Thailand: Work experience

Work placements and internships

Formal work placements and internships are rare in Thailand with many opportunities being of a voluntary nature. Conservation, nursing, physical and occupational therapy opportunities exist through Projects Abroad . Trainees in those disciplines are also eligible.

Exchange programmes

The programme IAESTE Thailand  aims to provide science, engineering and applied arts undergraduates with overseas training experience, which is relevant to their studies.

Teaching schemes

Teaching English as a foreign language is a popular choice for many UK students and graduates. It is often difficult to find well-paid teaching work, although some postings may include accommodation. The busiest time for language schools is in the holiday period between March and May. Volunthai  offers teaching opportunities in rural schools in northeast Thailand. Other teaching schemes are offered by the organisations mentioned in Volunteering below.

Those who are already qualified in this area are advised to consult teaching recruitment websites such as ajarn.com  and check the recruitment pages of language schools. These include:

• American University Alumni Centre Thailand  
• Berlitz Thailand  
• The British Council in Thailand  - English language centres
• English and Computer College (ECC) Thailand  
• Inlingua School of Languages in Thailand  

Those wishing to take up a position as a foreign language teacher in government schools or higher education institutes must pass a Thai language test. This test does not usually apply to international schools and private language schools.

Volunteering

Voluntary opportunities in Thailand are wide-ranging and may include working at an elephant conservation camp, community work with hill tribe children, assisting at a gibbon sanctuary, and teaching English to monks.

The Bangkok Post Outlook  has an extensive list of charitable projects in Thailand. Areas include community development, environmental issues, health promotion, and education.

Some volunteering projects offer opportunities to work with orphans and children in care, whilst others offer opportunities in health promotion activities, raising awareness of issues such as AIDS/HIV and drugs. Projects can be found through:

• Projects Abroad  
• i-to-i  
• Volunteer Abroad  
• Cross Cultural Solutions  

AFS Intercultural Programs  also offer opportunities for community projects. Projects can vary from two weeks to one year.

Other opportunities include marine-life conservation and excavation projects through the Earthwatch  Institute.

Casual work

There may be opportunities for qualified diving instructors at some of the major resorts and casual teaching jobs may be possible for those qualified. Many restaurants and bars have live music offering possible casual work for singers and musicians. However, much of this is provided by local bands. Casual work tends to be advertised at a local level in guest houses, local newspapers and word of mouth. For any kind of work in Thailand, a work permit is required.

Gap year opportunities

Some of the above opportunities can be done in a gap year. For advice on planning and taking a gap year, see GapYear.com .