Ivhq Thailand Information Booklet 105w22

IVHQ THAILAND VOLUNTEER INFORMAT IO N B O O K L E T

Sawadee kaa! This booklet has been compiled to help you prepare for your imminent volunteer program with International Volunteer HQ in Thailand. It is difficult to describe what it is like to experience volunteer travel in Thailand – volunteering with likeminded individuals from around the world in the midst of fascinating landscapes, warm-hearted locals and customs and traditions dating back centuries. This booklet provides you with general information about what to expect in Thailand, local customs, safety tips, your volunteer program, your arrival, what to bring and other essential information. Just , if there is anything you want to know that is not answered in this booklet, or on our website, feel free to us at any time. Get ready for one of the most amazing experiences of your life!

Kop koon Daniel Radcliffe Executive Director International Volunteer HQ ■■ +64 6 758 7949 ■■ [email protected] ■■ www.volunteerhq.org

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THAILAND INFORMATION BOOKLET

CONTENTS

05

THE INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER HQ TEAM

13

THAILAND COUNTRY INFORMATION

05

S

13

LOCATION AND SIZE

06

HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER HQ

13

CHIANG RAI

13

CLIMATE

07

WHAT NOW?

14

HISTORY AND DEMOGRAPHICS

07

14

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

VOLUNTEER CHECKLIST

08

15

THAILAND TRAVEL INFORMATION

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

08

15

VISA

LOCATION OF PROGRAM AND PLACEMENTS

08

15

THAI EMBASSIES ABROAD

START AND DURATION OF PROGRAMS

08

15

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS

08

15

GETTING THERE AND AWAY

ACCOMMODATION

08

16

TRANSPORT

MEALS

16

DEPARTURE TAX

09

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS

17

MONEY

09

TEACHING ENGLISH

17

GENERAL HEALTH AND VACCINATIONS

09

OUTDOOR WORK

17

COMMUNICATION

09

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

18

INFORMATION FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

10

WHAT ARE THE SPECIFICS OF MY PLACEMENT?

18

INFORMATION FOR VOLUNTEERS

18

THAILAND WALL PLUGS AND ADAPTERS

11

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

18

CLOTHING AND CULTURE

11

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE

19

LAUNDRY

11

ARRIVING BY FLIGHT

19

SHOPPING

11

ARRIVING OVERLAND

19

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THAILAND?

11

POST PICKUP

19

CULTURE AND CUSTOMS

12

VOLUNTEER WEEK

WHAT TO PACK

12

20

VOLUNTEER DAY

12

VOLUNTEER WEEKENDS

20

PERSONAL BELONGINGS

20

VOLUNTEER SUPPLIES

21

PROGRAM FEE PAYMENT

21

PROGRAM FEE PAYMENT VIA IVHQ

21

FUNDRAISING

21

GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

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THAILAND INFORMATION BOOKLET

CONTENTS

23

VOLUNTEERING ABROAD

30

IVHQ SOCIAL NETWORK

23

WHY VOLUNTEER?

30

SOCIAL MEDIA

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR VOLUNTEER

30

VOLUNTEER OVERSEAS BLOG

30

VOLUNTEER DIARIES

23

EXPERIENCE

23

WILL I MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

24

WHERE DO MY FEES GO?

24

REGISTRATION FEE

31

EXTRA LEARNING

24

PROGRAM FEE

31

PLACEMENT ACTIVITY IDEAS

25

RESPONSIBLE VOLUNTEER TRAVEL

31

WEBSITES ABOUT THAILAND

31

SMARTPHONE APPS ABOUT THAILAND

25

IVHQ RESPONSIBLE VOLUNTEER TRAVEL POLICY

31

BOOKS ABOUT THAILAND

26

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK

31

MOVIES ABOUT THAILAND

26

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

26

CARBON OFFSETTING

32

LEARNING THAI

26

IVHQ FUND

32

BASIC WORDS AND PHRASES

27

VOLUNTEER SAFETY

33

AND CONDITIONS

28

SECURITY

28

SECURITY WARNINGS

28

RESPONSIBLE DRINKING

28

DRUG USE

28

TRAVEL INSURANCE

29

MIRROR FOUNDATION GUIDES AND RULES

29

VOLUNTEER ACCOMMODATION AND OFFICE

29

DRUGS

29

ALCOHOL, SMOKING AND GAMBLING

30

SEX AND RELATIONS

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THAILAND INFORMATION BOOKLET

NEWSPAPER ARTICLE - GET RECOGNIZED FOR YOUR WORK

THE IVHQ THAILAND TEAM Congratulations on making the decision to volunteer abroad with International Volunteer HQ!

We are excited to have you ing us and our local team is looking forward to hosting you in Thailand.

s International Volunteer HQ

The Mirror Foundation

The IVHQ Thailand Program Manager is Margarete Lua Margarete will be your first point of before you arrive in Thailand and will answer any questions you may have. Margarete is well qualified to help you prepare for your trip, so feel free to her with your queries. Once you arrive in Thailand, Thellie and The Mirror Foundation staff will be your first point of and IVHQ become secondary.

IVHQ’s partner organization in Thailand is Mirror Foundation. Mirror Foundation is a local organization based in Chiang Rai. The Mirror Foundation Volunteer Coordinator in Thailand is Thellie. Thellie will email you in the coming weeks to introduce himself and The Mirror Foundation.

Margarete Lua

IVHQ Thailand Program Manager ■■ +64 6 758 7949 ■■ [email protected] ■■ International Volunteer HQ PO Box 8273 New Plymouth NEW ZEALAND

Thellie

Thailand Volunteer Coordinator ■■ +66 5 373 7616 ■■ [email protected] ■■ 106 Moo 1 Baan Huay Khom T. Mae Yao, A. Muang Chiang Rai 57100 THAILAND

P’Kartoon

Alternative Mirror Foundation ■■ +66 872 959737

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THAILAND INFORMATION BOOKLET

HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER HQ International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) was launched in July 2007 by Executive Director, Dan Radcliffe, following a trip abroad backpacking and volunteering in Africa. With the aim of providing responsible, high quality and affordable volunteer programs abroad, IVHQ has grown to become the world’s leading volunteer travel company.

Upon completing a Master of Business degree at the University of Otago in 2006, Dan Radcliffe was employed by a large New Zealand corporate as a Graduate Financial Analyst. After 3 days of employment, Dan realized he would never be happy in a Finance job and quit, heading back to his family farm in Taranaki. Undecided about what he wanted to do with his life, Dan decided to work on the family farm for 6 months to save some money, before traveling abroad to backpack and volunteer. After researching the volunteer travel opportunities available with existing online companies, Dan was surprised at the cost of volunteering abroad and the lack of affordable options available. ing with the cheapest and most reliable company he could find, Dan headed away to volunteer in Kenya in August 2006. Although he loved the experience of volunteering in Kenya, he was disillusioned with the large disparity between what he had paid, and the actual cost of the volunteer trip. While in Nairobi, Dan  began meeting with potential local partner organizations and the seeds of IVHQ were planted. Returning to New Zealand in early 2007, Dan took out a loan from the bank using his parents’ farm as security. With this money, IVHQ was ed, a website was built and Dan returned to Kenya to formalize a partnership and systems, while also heading to Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam to screen, select and train local teams. On July 26 2007, IVHQ was launched online from the Radcliffe family farm in Taranaki, New Zealand. Based on the concept that volunteer travel should be responsible, high quality and affordable, IVHQ quickly became the provider  of choice for thousands of people looking to travel and volunteer abroad. Since launching in 2007, IVHQ has established itself as the world’s premier volunteer travel company, operating in over 25 countries throughout the world. We are no longer based on a farm, but we still strive to provide volunteer trips that are responsible, high quality and affordable. We have provided volunteer abroad programs for tens of thousands of people from over 100 countries around the world. To learn more about the IVHQ approach to responsible volunteer travel, visit The IVHQ Approach page on our website.

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THAILAND INFORMATION BOOKLET

WHAT NOW? There is a lot to do as you prepare for your trip and it can be difficult to it all so we have put together a checklist for you to refer to. It is very important that you address each item on this list. Please click on the addition buttons for more information within this booklet.

Volunteer Checklist Read this booklet

Purchase travel insurance

This booklet has been developed by the team at IVHQ to answer our most frequently asked questions and share everything you need to know for your trip.

It is mandatory for all volunteers to purchase travel insurance when volunteering abroad with IVHQ. Once your travel insurance is booked, enter these details on My IVHQ.

Send us your information

Pay your program fees

We have emailed you with a list of information we require from you at least one month before your program start date. Please send this information to your IVHQ Program Manager and we will it on to our partner organization.

At least one month before your program start date, you need to pay your Program Fee to IVHQ. To pay your fees securely via PayPal, to My IVHQ. Get prepared

Book your flights as soon as possible, as this will mean you can often secure a cheaper fare. Once your flights are booked, enter these details on My IVHQ.

The better prepared you are for this experience, the more you can relax and enjoy your time in country. Do some research on Thailand and Chiang Rai; if you are teaching and have never taught before, learn some teaching methods; and practice your Thai, so you can communicate with the locals.

Apply for a visa

Pack appropriately

Although visas can either be acquired on arrival, we recommend that you get a 30- or 60-day visa before you arrive in Thailand. This ensures you can stay in the country for longer before having to renew or extend. It is up to you which one you apply for, but there is generally no problem getting your visa on arrival (more details in this booklet). , as a volunteer tourist all you require is a tourist visa.

Try not to take too much and use the packing list in this booklet to guide you. Often volunteers like to pack donations for the people they are volunteering with and while we encourage this, we recommend volunteers purchase these donations in-country. This means you are not only investing in the economy of your host country, but also freeing up your baggage space.

Obtain a criminal background check

Ask any questions

To participate on the IVHQ Thiland program, all volunteers are required to email a copy of their national criminal background check (local or state checks are not sufficient) to our partner organization prior to the program commencing and must present the original on arrival. The Mirror Foundation will not accept volunteers with convictions involving drugs, violence, theft or sexual offences.

Despite doing our utmost to address all of your potential questions on our website and in this booklet, it is inevitable that some volunteers will have questions. If you do, we ask you to direct these to your IVHQ Program Manager, rather than our partner staff in Thailand. Their job is to look after you when you arrive and we prefer them to focus on providing in-country for volunteers, rather than answering emails from volunteers. We will be in approximately one month before you are due to depart, just to make sure everything is OK and request any extra details from you if we have not yet received them. If you have any questions before then, please do not hesitate to your IVHQ Program Manager.

Book your flights

Consult a travel doctor No vaccinations are legally required to enter Thailand, however we recommend you consult a travel doctor at least six weeks before you depart to discuss our recommended vaccinations. PAGE 7

THAILAND INFORMATION BOOKLET

PROGRAM OVERVIEW Each and every volunteer brings a different set of skills, knowledge and values to their program, therefore the role you play in your volunteering placement will largely be decided when you reach the project after collaboration with both The Mirror Foundation and the placement staff. IVHQ appreciates the time and money you have chosen to invest in this program and we hope it is as rewarding and satisfying for you, as it will be for the people you will be helping. The placement will not always be easy. It will challenge and test you, but this is all part of the experience volunteering in a developing country. While you are volunteering in Thailand, that you are a representative for your family, your friends, your country, IVHQ, and The Mirror Foundation, but most importantly, yourself. You are a guest in Thailand and it is important to keep in mind that the people, traditions, culture and general way of life may be different from your home country. Do not try to force your way of life upon the people you will be working and living with, but instead be open minded and embrace the new cultures and ways of living that you will be exposed to (both the Thai culture and the cultures of your fellow international volunteers). This will allow you to gain a rich and authentic experience as a volunteer traveler in Thailand.

Location of Program & Placements The program is based in Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand, which is renowned for its beautiful mountain scenery and historic sites. This is where orientation and general istration is carried out by our partner organization. Volunteer projects are located near the volunteer headquarters and in the hills with the hill tribes.

Start & Duration of Programs Programs begin on the first and third Monday of each month. Volunteers can choose to volunteer for periods ranging from 1 week to 12 weeks. There is a minimum duration of 2 weeks for the Teaching English project.

Volunteer Requirements ■■ Volunteers must be over 18 years of age at the beginning of Volunteers must be over 18 years of age at the beginning of the program. ■■ Volunteers must speak fluent English. ■■ Volunteers must present a recent national criminal background check to IVHQ’s partner organization staff before arrival in Chiang Rai. ■■ Volunteers must have adequate travel insurance.

Accommodation Volunteers are accommodated on-site at our partner organization’s headquarters in Chiang Rai. Volunteers live in a communal environment with other staff and volunteers in separate male and female lodgings. Mattresses are provided in the form of traditional Thai mattresses, which are much thinner than Western style. While bedding is provided, volunteers are required to also bring their own sleeping bag for their homestay experience and weekends away. Windows and doors are fitted with mosquito screens. The living conditions are basic and volunteers should be prepared to have cold running water and bucket showers. Generally PAGE 8

THAILAND INFORMATION BOOKLET

in the second week, all Outdoor Work volunteers are taken on a homestay experience, working on a construction (or similar) project and living with a local family. Teaching English volunteers usually have a non-working homestay experience over the first weekend. Both of these are subject to change, depending on circumstances. Living conditions in the villages are even more basic and squat toilets and cold bucket showers are the norm. During the weekends (Sunday to Monday), volunteers can stay at the headquarters, however many volunteers choose to travel and return on Monday evening in time for work on Tuesday.

Meals Traditional Thai cuisine is based on appealing to the four fundamental taste senses with a balance of the following flavors: sour, sweet, salty, and bitter. Common ingredients in Thai cooking include fish sauce, shrimp paste, chilli paste, coconut milk and lime juice. Staple foods include rice, rice noodles, vegetables and herbs. Meals served at the volunteer accommodation during the weekdays are typically Thai and local hill tribe cuisine, however Western style food is also served occasionally. During the weekends (Sunday and Monday), food is not provided and volunteers purchase food at local shops and cook for themselves, or eat out in town. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply for the program so we can make arrangements for you. However, we need to stress the point that you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home. We will do our best to see that you are well taken care of, but as a volunteer, there is a need to be flexible.

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS Teaching English

Community Development

In northern areas of Thailand, local people have very limited access to formal education and there is a real need for volunteers to assist in teaching, not only young children, but also adults from surrounding hill tribes and local villages. Volunteers are needed on this project throughout the year and although local schools are closed for holidays from March to May and during October, the local team runs school camps and other activities for local hill tribe children. Volunteers can work alongside other volunteers and local teachers, or occasionally teach classes individually. Each volunteer is required to complete a lesson plan every morning or afternoon, prior to teaching a class. Volunteers do not need to be qualified or experienced teachers to participate on this project. Please note, this project also involves Childcare work and teaching monks, local people and staff.

This project is only available for groups and must be enquired about directly with IVHQ (There is no option for this on the application form). The Community Development project in Thailand can encom a wide range of work. While the work is varied, most tasks are focused on basic construction work (for example, painting and building of infrastructure such as roads, bridges and housing - this is also largely dependent on funds). Volunteer groups that enquire will need to fundraise extra money above and beyond the IVHQ fees listed on the website to fund the building projects. This is not generally a large amount and projects can be designed to fit different budgets, time frames and group sizes. Group sizes should be 5 people minimum. Email [email protected] for more information.

Outdoor Work Volunteers who enjoy physical labor and the sense of achievement felt after completing a job will be well suited to our Outdoor Work project in Thailand. Previous volunteers on this project have completed a variety of jobs, including; ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Building water tanks Extending water pipe systems Building check dams Building school classrooms Painting school classrooms Developing an agricultural project Assisting with the maintenance of a vegetable garden Working on developing a plantation Repairing roads Repairing the homes of elderly villagers Building new homes or toilets for elderly villagers Building a new staff office Making bricks Washing dogs

Some work is scheduled and is expected to be carried out on a regular basis and other jobs will be assigned to volunteers as they arise. It is important to note that there are three distinct seasons in Thailand (hot, rainy, cold) and sometimes outdoor work is not possible. If this is the case, volunteers can get involved in related work that can be carried out protected from the elements, such as researching methods of agricultural production, which can be applied within the local community, and presenting planned projects to villagers.

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THAILAND INFORMATION BOOKLET

Please note, in addition to the placements listed above, it is also expected that volunteers will assist with other general chores and activities such as cleaning. Dependent on the time of the year and the skills of the volunteers, there may also be other jobs and activities, volunteers can assist our Thailand partner organization with such as; website development, translating Thai into English, assisting local NGOS in their activities, fund raising and participation in development projects.

What Are the Specifics of My Placement? Placing a volunteer in a suitable placement requires our local staff to consider a number of factors, including: ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Project the volunteer has applied for Skills, interests and qualifications of the volunteer Demographics of the volunteer Placements and work currently available for volunteers Placements in the most need of volunteers

Given these factors, the specific placement where a volunteer works is not finalized until the volunteer arrives in Thailand and meets with our local staff. Before you arrive in country, the local staff will draw up a potential placement for you. Once you arrive, the local staff will discuss this placement with you and assess whether this is the most suitable placement for you. If at any stage you are unhappy with your placement, please talk to your Mirror Foundation Volunteer Coordinator, Thellie, so he can address the issue and if necessary, place you in a different placement or project. Please note, IVHQ does not decide the specific placement volunteers will be working at – this is all decided by our in-country program staff. As they are locals and live in the place where you will be working, they are in the best position to determine where there is the most need for volunteers and where your assistance will most effectively be utilized. If you urgently require your placement details, you are welcome to ask for these, however it is important to note that placements are often not drawn up until 3 or 4 days before you are due to start your program and even then this placement can change (if upon meeting our local staff, it is agreed you will be better utilized somewhere else).

“

I enjoyed the variety of jobs available and

the fact that we can mix up the classes we teach, ranging from child care to teaching monks at the temple in Chiang Rai.

”

YEN CHU

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THAILAND INFORMATION BOOKLET

PROGRAM SCHEDULE Arrival & Departure The Thailand program begins on the first and third Monday of each month and we ask that you arrive in Chiang Rai for a pickup on your chosen start date. Accommodation is provided from the Monday night of your start date through to (and including) the Friday night before your end date. Volunteer work is finished by 5pm on the Saturday of your end date, so we ask that you book departure transport after this time. If you arrive one or two days earlier, or depart one or two days later than these dates, you will need to arrange alternative accommodation in Chiang Rai. The local staff will provide transport back into Chiang Rai at the end of your program if you have arranged departing transport after 5pm.

Arriving by Flight Once you have booked your flights to Chiang Rai, please to My IVHQ to enter your arrival details once you have booked your flights. Alternatively, if you plan to arrive overland or if you are planning to be in the area prior to your program, you can enter these details. We can then your arrival details on to our local team to arrange your pick-up. You must also your flight details to the online form sent to you by the Mirror Foundation. It is important to specify your flight number and airline, so if your flight is delayed, our staff know what time you will be arriving. Volunteers are only eligible for an airport pick up if arriving on the Monday before 5pm. Morning or early afternoon flights usually arrive on time however, evening flights are often delayed, sometimes by up to four hours. If you arrive on the Monday of your start date, you will be met at the Mae Fah Luang International Airport (CEI) by a staff member from the Mirror Foundation. The staff member will be standing in the arrivals area with a sign saying The Mirror Foundation. If you arrive to the airport earlier than your start date you will need to arrange accommodation in Chiang Rai and take a taxi to your accommodation from the airport. You will then need to get to the Central Chiang Rai Bus Station (not the new bus station, which is 7km out of town) by 11.00 AM on the Monday morning of your start date for a pick up from the Mirror Foundation staff.

Arriving Overland If you are traveling in Thailand prior to your program starting and arrive in Chiang Rai overland, you will need to be ready for a pick up from the Central Chiang Rai Central Bus Station at 11.00 AM on your chosen start date. Please note, it is very important that you to My IVHQ to enter your arrival details once you have booked your overland arrival details. You are also required to fill in your arrival details on the form sent to you from the Mirror Foundation.

“

I loved how peaceful the village was, and the simplicity and generosity of the people was truly humbling. I am very grateful for the experience I had in Apa and I will never forget that time!

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THAILAND INFORMATION BOOKLET

”

DALILA SHANNON

Volunteer Week One Monday

Tuesday

Arrival

8.00 AM

Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation..

8.30 AM

Morning meeting for all volunteers

9-11.30 AM

Volunteer work begins. Work and hours are dependent on the project and placement that each volunteer is working at. Lunch breaks vary in time depending on the working schedule, but all volunteers get an hour to eat and relax.

5.00 PM

Work at the placement ends. Dinner at the volunteer accommodation.

Orientation

6.00PM

Volunteers have free time to spend as they wish, however many volunteers use this time to plan lessons or do extra work for their projects. One volunteer is assigned to be the Entertainment Officer, so there is always plenty to do in the evenings.

Volunteering New volunteers the program properly and get involved in all appropriate tasks. Existing volunteers will add the new names to the list of activities and jobs on the schedule board.

Thursday & Beyond

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A typical daily schedule would be as follows:

Once you are picked up from the Central bus station or airport in Chiang Rai, you will be driven to The Mirror Foundation. There are optional activities for volunteers who wish to do something on the first day - in the morning, our handicrafts shop does a bi-monthly stocktake, and in the afternoon we teach new volunteers how to cook a Thai dish (usually dessert of some kind). Those who are tired do not have to in. Also, in the evening, current volunteers put on a welcome event. The day is split either side of lunch. One half will be the volunteer orientation, and the other will be a workshop to train the volunteer in the method of teaching used by The Mirror Foundation at school and childcare centres, and extracurricular activities. This is only relevant to Teaching English volunteers. Outdoor Work volunteers will be given a group task to help foster the teamwork necessary to volunteering. In and around the day, new volunteers will introduce themselves to everyone at the morning meeting, meet the other volunteers, meet the staff directly involved with the programme, take a tour of the grounds, and settle in to their dorm. Wednesday

Volunteer Day

Volunteers get involved in their relevant programme, and any common tasks which occur. Some days will be busier than others on the schedule, but there is always plenty to do. In the second week of your programme, volunteers experience a working homestay in a Hilltribe village – dates, itineraries and locations vary, but usually Tuesday-Friday with an elephant ride on Saturday morning.

THAILAND INFORMATION BOOKLET

Volunteer Weekends As the working week runs from Tuesday to Saturday, Sunday to Monday is considered the weekend for volunteers on the Thailand program. During the weekends, volunteers have spare time and usually just relax or take the opportunity to explore other parts of Chiang Rai and Thailand. Volunteers can book weekend treks through our partner organisation once in country. If volunteers wish to volunteer over the weekends, they can local staff to visit local hill tribes, or learn weaving and Thai massage from local people. Please note, volunteers working on the Teaching English project will work exclusively on this project. Volunteers on the Outdoor Work project will work with the hill tribes on the second and fourth weeks. All volunteers receive a program orientation, a sightseeing trip to the White Temple, and a t-shirt.

THAILAND COUNTRY INFORMATION

square meters with an average elevation of 580 meters above sea level. The province, which is located within the renowned Golden Triangle area where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand converge, is also known as the gateway to Myanmar, Laos and Southern China.

Location & Size Thailand is the geographical heart of South-East Asia. The infamous golden triangle, located at the nation’s northernmost point, is where Thailand’s borders meet those of both Laos and Myanmar (Burma). The border with Myanmar continues to the west and then south as far as the Malay Peninsula, much of which is occupied by Thailand. On the east, the border with Laos meanders southeast along the Mekong River until it reaches Cambodia, which is due east of Bangkok, the Thai Capital. In the south is the Gulf of Thailand. Roughly the size of (200,000 sq. miles), Thailand is composed of four main regions. The northern mountainous region contains numerous ruins and temples, the ancient city of Chiang Mai, and Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon. This region is also home to the hill tribes of Thailand, distinct ethnic groups which settled in the area after migrating from as far away as Tibet and central China. The north-east of Thailand occupies the semi-arid Korat plateau, the most desolate and least-visited part of the country. An interesting blend of Thai, Lao, and Khmer influences characterize the culture of the Korat. Central Thailand, which consists of the fertile plains surrounding the Chao Phraya River, is the country’s most populous region and its rice basket. Thailand’s alluring and congested capital city of Bangkok is located along the banks of the Chao Phraya, near the river’s outlet into the Bight of Bangkok and the Gulf of Thailand. The southern region of Thailand, which stretches for hundreds of miles along the Malay Peninsula, abounds with stunning beaches and scores of tropical islands.

Chiang Rai Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand is about 785 kilometers north of Bangkok. Situated on the Kok River basin, Chiang Rai covers an area of approximately 11,678 PAGE 13

THAILAND INFORMATION BOOKLET

Chiang Rai, founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai, was the first capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom (Kingdom of a million rice fields), which was later conquered by Burma. It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai became a Thai territory and was proclaimed a province during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910. Today, Chiang Rai is a traveler’s paradise endowed with abundant natural tourist attractions and antiquities; the province itself is evidence of past civilization. Attractions range from magnificent mountain scenery, ruins of ancient settlements, historic sites, Buddhist shrines and ethnic villages as the province is also home to many hill tribes who maintain fascinating lifestyles. For those interested in the natural side of Chiang Rai, jungle trekking is recommended along various trails. Chiang Rai, which tends to be a little more laid back, now competes with Chiang Mai as a tourist attraction and is fast becoming a popular escape for tourists wanting to get away from the troubles they left behind.

Climate The climate in Thailand varies between the north and south regions, however the temperature is relatively hot yearround throughout the country. The southern coastal region is characterized by a monsoon climate, which brings heavy rainfall from April to October in the South West and from September to December in the South East. In central and northern inland parts of Thailand, the climate is tropical with the rainy season lasting from May to November, bringing hot and humid weather. During the dry season, temperatures are cool from November to February and are hot from March to May. In Chiang Rai, the hottest average temperature is 36°C (96.8°F) in April and the coolest average temperature is 15°C (59°F) in December. Please see Weather Spark for more details on the climate and weather forecast.

History & Demographics An early people to appear in Thailand were the Mons, who came into Southeast Asia from Central China two millennia ago. However, the Lawa or Lua probably had a vast Kingdom here prior to the Mons and perhaps various peoples before that. But the Mons settled along various rivers in Burma and Thailand, building cities and rapidly developing a civilized culture. Within a few centuries they were confronted by other groups coming out of the north. As the region filled with people and villages, local kingdoms emerged and vied

for supremacy over each other, giving rise to Thailand’s earliest empires. The first of these were the Davaravati of Central Thailand and the Srivijaya, whose empire extended from Sumatra up the Malay Peninsula to southern Thailand. Both kingdoms practiced Buddhism, which had spread from India during the time of the Mons. Eventually, the Davaravati fell to the westward expansion of the Khmers from Cambodia. The next Thai kingdom to arise was Siam, which had its origins in the military expansion of the Mongols under Kublai Khan. As the Mongols pressed South through China, the people of the North-Western Mountains and the Shan Plateau fled South and East. In 1220, the Thai lords founded their first capital at Sukhothai, in the Nan River valley. Soon afterward, two other Thai kingdoms were established: Lanna Thai (million Thai rice fields) at Chiang Saen in the north and PaYao. In the mid-14th century, Ayuthaya had entered its golden age, dominating the other kingdoms and driving the Khmers out of the region entirely. For the next few centuries the Thai kingdoms faced a stronger threat, not from the east or north, but from their neighbors to the west---the Burmese. In 1556 the Burmese captured Chiang Mai, and then Ayuthaya in 1569. The Thais rallied and recaptured both cities in the following decades, but the antagonism between the two peoples continued. The Burmese attacked Ayuthaya once more in 1767, this time practically erasing the city after a particularly bloody and protracted battle. Although the Thais managed to expel the Burmese shortly after, a new capital had to be constructed around what is now Bangkok. This chapter in Thai history marks the establishment of the Chakri Dynasty under Rama I, whose descendants have reigned in unbroken succession until the present day. Unlike most of the other countries of Southeast Asia, Thailand (or Siam, as it was known at the time) never felt the yoke of direct European colonialism. As early as the 17th century, the Thai kings were set upon maintaining independence, having executed a French emissary to underscore their determination. As the French, British, and Dutch carved up the entire region over the next hundred years, the Kings of Siam shrewdly played the competing Europeans against each other, ensuring that no one power would gain a dominant presence. The strategy paid off handsomely, as Siam remained autonomous while reaping most of whatever benefits the colonial system had to offer. Although having to give up large areas of territory to Britain and . After a peaceful coup in 1932, Siam’s powerful monarchy became constitutional, and in 1939 the country officially adopted the name Thailand. Over the next several decades, Thailand was governed primarily by military dictatorships, which drew much of their from collaboration with more powerful nations. Since that time, Thailand has weathered several coups, a number of border clashes with neighboring communist regimes, and violent student demonstrations, finally emerging in the last decade as a remarkably stable and economically successful nation. Today Thailand has a population of about 70 million people, the vast majority of whom are of Thai ethnicity. Significant minorities of Chinese, Malay, Khmer, Mons, and various hill tribes also reside in Thailand, in addition to tens of thousands PAGE 14

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of refugees in border camps from the more troubled countries of South-East Asia. Buddhism is the dominant religion in Thailand, although a variety of tribal religions continue to be practiced. Thailand’s people regard their royal family with a respect bordering on awe. The main language in Thailand is Thai, although Lao, Chinese, Malay and English are also spoken by significant numbers of people.

Public Holidays Jan 1

New Year’s Day

Jan (2nd Sat)

Children’s Day

Feb/Mar

Magha Bucha Day

Apr 6

Chakri Day

Apr 13-15

Songkran (Thai New Year)

May 1

Labor Day

May 5

Coronation Day

May/Jun

Visakha Day*

Jul

Khao Phansa Day (Buddhist Lent)*

Aug 12

HM The Queen’s Birthday

Oct 23

Chulalongkorn Day

Nov 2

Loy Kratong

Dec 5

HM The King’s Birthday

Dec 10

Constitution Day

Dec 31

New Year’s Eve

* The religious festivals are determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and therefore are difficult to predict. The dates provided here are estimates. School Holidays For those of you who will be teaching, it is important to be aware of the major school holidays. All of March, April, and the first half of May are school holidays. October is also a holiday for the entire month. Prior to these are examinations which can often mean classes are postponed or cancelled. A class can also be cancelled at short notice by the school, for any one of many reasons, over which our partner has no control. During this time our volunteers will still have various teaching assignments, such as English Language camps, childcare, and some extra-curricular teaching. However, volunteers g up for teaching during these periods will need to be flexible, and adapt to the work available at the time – this will almost certainly include non-teaching activities.

THAILAND TRAVEL INFORMATION As a tourist visiting Thailand, there are many cultural and logistical factors to consider as you prepare for your trip. We have developed a list of details specific to your time on the volunteer program in Thailand, which should ensure you are fully prepared.

Visa

Travel Documents

Visa requirements vary depending on the following factors: your purpose of travel, length of stay, nationality and place of residence. All volunteers need to ensure they have a port that is valid for 6 months from entry.

It is highly recommended that you make two copies of all your important travel documents (port, flight tickets, and travel insurance) before you leave home. Leave one copy with a friend or family member and take the spare copy with you. Bring your port as well as an identification card (such as driver’s license or student card) for traveling as you may be asked to present this when making tour bookings or checking in for flight/bus trips. To enter Thailand, your port must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure from Thailand.

Purpose of travel: IVHQ trips fall under the category of volunteer tourism and we recommend you state your purpose of travel as “vacation or “tourism” when asked by immigration officials. If you state “work” or “volunteer work” as your purpose, immigration officers will demand that you pay extra and acquire a work/employment visa and this requires a sponsorship letter, which our partner organization does not provide. A work visa is not necessary for your volunteer program and the work you will be doing. Length of stay: The maximum duration a tourist may stay in Thailand is 90 days. Nationality and place of residence: Most nationalities are eligible to gain a 15 or 30-day entry visa on arrival to Thailand for free. Some nationals and residents of Asian, African and communist countries must apply for a visa prior to arrival. Please check the requirements with your nearest Thai Embassy. How to apply: If you are eligible and staying in Thailand for less than 30 days you can receive a 15- day visa stamp on arrival overland or a 30-day visa stamp on arrival by air. Nationals of Canada, , , Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and United States can obtain a visa for 30 days on arrival overland, as well as by air. Visas can be extended for a further 7 days at the local immigration office. If you are volunteering for longer than 30 days you need to obtain a 60-day tourist visa from your nearest Thai Embassy prior to arrival and this can be extended for a further 30 days at the local immigration office in Chiang Rai. NOTE: Overstays are charged at 500฿ per day (approximately US$15), and a note is stamped inside your port when you leave.

Thai Embassies Abroad To find the details of embassies and consulates of Thailand, please visit the Go Abroad website.

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Getting There & Away IVHQ prides itself on providing high quality volunteer programs at highly affordable prices. However, our volunteers often discover that one of the biggest costs when preparing for their volunteer trip abroad are their flights. To help overcome this, IVHQ has partnered with STA Travel to create flight itineraries especially for IVHQ volunteers. STA Travel’s mission is to open up the world to eager, enthusiastic, exploratory travelers and as the world’s largest travel company for students and young adults are committed to helping you travel with a purpose at an affordable price. You can request a flight quote from STA Travel via our Flights page. Direct flights from North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia are frequent, though fares can range quite a bit. Bangkok and Thai Airways are the national carriers and fly to all of Thailand’s provincial capitals. Recommended Routes We recommend taking flights all the way to Chiang Rai to begin your program however, we understand this may not suit your travel schedule or budget so we have listed some alternative transport options for arriving in Chiang Rai. Night Bus Your country > Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) Airport > Bangkok North Bus Terminal > Chiang Rai NEW Bus Station Night bus duration: 11hours from Bangkok bus terminal Night bus cost: Roughly 800baht from Bangkok to Chiang Rai (air condition first class)

Flights – Day Bus Your country > Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) Airport > Chiang Mai International Airport > Chiang Mai Airport to Chiang Mai Bus Station > Chiang Mai Bus Station > Chiang Rai NEW Bus Station Domestic Flight Duration: 1 hour 10min from Bangkok to Chiang Mai Day Bus Duration: 3 hour from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Bus Cost: Roughly 200baht from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai (air condition) Flight – Train – Day Bus Your country > Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) Airport > Bangkok Train Station > Chiang Mai Train Station > Chiang Mai Bus Station > Chiang Mai Bus Station > Chiang Rai NEW Bus Station Train Duration: 11hours from Bangkok to Chiang Mai Train Station Day Bus Duration: 3hour from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Train cost: Roughly 800baht Bus cost: Roughly 200baht (air condition)

Transport To and from Placement Some placements are within walking distance; if your placement is further a field and motor transport is required this will be provided by the local team. Any transport in your free time will be at your own cost. Planes In recent years, the number of domestic air carriers has practically exploded, with as many as half a dozen carriers, depending on who is actually in business at the moment. Many of these new airlines are the result of Thai Airways’ attempt to offload unprofitable destinations, so their long term viability is in question. The smarter ones are taking a cue from Bangkok Airways and developing new destinations. Many of the small startups have code share agreements with Thai, at least for the routes they took over from the national carrier. For one or two, the only way to book a flight is through a Thai Airways agent. At Attidude Travel you can find links to some of Thai’s budget carriers. Thai Airways also does domestic trips from Bangkok to Chiang Rai but we have found these flights to be expensive. All prices are in Baht and US$1 = 34 Baht (approximately). Be aware that most international flights fly into Suvarnabhumi Airport and yet domestic flights can leave from Don Mueang Airport (approximately a one hour taxi ride away which will cost around US$16) or Suvarnabhumi. So if you plan on flying into Bangkok then straight onto Chiang Rai just note what airport you are leaving from and if you are leaving from Don Mueang, give yourself time to clear customs and get to the Don Mueang airport. PAGE 16

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Trains State Railway The state railway operates the inter-city trains throughout Thailand. It can be an amazingly cheap way to get around the country, if you have the time. You can go by first class almost anywhere for under 1,000 Baht. Much more comfortable sleeping on a train than on a coach, and only slightly more expensive. Eastern & Oriental Express The very definition of luxury from days gone by. Operates special trips from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Kanchanaburi and Singapore. Automobiles Driving yourself around Thailand isn’t something we’d recommend, although traveling by car definitely has its advantages. The roads in Thailand, mainly due to the poor driving habits of a large proportion of Thais, are not very safe for those unfamiliar with the unwritten and haphazard rules of the road. However, the good news is that you can generally rent a car with a driver for the same price or less than you would pay for a car rental in North America or Europe. This makes a good option for a day trip to out of the way destinations. Due no doubt to the low demand, the major international car rental companies don’t have much presence in Thailand. However, most first class hotels will have cars for hire and most major tourist destinations such as Chiang Mai have rental agencies. Be sure to check out the car on offer before agreeing to rent it. Buses Thailand still has an extensive network of inter-city buses. Bus services are available in two classes. Second class is not air conditioned, while first class services have air conditioning, and often much more. A few of the longer routes, such as Bangkok to Chiang Mai, even have a sort of super-first class service with fully reclining seats and other amenities. Bus service is generally inexpensive, but be sure to watch the bags unloaded at intermediate stops, as theft is rather common.

Departure Tax Most volunteers choose to depart from Thailand by means of flying. Please be aware that there is a departure tax of approximately 500 Baht (US$15) payable only in Baht. You will have already paid this tax when purchasing your ticket but sometimes this tax is not included. If you are unsure if this is included in the price of your airfare, discuss with your travel agent or flight provider. Please ensure you arrive at the airport at least two and a half hours before you are due to fly out of the country.

Money

Malaria

The currency of Thailand is the Thai Bhat (THB) – please visit the XE website to check the current exchange rate at the time of your program.

Malaria is found in Thailand and in areas around Chiang Rai, therefore it is recommended that you consult a travel doctor to discuss what precautions you should take. Humans get malaria from the bite of a malaria-infected mosquito. Symptoms of malaria include fever and flu-like illness, including shaking chills, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur. Malaria may cause anemia and jaundice (yellow coloring of the skin and eyes) because of the loss of red blood cells. Malaria, if not promptly treated, has the potential to cause kidney failure, seizures, mental confusion, coma, and death. Malaria can be cured with prescription drugs. The type of drugs and length of treatment depend on which kind of malaria is diagnosed, where the patient was infected, the age of the patient, and how severely ill the patient was at start of treatment.

We recommend taking some United States Dollars (around US$200) to keep away in case of emergencies and a VISA or Mastercard credit/debit card to withdraw cash in local currency, as you need it. ATMs are easily accessible in major cities and tourist areas, and hotels, shops and restaurants in tourist areas generally accept credit cards. You will need Baht for public transportation, taxis and independent shops and hospitality venues. Most currencies can be exchanged easily at the airport (although you will not receive a favorable exchange rate) and at any bank. Please note, your Program Fee covers your accommodation and meals Tuesday to Saturday of your volunteer program, however you will need extra money for meals on Sunday and Monday, daily transport to your volunteer placement, as well as for weekend travel, shopping and personal expenses.

General Health & Vaccinations t is expected that all volunteers have their own health insurance. Vaccinations are not typically required to enter Thailand, however this can vary depending on your travel path. We therefore recommend carrying out independent research and talking to a travel doctor about the required vaccinations if you plan to travel before or after your volunteer program. You may choose to get vaccinated against some illnesses (please see our list below of recommended vaccinations). In addition, please carry with you preventive agents, such as mosquito repellents, as well as other medicines for headaches and stomachaches. On the off chance that you fall sick and need a doctor’s attention, The Mirror Foundation has access to an emergency medical service and will take you to the hospital if necessary. There are good and reputable hospitals around where you can be treated. We recommend you consult a travel doctor before you travel, as they will also be able to advise you on what vaccinations you require, be sure to allow plenty of time to receive these vaccinations. Recommended Vaccinations for Thailand: ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Polio Hepatitis A Diphtheria/Tetanus Typhoid Malaria Hepatitis B Tuberculosis

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Steps to Take Before Travelling to Thailand ■■ Visit your health care provider 4-6 weeks before foreign travel for any necessary vaccinations and a prescription for an anti-malarial drug. ■■ Take your anti-malarial drug exactly on schedule without missing doses. ■■ Prevent mosquito and other insect bites. Use DEET insect repellent on exposed skin and flying insect spray in the room where you sleep. ■■ Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts, especially from dusk to dawn. This is the time when mosquitoes that spread malaria bite. ■■ Sleep under a mosquito net. There are several anti-malarial drugs on the market. Some affect people quite differently and each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Doxycyline and Malarone are both considered good quality forms of anti malarial. Lariam (or Mefloquine) is also effective but should be trialed by the as it has been reported as causing significant mood changes, as well as sleep disturbances and abnormal dreams. Whichever form of anti malarial you choose, it is essential that you know how and when to take it as it will only provide protection if used correctly. Make sure that you allow enough time prior to your travel to obtain medication and begin to medicate yourself. Yellow Fever Vaccination A yellow fever vaccination is legally required to enter Thailand if you are arriving from a Yellow Fever endemic area such as Africa or the Amazon. Ensure you bring this certification with you to show that you have had this vaccination or you may not be issued with a Visa. If you are unsure whether you require this immunization and certification please discuss with your travel doctor.

Communication

Thailand Wall Plugs & Adapters

You can bring your own mobile phone and if it is SIM card compatible you can get a local SIM card and a Thai mobile number for approximately US$5, which is great for keeping in touch with other volunteers and also home. Both International and local/long distance calls can be made. Please note, the country code of Thailand is +66. You will be able access WiFi and Internet at the volunteer accommodation and at Internet cafes in the city.

The two most commonly found socket types in Thailand are the typical European rounded two-prong plug (Type C) and the Japanese flat two-prong plug (Type A). Powerpoints for both plugs can be found in the volunteer accommodation so either adapter will be fine, however, you may wish to travel with a worldwide adaptor that is capable of connecting to multiple socket types. The voltage in Thailand in 220-240 V and the frequency is 50Hz.

Information for Family & Friends It is normal for your family to want to you when you arrive in Thailand to hear that you have arrived safely, so we encourage you to call or email them once you reach the Foundation. If your family wishes to you at the via the local staff they can call the Thailand Volunteer Coordinator, Thellie, with the details below.

Thellie

Thailand Volunteer Coordinator ■■ +66 5373 7412 (Sometimes this phone is operated by a non-English speaker) ■■ [email protected] ■■ 106 Moo 1 Baan Huay Khom T. Mae Yao, A. Muang Chiang Rai 57100 THAILAND

Information for Volunteers Once you are in Thailand or Chiang Rai you may the local staff using the details below. ■■ The Mirror Foundation Offices: +66 (0)53 737 616 ■■ Khun Moo (Home) +66 (0)86 420 6233 ■■ Khun Aye (Mobile) +66 (0)86 186 7858 ■■ Khun Thellie (Mobile) +66 (0) 857 192114 Please be aware that there is virtually no mobile reception at The Mirror Foundation, so try office numbers first during the daytime. These will often be answered by Thai staff, so please be clear, calm and concise when speaking. To aid volunteers when they are in town and wish to return to The Mirror Foundation, the following addresses can be printed off to speak, and show, Thai taxi drivers.

Mirror Foundation 106 Moo 1, Ban Huay Khom, T. Mae Yao, A. Muang, Chiang Rai 57100 THAILAND

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THAILAND INFORMATION BOOKLET

Clothing & Culture Casual, modern clothing is ok and normal in Thailand. However, it is required that you wear conservative clothing that covers the shoulders, chest and knees whilst at your volunteer placement. Despite its reputation for “naughty fun”, Thailand is actually quite conservative with its values. Never mind all the in-your-face girls hanging out of go-go bars, most Thais are fairly shy and modest. Don’t be deceived by their friendliness or lack of complaint, inwardly they have some very strict protocols for behavior, but their culture limits them from telling you directly when you are being offensive. It may be okay to wander around in your bikini or Speedos on a Phuket beach, but in Chiang Rai this is most definitely not the case. Thais judge you by the way you dress, and status is very important to them. Sure, they’ve seen loads of scruffy backpackers ing through so they’re used to it, however, they won’t be terribly friendly or respectful of you. If you need something from an official, such as visa extension, we recommend you wear a collared shirt, long pants or kneelength dress/skirt with covered shoulders. Of course, temples are places of worship and held in high regard by all Thais, so please, carry a pair of long pants and sleeved shirt and pop them on when you want to enter these sanctuaries. Chiang Rai is pretty casual, but by dressing well when meeting with Thais (particularly important ones) you are demonstrating that you are taking them seriously and they’ll be more willingly help you. Silk tunics are a popular accessory for men, and although the traditional Northern dress (or the ubiquitous blue denim shirt) is usually reserved for Fridays and special occasions, you’ll always get smiles of approval from the locals for wearing their unique costume. In general, people in Chiang Rai dress for the weather, which can be searing hot in April and pretty darned cold (especially in the mountains) during the winter (Nov - Mar). Footwear is particularly casual and slip-ons or flip-flops work best because you’ll frequently be removing them when you go indoors. Thais wear them to work, climb mountains in them, go running, ride bicycles - you name it.

Not only is it offensive to Thais to show off too much flesh, it can be potentially quite dangerous. Many Thai men associate this style of dressing with prostitution (short shorts, strapped tops, cropped tops, strapless tops, etc). Below, is the minimum standard The Mirror Foundation expect from volunteers: ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Shorts length must be on or below the knee Skirts should be below the knee, preferably ankle length No leggings or yoga pants Shoulders covered at all times No cleavage showing at all times A bra must be worn at all times No showing your belly (this includes when you stretch your arms up)

Our partner organization will be the arbiter of what is appropriate while you are on their program – if they feel you are inappropriately dressed, they will require you to change clothing or be withdrawn from the activity.

Laundry There are two washing machines available for volunteers to use at Mirror Foundation. There is also the option, and facilities, to hand-wash your own clothes during your volunteering period. Bring some plastic bags for your dirty clothes, but you can buy washing powder once you arrive in Thailand. It is recommended that in the rainy season you bring moisture absorbent bags to put in your pack to help keep your clothes dry as the humidity is high and mold has a tendency to grow in this environment.

Shopping There are very good fresh food markets, grocery stores, night bazaars and shopping centers throughout Thailand in towns and major cities. You will be able to get everything that you need from toiletries to drinks to sanitary and other personal items you require. If you want to eat out, there are plenty of restaurants in and around Chiang Rai serving traditional, and western, food. Bargaining In a lot of stalls and street stalls virtually all prices are negotiable. The first asking price given may be higher than you need to pay. You can make a lower offer. Through a little friendly bargaining you arrive at a price suitable to both parties. Smiling is most important throughout this polite negotiation. Do not be overly concerned about whether you got the best deal possible; chances are a relatively high price in Thailand will be much lower than what you would pay at home. Also, you may encounter “high-pressure” sales tactics, in which case, firm politeness is the best response. You neither want to want to be patronizing nor rude, just sincere. It may be a good idea to start out slow with relatively cheap items to get comfortable with the system. Basically, the bargaining system in Thailand aims to see both the buyer and seller happy!

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THAILAND INFORMATION BOOKLET

What’s Happening in Thailand? After ing on an IVHQ program, volunteers often like to know what is happening in the country they will be traveling to. The following websites contains up to date news and information from Thailand: ■■ Bangkok Post ■■ 2Bangkok ■■ Chiang Mai Mail

Culture & Customs ■■ Greeting People - The traditional Thai greeting upon meeting someone for the first time is to put your palms together in front of your chest, as in praying, bow your head and say, sa wat dee kaa*/sa wat dee kap*. It is very important to smile at the person in front of you. *Khrap and Kaa are words used at the end of sentences to make it more polite - males always say Khrap and females always say Kaa. ■■ Putting on a Smile - In Thailand, almost everything in life involves a smile, even blunders and mishaps. Westerners often mistake this for being laughed at. For example, if a waitress forgets an order and laughs, she is not showing contempt, just covering her embarrassment and making the best of a bad situation. If you complain, do so gracefully, as anger usually gets you nowhere. ■■ Dressing for the Occasion - Cleanliness and neatness are also important. In tropical Thailand, never put off showering or doing your laundry. Most Thais keep themselves scrupulously clean and dress respectably. T-shirts, sandals and knee-length shorts are suitable for informal occasions, but visits to palaces, government offices and some temples usually require something more appropriate. Nudity is forbidden, and topless bathing is very offensive in Thailand. ■■ Showing Respect - The head is high and the feet are low, both physically and spiritually. Never touch anyone’s head, and avoid gesturing (especially towards a Buddha image, or picture of the king), moving things and touching people with your feet. Before entering a temple or a person’s home, remove your shoes. ■■ Good Table Manners- Shared meals are served in separate dishes with serving spoons. If someone invites you to eat, use the serving spoons to put food on your plate, not your personal spoon. Take small amounts of all the food instead of keeping one kind for yourself. Only take as much as you are sure you can eat. Therefore, finish everything on your plate. Using a toothpick after the meal is acceptable if you cover your mouth with one hand. ■■ Speaking softly and quietly - In Thailand, people are not used to speaking directly or aggressively. Don’t get angry or swear and try to avoid speaking loudly or shouting. ■■ Don’t discriminate - Talk to all people regardless if they are in a high level position or a toilet cleaner. ■■ Thai people do not think that being called fat is offensive so if someone says something like that to you, please don’t get angry. It is often meant as a compliment.

WHAT TO PACK Personal Belongings ■■ Copies of important travel documents, such as port, criminal background check, travel insurance, visas, plane tickets and port photos ■■ Medical kit with aspirin (or a similar pain reliever), antihistamine for relief from allergies or insect bites, diarrhea ‘stoppers’ such as Diastop, scissors and tweezers, band aids, antiseptic cream for cuts and grazes, sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellant and any personal medication ■■ Toiletries, including toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap/body wash and lenses ■■ Mobile phone - you can buy a SIM card for around US$5 (to make local calls, send texts and receive international calls) ■■ Laptop, iPad or Smartphone so you have access to WiFi in the volunteer house ■■ Camera ■■ Plug Adapters and chargers for your electronics ■■ Clothing (please refer to the Climate and Clothing and Culture section in this booklet) - light, cotton clothing that covers your whole body is ideal for sun and insect bites, however, also pack a set of warmer clothes for evenings and winter months. ■■ A set of nice clothes for going out, visa extension or official occasion ■■ Sun hat and sunglasses ■■ Swimsuit ■■ Day Pack ■■ A small padlock for securing bags and valuables ■■ Flashlight ■■ Umbrella or raincoat ■■ Sleeping bag and towels ■■ Books, music and other entertainment for long travel and ‘down time’ ■■ Travel guide (many volunteers find Lonely Planet to be very helpful for preparation and once they are in Thailand) ■■ This information booklet ■■ Journal and pens to keep a diary (or you can post a diary to the IVHQ website via My IVHQ) ■■ A small gift for your hosts/cooks (optional) - while your volunteer accommodation receives money for your board and meals, some volunteers like to bring a small gift from home as a token of their appreciation

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Volunteer Supplies For all programs, it is imperative to that any money raised to help your project when you arrive in Thailand will be very well received. Often it is hard for volunteers to take too many supplies due to limitations on baggage weight but that Thailand has some very developed shopping centers where supplies can be bought once you have arrived in the country. If you post donated items to Mirror Foundation it is important to note that they cannot pay extra fees charged by the courier or Thai postage upon receiving the package so ensure you cover the postage upon export. Below we have listed some supplies that are very helpful on the teaching and medical placement programs. ■■ Basic first aid products ■■ Medical family guides ■■ ALL TYPES of Craft supplies (pipe cleaners, felt, beads, wool, balloons, paddle pop sticks, bottle tops). These can even be recycled materials ■■ A4 laminator pockets ■■ Balloons ■■ Bubble Solution ■■ Face Paint and paint brushes ■■ Music player, speakers and children’s music ■■ Musical instruments (bongos, tambourines, small bells, guitars, keyboards) ■■ Hula hoops ■■ Stickers, stamps ■■ Group games such as bingo, snakes and ladders, twister ■■ A4 colored drawing paper and printer paper ■■ Thick cardboard ■■ Pencils, pens, permanent markers, whiteboard markers, fat crayons ■■ Children books (with flaps - the children love to open the flaps) ■■ Puppets (we have a little puppet theater, and more puppet characters are always welcomed) ■■ Posters ■■ Colored pavement chalk and blackboard chalk ■■ New or second hand clothing – please ensure that clothing is washed and clean, and other donations are in good condition, before offering them. ■■ Donation of any of your personal items eg, medical supplies, are gratefully received by the foundation. ■■ Colored string and fat blunt needles (we do threading activities at the special needs school, and threading helps to develop co-ordination) ■■ Mirror Foundation requests that you do NOT bring card games (gambling is illegal in Thailand, and cards represent this)

PROGRAM FEE PAYMENT IVHQ will collect the Program Fee for The Mirror Foundation and then forward it to them. This is good for you because you will not have to carry a large amount of cash with you to Thailand. The Program Fee must be paid at least 30 days before your program start date. This fee is non-refundable and goes straight from IVHQ to The Mirror Foundation in Thailand. The fee pays for your airport pick-up, accommodation and meals, Mirror Foundation staff salaries, orientation expenses, istrative costs, bank transfer fees and donations towards projects volunteers work on.

Program Fee Payment via IVHQ

Fundraising

Please to My IVHQ Profile to pay your Program Fee by credit card via our secure PayPal system.

Despite IVHQ doing our utmost to make our volunteer trip affordable, we realize that the total cost can still be expensive by the time your flights, travel insurance and vaccinations are paid for. Every volunteer traveler is different and while some volunteers have access to funds to cover the cost of their trip, there are many who fundraise to cover these expenses.

Grants & Scholarships IVHQ does not offer any grants for volunteers, however, if you are a university or college student, some institutions offer grants for volunteer travelers. General travel grants are also available for people wishing to do volunteer work abroad however, these vary widely depending on your home country and the type of volunteer work you will doing. We recommend a simple Google search to see what is available in your country. The following websites are also a great resource for searching for funding opportunities: GoAbroad Scholarship Database www.goabroad.com/scholarships-abroad GoOverseas Volunteer Scholarship www.gooverseas.com/volunteer-abroad-scholarshipapplication

“

A favourite moment was probably singing songs with our Thai coordinator during a

break from work. He had picked fresh fruit

and cold water for us and brought along his guitar.

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”

DANIEL D’CRUZ

THAILAND INFORMATION BOOKLET

Here is how IVHQ can help you: ■■ IVHQ has a partnership with a fundraising company that provides IVHQ volunteers with access to online crowdfunding services, which have helped IVHQ volunteers raise thousands of dollars for their trips. See the Fundraising page on our website for further information. ■■ IVHQ has an ‘A-Z of Fundraising’ booklet for all ed volunteers. Simply email your IVHQ Program Manager to request a copy of this booklet to be emailed to you. ■■ Your IVHQ Program Manager can also provide you with a verification letter that you can use to help legitimize your fundraising efforts, which helps when approaching individuals or companies for the first time.

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VOLUNTEERING ABROAD Why Volunteer? Volunteering abroad offers a mutually beneficial exchange for both the volunteer and your host community - you are willing to give yourself as a source of labor and in return, you will gain incredible life experiences, whilst having the opportunity to travel to a foreign country and immerse yourself in the local culture and community. It is a rewarding and positive arrangement for all parties involved - people benefit from your skills, knowledge and efforts, and in return, you benefit from the commitment you make to contributing to a developing community in need of assistance. People generally decide to volunteer abroad for one or more of the following reasons: ■■ To take a gap year before going to university ■■ To gain new experiences after graduating and before beginning work ■■ To take time off during studies or work ■■ To drop yourself in the “deep end” in a totally unknown culture and land ■■ To seek a new direction in life ■■ To give back Volunteering is an extremely rewarding and challenging way to travel and see the world. We can guarantee that during your volunteer experience abroad, regardless of whether it is for two weeks or six months, you will experience a myriad of emotions, such as joy and satisfaction, but at the same time, sadness and helplessness. Ask anyone who has volunteered abroad before and they will rate their experiences as highlights of their lives for a variety of reasons; to be immersed in a different culture, the eye opening experiences, the joy of helping someone achieve a goal, and the friendships forged in unknown lands. Regardless of your motivation to volunteer, in order to get the most out of your experience, it is important to set clear goals before you arrive.

Getting the Most Out of Your Volunteer Experience Before you begin your volunteer program, it is important to clarify your motives. You may be drawn to volunteer work by a desire to help impoverished people. You may be interested in learning about another culture and country. You may wish to be part of a process of positive social change. You may wish to use it as a base for living inexpensively in a foreign country whilst having the opportunity to travel. Or you may wish to gain experience that will enhance your future career prospects. Whatever your motives are for volunteering abroad, it is important you consider the following: ■■ Ensure your chosen project matches your interests and strengths PAGE 23

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■■ Ensure you will be able to contribute while volunteering ■■ Before you leave, set clear goals that you wish to achieve while you are away ■■ Once you arrive, reassess these goals - are they still realistic and/or achievable? Like most things in life, you get out what you put in. If you are not motivated, willing to use your initiative, or adapt to working amongst a new culture in unfamiliar surroundings, you will not enjoy volunteering abroad. While our local staff will place you in suitable placements, they will not always be there to “hold your hand” and therefore it is extremely important to be able to provide your own direction and show initiative. It is important to go abroad with an open mind. Accept that what is customary in your culture and community is not always the same in the community you will be working. Most importantly, be prepared to teach and give, but also to learn and receive.

Will I Make a Difference? Whether you make a difference is entirely up to you. One thing to before you depart is that volunteering is never easy. You will have difficult moments and days that make you question your effectiveness. As aforementioned, in order to be an effective volunteer, you must have self-direction, be able to show initiative, patience and most importantly be motivated. You must also be realistic. If you are volunteering for a period of two weeks, you are never going to “change the world”, however simply because you are volunteering for a short period of time does not mean you cannot make a positive difference in the community and placement in which you are working. Making the most of the time you can give is another important facet to being an effective volunteer. While longer-term volunteers are in a much better position to make a real difference within a developing community, it is incredible what a volunteer with only two weeks can do. One of the real strengths of IVHQ’s volunteer programs is that they are a great platform for raising awareness. Many volunteers travel to a developing country and although they only have a short period of time volunteering, their experiences, the people they meet and the s they make allow them to return to their home countries and continue to help. There are countless ways that this can be done, whether it is simply through sponsoring a child you meet, fundraising for a placement you worked with, or even starting an non-profit organization to raise awareness and affect positive change in developing communities (this has been done before, visit the KCC Slum Project website for more information on the organization established by IVHQ volunteer, Marcus Gregar-Rive, in Kenya). Basically, the onus is on you. You have made the commitment to travel and work on this program – make the most of it.

WHERE DO MY FEES GO? Giving up not only your time, but also your money to volunteer is a huge commitment for anybody. A lot of people struggle to understand the concept of paying to volunteer abroad, and although IVHQ does its utmost to ensure we provide the most affordable fees possible, it is important you understand where your fees are going. Transparency is important to IVHQ.

To ensure affordable fees, IVHQ works directly with local organizations throughout the world, many of which are based in developing countries, where the cost of living is relatively low. The low cost of living in these countries is directly reflected in the volunteer Program Fees – 100% of which are sent to the local organization in country. Using economies of scale, IVHQ is provided with heavily discounted Program Fees by these local organizations due to the fact that we provide large numbers of volunteers annually. These are always the most affordable fees that the local organization can provide, which ensure IVHQ volunteers have access to the best volunteer programs at the lowest prices. To ensure our affordable fees are also transparent, we developed the IVHQ Pricing Model. The IVHQ Pricing Model was established so IVHQ volunteers know where their fees are going. This very simple pricing structure consists of two fees – the Registration Fee and the Program Fee.

Registration Fee The Registration Fee for every volunteer program is US$279 and is paid to the head IVHQ office in New Zealand. This fee confirms a volunteer’s place on the chosen program and provides the income that allows IVHQ to operate. The Registration Fee paid by each volunteer is used to pay for IVHQ staff salaries, program marketing costs, staff travel costs to inspect and maintain high quality programs, website maintenance and development, istration costs within the head IVHQ office, and a contribution is also made towards the IVHQ Fund.

Program Fee The Program Fee varies depending on the volunteer’s chosen program and the duration of the program. This fee is due no later than 30 days before an IVHQ volunteer is due to start their program and covers all of the costs of the IVHQ volunteer program in country. These costs can include airport pickups, local staff salaries, accommodation, meals, project donations and in-country istration fees. The Program Fee is also paid to IVHQ but ed onto our local teams prior to your arrival in country.

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RESPONSIBLE VOLUNTEER TRAVEL IVHQ was established to provide affordable and high quality volunteer programs and the implementation of responsible volunteer travel practices is paramount to any high quality international volunteer program. To ensure IVHQ leads the way in responsible volunteer travel, IVHQ implements the practices outlined in the IVHQ Responsible Volunteer Travel Policy.

IVHQ Responsible Volunteer Travel Policy ■■ IVHQ markets its volunteer programs in a responsible and ethical manner ■■ IVHQ manages the expectations of volunteers before they depart through clear communication and realistic descriptions ■■ IVHQ provides thorough pre-departure for volunteers through the provision of detailed program information and dedicated program managers ■■ IVHQ works only with local organizations and local people, living in the community where volunteers will be placed ■■ IVHQ manages the number of volunteers on its programs by capping volunteer numbers when a program reaches capacity ■■ IVHQ screens volunteers for age and qualifications (where relevant) upon application ■■ IVHQ volunteers must provide an original or a certified copy of a criminal background check to the local organization at orientation  ■■ IVHQ volunteers must provide an original or certified copy of any required qualifications for their volunteer project at orientation ■■ IVHQ volunteers do not replace paid employment opportunities for local people ■■ IVHQ volunteers work alongside local staff in local placements ■■ IVHQ partners only with organizations that are ed organizations within that country ■■ IVHQ provides all partner organizations with the IVHQ Child Protection Policy for implementation on programs alongside local placements ■■ IVHQ provides training and framework to local staff on best practice volunteer management upon partnership, and continuously through regular visits to ensure programs receive maximum benefit from volunteers ■■ IVHQ staff make regular visits to the volunteer programs to ensure they are running effectively, to learn more about the programs first-hand, and to collect from volunteers and projects ■■ IVHQ makes an effort to ensure fees are reasonable for volunteers by re-evaluating fees regularly and analyzing costs with local staff ■■ IVHQ requests from every volunteer and evaluates programs on an on-going basis, providing extra training and advice for local staff where necessary ■■ IVHQ conducts independent research on its programs and the effects on the local community through commissioning of third-party reports, which are used to adapt and improve the volunteer programs  ■■ IVHQ offsets carbon emissions from flying to visit programs through purchasing carbon credits and investing in clean energy, reforestation and tree planting efforts. IVHQ also runs a local tree planting program and environmental education program in schools and encourages IVHQ volunteers to offset their carbon emissions from flying to IVHQ programs through a Carbon Footprint Calculator 

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Criminal Background Check

Carbon Offsetting

To comply with the Mirror Foundation’s Child Protection Policy, all volunteers are required to email a scanned copy of a national Criminal Record check. The original should also be brought to the program, for verification, and will then be returned. These checks can take a couple of months (USA FBI check is 8 weeks) to complete, so it is important that applications are sent off in good time - No volunteer will be placed until the correct check is received and accepted. Please email IVHQ for further details about the correct check to apply for.

IVHQ has partnered with the UK-based organization, Carbon Footprint, to provide IVHQ volunteers with a platform to offset carbon emissions from flights to participate on our volunteer programs.

The Mirror Foundation does not accept applicants with criminal records involving drugs, violence, theft, or sexual offenses - the work in these fields with local villagers is too sensitive to jeopardize. Cautions for these offenses should be disclosed for consideration before proceeding further. Anyone with a criminal record or caution for other offenses should also us before proceeding further. Please your national police service to enquire how to apply for the appropriate document. We have listed a few weblinks below to help with some nationalities. ■■ China: Persons should apply for a certificate of no criminal record at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB), then make application to the notary office for a certificate based on the PSB document. ■■ UK: Basic disclosure http://criminalcheck.globalchoices.co.uk/?id=21 ■■ USA: FBI Criminal Background check www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/background-checks ■■ Canada: Certified Criminal Record check www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cr-cj/fing-empr2-eng.htm ■■ Australia: National Police check www.afp.gov.au/what-we-do/police-checks/ national-police-checks.aspx ■■ Japan: Should apply for a background check but not mention volunteering, as Japan’s police do not allow this.

Child Protection Policy To ensure IVHQ leads the way in responsible volunteer travel, IVHQ provides all partner organizations with the IVHQ Child Protection Policy for implementation on programs alongside local placements. All volunteers are required to sign a copy of the IVHQ Child Protection Policy during their program orientation in Thailand. You can view the IVHQ Child Protection Policy here: www.volunteerhq.org/ivhq-child-protection-policy

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Scientific research suggests that global carbon emissions must be substantially reduced to address climate change. Carbon offsetting is used to compensate for carbon emissions from flying and other activities by funding an equivalent carbon dioxide saving elsewhere. In addition to the ultimate goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions, there are many benefits to offsetting carbon emissions. These can include, but are not limited to; saving energy, providing employment opportunities, increasing tree numbers, conserving natural habitats and increasing awareness of global warming. See our Carbon Footprint Calculator to calculate your total flights footprint and purchase carbon credits to invest in clean energy, reforestation or tree planting efforts to offset the carbon emissions from traveling to your program.

IVHQ Fund Part of the Registration Fee volunteers pay to volunteer with IVHQ is allocated to the IVHQ Fund. This fund was established by IVHQ to the projects set up by previous IVHQ volunteers, who are making longterm and sustainable contributions to developing communities abroad. The volunteer projects to receive donations from the IVHQ Fund will be decided by the wider IVHQ community, through initiatives such as IVHQ Volunteer of the Year and IVHQ Booster Awards, in which money is invested back into projects where IVHQ volunteers work based of nominations and votes received from the IVHQ community. Please note, the portion of volunteer fees allocated to the IVHQ Fund is taken from the Registration Fee paid to IVHQ, and not the Program Fee (100% of which goes to IVHQ’s partner organizations to cover volunteer accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, orientation, in-country , istration etc). To read more about the IVHQ approach to responsible volunteer travel, see: www.volunteerhq.org/ivhq-approach

VOLUNTEER SAFETY Traveling abroad can always bring out a mixture of excitement and nervousness. However, when you are immersing yourself in a foreign culture through volunteering and living among the local community, this apprehension can often be compounded. If you have not traveled much before, it is difficult to know what to expect and often volunteers (and their loved ones) are concerned for their safety and security. Although it would be foolish of us to try and “guarantee” anybody’s safety, IVHQ and our partner organizations do everything we can to ensure your volunteer program is as safe and secure as possible. Every program that IVHQ offers has been personally inspected and selected by a director from IVHQ. We have lived in the accommodations, experienced the orientations, worked on the projects and built strong and trusting relationships with our local staff. If we did not believe the programs were safe enough to send our own children to, we would not offer them. In the unlikely event that something was to happen, volunteers have various layers of that they can go through (and people who will help them in the case of an accident). ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Thailand Volunteer Coordinator Placement Staff Accommodation Managers IVHQ Program Manager (although we are located in New Zealand, we are here to help you)

Programs are monitored on an ongoing basis to gauge volunteers’ experiences and we are continually improving our placements and projects through this . The safety and security of our programs is constantly being reviewed and if you have any concerns, we encourage you to discuss these with the local staff during your program orientation.

“

During orientation, the local staff will also provide guidance in the area of safety and security. Listed below are some general safety tips. ■■ Avoid wearing jewelry on the streets – especially gold neck chains or items that would be appealing to “would be thieves”. ■■ Handbags are always a temptation. However if you must carry one, keep it in front of you. A backpack is better. ■■ Be alert. ■■ Always tell someone where you are going before you attempt long journeys and ensure you are confident with directions. Be especially careful at night. Use taxi drivers you know (keep a telephone number) or who are connected to the place where you are traveling. Our local staff will recommend some specific drivers during orientation. If you are unsure, always ask local staff who to use. ■■ Keep in groups at night and never walk down dark, empty streets. If possible use transport from door to door after dark. Keep in mind the recognized tourist areas can be considered potentially high-risk areas for pickpockets and thieves. ■■ Leave your valuables behind before a night in town, or going to the beach. ■■ For traffic safety, keep looking to the left and right and walk slowly when crossing the road. ■■ Always keep an eye on your drinks when out socializing.

I didn’t have any problems with the accommodation. Of course there

were ants, geckos and mosquitos but I didn’t expect anything different. We were living surrounded by forest so it’s a given that those things should be there. The food was fantastic!

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RAMUNE SABALIAUSKAITE

Security Thailand is a relatively safe country comparative to other developing nations. Theft is a relatively low risk in Thailand, but snatch-theft on the street and theft from hotel rooms are not unknown. You are cautioned to make sure that you have your valuables kept safe, somewhere you can feel them at all times, especially when you are in crowded market places or nightclubs. Our local staff will also guide you in orientation on areas to stay away from. Most tourists in Thailand never experience any trouble and as long as you stay alert and use common sense you should not have any problems. Our local staff will guide you more on safety and security during orientation. If you are ever unsure of anything just ask the local staff, they are only too happy to help.

Security Warnings The following governments publish useful travel advisories, highlighting entry requirements, medical facilities, areas with health and safety risks, civil unrest or other dangers, and are generally very up to date:

dangerous. Always assign at least one person in your group to remain sober and you are in a new environment and outside of the comfort zone of your home country. Enjoy your night, but drink responsibly!

Drug Use It goes without saying that the consumption of illegal and prescription drugs (if you do not have a prescription for the drugs), is forbidden on all IVHQ programs. Our local staff will outline our rules regarding this during your program orientation, however if a volunteer is caught using illegal drugs, he/she will be removed from the program immediately with no refund provided. To consider buying or taking illegal drugs is extremely foolish and the consequences if caught are extreme. We do not want our volunteers having their volunteer holiday turning into life imprisonment in a third world jail. While we have had no major incidents with volunteers and consumption of drugs to date, it is important all volunteers are aware of the consequences, should they be silly enough to buy or consume any illegal substances.

United States

http://travel.state.gov

Travel Insurance

Canada

www.voyage.gc.ca

United Kingdom

www.fco.gov.uk/travel

Australia

www.smarttraveller.gov.au

New Zealand

www.mft.govt.nz

It is mandatory to purchase travel insurance when participating on an IVHQ volunteer program. It is inevitable that things may not always go to plan while you are traveling and although IVHQ does everything it can to ensure your trip abroad goes smoothly, it is essential to ensure you have adequate travel insurance should you fall sick, your bags go missing, or something is stolen.

Responsible Drinking While in country on your volunteer trip, it is natural that yourself and other volunteers will want to socialize and go out together as a group. This is great and while we encourage this, it is important to recognize the risks and dangers that can occur while out partying. 99% of any safety incidences IVHQ volunteers have experienced while on our programs have occurred when volunteers have been out drinking. Please note that drinking is not permitted at the volunteer headquarters during the week (Monday to Saturday afternoon), but is permitted in moderation and according to rules set by the Mirror Foundation visa on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Drinking alcohol is not permitted at all in homestays or in the local villages. Many of our volunteers are at an age where they enjoy socializing and going out regularly. All we ask is one thing please drink responsibly! It can be exciting to be in a foreign country - the nightlife is great, the people are different, you have new friends and it can be easy to get overexcited and lose control of how much you are drinking. When you are drunk, you start to lose awareness of your surroundings and your judgment starts to deteriorate, which can be incredibly

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IVHQ has therefore partnered with travel insurance provider, World Nomads, to ensure volunteers have access to the best insurance deals designed specifically with volunteer travelers in mind. World Nomads are recommended by highly regarded travel experts, Lonely Planet, and are underwritten by insurance giants Allianz, IHI, BCS Insurance Group, BUPA, Mondial Assistance and Millstream. This insurance covers medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, personal belongings and personal liability. World Nomads quotes are extremely competitive and they are one of the only insurance companies that allow travelers to claim whilst traveling, or extend their policy if they decide to stay longer. Find our more information and obtain a free no obligation quote from our recommended travel insurance partner via our Travel Insurance page. Once you have arranged travel insurance, please enter these details via My IVHQ.

MIRROR FOUNDATION GUIDES & RULES In addition to the Thailand Travel Information and IVHQ Volunteer Safety instructions in this booklet, the Mirror Foundation have a strict set of rules, which are put in place to ensure your safety and protect the community. We ask that you pay close attention to the rules set out below and understand the necessity to adhere to these.

The Mirror Foundation has many volunteers ing through its doors, and we must run a tight, albeit relaxed and happy, ship - to make sure that the important work we carry out in the communities is not negatively impacted. If a volunteer is unable to follow our code of conduct, local culture and good manners, or otherwise disrupts our community life, then we will have to take appropriate action. In Chiang Rai, we are well known and respected and many people will recognize you when you are in town. If you agree to volunteer with Mirror Foundation, you are agreeing to act in a way that represents us, both during the working week and also during your free time in Chiang Rai. The following information is a way of harmonizing and integrating everyone during their stay at Mirror. It means putting your own needs second to ours for a few weeks.

Volunteer Accommodation & Office ■■ Volunteers live in dorms, sometimes with only a couple of people, sometimes with many. Therefore please be sure to respect the space, belongings and wishes of the others sharing your hut. This will enable everyone to enjoy life here equally. ■■ Males and females sleep in separate dorms, whatever the relationship. ■■ In respect of Buddhism within the Mirror community, and for Muslim volunteers, we ask that on your way to/ from showering that you please fully cover yourself. ■■ Please clean up after yourself. This includes the cup you used in the office as well as the three under your bed. ■■ Keep your belongings in your own area – don’t spread onto empty beds, which may have to be used without your knowledge. ■■ After lights out, and early in the morning, please be quiet to respect other people sleeping. ■■ Thai people (and probably your roommates too) will be offended if you do not shower at least once a day. The climate is hot, even during the cold season days, and you will sweat a lot. Luckily there is nothing more refreshing than a bucket shower when you’re overheated! ■■ Nothing, other than bodily waste, should go down the toilets, otherwise you will block the system. Not toilet paper, sanitary towels or tampons. All this should be put in a closed plastic bag and thrown in the garbage. ■■ The head is considered holy in Thai culture. Therefore, don’t hang tros, underwear or socks at the head of your bed.

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■■ After washing please wring out your clothes well before hanging them to dry. ■■ If you are going away for the weekend, please clear any belongings off the floor, and onto your bed. ■■ When you have completed your programme, please roll your mattress so that the staff know to allocate the bed to a new volunteer.

Drugs Around the turn of this century, Mirror’s young activists discovered hilltribe people living in deplorable conditions. There was terrible poverty, drug abuse, lack of basic rights, education and healthcare. Many of the staff have worked very hard to turn this situation around. We continue to work very hard on issues such as; gaining Thai citizenship for stateless people, and the exploitation of the hilltribe people of northern Thailand. Your behavior either helps our work, or it works against us. Chiang Rai was once a wild area and much of it was controlled by drug trafficking armies. It was a major part of the world drug trafficking trade. His Majesty the King of Thailand, among others, has tirelessly worked to change that situation. Now there is very little drug trafficking or growing in Chiang Rai. Mirror Foundation also has worked to eliminate drugs from the villages. This has given the kids a chance to grow up in a safe environment and has given the villages a chance for a better future. Do not use/buy/sell, or even be in the same location as drugs – you will be removed from the program immediately, without exception and we WILL inform the authorities of any misuse of drugs by volunteers.

Alcohol, Smoking & Gambling ■■ NO drinking is allowed during the working week (Monday to Saturday afternoon), either at the foundation or in town. Moderate drinking onsite is allowed on Saturday and Sunday evenings in accordance with the rules set by the Mirror Foundation. ■■ You are NOT allowed to drink, or smoke, in your room. ■■ If you drink in town, do not allow yourself or your friends to become aggressive, a nuisance, nor a source of complaints from the community about Mirror Foundation. ■■ Do not smoke at school or in front of children. ■■ Clean up cigarette butts yourselves and please be

considerate of where your smoke is going. ■■ For your safety and to ensure people respect you, if there is more than one male drinking together in a group, a female should not go with them without other female company. ■■ Gambling is illegal in Thailand. Playing cards are viewed as tools of gambling, and as such they are not allowed on the program.

Sex & Relations ■■ Never touch someone of the opposite sex. That isn’t normally done in Thailand unless you know someone quite well. ■■ When you are meeting new people, please do not hug them. A wai or hand shake is the correct greeting. The same applies when saying good-bye. ■■ Amongst volunteers we do not prohibit meaningful relations, but please do not have sex if your relationship is not serious. Please that we are all trying to live and work together in harmony, so don’t do anything that puts that at risk. ■■ Be careful - without using condoms there is a very serious risk of contracting illnesses such AIDS, HIV+, or many other STDs. Rather be safe than sorry.

“

■■ Volunteers are prohibited from relations with staff, and sex with any Hill Tribe person is strictly prohibited. If you wish to marry a Hill Tribe person and live happily with them for the rest of your life, then please wait until after your volunteering period is over. ■■ Do not the sex industry. Mirror is working to stop human trafficking. The sex industry is why Hill Tribe women find themselves enslaved as prostitutes. It is a main reason why women get AIDS and other diseases. It is an industry that is relatively small in Chiang Rai but seems to be growing partly due to foreigners. ■■ Having sex with children is against Thai and International laws. It is considered a very serious offence and you will be punished by both Thai law and your own country’s law. ■■ Prostitution is illegal and not a traditionally accepted activity. A large prostitution industry has grown in many parts of Thailand, but it is not healthy for our society and not something that you as a respected guest should be a part of.

I enjoyed Friday gatherings with other fellow volunteers. It was hard to

interact with the outdoor team during the week so this was our chance

to talk and hang out. I enjoyed getting to know all the staff and

having them not only be my friends, but what I considered to be my family. HANNAH KIM

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”

IVHQ SOCIAL NETWORK Social Media Social media provides an excellent platform for our past, present and future volunteers to network with each other. As we are unable to give out individual volunteer details, we manage a number of networks where IVHQ volunteers can connect with each other before, during and after their volunteer programs. the International Volunteer HQ Facebook group and like our Facebook page to browse the thousands of photos, videos and travel tips from IVHQ volunteers. Plus connect with other volunteers on the same program as you. If you’re tweeting, follow @IVHQ on Twitter and keep us posted with your volunteering plans. Smartphone s may also enjoy browsing the growing library of #IVHQ photos posted on Instagram. And tune in to our YouTube channel and Pinterest boards to get an insight into the volunteering experiences waiting for you with IVHQ!

Volunteer Overseas Blog For volunteer tips, must dos, guest blogs, and more, have a scroll through our Volunteer Overseas blog! IVHQ Blog – www.volunteeroverseas.com

Volunteer Diaries If you’re keen to share your volunteer experience and have it published on the IVHQ website, be sure to post a volunteer diary by logging in to your My IVHQ . My IVHQ – www.volunteerhq.org/

Newspaper Article - Get Recognized For Your Work Many IVHQ volunteers choose to share their volunteer trips with local newspapers and community magazines to help promote awareness of the work they will be doing and inspire others within their community to volunteer abroad. This means we are constantly finding stories about IVHQ volunteers in newspapers from all around the world! Some volunteers also use the media coverage as a way to help fundraise for their volunteer trips and placements. If you are interested in gaining recognition for your work and promoting awareness of volunteering abroad, we encourage you to your local newspaper or community magazine, who in our experience, are generally very interested and willing to share our volunteers’ stories. If you would prefer your IVHQ Program Manager to make the and notify the newspaper/magazine of your trip, please send us: ■■ The name of the newspaper/magazine ■■ An email address to the journalist/editor We will send them an email informing them of your trip and details, so they can you should they choose to write a story.

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EXTRA LEARNING Placement Activity Ideas

Books About Thailand

If you are volunteering on a Teaching or Childcare project, take a look at the Teaching/Childcare Activity Ideas on our website for activity recommendations that you can implement at your placement. These recommendations have been shared by previous IVHQ volunteers, who have found these to be effective exercises when working with children.

Lonely Planet Thailand (Country Travel Guide) China Williams, Mark Beales, Celeste Brash, Alan Murphy, Brandon Presser, Tim Bewer, Austin Bush

Websites About Thailand

A History of Thailand Christopher John Baker, Pasuk Phongpaichit Letters from Thailand: A Novel Susan Fulop Kepner

Tourism Thailand www.tourismthailand.org/

Fieldwork Mischa Berlinski

Lonely Planet www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand

Sightseeing Rattawut Lapcharoensap

Rough Guides www.roughguides.com/destinations/asia/thailand/

Movies About Thailand

Attitude Travel www.attitudetravel.com/thailand/lowcostairlines/

Rambo (2008) Sylvester Stallone

IVHQ www.volunteerhq.org/volunteer-in-thailand

Smartphone Apps About Thailand Thailand Travel Guide – Triposo Thailand Highlights Guide – tripwolf

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The Beach (2000) Danny Boyle Bridget Jones The Edge of Reason (2004) Beeban Kidron The Hangover 2 (2011) Todd Phillips Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior (2005) Prachya Pinkaew Only God Forgives (2013) Nicolas Winding Refn Beautiful Boxer (2003) Ekachai Uekrongtham

LEARNING THAI A great way to get a head start before you arrive in Thailand is to learn some basic Thai. Not only does this help you settle in but it gives you instant respect amonst the local Thai people for having made an effort before arriving. A great website that provides s to help you learn Thai for free is listed below: www.byki.com/fls/thai/thai or http://www.thai-language.com

Basic Words & Phrases

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Hello

sawadee kaa

How are you?

sabai dee reu

Fine thanks

sabai dee

Thank you

kop koon

Thank you very much

kob-khun-maak

You’re welcome

mai pen rai

Never mind

mai pen rai

I can’t speak Thai

phoot pah sah Thai mai dai

I don’t understand

mai kao jai

Do you understand?

kao jai mai

May I take a photograph?

tai ruup dai mai

Where is the rest room?

hong nam yoo tee nai

How much does this cost?

nee tao-rai

What is this?

nee arai

Very expensive

paeng maak

The bill please

gep taang

Good-bye

la gon

Sorry/excuse me

kor tawt

Yes

chai

No

mai-chai

Please

kor-ru-na

Excuse me

kor-tose/kor-a-nu-yart

Who sells chicken eggs?

krai kai kai kai

See you agian

laew phob gan mai

THAILAND INFORMATION BOOKLET

AND CONDITIONS All volunteers agree to the and Conditions of Service of International Volunteer HQ upon submitting their online application to volunteer with IVHQ.