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 orientation, during your orientation and training and when you travel to meet your host families. Once you meet your individual hosts, you will leave the group. However, more than one overseas volunteer may stay with the same host, and some project sites have more than one volunteer. You will have time to meet with the other members of the group on weekends and during the GSC sponsored weekend trip.
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 for the Volunteer Vacations. The program is now based in the Nonthaburi region. Back
Thailand volunteer participants will be provided additional project information upon arrival in Thailand. Participants who provide GSC with their program preferences at an early date will oftentimes be personally contacted by the GSC In-Country Coordinator to create a program that will fit your personal goals.
For what date should service-learning program participants book their flight?
Thailand volunteers should arrive on Sunday, 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 Sunday. Monday is the official start date on which the Bangkok orientation 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 Sunday 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 Sunday start date are responsible for their own transportation into Bangkok and accommodations. Thailand volunteers are then responsible for meeting the In-Country Coordinator and other participants at an arranged time in the hotel lobby on Sunday 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 an orientation manual with information on the country and program, a reading list, packing list and other health and travel tips. A five to seven day on site orientation in Bangkok, Singburi and at host wats is also provided by GSC’s program coordinators. The orientation 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 orientation, participants stay together at the hotel. Back
When and where is the weekend excursion for the Thailand service-learning program?
All service-learning program volunteers are provided a weekend trip to Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya is the Ancient capital of Thailand, which sits on the confluence of three rivers approximately 120km north of Bangkok – Chao Phraya, Pa Sak, and Lopburi. Ayutthaya suffered enormous damage during the Burmese take-over, as many of the city’s famed temples were leveled and Buddha images decapitated. However, Thailand’s Fine Arts Department has done extensive archeological and restoration work to recondition many of the city’s temples. GSC provides a two-day and one-night excursion to this historically significant and beautiful sight. All meals, transportation, and accommodations are covered by participant program fees.
Participants in the two-week ‘Introduction to Service-Learning’ Program may still accompany the group on the weekend excursion to Ayutthaya. However, arrangements must be made to ensure making outbound flights on the final Sunday of the program. Back
Can I travel during my project time?
Yes. All Thailand volunteer programs include a weekend excursion 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 host families 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. If there are large groups, GSC rents a van. On a daily basis homestay volunteers will usually get a ride from their host family to and from their project site, and some homes for 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?
All the hospitals GSC works with have internet access. However, use of the internet at the hospitals should be limited to simple email communication. Some schools have internet access, but the connection speed is very slow. Volunteer participants are easily able to arrange transportation into the nearest town to their project site to visit internet cafes. Back
How much spending money is appropriate?
International volunteer 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?
GSC will make every effort to provide international volunteers 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 every 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 general, participants may be placed up to 1-2 hours away from each other, however this depends on project placements. Back
What is an example of a Wat that GSC places overseas volunteers at?
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 Wat Bot 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 monks. Back
Will someone at the Wat speak English?
Yes. All the GSC host wats have older monks who are proficient English speakers and oversee Thailand volunteers. Some of the wats may also have visitors or transient nuns/monks as well as other visitors that speak English. Back
Are the Wats co-ed?
There are always monks at the wat and sometimes nuns. There is often a men’s and a women’s living quarters that are separated from each other. 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 volunteer 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 overseas 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?
Lay persons spending extended periods of time at temples in Thailand generally wear basic white garments that symbolize purity. For men – loose and light white fisherman’s pants and a white tunic (like pajamas). And for women - a meditation sash, fisherman’s pants or “pasin” white skirt (a sheet that is folded over into a skirt) and a white tunic. This clothing will either be provided for you at the wat, or can be purchased from the wat for a nominal fee. Back
What are the accommodations like at the wat?
Very basic. Thailand volunteers usually sleep on a straw mat with blankets and a pillow on a wooden, concrete, or linoleum floor. They are also provided with Thai style bathrooms and a fan. Volunteers stay in a special living quarters that is designated for visitors (it is common for Thais to visit their local or preferred temple to stay for a couple days for meditation and chanting), and therefore may be staying in the same room as local lay people. Monks sleep inside the temple itself. International volunteers are responsible for hand washing their own laundry with water and detergent.
Thailand volunteers who wish to teach at a temple school for local children have the option of either staying in basic accommodations at the temple or staying with local host family and traveling to the wat each day. Back
No, there are no assigned translators or counter-parts, but the doctors or nurses in the hospitals all have basic or proficient English skills.
Can GSC make special placements for physician assistants, nurses, dentists, public health, or pharmacology students?
All IH Thailand volunteers can be placed in a hospital, regardless of their medical background. GSC can, however, pair volunteers with a pharmacist or nurse if these are areas they want to concentrate on, but the amount of hands-on volunteer work they will be able to participate in will vary and depend on the volunteers’ behavior in the hospital, and on their personal relationships with the hospital staff. There is no placement related to dental medicine.
What is appropriate hospital attire?
Men – slacks, collared shirt, no flip flops
Women – skirts/slacks, blouse/collared shirt (no sleeveless shirts), no flip-flops. Although international volunteers in the past have brought their own scrubs to wear in the hospital, the hospital staff found this to be inappropriate. Although many of the doctors, nurses, and other staff at the hospital wear scrubs, GSC participants are volunteers and not staff. Therefore, participants should not wear scrubs. Instead, you should wear blouses that cover the shoulders or polo-type shirts and either pants (no jeans) or long skirts that go past the knees. Participants are given name tags to wear at the hospital which identifies them to staff and patients as GSC Thailand volunteers.
Can International Health Interns live at a Buddhist Wat?
No. There is no way for you to get to the hospital from the Wat. An alternative, however, is for a participant in an Integrated Program that combines the International Health and Buddhist Immersion programs.
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 Education project?
Thailand international volunteers can request a specific age group. However, the final decision will be up to the school. The orphanage usually assigns participants to work with either elementary, middle school, or the high school. However, in the regular Education 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. Unfortunately, we do not work with college age students, but GSC can make teaching placements at local high schools or with high school aged youth at a local orphanage. Back
What schools do volunteer participants teach at in Thailand?
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. Arrangements can be made to place participants at local high schools as well. Please be sure to state your preference in age group when applying for the Education program. 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 international 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, Education volunteers 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 Education Program?
Education overseas 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!
Education 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
Thailand orphanage volunteers must stay on the school grounds. The orphanage (RJ33) is HUGE with over 1,000 students grade k-12, and all the children stay on the grounds in dormitories as well. International volunteers live in mall dormitory type accommodations with their own bed and fan. Volunteers are taken care of by the orphanage staff, many of whom live there with their families. As a result, there is still the chance to get involved in family life.
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.
The average size of volunteer vacation groups are 15-30 people. However, this number varies depending on time of year.
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 that service-learning programs. GSC does not provide pre-trip training materials 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 local host families in community development projects that have been designed and implemented over the years by GSC. Service-learning placements in Thailand include HIV/AIDS education and prevention, international public health, and Buddhist Immersion. Participants in the Volunteer Vacation Program live at one of the three ‘Eco Houses’ GSC utilizes on the outskirts of Singburi and not with local host families. Volunteer vacation participants are supervised by GSC’s local in-country partner, Greenway Thailand and are not directly supervised by the GSC in-country coordinator for service-learning programs. 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 week throughout the year. Back
What are accommodations like?
Accommodations are comfortable and are located just outside the central Thailand town of Singburi. Volunteer Vacation participants stay in 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. 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 at the eco houses during the introduction week. 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?
Included – transfer to and from Bangkok, accommodations, most meals, local transportation, and volunteer placement.
Not Included – airfare, transfer to airport at end of program, visa fees if staying longer than 30 days, travel insurance, extra activities not on itinerary. Back
