Wild Elephant Protection and Eco Tourism Projects in Thailand and Laos

  Laos

• Rural Areas: 
Rural Areas

  Thailand

• All Other Areas in Thailand: 
Cha-am

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: On going

Description: CNN recommends 8 volunteer organizations in their Be the Change Initiative. Open Mind Projects is one.

Work with the national park staff, rangers, village guides and host families, a group of female park guides being trained, at a local school.

Teach basic tour guide English, improve trekking trails and information in English.

Create an awareness of the importance and long term advantages of protecting the wildlife and preserving the environment.

Trek with rangers and village guides in the jungles, and mountains of Thailand and Laos with wildlife such as wild elephants, Asian bisons, and tigers.

Highlights: Volunteers stay at the national parks headquarters, ranger stations in the jungle or with host families in villages.

All volunteers should come to a 3 day free Volunteer Training before start, that may be extended by another one-two days if required (also free), incl. accommodation.

The endangered wildlife includes tigers, gaurs, tapirs, leopards, and birds, reptiles.

Qualifications: Volunteers should have some trekking and outdoor experience.

Volunteers should be able to work independently, to start up activities on their own, and be able to gain the trust of and motivate local people.

Cost in US$: Contact Open Mind Projects for information

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Openminded, curious, sporty, fit, independant, socially talented, ready to 'rough it'

Age Range: 20 plus

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of 2-4

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Resume
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Job and Internship Network

Open mind projects's Mission Statement: Open Mind Projects is a bridge to knowledge and cross-cultural understanding, bridging digital and knowledge divides between rich and poor. Open Mind Projects arranges placements for international volunteers to schools, Orphan Homes, other institutions and projects, in Thailand and Laos. Open Mind Projects cooperates with these schools and institutions with learning ideas, technology and international volunteers. Schools and other learning/youth institutions in developing nations are understaffed and under resources. New information technology and international volunteers help offset this advantage. Open Mind Projects wants to facilitate valuable cross-cultural experience, personal development, for volunteers and local childeren and students. An opportunity to learn about other cultures while making local and international friends, within an affordable backpacker budget.

Year Founded: 2001