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Working, Studying or Volunteering in Thailand

Posted: 24th August 2018 09:18

Working

Earning money and gaining fantastic occupational experience in Thailand proves your commitment, confidence and ambition to future employers. But, before you start job hunting it is vital that you understand the law. Under the Alien Employment Act there some professions that are reserved for nationals. These include agriculture, the beauty industry, making commercial products, tour guiding and clerical work. Secondly, foreigners must obtain a legal work permit. To secure this you need an initial Non-Immigration visa, and the process takes around seven working days to complete. Your new employer and you will need to submit certain documentation and once approved, you will need to keep your permit on your persons at all times.

With the current influx of chemical pesticides, farming has become increasingly difficult in the rural areas of India. By promoting sustainable development, volunteers are there to give farmers the knowledge to have long-lasting positive effects on the environment and improve their own crops. When agriculture is one of the most important areas for the economy, it is crucial to foster the right long-term techniques for doing it successfully, so your time on the project will include demonstrations, organic farming and education programmes. With the right techniques, volunteering in these development projects can mean that these rural areas have a future as a thriving environmental area as well as the livelihood for many of the local inhabitants, and in your spare time you’ll get a chance to relax, playing games with the local children and exploring the stunning area.

Studying

There are numerous possibilities to enhance your academic credentials and improve your skill base. To study in Thailand, people of every nationality must obtain a Non-Immigrant visa type ‘ED’. Firstly, Thailand has over 600 internationally accredited courses at over 100 higher education institutions, both government and private, which follow the UK educational system. Foreign students can apply for full BA, MA and Doctoral degrees, as well as undertake an Erasmus year, a single semester exchange or a summer university short course. Scholarships are available but, tuition fees are significantly low, and the cost of living is affordable. Full degrees start from 120,000 Thai Baht a year which is roughly £2,000 or €3,000 a year.

The most popular skills training programmes in Thailand are TEFL courses which enable students to teach English as a foreign language. Obtaining a TEFL in the country you wish to teach in is a great way to culturally immerse yourself so as to improve your teaching. Foreigners can also train to become a PADI qualified diving instructor at professional schools and superb sites. Thailand has brought the world many things including Thai Boxing and the Thai massage – so, there is nowhere better to undertake an authentic training scheme to stand out from the crowd. Thailand is also a fantastic place to undertake yoga teacher training due to its long tradition in Buddhism. Don’t forget, always ensure schools are accredited by appropriate organisations to guarantee you are getting expert training and value for money.

Volunteering

Volunteering can be a transformative experience. By lending you skills to aid a community or the environment, participants can make a tangible difference. Through a project, you become part of the local community and leave with lasting memories and fab CV material. Budding helpers can typically apply for projects which can run from weeks to a year plus, and for different costs. Shopping around for value for money and quality is always advised, and be aware that many volunteer companies require you to fundraise part of your funds. Be sure to check out reviews and blogs, as well as official websites, to get the low down on what to expect from past volunteers. Plus, thoroughly research to decide whether working with a volunteering company, or a direct organisation is best for you. People of every nationality must obtain a Non-Immigrant visa type ‘O’ to volunteer.

There is a Thai project to suit everyone. Human development schemes can include voluntarily teaching local children or young monks in underprivileged communities, working with children in orphanages, increasing medical awareness or empowering the lives disadvantaged or minority groups such as refugees or women. Building projects are also a great way to leave a lasting gift such as fresh water or sewage for generations after you. Environmentally, volunteers can opt to advance coastal or forest conservation or, care for and protect endangered animals like elephants. For those who wish to explore more of Thailand, you can often combine your project with tours.

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