• General Thailand Volunteer Questions
• Service-Learning Programs in Thailand
• Buddhist Immersion
• Teach English Abroad
• Orphanage Program

How long has GSC been doing international development volunteer work in Thailand?
 
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 tour, and during your cultural and program orientation. If you are in a homestay, when you meet your individual hosts you will leave the group. Whether you are residing at a homestay or staying together in group accommodations, you will have time to join other members of the group as well as new friends for weekend activities.  

Where are the programs located and who are the GSC partners in Thailand?

GSC offers the Buddhist Immersion-Teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) program and partners with a famous rural monastery (wat) complex about one and a half hours west of Bangkok. The Teaching English at schools programs, the Orphanage Care program is located in the Singburi region about two and half hours north of Bangkok.  GSC partners with Greenway Thailand on these programs.

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 and continues to provide these services for the Singburi-based Service-Learning Programs.  

How long has GSC been working with the Buddhist wat and what is the nature of the partnership?

GSC began working with the wat in 2008, teaching English to novice monks.  In 2009, GSC and the wat agreed to expand the teaching programs to include senior and novice monks working at the wat.  The teaching English program was also added to the curriculum of the college for Buddhist monks located on the wat complex, which serves five provinces.  Our program coordinator at the wat is a retired US college professor monk who supervises the English training and provides the GSC volunteers with meditation training as well as orientation and training on Buddhism and living at a wat.

When will I receive additional information about my service-learning project?

Thailand volunteer participants will be provided additional project information upon arrival in Thailand.

For what date should service-learning program participants book their flight?

Thailand volunteers should arrive on the Friday prior to their Saturday start date, 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 Friday. Saturday is the official start date on which the Bangkok tour 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 Saturday to allow time for traveling to the airport. Back

What if I arrive in Bangkok early/late?

Thailand volunteer participants who arrive in Bangkok before Friday are responsible for their own transportation into Bangkok as well as any needed accommodations and meals prior to meeting up with the Greenway or wat staff on Friday afternoon at a prearranged time and place (arrangements will be made by GSC prior to your departure for Thailand). 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 a participant handbook with information on the country and program, a reading list, packing list and other health and travel tips. A short Bangkok tour followed by one week of orientation and training is given for BI-EFL participants at the host wat. For Orphanage Care and Teach English Abroad participants, the Bangkok tour is followed by one week of orientation and an optional week of EFL training in Singburi for long-term Teach English Abroad volunteers. The orientation for participants at the Greenway site includes an overnight stay in a Buddhist Wat, Thai language lessons, Thai cultural discussions, training on teaching English as a 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 tour, participants stay together at the designated hotel.   Back

Can I travel during my project time?

Yes. All Thailand volunteer programs include cultural excursions 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. The food served at the Greenway accommodations is vegetarian. Back

Can special dietary requirements be accommodated?

Yes, many international volunteers have had special dietary needs, and GW, host families, and the wat kitchen staff 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. On a daily basis, homestay volunteers will usually get a ride from their host family to and from their project site, and some homes 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?

Volunteers staying at GW’s facilities have access to free wi-fi.  Buddhist Immersion participants will have access to internet at the college library on the wat grounds. Volunteer participants are also able to arrange transportation into the nearest town from their project site to visit internet cafes. Back

How much spending money is appropriate?

Volunteers 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?

For those eligible for the homestay option, GSC will make every effort to provide participants 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 any 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 staying with a homestay family, participants may be placed up to 1-2 hours away from each other; however this depends on project placements. Back

Included in Service-Learning Trip: Airport pickup during scheduled times; project transportation; all meals as noted; accommodations at project site for the duration of your program; basic Thai language lessons and cultural orientation; Bangkok tour; bus transportation from project site back to Bangkok (for Buddhist Immersion Program) or to Singburi (for Teach English Abroad and Orphanage Care Programs) at the end of your program during scheduled times.  Back

Not Included in Service-Learning Trip: Travel expenses including passport charges, applicable visa charges* ($60-$150), travel insurance** ($150-$350), and airfare** ($1,500-$2,500); accommodations, meals, and transportation for any personal trips during weekend free time; any additional costs for accommodations, meals, or transportation needed for those arriving or departing early or late; transportation from Bangkok (for Buddhist Immersion) or from Singburi (for Teach English Abroad and Orphanage Care) to the airport.

*This cost depends on your length of stay in Thailand.  Note: Volunteers arriving before their program start date or staying in Thailand later than their program end date may be subject to additional visa charges.

**These costs are estimates.  Actual prices will depend on program length, your chosen vendors, visiting country's governmental regulations, and other factors beyond GSC's control.  Back

What is it like at the wat where volunteers are placed?

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 halls and temple buildings on 33 acres of land. Approximately 100 monks and 70 novice monks live, worship, and study at the wat. Hundreds of other monks come to study Monday through Wednesday each week. While at the wat, GSC Thailand volunteers are supervised by a PhD American monk who has been living at the temple for over eight 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 the wat and how often do Thailand volunteers teach?

The American monk heads up the English Program at the university center and arranges teaching schedules for GSC participants. On average, participants teach 2 to 3 periods per day to novices, monks and the local community. Back

Will someone at the wat speak English?

Yes. In addition to the American monk who is the GSC host, the wat has several monks who are proficient English speakers. The wat also has transient visitors, nuns and monks who speak English. Back

Is the wat co-ed?

There are always monks and permanent staff, as well as sometimes visiting nuns, at the wat. There are separate dorms as well as a house offsite for men’s and a women’s living quarters. 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 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 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?

You are required to wear all white as a visitor at the wat.  White shirts, blouses and loose-fitting pants are available for purchase at a nominal cost at the wat, or you may bring white clothing with you. When outside the wat in public places please be respectful and considerate of the Thai culture. When deciding what items to pack: No graphic t-shirts, cut-off shorts, ratty clothes, or sleeveless tops. For the women: no low-cut shirts, overly tight clothes, sleeveless tops, or extremely short shorts. Sleeveless tops are specifically cited as disrespectful.  Back

What are the accommodations like during the Buddhist Immersion Program?

Volunteers stay either in gender specific two-person dorm rooms on the wat grounds or in a two-bedroom house close to the wat property.  Both facilities are equipped with single beds, fans and either Western or Thai style bathrooms. Monks sleep inside the temple itself. Volunteers staying on the wat grounds are responsible for hand washing their own laundry with water and detergent. Those staying at the house have access to a washing machine.  Back

What is the English proficiency of school staff?

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 Teach English Abroad Program?

Participants can request a specific age group; however, the final decision depends on the community’s needs at the time of your program. The orphanage usually assigns participants to work with either elementary, middle school, or the high school. However, in the regular Teach English Abroad 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 and they will do their best to accommodate your requests, but cannot promise a specific placement. Back

What schools do volunteer participants teach at in Thailand?

Here are some sample descriptions of possible local school placements:

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. If you express your preference for working with a particular age group, we will pass these requests along to our in-country partners.  While your preferences will always be taken into consideration, we cannot guarantee that they will be met due to the ever-changing needs of the local community. 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 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, Teach English Abroad participants 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 Teach English Abroad Program?

Yes, both homestays and rooms at the school are available for volunteers on programs of six weeks or more.  As examples:

Teach English Abroad 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!

Teach English Abroad 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

Can I do a homestay in the Orphanage Volunteer Program?

Volunteers in Thailand for 6 weeks or more can opt to stay in a homestay, depending upon availability.  Volunteers who forgo the homestay option will stay on Greenway’s grounds in the Eco Houses. Back

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.  Back