CCS volunteers often find a community in-country beyond their volunteer work in our on-the-ground teams. We are happy to bring you the experience of CCS Thailand volunteer Taryn Felder, whose experience in Thailand brought her a "forever family" a half a world away.
The Nan Province in Thailand offers volunteers unique and versatile experiences that you can’t get elsewhere. From the picturesque lands surrounded by lush Thai trees and flowers to the beautiful culture of the Hill Tribes, you are sure to fall in love with this province. As a location that is less known to tourists, you will have an authentic experience surrounded by locals. Supporting one of our volunteer programs, you will have the opportunity to truly interact with the locals, and engage in incredible human-to-human interactions that leave a positive impact on both parties.
From teaching English to the sweetest students in a Thai school, to exploring the jungles of Asia with elephants, CCS Thailand fostered the most incredible experience for Ohio State University’s Kim Hosbach.
Food is far more than fuel for our bodies—it reveals something significant about our cultural heritage and brings us together around the table. CCS volunteers consistently rave about the food at the Home-Base. CCS cooks are also trained in safe food preparation and cooking for a variety of dietary preferences, restrictions, and allergies. Check out these volunteer reviews and cultural factoids for our nine country destinations!
Consider the impact CCS would have with an additional 169 million hours of meaningful volunteer service to communities abroad. That’s how many paid time off hours were forfeited by Americans in 2013.
Considering a volunteer adventure with #ccsBangkok and looking for a little inspiration? Check out this amazing video that we've pulled from our archives for 5 great reasons (that still hold true) to volunteer with CCS in Thailand next summer.
When deciding on an international volunteer program, one of the main things that appealed to me about Cross-Cultural Solutions was the idea of the "full experience." When I saw that CCS placed equal importance on volunteering, educational activities, and opportunities for organic cultural exchange, I knew I had found my adventure. And while I knew that I wanted an educational volunteer experience, and I couldn't wait to learn about Thai culture, what I didn't realize was that these cultural activities are more than just educational. CCS includes them in the volunteer experience because they are a key ingredient in impactful volunteer work. Allow me to explain.
During my time volunteering in Bangkok with Cross-Cultural Solutions, it often felt as though I was there as a member of the community, rather than somebody who was just passing through. I found it very easy to make real friendships, which often led to new and exciting experiences.
Volunteering with Cross-Cultural Solutions is an incredibly effective way to take a step back and evaluate the path you've chosen. Whether you're interested in taking a career break abroad, you're a recent grad ready to experience the life of an international volunteer, or you're just trying to figure out your next big move, the CCS experience offers you an opportunity to shake things up, and change everything.
For an international volunteer, there are few moments more invigorating and fulfilling than those that take you off the tourist path. They offer a rare glimpse into a new country and culture, and rare insights into yourself, as well.
When you volunteer abroad with Cross-Cultural Solutions, each day brings new opportunities to get off the tourist path. Here are a few special moments experienced by some of the staff here at Cross-Cultural Solutions during their volunteer abroad adventures.
