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- LGBTQ NGO Development Internship in Thailand
What is the LGBTQ NGO Development Internship programme in Thailand all about?
Join us on this LGBTQ NGO development Internship in Thailand and use your English to support a locally led internationally supported organisation. While Thailand is more accepting than most other countries around the world, the LGBTQ community faces discrimination. There are no rights for those in same sex marriages and prejudice at schools and in the workplace is widespread. In Chiang Mai there are large numbers of transgender men and women as well as sex workers and other at risk groups. In 2004 increasing HIV prevalence rates led the organisation to promote local initiatives, with advocacy and education at it’s heart.
The work of the organisation is widespread. The NGO staff educates, promotes inclusion, and offers testing and counselling at schools, spas, saunas and bars. The aim is to improve acceptance by others, encourage safe sex practices and even to reduce teenage pregnancy. Rights and safe sex messages are important to the organisation and activities include HIV/AIDS outreach, education, treatment and prevention as well as advocacy. Join us and make a contribution to the LGBTQ community and other at risk groups in the city of Chiang Mai.
Why choose this LGBTQ NGO Development Internship programme in Thailand?
This internship is a good match for those who are interested in human rights and wish to provide practical support to those who are working with the LGBTQ community and other vulnerable groups. If you are studying topics such as gender, public health or community development this could be perfect for you. You will have the chance to shadow and learn as well as contributing by completing your own pieces of work.
The project is well run and English speakers are needed to help with messages on social media as well as developing the skills of local staff. You can share your own stories as well as learn about those of others in the LGBTQ community. Not only will you learn about the challenges being faced, you will see first-hand how communities are being supported in Thai society and beyond. Perhaps you will be able to take some ideas home to your own community?
Role of the Community Intern
Interns will become a part of the office staff and support the local organization with their community and online activities. This is a professional well run organization, and interns will need to add value as well as meeting their own learning goals. You will see how initiatives are planned and implemented. Interns become part of the office staff and support organizations with fundraising, report writing, and marketing, including website and social media updates. You will also develop the capacity of the organisation by teaching the local staff English. In addition, there may be chances to see public health outreach, HIV / STI testing, education and other grassroots work with transgender men and women, and at risk groups.
What skills do I need to be a LGBTQ NGO Development Intern?
On this LGBTQ NGO development Internship in Thailand you will use your writing skills and grasp of English. You should have completed at least your first year at university on a relevant course or have some experience. Areas such as proposal writing, teaching, marketing or public health are preferred. You must be flexible, patient and able to work in a multi cultural team supporting transgender men and women. You will be supported by professional and experienced staff who have an excellent command of English.
Please bring a laptop with you to document your learning during your internship. You will be asked to submit a full CV/resume and attend a telephone interview before being accepted onto this placement.
Travel during COVID times
The health and safety of our travelers and our local communities remain central to our plans for reopening countries and projects. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been adapting our programs and protocols to protect all those involved, and ask for everyone’s patience and collaboration as new rules are implemented in-country. For all projects, new standards of sanitation, procedures and social behaviors are in place, including new health and hygiene protocols and social distancing practices. You can read more here. Each location may be slightly different in the way they operate.
To enter Thailand you must be fully vaccinated and have a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before traveling. Quarantines have been lifted for travelers entering Thailand, but on arrival, you currently have to spend one night in an approved hotel while you take another PCR test and get the results. (This requirement may be removed in early 2022) The cost for this “test and go” package start from about £90/US$120 and include transfer from the airport, accommodation and meals. The test has to be booked separately at an additional cost or about £70/US$95 and are administered at the airport on your arrival. Instead of a tourist arrival visa, the government has implemented a free-of-charge Thailand-pass, which must be applied for at least 1 week prior to travel and works as an app on your smartphone.
RECRUITING NOW
WHY JOIN THE PROJECT
Because you are passionate about contributing to work being done to support the LGBTQ community
To understand how a more accepting society than perhaps your own addresses issues of stigma and prejudice
Because you want to gain hands experience that NGOs are taking to support vulnerable groups, to consolidate your studies
FEATURED VIDEO
PROJECT TESTIMONIALS

Where will I work in Thailand?
This internship is based at an NGO in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is a culturally diverse destination and it is very popular with international tourists. The city itself is surrounded by a wall and has an old city where a weekend market is held. Here, along with the night bazaar, you can everything from souvenirs to everyday wears. Trekking and visiting the communities in the hills is a popular activity, as is attending a one day course at one of the local cooking schools. For time after your placement why not fly south to one of Thailand’s famously beautiful beaches and relax before heading home.
Details & Costs
- Duration: 8+ weeks
- Cost: £3061 / $4779 for 8 weeks
£217 / $339 for each extra week thereafter - Requirements: Age 18+
- Location: Chiang Mai province, Thailand
- Working hours: Monday-Friday 09.00-17.00
- Project availability: All year round
- Arrival day: Every 1st Friday of the month in Chiang Mai
What is included
- Accommodation: Single or shared room in a homestay (depending on availability)
- Meals: 3 meals per day
- Airport pickup and drop off from Chiang Mai airport or bus station
- Training: Pre-departure information pack, orientation on arrival.
- Certificate on completion of a presentation to the project at the end of your internship
- Support: 24 hour support from on-site coordinator
- Excursion Planning: staff will help organise activities and excursions
- Learning Reflection Document
- Certificate on completion of Internship
- Supervision from qualified professional
What is not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visas
- Transfers from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
- Police background check: US and UK citizens processed through Kaya (admin fee applies) all other nationalities must provide local police check.
- Quarantine cost of 1 night hotel stay in Bangkok (this requirement may be removed in early 2022)
- Any costs for COVID-19 PCR tests required pre-departure and in-country
Easy 4-step application process
APPLY ONLINE
Click here to apply online and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW
Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.
CONFIRMATION
Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.
GET PREPARED
When you have confirmed your project dates we'll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.

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