Program Specifics
Burmese Migrant Learners Volunteer Program
Placement: In this program, you will be working in the Chiang Mai Migrant Learner Centre. Here, you will be a member of a team providing training in computer skills, English language, Burmese language and Thai language. This exceptional training is offered free of charge to Burmese migrants, who have fled their country seeking refuge from severe human rights violations. Under the regime in Burma, basic education is unavailable to many ordinary citizens. Often, Burmese people come to Thailand seeking refuge and employment as well as the opportunity to pursue their educational rights. By volunteering at the Migrant Learner Centre you can help make this pursuit a reality for Burmese migrants in Chiang Mai.
Minority groups attending the center include Kachin, Kayah, Karin, Chin, Mon, Burman, Rakai and Shan. While Thailand often serves as a safe asylum from the dangerous and corrupt military junta in Burma, discrimination and exploitation from employers and others in Thailand continues to be a problem. In this program, you will be working towards the empowerment and education of these minority groups to further their chances of fair employment and a better quality of life.
To date nearly 1,000 Burmese workers have completed this training.
Dr. Thein Lwin, an exiled Burma professor, founded the centre.
Minimum Duration: 3 weeks
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 six 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.
Start Dates (2008) |
|
April 19 |
3 Weeks |
May 17 |
|
June 14 |
|
July 5 |
|
August 2 |
|
September 6 |
|
October 4 |
|
November 8 |
|
December 6 |
Start Dates (2009) |
|
January 3 |
3 Weeks |
February 7 |
|
March 7 |
|
April 18 |
|
May 16 |
|
June 6 |
|
July 4 |
|
August 1 |
|
September 5 |
|
October 3 |
|
November 7 |
|
December 12 |
*Start Dates listed in RED are full
* 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.
*Program Fees are listed for the minimum duration of this program; program extensions are available for $225.00/week
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:
- » Hill Tribe Assistance
- » Empowerment of Women in the Sex Trade
- » HIV/AIDS Outreach
- » MSM and HIV/AIDS Outreach and Education
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