fees) are received by GSC. At the very latest, Thailand volunteers will be provided with information on homestays during the first week of orientation. Back

Do host families speak English?

Most homestay hosts have low levels of English proficiency, but they are eager to learn and make every effort to spoil the volunteers in any way possible. Living with a host family will be a great way for you to improve your Thai skills and fully immerse yourself in the language and culture! Back

What kinds of gifts should I bring for my homestay?

'American' items are best. Ex: college t-shirts or baseball caps, toys for children, calendars from your home town, and photos of you and your family. Back

How far are Thailand volunteers usually placed from each other?

In staying with a homestay family, participants may be placed up to 1-2 hours away from each other; however this depends on project placements. Back

Included in Service-Learning Trip: Airport pickup; all meals as noted; accommodations in Bangkok and in Singburi for the duration of your program; all entrance fees to temples and museums while in Bangkok and during orientation week; basic Thai language lessons and cultural orientation. Transportation during Bangkok tour and on local trips during orientation and project weeks, transportation to Singburi, Greenway Saturday morning shuttle from their facilities to the bus station upon departure, hotel accommodations in Bangkok on the last Friday or Saturday night of the program (if needed), Bangkok taxi costs when departing.

Not Included in Service-Learning Trip: Travel expenses including passport charges, applicable visa charges, travelers insurance, airport departure taxes, excess baggage charges and airfare from USA. Meals and transportation for weekend free time activities and trips.  Any additional taxi costs incurred while traveling from Greenway to the bus station upon departure, departure hotel accommodations other than the Friday or Saturday night covered by GSC.  Any gratuities you give to drivers or guides. Laundry, telephone calls, internet usage, faxes or any other personal expenses.  Back

What is it like at the wat where volunteers are placed?

The primary host wat located about two hours west of Bangkok is an excellent placement for GSC participants who wish to truly immerse themselves in Buddhist culture and tradition and further their knowledge of the Buddhist religion. This wat is a beautiful temple complex containing numerous ordination halls and temple buildings on 33 acres of land. Approximately 200 monks and 70 novice monks live, worship, and study at the wat. While at the wat, GSC Thailand volunteers are supervised by a PhD American monk who has been living at the temple for over three years and is bilingual. He leads volunteers in up to three meditation sessions throughout the day. Volunteers are also able to observe and participate in morning and evening meditation and chanting with monks at the temple. Back

Who arranges the English classes at the wat and how often do Thailand volunteers teach?

Two of the older monks, who head up the English department at the temple school, arrange teaching schedules for GSC participants. On average, participants teach 3 to 4 periods per day to the novice and visiting monks. Back

Will someone at the wat speak English?

Yes. The GSC host wat has older monks who are proficient English speakers and oversee GSC volunteers.  The wat may also have visitors or transient nuns/monks as well as other visitors that speak English. Back

Is the wat co-ed?

There are always monks at the wat and sometimes nuns. There are separate dorms as well as a house offsite for men’s and a women’s living quarters. Both men and women are allowed to take part in chanting and other temple activities. Back

What is wat life like for a woman as opposed to a man?

Many women participate in our Buddhist Immersion program; however their experience is slightly different from that of male participants because the monks must restrict their contact with women. As a result, female volunteers should be conscious never to touch a monk, and understand that they therefore cannot hand anything directly to the monks or novice monks. However, there is nothing in Buddhist law or tradition that prohibits western women from talking to and learning from monks, or observing and experiencing Buddhism in Thailand. Back

What is appropriate wat attire?

You are required to wear all white as a visitor at the wat.  White shirts, blouses and loose-fitting pants are available for purchase at a nominal cost at the wat, or you may bring white clothing with you. When outside the wat in public places please be respectful and considerate of the Thai culture when deciding what items to pack.  For the guys: no graphic t-shirts, cut-off shorts, or ratty clothes.  For the girls: no low-cut shirts, overly tight clothes, or extremely short shorts.  Back

What are the accommodations like during the Buddhist Immersion Program?

Volunteers stay either in gender specific two-person dorm rooms on the wat grounds or in a two-bedroom house close to the wat property.  Both facilities are equipped with single beds, fans and either Western or Thai style bathrooms. Monks sleep inside the temple itself. Volunteers staying on the wat grounds are responsible for hand washing their own laundry with water and detergent. Those staying at the house have access to a washing machine.  Back

What is the English proficiency of school staff?

English proficiency among teachers is extremely low, and the language barrier is therefore often the hardest aspect of the program. To help with this, all GSC Thailand volunteers receive basic Thai language training during orientation and in-country-staff are always available by mobile phone to mentor or help a participant. Back

Can international volunteers choose what age group they will work with during their Teach English Abroad Program?

Participants can request a specific age group; however, the final decision depends on the community’s needs at the time of your program. The orphanage usually assigns participants to work with either elementary, middle school, or the high school. However, in the regular Teach English Abroad Program, participants may teach a wide range of age-levels. If you have a specific preference, be sure to let our staff know ahead of time and they will do their best to accommodate your requests, but cannot promise a specific placement. Back

What schools do volunteer participants teach at in Thailand?

Here are some sample descriptions of possible local school placements:

Vijitsuksa (K-6th) - Although this is private school the students are still in need of basic English training from native speakers. The school has an English curriculum that is taught by Thai teachers, but many of the Thai teachers’ English proficiency is not very high. Therefore, they rely heavily on the bilingual Thai-English books to teach their students. Unfortunately, the students encounter difficulties going from written exercises to actually speaking and comprehending. This is an area where GSC Thailand volunteers are extremely valuable. The school principal and teachers are very supportive of our overseas volunteers and greatly appreciate having them.  

Pasat Witiya (K-6th) - This public school is in need of international volunteers who are willing to dive right in with their own lessons and activities. This school has significantly less resources that Vijitsuksa, and they currently have no English curriculum. The students are not taught English unless GSC Thailand volunteers are there. There are very basic classrooms at the school with concrete floors, corrugated iron roofs, and old black boards. In addition, there are very little (if any) resources for participants to use at the school other than the materials GSC gives them or what they bring from home. Overseas volunteers are therefore encouraged to bring whatever they can in terms of materials. The English level of students is significantly lower than those of Vijitsuksa, but the kids are just as enthusiastic about learning.

The preceding descriptions are only samples of schools where GSC can place overseas volunteers. If you express your preference for working with a particular age group, we will pass these requests along to our in-country partners.  While your preferences will always be taken into consideration, we cannot guarantee that they will be met due to the ever-changing needs of the local community. Back

How much time do Thailand volunteers spend teaching each day?

This varies depending on the school and on the personal ambitions of the individual volunteer participant. Some volunteers, for example, take the initiative and set up extra studying hours or English clubs. The rest of the day they can play with the kids in the yard or hang out with the staff. In general, however, Teach English Abroad participants at Vijitsuksa spend about 4 hours a day teaching. Participants at Pasat Witiya, on the other hand, teach the entire school day, (about 5-6 hours). Back

Can I do a homestay with the Teach English Abroad Program?

Yes, both homestays and rooms at the school are available for volunteers on programs of six weeks or more.  As examples:

Teach English Abroad volunteers at VIJITSUKSA School stay at the school in a room next to the teacher’s lounge that has bunk beds is air-conditioned and all meals are provided. The principal of the Vijitsuksa and his family live on the school grounds creating a very ‘homey’ atmosphere. Communal dinners among Vijitsuksa staff are a common occurrence and the food is delicious!

Teach English Abroad participants at PASAT WITIYA stay in a homestay with one of the teachers at the school. Participants will have their own small Thai-style house with a shared bathroom outside. The family has two young children. Back

Can I do a homestay in the Orphanage Volunteer Program?

Volunteers in Thailand for 6 weeks or more can opt to stay in a homestay, depending upon availability.  Volunteers who forgo the homestay option will stay on Greenway’s grounds in the Eco Houses. Back

How much time do Thailand volunteers spend teaching English at the Orphanage?

At the orphanage, participants teach between 2-4 hours a day. Some participants take the initiative and set up extra studying hours or other activities, and the rest of the day they can play with the kids in the yard or spend time with the staff.  Back

What is the average size of the Volunteer Vacation groups?

The average size of Volunteer Vacation groups varies depending on time of year.  As with all programs at the Greenway site, GSC volunteers will have the opportunity to interact and work with other international volunteers, most of whom are European. Back

How does a Volunteer Vacation experience differ from a Service-Learning program?

Volunteer Vacations differ from Service-Learning programs in a number of ways. Volunteer Vacations are designed for those who have limited time yet want to experience a new country and culture while making a difference in a local community abroad. They are less intensive and require less of a commitment than Service-Learning programs. GSC does not provide the same in-depth pre-departure training materials that Service-Learning participants receive, nor does GSC coordinate pre-program technical training activities, discussions, or workshops for Volunteer Vacation participants.

The Volunteer Vacation program involves group volunteering at local schools or orphanages, whereas Service-Learning programs consist of individual project placements with the option of staying with local host families while working in community development projects that have been designed and implemented over the years by GSC. Service-Learning placements in Thailand include Buddhist Immersion, Orphanage Care and Teaching English Abroad. Participants in the Volunteer Vacation program live at one of the three ‘Eco Houses’ GSC utilizes on the outskirts of Singburi and do not have the option to stay with local host families. Back

What are the Volunteer Vacation program options?

Currently the Volunteer Vacation program is offered in Thailand only with the options of teaching English or working in an orphanage following your orientation week. Both programs enable volunteers to provide badly needed educational and support services to poor, and rural children in central Thailand. In addition, after completing the first two weeks of a Volunteer Vacation, you will have the opportunity to participate in a culture week in which you can take a more in-depth look at Thai culture and Buddhism. Back

What is the minimum amount of time I can spend on a Volunteer Vacation?
 
All Volunteer Vacations begin with a one week orientation session, introducing you to Thailand, its language, culture and cuisine. After the orientation week you can spend as little as one week on your volunteer activity, although you may add additional weeks if you wish. So the minimum for a Volunteer Vacation is two weeks: one week orientation; one week volunteering. Back

Can I join a Volunteer Vacation if I am already traveling in Thailand or Southeast Asia?

Absolutely. We have Volunteer Vacations beginning every other week throughout the year, but please keep in mind that there are several application deadlines that must be met throughout the process. Back

What are accommodations like?

Accommodations are comfortable and are located just outside the central Thailand town of Singburi. Volunteer Vacation participants stay in one of three ‘Eco Houses’ that GSC utilizes. Rooms are dormitory-style, with the number of beds ranging from 3 to 12. Each room has a shared bathroom with shower facilities and free wi-fi. Each of the houses have casual, communal eating and gathering spaces making it easy to meet new people and make new friends from around the world. Internet, shops, swimming pool, hospital, pharmacy, banks, ATMs, and restaurants are all close by in the town of Singburi. Additionally, transportation into the town of Singburi is frequent and inexpensive.  Back

What is the food like?

Vegetarian meals will be prepared three times a day during the week and two times a day on the weekends at the Eco Houses during the introduction week and EFL training weeks. During the volunteering weeks, breakfast and dinner is served at the Eco House, while lunch is usually eaten at the project sites. Back

How will I get around?

All local transportation from where you are staying to your volunteer site will be provided. Back

What is covered in the Volunteer Vacation program fees and what is not?

Volunteer Vacation Prices Include:
• Pick-up at Suvarmabumi Airport in Bangkok and transfer to your hotel
• Two night’s semi-private accommodation in Bangkok including all meals except Saturday dinner
• Accompanied cycle and boat day tour of Bangkok
• Transportation to Singburi and local transportation to and from volunteer project sites
• Cultural orientation and excursions
• Dormitory accommodation during volunteering weeks
• All meals during orientation and volunteering weeks
• Greenway 10:30 am Saturday transportation back to the Bangkok bus station at the end of the program


Volunteer Vacation Prices Do Not Include:
• International Travel Insurance (Required)
• Tourist Visa (not required for US citizens staying 30 days or less; 60-day tourist visa is $65)
• Flights to and from Bangkok
• Email, telephone calls and other expenses of a personal nature
• Transportation from the Bangkok bus station to the airport at the end of the program
• Any hotel stay or meals in Bangkok at the end of the program.
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