THAILAND ENGLISH CAMP PROGRAM

Transcription

1 THAILAND ENGLISH CAMP PROGRAM

2 Table of Contents 1. Program Overview Program Details Program Fee and Budget Thailand FAQ Cultural Orientation Hua Hin Accommodations Example Schedule Intake Calendar Testimonials... 19

3 1. Program Overview The Thailand English Program allows you to have an incredible and impactful adventure across Thailand in just 4 weeks! Camp counsellors will arrive in Bangkok Thailand where they will get to the meet the team at a welcome meeting. Next stop is Hua Hin, a beach resort town south of the capital. Here you will take part in an exciting cultural orientation with your fellow counsellors, taking in insightful lectures and cultural excursions. After the orientation you then begin travelling across Thailand to various destinations where you will take part in English camps designed to help disadvantaged Thai learners acquire the skills needed to improve their lives and communicate across cultures. Between each of the camps and all the travelling you will return to Hua Hin for a few days for some well-earned rest and relaxation. Camp counsellors travelling south over night by train to their next camp in Songkhla province. Train travel is the most comfortable and affordable way to move across the country and will likely form part of your adventure. The benefits of this short-term program ranges from experiencing various parts of Thailand and meeting new and interesting people, to experiencing the culture through immersion. With this program you re able to combine the benefits of a unique adventure with the positive impact you ll be making at camps designed to help those who need it most. Counsellors take part in an action-packed, five-day cultural orientation program before travelling across Thailand. We pride ourselves on presenting one of the best orientation programs in Thailand, with in-depth lectures on Thai history, politics, religion, geography and Thai language lessons, along with several A counsellor addresses her students during a camp day. active learning cultural excursions to places and organizations of cultural and educational importance. These include Muay Thai martial arts training, a guided tour of a Buddhist temple and receiving of a blessing from a Thai monk. Also volunteering with dog rescue organizations, visiting an elephant sanctuary and learning about (and taking part in) classical Thai arts and crafts. You ll also be able to celebrate with the new friends you ve made on the course and beyond at a beach party we arrange for all participants. 3

4 Following the cultural orientation you will begin travelling across the country to various English camps. You may travel by train, bus or van depending on the location of the camp. Once you ve arrived at the camp location you ll get settled in your accommodation before starting the camp. The English camps are generally set up for disadvantaged children within the local community. After each camp, you will return to Hua Hin where you ll kick back and relax for a few days before moving on to your next camp and location. Each camp lasts between 2 and 4 days after which you will be given adequate time to recuperate in Hua Hin before your next camp. Camp counsellors and their students prepare to present a project to the principal of the school. The project s aim was to identify environmental issues around the school and create inventive ways of addressing those issues. This is a graphic detailing the itinerary of a previous camp. In total, the camp counsellors travelled over 2,000 miles to 5 different provinces and took part in 7 camps including an island camp off the east coast of the country. 4

5 2. Program Details Highlighits: This incredible 4 week experience will provide you with: An online preparatory course on how to develop a camp lesson and camp curriculum using an internationally accredited English teaching methodology. Cultural orientation and foundation. This provides a great insight into Thailand and its unique culture. It s presented by knowledgeable and experienced experts in the fields of culture, politics and language. A unique opportunity to experience various parts of Thailand in just a matter of weeks. Genuine Thai cultural experiences, away from the tourist traps. Camps in diverse parts of the country sometimes rarely seen by regular travellers. Accommodation throughout the program is provided, but participants must pay a refundable deposit. The deposit will be refunded minus utilities. (Shared accommodations) Transportation between various camps and back to Hua Hin will all be provided for, as well as meals during the camps. A camp counsellor plays a traditional Thai style xylophone in the music room of one of the local schools whose students participated in the English camp program. Expectations as a camp counsellor: Counsellors will arrive in Bangkok and be met by staff on the ground before travelling as a group to Hua Hin, a beach resort town south of Bangkok. Upon arrival you will be booked into quality accommodation which is provided for you, but you will need to pay a refundable deposit of $110 USD. This deposit will be given back to you at the end of the program minus utility costs of water and electricity. This accommodation is based on double occupancy and may be shared with a fellow camp counsellor of the same gender. 5

6 Week 1 The first week you will participate in the cultural orientation course. You will get the chance to learn about Thai culture, religion, politics and learn the language from experienced instructors, including Michael Volpe PhD, who has spent the past 10 years living in the country and holds a PhD in Thai culture and politics. You will also have the awesome opportunity to volunteer with rescued elephants and stray dogs at local partner organizations, learn about Buddhism, meditate, and receive a Buddhist blessing at a local temple from the dean of a local monastery, take part in training in the martial art of Muay Thai and learn about (and create your own!) classical Thai arts and crafts. Weeks 2-4 During weeks 2 4 counsellors will travel to different parts of Thailand to work at camps. These camps last between 2 and 4 days, after each of which you will head back to Hua Hin to rest and relax for a couple of days, before heading off to your next camp in another part of the country. Some camps may be back-to-back which means that you could spend around 6 days on the road before returning to Hua Hin. All food during camp days is provided for. All transport between different locations in the country and between camp locations and accommodations is provided for, meaning you can spend more time taking the experience in while letting us take care of the logistics. What we expect from camp counsellors: Lesson plan creation/development Show care with children and interact with them in a professional manner Be respectful of the culture, rules, regulations, terms and conditions Strong work ethic and passion to help and participate Requirements for applicants: Must be native English speakers Must be in sound physical and mental health Must be age 18 or older Must have sufficient funds to pay for the program and the related fees and costs Must hold a valid passport from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa Inclusive in the program fee: Online camp counsellor preparatory program Airport pickup in Bangkok and transfer to Bangkok hotel (provide that the applicant land within 4 days of start of the cultural orientation) Transfer from Bangkok to Hua Hin Accommodation in Bangkok for one night, and accommodation throughout the remainder of the program. (Shared accommodations) Welcome beach party with all of your classmates following completion of cultural orientation T-shirt 6

7 Meals during camps Stipend (pay) between $50 and $150 for work at camps (This is over the entire months) Cultural orientation and excursions Not included in the program fee: Flights Visa Some meals Entertainment Transport on days when not participating in camps A camp counsellor sits atop her bunk-bed on an overnight train to a camp. Transport between camps is provided for camp counsellors. A street food vendor sells fresh crab to passers-by at a local night market. Night markets are a great place to find delicious, cheap and exciting foods. 7

8 3. Program Fee and Budget Program Fee: 1,315 USD * A 300 USD non-refundable deposit is required to enrol you in the program. This forms part of your program fee Below is a breakdown of the estimated budget you will need to have access to once in Thailand to begin the program. This budget should be more than sufficient for the timeframe of the program, however if you wish to do travelling before or after the camp program you will need to plan and compensate for this. Item Budget Food (when not at camps) $100 USD Entertainment and spending money $250 USD Local transport $100 USD Miscellaneous $150 USD Refundable deposit $110 USD Total USD 710 Food: Food in Thailand has a world-renowned reputation for not only being delicious, but also for its affordability. Street food is common on any local street, and markets selling freshly cooked food and foods to order are aplenty. The average Thai rice dish from an average food shop is around $1.50 USD. During camp days where you will be counselling, food will be provided for you. Transport: Transport alone can be an interesting experience in Thailand, vastly different from that which you experience back home. There are many different means of getting around in Thailand, all of which are cheap and generally quite fun. Some of the main ways in which you will travelling across Thailand is by van, train and/or bus. That being said you will more than likely be doing a bit of your own sightseeing. In this case you choose to take the local songtaew (modified pickup truck) for 10 or 20 Baht which runs along a set route. You could have a motorcycle taxi scoot you along to specific destination, or hop in a tuk-tuk with your buddies and the wind in your hair. Refundable deposit: A deposit is to be paid for you accommodation in Hua Hin. This deposit will be given back to you at the end of your program before you leave Thailand, minus the cost of utilities during your stay. This cost should be minimal if you do not overuse the electricity in your accommodation. 8

9 4. Thailand FAQ Thailand - Frequently asked questions: 1. What is living expense per day? It s best to plan on 100 Baht a meal and that includes drink; however, local Thai food can range from baht. Daily expenses usually add up to around 320 Baht but this will range depending on your activities. 2. Do camps provide lunch? Yes 3. Will you make any money from the camps? Yes, camps provide a stipend, but exactly how much each will provide varies. In total you will earn between $50 and $150 USD 4. Travelling costs around there? Motorcycle taxi s can range from Baht for single trip, but many towns have songtaews (modified pickup) which runs a set and usually costs between 10 and 20 Baht. 5. Transportation to camps? This will be provided for you. Whether travelling between Hua Hin and your next destination, or from your accommodation to the camp location, your transport is provided. 6. How safe is it around there? Extremely safe. Like anywhere else it is recommended that you remain alert; however, Thailand is a relatively safe place for both men and women to be alone. 7. What are the age groups you will be teaching? Anything from kindergarten to high school. 8. Working days per week? Generally this ranges between 3 and 4 days, but some camps may be back-to-back meaning you could be counseling for around six 6 days before returning to Hua Hin to rest. Adequate time to rest between camps will be arranged, which is usually around 2 or 3 days. 9. What type of visa will you be using? Tourist or Non-Immigrant B Visa 10. What activities are happening during evenings and weekends? Usually nothing is formally arranged but it is common that your host school/family/organization will be eager to 9

10 show you around the local area and treat you to home cooked meals and more. 11. How are the authorities? The authorities are genuinely helpful and professional. They should be treated with respect as in your own home country. 12. What is phone and Internet connectivity like? Really good and cheap and there are many places to assist you with this process. XploreAsia will provide you with a Thai SIM card upon arrival and have you up and running within the first two days of the course. 13. Dress code for teaching/counseling? Casual-smart. Typically collar shirts for men and conservative dress for women. 14. Packing essentials? Sleeping bag, towels? People can get everything in Thailand, and it s very cheap. Some of the accommodation does not have bedding, but this can be bought in Thailand. 15. Any Serious laws they are very strict on? Thailand has a zero tolerance policy on drug possession and speaking about the Royal Family. It is strongly advised not to speak about either. 16. What is the level of English and behavior of students? This will vary city to city; however, there is typically beginner knowledge of English throughout the country. Thai students are generally well behaved What are the chances of teaching English in neighbor countries? Very good, XploreAsia can arrange this for you. 18. Is religion a big issue? No 19. Can you drink tap water? It is recommended not to drink the tap water, as there can be bacteria our bodies are unfamiliar with in the West. Bottle water is cheap and it s safer to go buy a bottle. But if you happen to get a mouth full brushing your teeth, etc., no need for concern. 10

11 5. Cultural Orientation XploreAsia provides a 40-hour orientation program near the beach in Hua Hin, Thailand that covers Thai language, culture and society. It s taught by area experts and includes several exciting and informative cultural excursions. Classroom Learning Thailand has a rich history dating back more than 1,000 years. Students will explore the distinct ethnic and cultural regions and exotic neighbours that make up Thailand s national and regional geography. They will be taught by specialized teachers who have studied and lived in Thailand for decades. Students will receive a strong foundation in Thai language, society, politics and geography and this knowledge will be reinforced during several cultural excursions. Culture: XploreAsia instructors offer valuable insights into the Thai culture gained from decades of experience living and working in Thailand. Cultural awareness training helps clients settle into their new environment, make local friends, avoid misunderstandings, and enjoy success in social and professional life. Cultural Excursions XploreAsia provides a vast array of exciting and adventurous excursions within the local community to immerse our clients in culturally rich local experiences ranging from exploring ancient temples to volunteering at Rescue Paws (our partner dog rescue center). The one-week orientation includes: Visit to Hutsadin Elephant Foundation Visit Pineapple Plantations and interact with local farmers A Muay Thai Lesson Visit to local Buddhist temple to learn about religion and receive a blessing from a Thai monk 11

12 6. Hua Hin Accommodations Most rooming arrangements will be double occupancy. Single occupancy rooms will be assigned at random. Bed Sheets, a blanket, and a pillow are provided in all accommodations. All accommodation beds will be made when the participant checks into their room. Accommodation used and rooming arrangements are based on availability, course size, and time of year. All accommodations will require a security deposit 12

13 Soi 41 Front of House Single Occupancy Bedroom Single Occupancy Wardrobe Bathroom 13

14 Double Occupancy Bedroom Outside Deck Baan Ton Mai (Overflow accommodation) Front of Building Double Occupancy Bedroom Double Occupancy Bedroom Baan Ton Mai Restaurant 14

15 7. Suchaya House (Overflow accommodation) Double Occupancy Bedroom Single Occupancy Bedroom Bedroom Wardrobe Bathroom 15

16 7. Example Schedule June 30 July 6: Stay at XploreAsia House in Hua Hin. Cultural Orientation 7 July: Travel from Hua Hin to Songkla & Relax - Travel by: Train - Accommodation: Host Family 8-10 July: Conservative + Volunteer camp for U Ta Pao Canal - Place: Hat Yai Province: Songkhla - Accommodation: Host Family (teacher s house) - Activities: Conserve water sources & forest camp 11 July : Relax: Sightseeing in Songklha July: English camp with school in Songkla 15 July: Travel to Hua Hin & Relax - Travel by: Train - Accommodation: XploreAsia s house Provide by: XploreAsia 16 July: Travel to Kao Yai National Park - Place: Khao Yai Province: Nakonrachasrima - Accommodation: House at Kao Yai National Park July: Camp with Senior Park Rangers and Personnel - Objective of camp: To observe and evaluate the English skills of those senior staff national parks regarding their ability to use communication in English for tourism activities and finally their English level - Participant: Senior national Park officer / rangers 16

17 19 July: Relax in Khao Yai. Relax and sightseeing 20 July: Travel to Phetchabun (Northern Thailand) & Relax - Travelling by bus - Accommodation: Guest room is in the school July: Camp at Phetchabun, Anuban Phet Anan School - Place: Anuban Phet Anan School Province: Phetchabun - Accommodation: Guest room is in the school - Activities o o o July: English camp Student: Age 2-6 years Amount of Student: students 24 July: Travel to Hua Hin. Relax - Travelling by bus - Accommodation: XploreAsia s house Provided by: XploreAsia 25 July: Travel to Prachuabkirikhan for Little English Camp with Faru July : Faru Camp - Place: Prachuabkirikan - Travel by car/bus - Accommodation provided at resort 28 July: Travel to Hua Hin & Relax - Travel by car/bus - Accommodation: XploreAsia s house Provide by: XploreAsia 28 July On: Relax in Hua Hin 17

18 8. Intake Calendar November 2015 START DATES 28 December February February April May June July August August October October November December

19 9. Testimonials My experience has been wonderful. The cultural experience has been wonderful - I love Thailand and cannot wait to experience it fully teaching and exploring! -Ben Freud The talks given during the first week reinforced that I was here for the right reason, surrounded by people who felt the same way, with the same thirst for adventure, desire to help others, and knowledge that experiencing other countries and cultures helps us to grow. Thailand has taught me something new almost every minute of every day since I ve been here. Claire Martin So far, being in Thailand has been the best experience of my life. I have had the opportunity to make the best friends of my life. I have learned so much during the past month. I am so thankful for the opportunities I ve gained by choosing this program and Thailand. Kaysee Carrere I loved every second of this experience and would recommend it to anyone who is mentally ready for this adventure. I felt at ease from the moment I landed. The facilitators are so friendly and so down to earth. Shauni Muller It s been a wonderful experience. I ve seen things, heard things, and met people that otherwise I wouldn t have come into contact with. It s really opened my eyes almost on a spiritual level. I ve enjoyed interacting with the people and being able to connect with them. Thomas Labuschagne My experience has been amazing. I ve met so many great lifelong friends and have had a wonderful experience learning about myself and this new world around me Spencer Townsend 19