Make a REAL difference in Thailand with Love Volunteers!

When I was calculating how many years left before I retire, I was thinking about what kind of birthday present I would like to give myself this year: I want to have a meaningful vacation. I had chosen to volunteer in the Women Empowerment project for 4 weeks in Chiangmai, Thailand, with Love Volunteer organization. When I arrived Chiangmai, before I started my project, we had a 2 days volunteer orientation where I received more updated information about my project. We also have a bit of language and culture lesson and sightseeing time lead by the local staff. Since my project site was about 30 minutes ride from my accommodation, the local host (Friends for Asia) offered me daily drop off/pick up. This really ease the pain of finding my ride to the site.
My project site is Wildflower Home for single mothers with children. The director of the site had a short interview with me to find out what can my strength be the best support for them there. I worked at the daycare to support a staff in the morning and helped 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 to sell.) Overall, the interaction with the children and mothers was very present. I really treasure the time I spent there with other volunteers, staff, mothers and children. I met 3 other senior volunteers at the local volunteer house and we had a lot of fun together. I also made a few new friends with other volunteers and staff. I think I might go back to volunteer again next time. I had a positive and wonderful time during my 4 weeks stay. This was a sweet memory for me to treasure.

The project was far beyond what I had expected. During my medical internship programme, I spent three weeks in the department of cardiology of Somdech Phra Pinklao Hospital, Bangkok. On the first day I received a thorough schedule of what I was going to see and learn in the next weeks. The best part was the team: they gave me a kind and hearty welcome and everyone was very nice and willing to share with me everything they could about both cardiology and Thai culture. The clinical part of the internship was in English and, as I don't come from an English speaking country, I had to get familiar with a different terminology, which was challenging for the first few days, but at the same time it was most useful thing I got from this internship for my future medical career and it was what I am most thankful for.

Living in such a wonderful and different city like Bangkok is truly a life changing experience. I enthusiastically welcomed every peculiarity of the city and Thai culture, which is often curious. I needed a great open mindness to live this experience, but since diversity and uniqueness are two of the thing I love the most, it wasn't difficult for Bangkok and Thai culture to find a place among my best and beloved memories.

My trip to Thailand was stunning and volunteer-filled. The trip was a unique experience. My favorite part was meating the Thai children. The kids were adorable and sweet. Also during the trip I met so many new friends from around the world. The food was delicious. I suggest this trip to others!

I’ve never wanted to travel, nor had the feeling of “wanderlust”. I was only moderately interested in Thailand, but incredibly passionate about gaining teaching experience with younger children. I just so happened to stumble upon Love Volunteers, which helped set me up with their local in-country partner, and their AMAZING teaching program. Traveling out of country for the first time, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the partner organization and Love Volunteers was there for me every step of the way! I had went into this program alone, and am now coming out with friends from all over the world. The coordinators of this program really care about you, and really want you to enjoy your placement, as well as love Thailand as much as they do! They are always ready and willing to help, and will have the brightest smile when you stop by and say hi. I really cannot praise these coordinators, or the local partner organization highly enough. My experience as a teacher has been nothing short of rewarding. The teachers and the students here are absolutely beautiful in mind, body, and spirit. I was a bit nervous walking into a classroom, with no experience, but these past two weeks have taught me how to become an effective teacher, with the help of some feedback from the students and teachers. I was able to learn how to classroom manage, lesson plan, and connect to my students even though there was a language barrier. These people are some of the happiest, generous, and humble people I have met, and have truly made an impact on my life. I would recommend this program to anyone, and everyone, just because, not only do you make a difference, but you come back as a better person as well.

These 4 weeks of volunteering in a temple were above and beyond all my expectations. I feel that I’ve been fortunate to take part in a very meaningful project. Additionally, I’m grateful to have left my imprint on novice monks whom I taught and who taught me just as much. My daily visits in the temple made me feel like a member of this huge family of Buddhism, and that is something that no tourist experiences.
In addition, this month was a lot more than just teaching; I’ve had the opportunity to learn about a whole new culture through its language, traditions, tastes, and sceneries. The fact that volunteers have the weekends off allowed me to travel around Chiang Mai and take tours outside of the city. It created even more experiences and memories that I’ll never forget.
For everyone who is looking for an interesting way of traveling, I would recommend that they join one of the projects and get ready for a mind-opening experience.

Well, I dont have anything bad to say about the program, because I loved every minute, every person I met. I never imagened I could find so much love and tenderness behind the Tailand people. I remember their smiles, there careness, the way they looked at me with so much care and happiness. This feelings are more greatness than any richness in the world.
There is a song whicha name is, The time of my live and I didnt get the chance to say it loud, but I do it now:

Now I've had the time of my life
No, I've never felt like this before
Yes I swear it's the truth
And I owe it all to you

Thank you from the deep of my heart.
Cristina