Are you looking for an experience that will be both incredible and rewarding? Be it a gap-year or simply looking for something new, volunteering abroad in Thailand will provide you with an experience of a lifetime! With the proper amount of preparation and planning, you can easily make the move with a reputable agency or program.
Be it doing seasonal work on farms to volunteering with animal sanctuaries, there are a number of ways to lend a hand in a foreign country. Volunteer programs abroad typically accept any age, nationality and situation to offer you an amazing opportunity. If you have a more specific skill set, great – there are plenty of organizations seeking a skilled trade! If you simply have the desire and drive to make a positive impact, embrace a new culture and make a difference – even better!
Afraid of the language barrier? Don’t be! Many Thai natives speak English on some level and are available to help you as a volunteer. We encourage you to also learn some of the Thai language to further embrace the culture and the Thais will love the effort!
What to Consider When Choosing a Volunteer Organization:
- Do your homework! You want to make sure the organization you volunteer with is licensed and reputable.
- Often times, your home country will have an agency that you will work that partners with one in a foreign country. Other times, you are dealing with the actual agency itself abroad.
- Read reviews and testimonials
- Research and know exactly what you’re getting yourself into.
- What is offered with the Volunteer package? What are you paying for, exactly?
- Is there safe accommodation? Meals provided? Transportation? Handling these things yourself can be challenging in a country in which you are not familiar.
- Is there a training period or orientation? Do you feel comfortable with what you will be walking into? Volunteering abroad will come with a level of uncertainty regardless – it is what makes this type of experience so wonderful, but don’t be blind-sided either.
- What type of support will you have through the organization before, upon arrival and during your stay?
- Questions regarding visa, flights, accommodations, Thai culture things-to-know, etc. should be easily answered by your program.
