Question 1

Can V2T apply for a work permit for you?

Accepted Answer

Volunteering is charity work, not a business. VOLUNT2THAI Project is not a corporation, it is a non-profit project, an initiative, a charity. The Project is run by volunteers from Thailand and from all around the world, it is initiated and executed by the villagers, the local schools, local authorities in collaboration and guidance of the Volunt2Thai Austria association. 
Volunteers on site, regardless of the work they accomplish and the responsibility they take over, do not have the legal status like employees of a business. As such, they are not entitled to any kind of insurance coverage nor to any equivalent service or commitment, in particular medical insurance, from VOLUNT2THAI Project. Volunteers contribute to the Project at their own risks and have the legal status of tourists.
In terms of responsibility regarding the volunteers, VOLUNT2THAI Project is a group of tourists who decide to do activities together. No tourist from this group takes any legal or formal responsibility for the other tourists of the group.
In particular, if a volunteer get injured on the site while working for VOLUNT2THAI Project or get sick during their stay at VOLUNT2THAI Project, VOLUNT2THAI Project is free of any responsibility or financial duty. Any costs issued from accident or sickness during the stay at VOLUNT2THAI Project are covered by the volunteer.
VOLUNT2THAI Project is not responsible for any loss or theft occurring during the volunteering period, including on site. It is the responsibility of the volunteer to take care of their belongings. VOLUNT2THAI Project offers the possibility to keep passports and other very valuable items in its safe. However, this option does not bind VOLUNT2THAI Project to any kind of responsibility in case of theft. VOLUNT2THAI Project recommends to its volunteers to have or to contract an adequate insurance covering their volunteering period.

Question 2

What are the duties of volunteers?

Accepted Answer

At the moment, our focus is supporting schools by teaching English. There is an overwhelming need for English teaching. But we also need help in other areas, such as farming, gardening, carpentry, medical service, etc. We can assign and discuss different tasks for you according to your knowledge and interests.

Question 3

Are there any requirements for being a volunteer?

Accepted Answer

You have to be a flexible and proactive person. It would definitely be a plus if you have education background or experience in teaching, medical service, agriculture, carpentry, but it is not a must.  It will be an advantage for you if you can ride a bicycle, motor bike or drive a car, given that the public transport is not that convenient here. However, it is not a must either.

Question 4

What should I expect for my volunteer life?

Accepted Answer

Your expectations should be…...

starting your days at around 6AM, and end at 9PM

flip-flops are the second best friend of your feet, the very best friend is all kinds of natural ground

mosquitoes, spiders, lizards, geckos, frogs, ants and other unknown insects will be your friends

sweat with mosquito repellent spray will be your new perfume

enjoying a shower with cold water out of a water tank using a bucket

The accomodation is bordering on luxurious, with flushing toilets, running water (from own bore well), comfy bunk beds and electricity

there are doors at bathrooms, but a working lock is not a must

low or no internet connection, especially when it rains

different species in your classroom, e.g. dogs

ever-changing timetable and schedule. Plans and organisation skill are inapplicable in Thailand.

a decent cup of coffee in a coffee shop may take you a two-hour drive round trip, but you can make your food in a very fancy Thai kitchen just built

In return, you might …...

have the most motivated students ever

have a lot of first time experience, like, construction, farming, or swimming in a fish pond

boost every single beat of your acting potential and creativity for communication

be able to be a member (or little celebrity) in the village

take pictures with clear blue sky and green grassland without using any apps at all time

become a semi-professional sunrise photographer

know volunteers from different countries and have a couch to sleep on when you travel in the future

spend your nights under starry night watching fireflies and waiting for shooting stars

be able to test how much a city person you are

be able to know more about yourself

learn to be more grateful to your life

Question 5

Where is your project located?

Accepted Answer

Our project is located at 48/1 Moo 5, Ban Nong Phong, Tambon Ban Lao, Amphoe Phen, Udon Thani 41150, Thailand. Ban Nong Phong is a 20 minute drive from Amphoe Phen, while Amphoe Phen is around an hour drive from Udon Thani.

Question 6

How can I get there?

Accepted Answer

Coming from Chiang Mai or Bangkok
Take a flight or bus to Udon Thani. From the airport or Bus Station 2, take a Tuk Tuk to Rangsina Market (outside Udon Thani town). When you are there you take the GREEN bus to Amphoe Phen. The green one takes you directly to Ban Nong Phong while the orange one stops in Amphoe Phen and you will need to take a Tuk Tuk.
 
Arriving at Amphoe Phen
When you are at the green bus you do not leave the bus at the bus stop. It will stop for 20 minutes and will bring you directly to us. If you took the orange bus then leave the bus in Amphoe Phen, most volunteers take the Tuk Tuk, (next to the bus station in Amphoe Phen). It is a nice ride and the price from Amphoe Phen to us is maybe 130- 160 baht for 17 km distance. We can also pick you up from Udon Thani with our car if we are available. However, we need to charge you 1000 Baht for the fuel/car maintenance because it is a 150km drive (Taxi would be 1400 Baht)

Question 7

What is your cost share when participating as a project participant?

Accepted Answer

A volunteers stay is Euro 139 / week, full board
 What is included - Organizational:

Internship / volunteer work 2 weeks up to one year
Evaluation of competences, project placement in the V2T project
Registration with the public partners, such as school, hospital, (including, provision of documents)
Assistance during travel preparation, comprehensive Volunteer Handbook,(vaccination protection, insurance, security) individual advice
Online support, 24h emergency number
Certificate of participation / internship In Thailand
"On the fly" orientation program, integration into the ongoing Projects
external staff (external professional services)
Supply in V2T Volunt2Thai:

Accommodation, stay at Volunt2Thai Volunteer Village
Shared bungalows, equipped each with closets, 2 bunk beds, mattresses, please organise yourself bedlinen, pillow, sheet, blanket
Community kitchen, refrigerator, electricity, water, gas, basic food provided (rice, meat, vegetables)
External shower and toilet facilities
V2T vehicle fleet, (cars, motorcycles)
Library & teaching material, stage, music room & musical instruments, music system, big Food Forest with Herb Garden, rice fields, fishing ponds, outdoor Muey Thai Gym
Language Café Clubhouse
Not included:

Visa costs and application
Vaccinations
Travel and travel cancellation insurance
Taxi airport transfer Udon Thani to the V2T camp (1000 Baht approx.€25)
Private expenditure on site
Public transport and extra transfers
All accommodation outside the agreed accommodation 
*) V2T is an aid project and not a hotel. Nevertheless, we consistently strive to comply with the standards listed to the best of our knowledge and belief, but they are without any legal guarantee.

Question 8

What is the process and documents needed for volunteer application?

Accepted Answer

Every Volunteer have to apply via application form at our website. We will ask you for a letter of motivation, your CV and a copy of your passport. Visa requirements vary depending on the following factors: your purpose of travel, length of stay, nationality and place of residence. All volunteers need to ensure they have a passport that is valid for 6 months from entry.

Question 9

Is it necessary to bring a computer?

Accepted Answer

It is not necessary but pending on your assignment recommended. It can be helpful when working on things for the organisation and doing research for your projects. It might also be helpful for you to plan your trip if you have one. There is no computer provided in the village. You can decide whether to bring your own computer according to your needs.

Question 10

How can I get internet connection and my phone to work?

Accepted Answer

There is wifi provided in the village. But to access internet and make phone calls, you can bring your own mobile phone but make sure your phone is “unlocked” and works with a Thai SIM card.
 You can buy a calling and data package from one of the big three Mobile network operators which all have booths in the airport. Usually, after the card is put in the phone, you wait a very short time and you’ll get a welcome SMS telling you the service is activated. The staff will help you. You can also get them at places like convenience stores, shopping centers, supermarkets, and any phone sales booth. To get internet access for your computer, you can just create a hotspot from your mobile phone.
 A Thai mobile number is very affordable and is great for keeping in touch with other volunteers as well as home. For international calls ask for a specific activation or prefix. Please note, the country code of Thailand is +66.
 We have had the best connectivity with “True” SIM cards in this area.

Question 11

What is the currency in Thailand and how can I get cash money?

Accepted Answer

Currency:
 Thai Baht (THB). We recommend checking out the most current exchange rate before your departure.

Manage your Money:
 We recommend bringing no less than 200 USD or Euro to keep in case of emergencies, and a VISA or Mastercard credit/debit card to withdraw cash in the local currency at every ATM. The nearest ATM is in Amphoe Phen (17km). You can also exchange money at the airport. Cards are not accepted in the village, so make sure to get enough cash for your time at the village.

To withdraw or exchange your money:
 It would be good to have some cash on you when you arrive at the airport and exchange it. However if the rate is not that good then don’t change more than 100 euros. There are also various ATM machines at the airport where you can withdraw money if you have a credit card(Visa/Mastercard) or an Union Pay ATM card.

Be aware that there are NO ATM machines in the village where you will be staying. The closest one is a 30 minute drive away. When withdrawing money it would be advisable to get a larger sum since there is a service charge of 50 - 180 bahts or more for every withdrawal by your bank.

Question 12

What should I consider during my stay in the Village, which rules there are?

Accepted Answer

V2T Village Guide
Hello!

and welcome to Volunt2Thai Project. As you may already now, our goal ”is to help farmers and families, particularly the children, of the villages to build a better future. To achieve this, we teach them foreign languages and general knowledge.” To make it even better we are now on the way to built a learning and recreational center for disadvantaged children in the V2T village. This is where the real magic happens :).

We guess that you are tired from the travel and need to just rest and adjust yourself into the new place, but let this little guide book make things easier for you. So under is listed things that are good to keep in mind:

it is expected that you act independently and responsible, ask if you are not sure, you are not alone
make your bed, keep everything clean, V2T Village is your home while you are here. If you need linen you can ask them from Raimund, but better you bring your own set of pillow, linen sheet, blanket (you can buy this at any supermarket)
remember to keep the bug net always closed, so the bugs won't bother you (at least too much) when sleeping
you can keep the two windows open but remember to pull curtains in front. Do this when you are just about to jump in bed and lights are closed
don't leave the door and windows open when the light is on and it's dark outside this is a straight invite for the bugs to come in
you pay the second part of your fee (proportion of the cost of your stay) to Raimund/Linly when you arrive
if you need to go to the ATM to pick up money or buy a wifi tell that to Raimund (closest ATM is a bit further away)
please tell us if you have some allergies or a limited diet, that makes it easier for us to pick up the right food. You are welcome to cook your own meals at the V2T villages kitchen. You and the other volunteers can make some kinda cooking and meal plan
if you need to wash your clothes there is a coin operated washing machine on campus, or you wash them with hands on the village
lock doors and windows when leaving the V2T village
take care of your house key
TOILET/SHOWER AREA

when it's dark don't keep the lights on no longer than needed (again the bugs will come and take all over the place)
the water which comes from the shower and sink is not drinking water (drinking water is available in the library)
please do not drop toilet paper in the toilet, put it in the garbage.
CLEANING

it's easier to do things when it's clean, so please when you see that something is in the wrong place or it's really dirty, put it in the right place or clean it up, as wipes we usually use old pieces of clothes, when done with wiping wash the wipe and leave it to dry
the houses floor (and the floor outside) is good to wipe with the dry floor brush every now and then, when it's a warm day you can wipe the houses and the terrace infront of them with a mop
it's good to have a list about different tasks that needs to be done and put a X -mark on it when it's done
talk with each other so you are all on the map of the works
when you are done cleaning, wash the cleaning equipment and put them nicely somewhere to dry
GARBAGE

keep the garbage bags that are outside high so the dogs won't come and destroy them,
we want to keep V2T village as clean as we can, so please put your garbage in the bag
when there is a lot of garbage, we have to burn it – there is no other way to get rid of them
BICYCLES

Some volunteers, buy a bicycle for the longer stay. A bicycle costs between 80 and 150 euros
LIVING IN THE VILLAGE

we hope that you enjoy! If there is anything on your mind about the projects please share it, we have many projects here, but your ideas are more than welcome!
look around and think what you could bring here, like to do some kind of hand work? Want to cut the grass? Clean the windows? Build something? Tell us your thoughts!
we all are here to help, so lets do this together. In the evenings it's nice to sit down and talk with each other about the days' experiences. And remember that you are not alone, this is a team work :).
to make things happen we need money from donors. We would appreciate it greatly if you could bring this NGO- volunteer project in to the light with your friends, family, social media..
feel free to explore the environment! But we suggest that you do it in the day time. Going around other villages in the night time is not recommendable,
we have come a long way with this project and it has needed lots of hard work. We hope you appreciate what we've all done and understand that we can't just get things here easily
people are really nice and caring, you will enjoy your time in here :).
IN A NUTSHELL:

settle down and rest for a while if needed
doors has to be always closed when leaving the V2T village
do not drink the tap water
lock bicycles when not used
take good care of the bicycles and all the other stuff in the village (keyes!)
keep the village clean
leave shoes outside
dont throw paper in the toilets
keep your own stuff in a good safe, dont leave them outside
tell us if you have anything on your mind or some ideas
bug nets is to be kept well around beds
close the lights in the night time when not needed (especially in toilets/shower and houses – close
windows and doors when it's dark and you have the light on)
all kinds of donations are more than welcome and spreading around the information about this project can help us a lot.
We hope that you learn new things in here, maybe grow as a person, experience, see and feel this different culture without judgement and appreciate how lovely the villagers welcomes you in here. You surely have good memories to take with you when leaving and the villagers will remember your input to make their lives better. We all have something to give for each other.

****** Big Thank's to Hanna from Finnland which wrote this manual for us ******

Question 13

Questions & Answers

The most frequently asked questions and answers