Inside Thailand

  Thailand

• Other Cities in Thailand: 
Rural Areas
• Chiang Mai: 
Chiang Mai

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: June 18 - July 18

Description: Inside Thailand is a service-based, cultural-exchange program sponsored by the Cate School. Under the capable direction of Mac Bakewell and Boosaba Nualhing, this distinctive summer program invites motivated teens to experience Thai culture from an insider's perspective, while bringing English to life in the same village school which Boosaba attended as a girl.

Now in its second decade, Inside Thailand is renowned for this intimate connection to Thai village life. Enrollment is limited to the first eight qualified applicants, and applications are welcomed from students in grades 9 through 12 from across America and around the world.

Highlights: Opportunity: Thailand, the colorful kingdom well known for exquisite cuisine, fine silks, and golden Buddhas, is most famous for its vibrant people and their radiant smiles. Here is a unique opportunity to feel the true warmth of those smiles and to share our own Western experience with eager Thai counterparts.

Adventure and Experience: We will explore the tropical countryside from teak forests in the north to coral reefs in the south. We'll visit ancient temples and modern cities, study Buddhism with revered monks, rice farming with traditional growers, and social issues with dedicated activists as we examine some of the challenges facing this culture in transition.

Cultural Exchange: Most memorably, we will become valued members of a Thai village community as we bring English to life in rustic, rural classrooms, form friendships with Thai students, and learn to see the world through each other's eyes.

Qualifications: Inside Thailand is open to motivated and culturally sensitive teens from across America and around the world. Some English proficiency is required, but not perfect fluency as we teach only beginning level English in the Thai village schools. Our group size is limited to eight and we accept applications from students in grades 9-12.

Cost in US$: 4,400

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: The typical Inside Thailand volunteer is an English-speaking high school student eager to discover the true heart of traditional Thai culture. Although few applicants will have lived in such a foreign and rustic environment, all Inside Thailand participants should be keen to experience Thai village life on its own terms, and reasonably adapted to "being comfortable with being uncomfortable." While teaching experience is neither required nor expected, successful applicants will bring patience, imagination, and passion to the task of sharing their English skills, together with a sincere interest in and respect for all the individuals they meet within the Thai culture.

Age Range: 15 to 19

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Thailand in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 8

Scholarships are Available. limited financial aid is sometimes available to exceptional applicants.

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Inside Thailand's Mission Statement: Beyond fostering the many durable benefits of cultural exchange, Inside Thailand aims to encourage and assist the young people of Pah Leurat in developing those perspectives and skills necessary to both honor their traditions and sustain their community throughout these rapidly changing times.

Year Founded: 1995