Canadian residents pay in Canadian funds at the exchange rate of 1.33
Thailand Community Service 25 Days
Although this program is not operating this summer, you can still add it to your favorites and consider it for summer 2024.
You’ll experience it all on this student trip to Thailand! Give your time in a variety of rewarding volunteer projects, ranging from caring for elephants at a sanctuary to teaching English to Thai children and organizing activities for them. This Thailand community service program is led by our amazing staff, who are there to provide guidance and reflection on the impact of the work we do throughout the program and promote the value of empathy and cultural sensitivity. Thrilling adventures across Thailand are also included to make the summer experience even more memorable! Explore the bustling canals of Bangkok and nearby floating markets, marvel at the magnificent stone ruins and temples in Ayutthaya and chill on the beach in Railay Bay. Meaningful service, amazing adventures, and new friends? Sounds like the summer of a lifetime!
The perfect balance of meaningful service projects, cultural immersion and unforgettable adventures.
This program requires an open mind to experience a different culture, new foods and new surroundings.
A letter of completion detailing the program's service hours and projects will be issued after the program.
Your service hours are eligible toward the President's Volunteer Service Award.
Everybody participates together in each project. Specific projects are confirmed in late spring and are similar to those described.
A professional guide accompanies the group to assist, educate and immerse the students into the local culture.
Hotels & lodges.
Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
Chartered, air conditioned vehicles with a professional driver.
Up to 24 participants.
You will help to beautify the school by painting classrooms and helping with other beautification projects. You will have a great opportunity to form connections with new friends as you organize fun and engaging activities.
About the Ban Huaymaesai Primary School
The Ban Huaymaesai Primary school in Chiang Rai has close to 200 students between the ages of 7 and 12. The school is located in a very rural area and does not have the same resources and facilities found closer to cities.
The service work you will perform in a hill tribe village further develops our cross-cultural experience. Work with the locals on a community improvement project that will benefit the people of this region. Past projects include building a road to improve access to this remote community, as well as building a center for families to have a place to read, gather and display their crafts to tourists who come to see their way of life. Enjoy a cultural exchange with the Lahu tribe for an evening of song, dance & games.
About the Lahu Tribal Village
The Lahu Tribal Village is a hill tribe community made up of approximately 90 people who live a very rural way of life. Most homes have no running water or electricity. The Lahu Tribe keep their agricultural traditions alive by farming by hand with the help of water buffalo.
Get up close and personal with these amazing animals. Learn to feed, bathe, care for the elephants and communicate through different spoken commands. You will enjoy the day working with local mahouts (Thai elephant trainers) and learning about the extent these local organizations go to in order to rehabilitate these gentle giants. The Thai elephant is the national animal of Thailand and the locals take great pride in taking care of them. Our time spent at the Patara Elephant Farm is an unforgettable experience that will stick with travelers for years to come.
About Patara Elephant Farm
The Patara Elephant Farm is a Thai owned and managed farm and rehabilitation center focusing on health-care and breeding management for injured, abandoned, and abused Thai elephants.
You will teach English to Thai children at a small local school, an experience that is sure to leave you with many new little friends. Over the course of 2 days at the Watpakoitai School, you will be working with your peers to design educational programs for the students. You will be splitting your time running educational programs in the classroom, and playing games with the students on the school’s property.
About the Watpakoitai School
The Watpakoitai School is a primary school near Tumboon San Pe Sue on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. The school has over 150 students in kindergarten to 6th grade.
After a warm welcome greeting and orientation to Thai customs, you will experience this intriguing city with multiple modes of transport – by elevated Skytrain, canal boat, three wheeled tuk-tuk and longtail boat. The first stop is a food walking tour of Bangkok where you will be introduced to many traditional Thai dishes and flavors. As you take in the major sights including Erawan Shrine, Golden Mount, Grand Palace and Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha), the city’s people will continue to amaze you with their warmth. Learn about initiatives to rehabilitate the mangrove forests and maintain their traditional way of life. Be amazed by the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya as you visit the stunning temples in the former capital of Thailand.
Take a long tail boat through the countryside to Ban Ruammit! In Chiang Rai, visit the Night Bazaar and Wat Rong Khun (white temple) and have a well deserved Thai massage. Enjoy a short hike to a beautiful waterfall in the Ban Huaymaesai countryside.
Float down the Mae Kok River on bamboo rafts. Work hand-in-hand with community members of the Lahu Village to rice farm and then make a traditional Thai lunch from scratch.
Get ready for what is no ordinary zip line! From multiple platforms, zip from tree to tree with spectacular views of one of the province’s oldest forests. Discover the region’s beauty and history as you explore the old city and some of its most famous temples (including Doi Suthep) before a fully involved learning experience of the country’s national sport, Muay Thai kickboxing. Learn how to cook traditional dishes and of course, enjoy the feast at our very own Thai cooking class.
Kayak Krabi Klong Talen’s ‘Mangrove Maze’, a chain of rock gardens, limestone canyons and semi-hongs filled with mangroves and plenty of wildlife. In Koh Phi Phi, whether you choose to snorkel or SCUBA in the emerald waters of this paradise, you will see exotic fish, sea turtles and coral. Enjoy a second snorkeling opportunity at Chicken Island and chilling on the beach at Railay Bay. (For your safety, all SCUBA operators restrict participants with certain medical conditions. Please ask about your own circumstances if applicable.)
Fly back to Bangkok where it all began and travel south of the city, to venture to the wetlands and explore the canal communities and the floating markets. At your farewell dinner, there is much laughter as we reminisce and reflect on all we have learned, seen, tasted and experienced. After our time with the friendly Thai people, we understand why it is called “Land of the Smiles!”
Bangkok, Thailand
The I Residence hotel features a rooftop restaurant, swimming pool and sundeck with city views of Bangkok. The central location makes it easy to get around and the perfect place to start and conclude your journey in the Land of the Smiles!
Chiang Rai, Thailand
The Luck Swan Resort offers a beautiful view of surrounding gardens and landscape. You will enjoy the convenience of free Wi-Fi, swimming pool and lots of open space to relax and enjoy the grounds of the hotel.
Mae Kok River, Thailand
As you arrive by long tail boat, you will be amazed by the beauty of the incredible Huai Khum Resort. Every bungalow is made completely of bamboo (the local building material) with a straw roof. When you are not working in the tribal village behind the hotel, you will have time to enjoy the gorgeous swimming pool and huge open areas for sports and evening bonfires.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
The Ana Park Hotel is a relaxing, centrally-located property featuring a swimming pool, free Wi-Fi access, and delicious breakfast options.
Krabi, Thailand
The Peace Laguna Resort stands out with a stylish combination of tropical lifestyle and contemporary design set in striking natural surroundings. You will enjoy the swimming pool, spa, open-air lobby, and free Wi-Fi.
Flight to Bangkok, Thailand
We begin this program with a chaperoned group flight from New York to Bangkok. Our program leaders greet you at the airport and are with you from check-in onward. Everyone has the opportunity to begin bonding before we even land. For our many travelers from outside the New York area, we require all participants to join our group flight to Thailand and are happy to assist you with arranging connecting flights at suitable times into New York.
Internal Flights
Separate from the airfare to and from this program, there is an additional $525 USD fee for internal flights from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai to Krabi, and Krabi to Bangkok.
Return Flight Home from Bangkok, Thailand
For your return from Bangkok, we offer a chaperoned flight to New York. You may choose to join that flight and arrange transfers (if required) at suitable times after the group has cleared customs and immigration in the USA; or you may fly from Bangkok to your home city and our leaders help you to check-in and remain in the airport until flights in designated times have departed.
Where We Stay
We carefully select clean and comfortable accommodations with the needs of our students in mind. While our volunteer programs do not stay at luxury resorts, we do know that a good night’s rest, in your own bed, is key to performing your service hours well and having enough energy to enjoy the day’s activities. For this reason, and also to maintain the close group bond and to uphold the quality of this program, we do not offer any homestays.
Meals & New Cuisines
Eating well while away from home is an important part of a summer’s success. Part of your travel experience will be immersing yourself in the local cuisine and culture so please bring with you an open mind and a willingness to try new things. For example, in Thailand, your mouth will water over authentic spicy local dishes, there is plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and many noodle dishes but don’t worry, they also have North American style options on the menu.
We have satisfied the choosiest of eaters and gladly accommodate most special dietary requests including vegetarian, anaphylactic food allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and kosher style. We welcome discussing your individual requirements with you and have extensive experience in this area.
Drinking Water
On this program we will have large containers of clean water for you to fill up your own water bottles as needed.
Vaccinations
We recommend you follow the advice of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and consult with your physician for current immunizations and medication required for travelers to Thailand. These recommendations may change from time to time. We will send you detailed information in March (or upon enrollment if later) regarding the current recommendations for this itinerary.
Laundry
You will only need one week’s worth of clothing as outlined in the packing list that will be sent to you prior to departure. You will have the opportunity to do laundry at your convenience by dropping off your laundry at a local wash and fold service and then pick it up clean, folded and ready to go.
What’s Included
Included in your program tuition is all lodging, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, recreation & entertainment listed, airport transfers in designated times, gratuities & taxes.
Not included is transportation to and from the program, internal flights, and personal spending money for snacks, souvenirs, and laundry. We also make available optional travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.
Please contact us with any questions. We are happy to hear from you!
What if I need to contact my teen during the program?
Participants may bring their cell phones so parents may call and message their kids directly. You may also contact our Communication Centers which serve as the official link between programs on the road and parents. We are staffed every day during the summer and have somebody on call for after hours emergencies ready to assist you 24/7.
Who are the staff and what are their qualifications?
Our staff are educators, guidance counselors, coaches, college and university students, former camp counselors, residence life coordinators, community volunteers, world travelers, and other leaders with diverse backgrounds. Many are former participants themselves who couldn’t get enough of the Westcoast experience! Learn more about our summer leaders.
How are roommates assigned?
Giving everyone a chance to make new friends creates a cohesive group and the warmest and most welcoming social environments in our industry!
On our Active Teen Tours, Global Adventures and Community Service programs, rooming rotation is as follows:
To promote this we’ve found the best system is for the Program Director to assign the rooms for the first and second stops. For the first stop, independent travelers room with other independent travelers and any friends who enrolled can room together. All participants will be assigned a different roommate for the second stop. After the first two stops, choice of roommates is always up to you!
On our Pre-College Enrichment programs & Career Experiences, rooming is as follows:
We assign independent travelers with another independent traveler for the duration of your stay. Any friends who enrolled together can room together.
Important notes:
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