 "Discover THAILAND" - Travel, Volunteer & Cultural Exchange
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
The first week is dedicated for you to get to know Thailand, and to meet the other participants of the program. During this time you will engage in the following activities: learn about Thai culture, Thai language, and take cooking lessons; visit local sites such as: the famous Buddhist Temple: Wat Pharanon Jaksi, the old capital of Ayutthaya (including a visit to the elephant village), Lopburi’s museum, and pagoda, and a cruise along the Chaopraya river.
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
If you are interested in volunteering during your time in Thailand, Cultural Embrace can organize week-long projects to: teach/tutor English, work on environmental/eco projects in the forest and hillside, provide assistance at local orphanages, or volunteer at hilltribe villages. Please note that the hilltribe volunteering option is offered in two-week increments, while all other projects can be organized for a minimum of one week.
Option 2: Thai Culture & Buddhism
Thailand is rich in history and culture, and now is you chance to learn more about some of the elements that are central to this unique and beautiful culture. During this week, you will have the opportunity to get to know more about Thai culture and Buddhism: you will have the chance to practice meditation and chanting together with local monks in a quiet and spiritual environment. Later, participants will have the opportunity to practice and stay in an authentic Thai temple and experience Thai temple life first hand.
Option 3: Work with Elephants
During this week, you will be able to help the mahouts (elephant trainers) at the elephant sanctuary as they take care of the elephants and join them for their daily exercises. You will also learn about the place of elephants in the culture in Thailand, their needs and the social problems involved. Daily chores include washing and feeding the elephants, learning some gardening and working with the people of the center.
This week is spent trekking in the jungle & rainforest of the Phutoei National Park, a lush park not often visited by other tourists. The week also includes the change to experience the different lifestyle of a nearby hilltribe village. This will be a unique experience: you will be roughing it in beautiful surroundings, surviving with just the basics, while experiencing a side of Thailand that many tourists never get the opportunity to see.
 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.
- 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.
- International Traveler's Insurance
A comprehensive medical insurance is included during your program dates.
- 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
Program (includes 1 week of orientation)
|
Length |
Price
|
+ 1 week Volunteer
|
2 weeks |
US $930 |
+ 1 week Trekking/ Culture
|
2 weeks |
US $1075 |
+ 1 week Elephant work/ Beach week
|
2 weeks |
US $1145 |
| + 2 weeks Volunteer |
3 weeks |
US $1090 |
+ 1 week Volunteer +
1 week Cultural/ Trekking |
3 weeks |
US $1235
|
| + 1-2 weeks Beach/ Elephant work |
3 weeks |
US $1310
|
| Extra week Volunteering |
1 week |
US $210 |
| Extra Trekking/ Cultural Week |
1 week |
US $355 |
Extra Elephant Work/ Beach week
|
1 week |
US $425 |
* 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 mailed to you within 7-10 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).
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July Special
Two for One Application Fee
Save $100! Experience an Adventure with a Friend, or Travel on Different Programs
Apply Together!
Apps Postmarked by July 31st
Travel valid until December, 2008
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