Thailand Rural Development

From government-instituted programs to the work of non-governmental organizations, Thailand has an array of initiatives working on improving education, health care, and sustainable environmental practices throughout the country.

Lattitude, 44 Queen’s Road, Reading, Berkshire RG1 4BB, UK (☎+44 01 189 59 49 14; www.lattitude.org.uk). Formerly known as Gap Activity Projects, organizes volunteer work placements for those aged 17-25 in a “gap year” after secondary education. Programs are 3-6 months in length and cost about US$2400. Financial aid is available. For British, Irish, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand passport-holders only.
Global Service Corps, 300 Broadway Ste. 28, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA (☎+1-415-788-3666, ext. 128; www.globalservicecorps.org). Programs and internships in education, health care, and service learning (can be specialized) last 2-9 weeks and range US$2200-4700.
Habitat for Humanity International, 121 Habitat St., Americus, GA 31709, USA (☎+1-800-422-4828; www.habitat.org). 253 Asoke Building, 12th Floor, Sukhumvit 21 (Asoke), Klongoey, Wattanan Bangkok 10110, Thailand (☎02 664 0644). Offers extensive opportunities in Thailand and Southeast Asia to live and build houses in a host community.
Institute for Cultural Ecology Internships, P.O. Box 991, Hilo, HI 96721, USA (☎+1-808-577-1743; www.cultural-ecology.com). Offers internships to American and Canadian citizens in fields from journalism to ecology. Positions last from 4 weeks to 1 year.
Peace Corps, Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters, 1111 20th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20526, USA (☎+1-800-424-8580; www.peacecorps.gov). Opportunities in 71 developing nations, including Thailand and the Philippines. Volunteers must be US citizens age 18+ willing to make a 27-month commitment. A bachelor’s degree is strongly recommended.
Voluntary Service Overseas Canada, 844 Eccles Street, Suite 100 Ottawa ON K1R 6S4 Canada (☎+1-613-234-1364 or 888-876-2911; www.vsocan.org). Opportunities to work in Thailand and Southeast Asia on a wide range of projects. Most youth volunteer positions are for Canadian residents and last 6 months; professional overseas volunteer positions by application, for those 21 years or older, last from7 months to 2 years. VSO covers all expenses; stipend provided.
GoEco, Rozanis 13, Tel Aviv, Israel (} +97 20 36 47 42 08; www.goeco.org). Offers volunteer tourism opportunities across the world. In Thailand, their program focuses on educating rural children. English-speaking volunteers welcome. Fees from US$800-2000 cover accommodation and other expenses.