Experiential Program for International Students, Interns, Volunteers

  Cambodia

  Laos

• Rural Areas: 
Rural Areas

  Nepal

• Kathmandu: 
Kathmandu

  Thailand

• All Other Areas in Thailand: 
Hua Hin,  Nong Khai,  Udon Thani
• Phuket: 
Phuket

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: on going

Description: Transforming grass roots training for ambitious international students - a learning by doing, cutting-edge experiential program for students who want to graduate into independent, creative, mature and open minded adults.

A great chance, a leap year, months, for those who want to prepare for an international career - whether joining an international aid organization,corporation or pursuing international studies.

It is meant to replace the more traditional gap year experience (or months). You live, work and travel with other dedicated aid workers/volunteers and locals many of whom come from the very projects you will work in.

Program components include:
* one of the best Volunteer Trainings in SE Asia with learning by doing language, volunteer and cultural training
* local supervisor
* customized in the fields work, agreed before hand and in country
* your choice of months of experiential volunteer/intern work in local field projects
* exit debriefing

This means a great opportunity to genuine culture immersion in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos or Nepal.

Highlights: The focus is on multiple experiences and challenges that assist you in finding meaning and purpose, and gaining varied real life experience before going to university or work, a very good in the fields, social skills and management training. A truly amazing and unforgettable year of growth, helping and learning, that surely beats most other ways to prepare for life and an international career.

You can choose to help protect endangered animals, sea turtles, or elephants, in sustainable eco tourism projects, live with families in national parks or villages in Thailand and Laos.

Teach English at, develop teaching aids for poor schools in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Nepal.

In Cambodia you can help street families and orphans.

In Nepal help Tibetan refugees to learn for life and to preserve their own threatened culture.

Work at orphanages in Nepal, Thailand or Cambodia.

Learn and practice useful skills such as, communicating with and teaching basic English to people who barely speak the language, or such as adapting to local different cultures and habits and simple living conditions.

Learn the rudiments of rice planting, squid fishing, park ranger work, basket weaving and cooking.

Learn Thai, Lao or Khmer - through intensive work with local people.

Some places offer chances to learn about Thai dancing and music, sports and cooking
The Volunteer, Internship Period can be customized according to your preferences, minimum 3 months.

Qualifications:
- Min US High School/Junior College
- French Baccalaureate
- Swedish Student examen
- German Abitur

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: - Mature and ambitious student with an interest in international relations, other cultures and the environment - Adaptable, flexible, socially talented

Age Range: Minimum 20

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• 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