Diving and Marine Conservation in Thailand with Projects Abroad (2-Week Winter Special)

  Thailand

Krabi

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks and 2-4 weeks
Dates: Sunday December 28 2008 - Saturday January 10 2009

Description: When you arrive in Thailand, we will show you Krabi by day and night and give you a general insight into Thai culture. Not only will you be thrilled by the great food and wonderful people, you will be actively involved in scuba diving, mangrove reforestation, and other conservation work. You complete a four-day NAUI Open Water course to qualify you to dive. You will learn how to breathe, clear your mask and equalize pressure, as well as become familiar with the buddy system and underwater sign language. Once you have qualified, your efforts will be rewarded as you descend to a stunningly clear underwater world of tropical fish, turtles, sea urchins and corals that you never knew existed.

Observing and recording reef damage and fish populations, you will play a part in conserving this precious ecosystem off the coast of South East Thailand. After your two or three weeks, you will return home with universally recognized dive qualifications and a wealth of diving experience while knowing that you've made useful contributions to the preservation of a wonderful marine ecosystem. On top of all that, you'll have some great memories of Thailand!

Highlights: Thailand is a great introduction to South East Asia, and a wonderful destination to volunteer or intern abroad. It's a beautiful country where there's much to see, including pristine beaches, exotic food and golden temples. Anyone doing overseas voluntary work in Thailand will have the chance to get beneath the country that tourists see, and discover the incredibly friendly people and unique culture that define this beautiful place.

Unlike much of Asia, Thailand has never been colonized by the West. Consequently, Thai culture and deeply felt Buddhism are influential throughout the country, even amid the urban bustle and with the onslaught of tourism. Modern Thailand juxtaposes the influence of the West with its many ancient beliefs, and is a fascinating place to experience while you are volunteering abroad.

All accommodation is organized, paid for and monitored by Projects Abroad. All project placements are regularly visited and checked. We require high standards of supervision and accommodation, which are verified before you arrive in Thailand.

This project offers the opportunity to become fully immersed in the culture in a manner which even the most hardened of backpackers could never hope to do.

Cost in US$: US$2,195

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 10-20

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement: As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded: 1992