Thailand
"With just visiting places, you get a feel for the country. But with this experience you go deeper. Living there is something that can't be done on a tourist level or at a school level. Working is amazing, seeing every day what those people go through. It's just a wonderful experience."Susanne Quianzon, Thailand volunteer
Why Volunteer in Thailand?
As a volunteer in Thailand, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a country known for its scenic diversity and ancient traditions. Bordered by Malaysia, Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), Laos, and Cambodia, "Thailand" means "Land of the Free" and is the only country in Southeast Asia that has never been colonized. Though it is heavily influenced by India and China, Thailand has a unique and fascinating culture of its own. It has attracted international travelers for many years, who are interested in its Buddhist roots and its natural beauty.
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy boasting the longest reigning monarch – in 2006 their king celebrated 60 years on the throne. The people’s love of their king is world-renowned and in 2007, celebrations will be held throughout the year (and throughout the country) in honor of his 80th birthday.
Thailand is a place of contrasts, a country in which two of the most renowned pursuits are tranquil meditation and aggressive kickboxing. It is a very industrious country, and yet its favorite phrase is "mai pen rai" ("no worries"). The Thai people are proud of their history, and ready to share it with others. Central to the way of life in Thailand is the concept of "sanuk", which means that everything should be enjoyable or it's not worth doing. In step with this concept, many volunteers in Thailand are surprised to learn that relationships carry more weight than other things in Thai society. In fact, fostering a relationship with a business colleague or a client is seen as much more important than meeting a deadline or being on time.
Cross-Cultural Solutions operates volunteer programs in Thailand in the vibrant capital city of Bangkok and the small, coastal town of Trang.
Request more information about volunteering in Thailand, or read more about the CCS Experience in the following program sites:
©2007 Cross-Cultural Solutions. All Rights Reserved.
