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  Thailand

• Chiang Mai: 
Chiang Mai

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Throughout the Year

Description: The elephant sanctuary is located in the hills outside of Chiang Mai. It is surrounded by lush mountains and is divided down the middle by a river. Volunteers assist and work alongside elephant trainers and other park staff from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm (Monday through Friday). The park has been open for 20 years, has over 70 elephants and roughly 250 workers. Many of the workers are of minority ethnic hill tribe decent.

Some volunteers will teach an hour or two of English at the local hill tribe school. Other volunteers will stay at the park and teach English to the elephant trainers and other staff. Volunteers may be asked to help out with other areas of the elephant camp during their volunteer service. Any little bit helps in the development of the camp.

Late in the afternoon/early evening, volunteers will be able to spend more time with the elephants and elephant trainers. This is when volunteers will really begin to bond with these lovely creatures, get to know their different personalities, and learn how to best care for them.

Highlights: Volunteer housing is provided on-site in amazing treehouses that are fully equipped with a flushing toilet and hot water. Please note that internet is not accessible from the sanctuary.

Qualifications / Skills Needed: Volunteers do not need any specific qualifications, but should be able-bodied, enjoy working outside and with animals. As in any cross-cultural context, those involved are asked to be flexible and be open to other customs and traditions.

Language: English

Cost in US$: 2 Weeks is $900

Cost Includes: Food, Housing, In-country orientation/Training, In-country staff support, Pre-departure orientation/Training, Registration fees, Written materials abroad and Written materials pre-departure

The program starts the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month, and it is best to arrive three days prior to the start date. The program includes pre-departure assistance, airport pick-up, orientation and nurse consultation when you first arrive, accommodations at the sanctuary, 2 meals a day, and 24 hour assistance by our in-country team. Volunteers purchase their own plane tickets and travel insurance.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer Projects: adult education, animal welfare, conservation, eco-tourism, English teaching, literacy, minority groups, parks, recreation, volunteering, youth and youth development

Typical Volunteer: ELI volunteers come from all over the world, but they have many traits in common: They are interested in other cultures, they are looking for an immersion experience, they are flexible, they enjoy meeting new people, and they are passionate about their programs.

Age Range: 18-83

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

Typical Living Arrangement: Other

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement: ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded: 2001