Volunteer Abroad with Elephants & Reforestation in Chiang Mai, Thailand

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Work with Rescued Elephants, Reforestation and Rural Communities in Thailand

What is the Work with Rescued Elephants, Reforestation & Rural Communities in Thailand project all about?

Volunteer in northern Thailand on an elephant rescue and reforestation project, based in a rural community just outside Thailand’s second largest city, Chiang Mai. This placement works with three different projects. The first is an eco-tourism elephant camp that supports sick and aging elephants as well as unemployed Mahouts (elephant trainers), providing both with better opportunities, homes and food. Second is a reforestation project that works to restore the local jungle and to educate the community to better maintain their resources. Finally, the project works with local schools to provide the rural children with an opportunity to develop English, environmental, and leadership skills.

Why choose this Work with Rescued Elephants, Reforestation & Rural Communities project?

This is poor region has been lucky to have the support of a dynamic local governor who is working to improve the community’s future. The involvement of international volunteers helps educate the residents about boosting their tourist appeal as well as their language and communication skills. Extra man-power is needed for the labour-intensive jobs of: reforestation, camp maintenance and improving the school facilities.

Role of the Conservation Volunteer

Within the elephant camp, help is needed with marketing, developing materials and English teaching. In the community jungle, tree planting and water system construction will be completed. Within the schools, there is a need for people to help with building and water sanitation as well as with the school’s education program – teaching English, environmental and leadership skills.

What skills do I need to be a Conservation Volunteer in Thailand?

No specific skills are required for this project, but any background or training in forestry, environmental sciences, or tourism is a bonus. Experience in teaching can be an advantage and any experience in marketing would also be valuable.

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WHY JOIN THE PROJECT

To work with a local organisation and improve the lives of elephants

To carry out vital community work supporting eco tourism

To be situated near Chiang Mai and explore Thailand’s beautiful north

PROJECT TESTIMONIALS

"The whole experience was amazing, thanks for your support before and I after I went." ...

Stuart Corinaldi

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"Meeting the elephants for the first time and getting closer to them each day was truly a remarkable and unforgettable experience." ...

Arya Vindlacheruvu

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I could not ask for better support or a better service than Kaya Responsible Travel to organise my first trip abroad. I was so impressed by the Kaya approach and am very thankful to the entire Kaya team. I had such a positive and rewarding trip to Thailand which was a very influential experience in ...

Ellen Hanson

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Where will I work in Thailand?

This ecotourism camp was set up by a local man who was concerned about the way animals were being treated in the area. The camp is located about 45 minutes away from Thailand’s north capital, Chiang Mai. Founded in 1296, Chiang Mai was constructed in the shape of a square surrounded by a moat used to mark its boundaries and safeguard its people. These landmarks are conserved in the city center and are just one example of this city’s unique character. You will spend the first couple of nights, acclimatising and receiving orientation in Chiang Mai, then you will move to the rural community, where you will stay in comfortable eco-tourism lodges as you complete your volunteering.

Fruit, vegetable and rice cultivation are the main elements of the local economy. In the past 10 years, tourism has become an increasingly important economic growth point for the city. Other industries include cottage industry, handicraft production, exporting, small-scale business and manufacturing.

Details & Costs

Duration: 1 – 12 weeks
Cost: £1115 / $1952 for 1 week
£440 / $770 for each week thereafter
Requirements: age 18+
Location: outside of Chiang Mai, Thailand
Project activities: help with tree planting and ground maintenance, teaching English to Mahouts and at local schools, tend to elephants – preparing food, bathing and cleaning, help to build elephant shelters
Working hours: project is open Monday – Sunday, so you can work 7 days if you wish!
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 Thai Hut, guest house in Chiang Mai on arrival weekend
Food: 3 meals per day
Airport, train station or bus pick up in Chiang Mai
Training: pre-departure information pack and onsite orientation
Support: 24-hour support
Excursion planning: staff will help organise activities and excursions
Certificate of Mahout Training

What is not included

Flights
Insurance
Visas
Return journey from project to Bangkok
Airport transfer at the end of the project

Pictures from our Work with Rescued Elephants, Reforestation & Rural Communities in Thailand project

Thai Elephant Work with Rescued Elephants Reforestation and Rural Communities in Thailand

Thai hut Work with Rescued Elephants Reforestation and Rural Communities in Thailand

Elephant Work with Rescued Elephants Reforestation and Rural Communities in Thailand

Seating area Work with Rescued Elephants Reforestation and Rural Communities in Thailand

Spicy dip for fish Work with Rescued Elephants Reforestation and Rural Communities in Thailand

Thai huts Work with Rescued Elephants Reforestation and Rural Communities in Thailand

Palm tree Work with Rescued Elephants Reforestation and Rural Communities in Thailand

Easy 3-step application process

APPLY ONLINE Click here to apply online and pay your deposit to secure 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 be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.

GET PREPARED When you’ve been accepted onto your project we’ll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.

HAVE A QUESTION?

We pride ourselves on providing you high quality placement information throughout your application process and whilst on the ground. Connect with us if you have any questions.

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