Program Specifics
Arts Project Manager Internship
The Placement:
Thai Freedom House is a community learning center focused on teaching Thai and English languages and the arts to Burmese refugees, who fled Burma to escape severe human rights violations. They are currently based in a small, wooden house in the center of Chiang Mai, Thailand and have been in operation since 2006. Basic education is unavailable to most ordinary Burmese citizens, which makes our services extremely valuable to these people. TFH also has a vegetarian café (Free Bird Café) on site with a small shop (Pre Loved Clothing Shop) to help generate income for the learning center. Every staff member of TFH is a volunteer, including our directors. Volunteers at Thai Freedom House gain a wide variety of experiences, from teaching ESL and helping with administrative work to helping in the café project and recruiting new volunteers.
The students of TFH are Burmese refugees from construction camps around Chiang Mai and are not able to go to school for lack of I.D. cards and unstable living conditions. Therefore, our project may be their only chance for an education, and it’s taken very seriously. That said, TFH also has a lot of fun with visiting artists, musicians and fund-raising events, not to mention being located in the historic city center of Chiang Mai.
Essential Qualifications
-Relevant work experience with an arts organization-Outgoing, flexible personality
-Strong teamwork and communication skills
-Self-motivated with a strong work ethic and organization skills
-International NGO and/or community-based program experience
Desired Qualifications
-Working artists preferred-Experience with art therapy
-Experience in fundraising and social networking
-Personal or professional experience working with refugees or marginalized communities
Responsibilities:
-Teach an arts based workshop once weekly to a group of refugees of various ages-Plan creative, educational workshops with minimal supplies or using recycled materials
-Fundraise for art materials
-Aid in the development of an arts curriculum that is suitable to the needs and resources of the refugee and indigenous community that we work with
-Implementation and documentation of Thai Freedom House curriculum
-Evaluate and document students’ progress and work
-Display a positive attitude and strong work ethic to students and other staff
-Coordinate community projects
-Attendance at all TFH meetings, usually once a week
-Assist with upkeep/updating of website and various blogs
-Assist with bookkeeping and other administration duties
-Assist with grant research and writing proposals
-Help maintain a clean, organized environment in the office and classroom
What you get in exchange for your work:
-On the job training and hands-on experience with a small grassroots not-for-profit learning center; setting up, coordinating and implementing all aspects of our organization and mission-An invaluable experience working with refugees and other international volunteers providing language and learning skills to stateless people
-Satisfaction of knowing you are helping to pass on arts education and create a community space for children and adults who can find it nowhere else
-A tour of Chiang Mai, orientation to Thailand and Thai Freedom House, Thai language basics, a local SIM card and phone and 24 hour emergency assistance
-The experience of a lifetime
Minimum Duration: 6 weeks, full-time or part-time
The Program Fee Includes: Registration fees, donation to the host organization, pre-trip orientation materials, travel health insurance, in-country orientation and city tour, in-country transportation to and from placement, accommodation, food, Thai language training, in-country staff support, and 24-hour emergency assistance.
Donation to Host Organization:
If you are accepted as a volunteer by one of our partner organizations, $100 from the program fee is contributed toward your project.
Pre-trip Orientation:
Upon receiving your application and deposit, we will send to you the Canvas Orientation Kit, containing all the necessary paperwork to entirely prepare you for your trip.
The orientation kit includes information on the issue pertaining to your project. It also includes a recommended reading list and information on Thailand , culture and customs.
In-country Orientation:
Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, whether by bus, plane or train, a Cultural Canvas Thailand staff member will be waiting to transport you to the Cultural Canvas Thailand headquarters where you will have an orientation. This will prepare you further for your chosen project and give you a chance to meet our staff and other volunteers. Wad, our In-Country Director, will make sure that you have a grasp on Chiang Mai by taking you around the city and helping you to get acquainted with Thai culture and the Home-Base.
Thai Language Training:
Cultural Canvas Thailand provides three hours of Thai language training in the first week of your volunteer placement. If you would like to study further, you can arrange to do so with our Thai teacher. Additional hours are not covered the by CCT program fee.
Accommodation:
You will be housed in the Cultural Canvas Thailand home-base conveniently located in the old city center. Here all of your basic needs are taken care of, including lodgings, meals, telephone and transportation. The home-base is located in a safe, conveniently situated neighborhood. It is a clean Thai-style accommodation with shared occupancy rooms.
Our in-house cook will provide two delicious, home-cooked Thai meals per day six days per week. A light breakfast is always available with cereal, fruit, toast, coffee, and tea. On Sundays, volunteers can cook for themselves at the Home-Base or grab a bite to eat in one of the many near-by markets or restaurants. Please let us know any specific dietary restrictions in advance so that all of your needs can be taken care of.
Transportation:
Upon arrival and departure, Cultural Canvas Thailand will provide transportation between the CCT volunteer house and the airport, train station, bus station, etc. Cultural Canvas also provides daily transportation to and from your placement.
Support and Safety:
The Cultural Canvas Thailand home-base is in a secure location with staff available 24-hours a day. Here you can receive international calls and internet access is within walking distance.
In case of emergency, friends and family can call the home-base or use our convenient U.S. 24-hour hotline.
In case of injury you will be admitted to one of Chiang Mai’s high-quality, private hospitals.
We provide comprehensive medical insurance and emergency evacuation assistance.
2010 Start Dates
2011 Start Dates
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3 Weeks |
* Please Note: The prices in EUR, GBP and AUS are approximations that are subject to change. Please check http://www.xe.com/ucc/ for a correct currency conversion.
Application Process:
Are you up to the task? Then complete the online application form. Use our secure online payment process to make your $300 deposit. Or if you prefer, you can send your application and check by regular mail to:
The application and deposit must be received 90 days prior to the commencement of your chosen project.
Full payment must be received 30 days prior to the commencement of your project in order to allow us enough time to provide you with the proper insurance and project placement.
Read about our other volunteer placements:
- » Art Relief
- » Cerebral Palsy Assistance
- » Burmese/Migrant Education
- » Hill Tribe Assistance
- » Assisting children affected by HIV/AIDS
- » Empowerment of Single Mothers
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