With her alluring combination of natural beauty, inspiring temples, generous and warm hospitality, flavorful cuisine, and historical ancient kingdoms, it is easy to understand why Thailand is known as the “Land of Smiles."

Inviting Thailand offers something for every type of traveler:  tranquil villages along the Mekong River,  the pulse-pounding nightlife of Bangkok, gorgeously tiered temple rooftops, scores of saffron-robed monks, crystal blue waters and white sand beaches, the hilltribe villages of ethnic minorities, and much more!

Cultural Embrace partners with local humanitarian organizations to share knowledge about the people and cultures of Thailand.  Our goals are to immerse you with the communities that you are visiting, and to provide a cultural exchange between you and the local people. You will spend at least a month to become more familiar with this fascinating destination.

Discover how the people live, and learn what their culture is all about, while you provide a service to the at-need communities. Most of our projects and activities will take place in Singburi, Thailand, about two and a half hours from Bangkok. Opt to teach English or assist at a local orphanage. Projects have been selected in the Southern and Central regions of Thailand, with great travel opportunities for you to enjoy the diverse and beautiful environments this country has to offer.  By contributing your time, energy, and passion to others, you can return the smiles back to the Thai communities and gain an invaluable experience.

Discover the Similarities - Share the Differences!

Orientation Week

After your week of orientation, you will have the option of choosing from the following options.  Programs may be combined or extended for additional weeks. 

Option 1: Volunteering

Option 2: Thai Culture & Buddhism

Option 3: Work with Elephants

  Volunteering in Thailand Offers:

• An unforgettable experience helping and improving Thai communities 
• An opportunity to broaden your perspective and worldview
• An opportunity to participate in and learn local cultural activities (e.g.: language, crafts, dancing)
• Memorable travel experiences with the chance to see exotic sites you have always dreamed about 
• The ability to make lifelong friends from around the globe
• A valuable work experience that strengthens your resume, exhibiting your diligence, independence, and intercultural experiences 
• A great way to develop and support your self-confidence and interpersonal skills   

  Cultural Embrace Offers:

• Guaranteed Program Placement Prior to Departure
  Cultural Embrace pre-arranges your volunteer project, travel arrangements and cultural exchanges before you leave home to ensure an easy and hassle-free transition to your new life abroad.   
• Housing & Board
  All accommodations and meals are included during the program. Housing will be available in either shared accommodations at volunteer sites or carefully selected host families. Your first night of arrival will include one night’s accommodation in a standard hotel in Bangkok.
• Visa Assistance
  Cultural Embrace will assist you with information to obtain a visa (if necessary), but we have no control nor the ability to guarantee government issuance and/or visa availability.
• International Traveler's Insurance : Basic Major Medical Insurance
  A comprehensive medical insurance is included during your program dates. 
• Arrival Assistance 
  An airport pick-up and transfer to a standard hotel in Bangkok will be included upon arrival.
• Arrival Orientation
  An one-week all-inclusive comprehensive orientation will be included. The orientation  introduces the local community, Thai cultures, basic Thai language, and Thai cuisines/cooking.
• Local Transportation
  All ground transportation related to your program will be included in your host country.
• Excursions & Activities  
  Enjoy a variety of activities and sight-see this beautiful country. Learn to cook, meditate, speak and perform like the locals. And experience it through the city, rural, rainforest and beach environments.
  
• Cultural Embrace Kit
  Useful tips, advice, and information to prepare you for the amazing adventure of living and working abroad.
• Full-time Representation
  Cultural Embrace provides representation in the United States and in Thailand prior to, during, and after your placement. 

• You must be at least 18 years of age.  Or, if younger than 18, you must have parental or guardian consent  
• Minimum volunteer commitment is 2 weeks; maximum is 6 months
• Enjoy working and serving others in an underprivileged and struggling environment.
• Open to foreign cultures and living abroad
• Dedication to the full term of commitment      

 * Note: prices are subject to change according to world currency exchange rates

Includes: 1 week of orientation, all room and board costs while on program, domestic transportation,
Start Dates: Every other Monday

1. Obtain the Volunteer Abroad Application Forms & Procedures documents in one of three ways:

(a) Download the forms:  Volunteer Form (pdf).  Volunteer in Thailand Program Details and FAQ (pdf).  

(b) Fill out an online application request form and the forms will be e-mailed to you within 2-3 days.

(c) Call Cultural Embrace at 1-512-469-9089/(US toll-free) 1-888-214-8570 to have the forms mailed to you in 7-10 days.

2. Read the instructions carefully and complete all forms.

3. Submit your completed application packet to:

CULTURAL EMBRACE
7201 Bill Hughes Road
Austin, TX 78745 USA

Completed packet should include:

• Volunteer Program Application
• Signed Volunteer Agreement
• Copy of your passport (information page only)
• Copies of transcripts, diplomas, or certificates related to field of interest (if applicable)
• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter explaining why you want to join this program and what your expectations are of Thailand and this program
• Two References: preferably professional and/or character references
• Doctor’s Certificate verifying that you are in excellent mental and physical health
• Copy of Police Clearance (obtainable from your community's local police station) 
• Two 1½" x 2" official passport-size photos, signed on the back
• One smiling full-length photo of yourself
• US$200 non-refundable deposit (credited towards your program fee) 

We recommend submitting your application and program fee at least 12-16 weeks prior to your desired start date in order for us to organize and arrange your internship.

*Cultural Embrace requires an expedited application fee for those applying 12 weeks or less before the desired date of departure. Applications received 8-12 weeks prior to desired departure date will be charged $150. Applications received less than 8 weeks before the desired departure date will be charged $250.

For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@culturalembrace.com or you can call us at 1-512-469-9089 or 1-888-214-8570 (US toll free).