General Impression
Overall Rating: / 10
This is my first time to do volunteer work overseas. I was full of excitement and anxious of what is going to happen when I get there? Everything turned out to be smooth at last!Country
I had been to Thailand many years ago. Thailand’s weather is very hot. I arrived Chiang Mai in early November 2023, and the temperature was still very hot to me (30 degrees C.). The Thai people are very friendly and nice. I was being picked up at the airport by the local host. Having someone greeting you with a happy smile and getting things well-arranged for you was a very good feeling. I felt safe and being well taken care of by the staff during my stay.
Project & Staff
I was volunteering in the Women Empowerment project for 4 weeks. Before I start my project, we had a 2 days volunteer orientation where I have received more updated information about my project. We also have a bit of language lesson and sightseeing time lead by the staff. Since my project site was about 30 minutes ride from my accommodation, the local host did drop off/pick up for me. This really ease the pain of finding my ride to the site.
My project site is a Home for single mothers with children. The director of the site had a quick interview with me to find out what areas fit my strength best and to support them there. I worked at the daycare to care for 5-6 toddlers in the morning and helping the director with her office work in the afternoon. (Other works I did include painting a mural for them and taught the mothers to make earrings with fabric and beads.) Overall, the interaction with the children and mothers was very present. I really miss them. I really treasure the time I spent there with other volunteers, staff, mothers and children. I think I might go back to volunteer again next time. I had a wonderful time during my 4 weeks stay. I met a few new friends with other volunteers and staff. This was a sweet memory for me to treasure.
My project site is a Home for single mothers with children. The director of the site had a quick interview with me to find out what areas fit my strength best and to support them there. I worked at the daycare to care for 5-6 toddlers in the morning and helping the director with her office work in the afternoon. (Other works I did include painting a mural for them and taught the mothers to make earrings with fabric and beads.) Overall, the interaction with the children and mothers was very present. I really miss them. I really treasure the time I spent there with other volunteers, staff, mothers and children. I think I might go back to volunteer again next time. I had a wonderful time during my 4 weeks stay. I met a few new friends with other volunteers and staff. This was a sweet memory for me to treasure.
Tips
Make sure you have read all the information details of your project to avoid disappointment. You could also email to your project manager/representative to ask any question once you get the info of your project site. For example: What to wear to the work site? Does tatoos need to be covered at work? Does the guest house provide hair-dryer, toiletry…etc. Because I didn’t bring these things. It was okay, I bought them at local 7/11.