BOOKLET

 

AIESEC in Thailand will hold a huge national project on its 9th Edition, Sawasdee Thailand Project , which will be executed in 7 of our entities: AIESEC in Assumption University AIESEC in Bangkok University AIESEC in Chulalongkorn University AIESEC in Thammasart University AIESEC in Kasetsart University Timeline: Summer 2014 Start 8th of August 2014 – End 19th of September 2014 (REQUIRED)

AIESEC in University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce

AIESEC in Mahidol University International College

 

How would you change the world in 6 weeks?

 

Part icipants Sawasdee Thailand Project Summer 2013 “Last year, I had a great chance to work with many international students in a project of AIESEC in Danang, Vietnam. Their stories about their experience in exchange motivated me a lot. Thus, I decided to have a lifetime experience , big change by doing an educational project in Thailand. 6 weeks with many happiness, caring, dumb things, culture shock , homesick; i have learnt and grown up a lot. You only live once but if you do right, once is enough. “

- Đặng Hiếu,Vietnam

“So today stands to be my last day in Ban Nakae... it was an amazing experience, I made a lot of friends and got a huge amount of love! I pushed myself to limits and unlocked many levels in the game of life! I cannot put my feelings in words that suit them the most, but all I want to say is that I am feeling as if I am leaving my family forever, as if I have been living with these people since long! and now I know why Thailand is called "The land of smiles!" “ - Farrukh Naeem, Pakistan

 

Develop yourself while you change the world for the better! “If I can use one word to describe my internship, that would be: Love. I feel love everywhere . I feel love when I joined session camp with the enthusiastic Thailand OC members. I feel love when I was with my host family traveling around beautiful Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. I feel love when I, Vietnamese and international interns were together, talked and shared...”

- Nguyen Phuong Anh, Vietnam “To be a teacher at “Wat Bangsang School” was amazing experience for me. Every morning they start a day with a national song and Buddhism pray. I was not just standing and watching everything from the side but I tried to be a part of the ceremony. In addition to this, they accepted me as a teacher, a colleague and as a friend. During my classes I tried not to teach them grammar or a lot of new words but to inspire students to learn English and understand that the world is much bigger then their province. As my whole job evaluation there was “English camp”, students were very active to play the games using an English language.I left a school with a big smile because I know I tried to do my best and I learned from students a lot as well. They showed me the beauty of every day life and how you have to be thankful for everything you have. During all of my weekends I was travelling through all the Thailand with other interns. Therefore, I saw the beautiful

nature of this country, I’ve successfully adapted to the cultural difference and I’ve spent an unforgettable summer with my new friends. People I’ve met there became my friends very quickly and no matter our different cultures, languages or history we had an amazing time together. To sum up this wonderful experience I’ve had in Thailand I can strongly say that it has changed my values and forced me to set some new goals to pursue my dreams. As George Bernard Shaw said - “Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” I am uplifted because the environment that surrounded me in Thailand changed me to a better person.”

- Venta Jackaite, Lithuania

 

How we plan to change the world?

Sawasdee Thailand Project was created to provide cross-cultural education and English education for the youth in rural area of Thailand. We are preparing them for ASEAN Community especially for ASEAN Economic Forum which will open on 2015. In the same time we provide the opportunity for AIESEC Exchange participants who want to improve their personal and professional skills to join the project and be part of the education of the students in the rural area. Living with the locals is one of the added values of the project because is providing an exclusive experience to our interns to experience Thailand in the various atmospheres that challenges them to become better leaders. Also by developing soft skills of the youth in the rural areas of Thailand and preparing them for ASEAN by organizing many English activities, we make sure both, the volunteers and the students, benefit from this project.

About Sawasdee Thailand

 

Objectives:

The project’s objectives are mainly creating the positive impact to the society and provide with ones in a lifetime experience to both international volunteers and students in the rural area: • To create the cross-cultural understanding among the youth in rural area of Thailand. • To develop English skills to the students in the rural area • To experience in Thai culture and Thai education system. • To promote culture diversity to the society. • To contribute the global learning environment to the students. • To promote Thailand and Thai culture to worldwide. • To make an impact on world issues • To develop young international volunteers to become the leaders of tomorrow with good values • Most of the students are aged between 7-18 years. • One or two interns will work in each school. Each class has about 20-30 students. • This project phase will run for a total of 6-7 weeks. • The Interns will mainly focus on sharing their culture and teaching basic English i.e conversations to students in these

remote schools. Most of the Thai students cannot communicate in English. Let’s motivate and dare them to speak English!

 

Target of the Project Audience:

• 300 Exchange participants from around the world • +100 schools in the rural area • +30,000 Students in rural area engaged in our activities and events • +60 AIESECers engaged in management part • +200 university students involved in our Buddy System

Project Implementation

Sawasdee Thailand Project will be carried out in schools and communities/rural areas of Ayutthaya Province, Srisaket Province, Prachinburi Province, Chaiyaphum Province, Samut Prakan Province and Ang Thong Province. Read about these areas:

Sisaket Province - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sisaket_Province Chaiyaphum Province - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaiyaphum_Province Ang Thong Province - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ang_Thong_Province Ayutthaya Province - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayutthaya_(city) Samut Prakan Province - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samut_Prakan_Province Prachinburi Province - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prachinburi_Province *Note that, the schools can take around 5 hours+ by car from Bangkok and each schools is not far from each other if they are in the same province.

 

Intern’s Job Description

• Work closely with the schools, take part in the general school activities and AIESEC activities when required. [We will

have Evaluation camp or activities from AIESEC Thailand] • Teaching basic English conversation to the poor English level's students and also sharing your culture. Please note that the

students and the teachers do not or have basic knowledge of English. And work as full time English teacher in one school only. • Prepare, plan and present lessons to the students. [Books, VDOs, English Materials] and Please Note that most of these schools have basic conditions and some may not have items such as projectors. • The interns shall prepare and present sessions on their country/culture to the students. • Interns will have chance to show their culture in Global Village activities organized by their host LC so they must prepare traditional objects, clothes and performance for this event. • At the end of project we will have evaluation day to show the performance of students and interns to show how much the development of student have.

• Take part in the writing of the National Project Report at the end of the internship. Interns are required to join every activities in the project.

• All interns will teach English base on Thai education standard in scope of Learning by doing and think outside the box

 

Exchange Program Flow:

• Interns are expected to arrive in Thailand on time same as agenda – Otherwise they will not be able to attend the MANDATORY Preparation Camp

• There will be organized airport pick-up for the interns and the interns must provide with the details of their flights minimum with 2 weeks before the arrival

• There will be organized preparation trainings in the first week and also an EP buddy orientation

• All interns will teach English base on Thai education standard in scope of Learning by doing and think outside the box. • In the middle of the project, we will have Evaluation Day for all interns and schools – to improve the performance and

experience of the interns

• During Project interns will have many chances to learn Thai culture with Local Thai people in rural area. • At the end of the project, Interns have to create English day for students for measurement of the outcome of the project.

• The interns will have access to the groups specially created for them to communicate and organize trips for their free time during weekend.

 

Timeline:

8 th of August 2014 – 19 th of September 2014)

AUGUST

• 7th Interns arrive+ Airport Pick-up • 8th Opening + Cultural Preparation (Preparation Camp) • 9th HOW TO teach English in Thailand! (Preparation Camp) • 10th LEAD your journey (Preparation Camp) • 10th Send interns to schools & Welcome Ceremony at the school • 11th Interns start working in school • 30th or 31st Evaluation Day

SEPTEMBER

• 18th English Day & Closing Ceremony in school • 19th Pick-up and Farewell party in Bangkok • 20th Earliest departure date

APPLICATION FORM: http://bit.ly/TpMpm1

 

What does Project provide to the Interns?

• Accommodation will be provided by school to the interns. Note that this will be home stays or in dormitories in some of the schools. Therefore Interns need to be aware and prepare for this sort of cultural experience and also be flexible enough to live in basic conditions that may be available at the time.

• Food will be provided for 3 meals per day in the school and accommodation place. If you are go out so you have to pay by yourself.

• Transportation from the accommodation to school is provided. • Airport pickup if you arrive in the same time that we mention in the agenda that AIESEC Thailand provided you • Some living condition such as WiFi, hot water, transport SHALL NOT be provided by AIESEC or Host so interns

should be aware and be flexible during the internship. • Cultural Training and Teaching Preparation before the project start • Trainee Buddy for every Interns • Educational guideline for structuring your lessons, English Day and virtual materials for teaching . Make sure you come

prepared for teaching English and you have done research and prepared fun activities and materials for your internship. Remark: During Project, there are Preparation Training - 3 days, Evaluation Day- 1 day, Farewell Party, and Airport Pick up. All of these activities Organizing Committee will provide to interns but interns have to pay 90 USD to cover all those activities, because all interns are required to attend. KEEP in mind that these 90USD is a medium sum calculated to cover these expenses and you might have to pay more for your transportation from Bangkok to the region you will teach, depending on the distance. (Currently we are working on partnership raising, so the interns might have to pay less than this base on the partnership that we will get.)

 

What do we expect from the intern?

• Carry something that shows your culture to present to the students • You may carry your Laptop • Health Insurance is MANDATORY or Medicines should you have any health related issues • Mosquito Repellent Spray • Adaptor, Thailand, electricity is 220 volt. • DRESSING PROPERLY for teaching students in

school. For men • Trousers • Collar polo shirts or collar shirts • T-shirts are not suitable. For women • Collar polo shirt or collar shirts • Skirts ( length around your knees or above your knees a little bit) • Miniskirts and slippers are prohibited. • Slippers are prohibited.

 

Most importantly

We expect you to have the experience of your life by impacting as many local people as possible in Thailand, providing with opportunities that the students in the rural area schools didn’t even consider before… and create unbreakable connections.

To Leave a Story in the Hearts of Children in Thailand!

APPLICATION FORM: http://bit.ly/TpMpm1

 

I f you aren’t convinced yet ,

check the test imonials of previous part icipants of Sawasdee Thailand Project Summer 2013:

Amit Agarwal, India - http://youtu.be/bMOb4zg2aT8

Liyen Chua, Malaysia - http://youtu.be/4FK9JJJo3bE

Fahlevi Dzulfikar, Indonesia - http://youtu.be/r7mZRDhwxxU

Salman Khan, Pakistan - http://youtu.be/DyMuV3geAB0

Hoàng Lộc Phan, Vietnam - http://youtu.be/2t-99_cQWrk

Ngoc Ha , Vietnam - http://youtu.be/p8KoUdS2YVY

Venta Jackaite, Lithuania - http://youtu.be/LS1Ul9gQvFY

Rafid Buana Putra, Indonesia - http://youtu.be/T9XM_F8SxWQ

And the Promo Video Winter 2013 - 2014 : http://youtu.be/pYOfnOnZBMI

APPLICATION FORM: http://bit.ly/TpMpm1

 

APPLY FOR SUMMER 2014

APPLICATION FORM: http://bit.ly/TpMpm1

AIESEC Thailand office address of National Committee

39/1 La Salle Road (Sukhumvit 105) | Bangna | Bangkok | Thailand 10260 Alissa Stehlin - Incoming Global Community Development Programme Director 2014-2015 E- mail: alissa.stehlin@aiesec.net Tel: +66 (0) 802 881 112

 

More information about Local Contacts:

Mr. Jishichao Zhou (Chris) Vice President of Incoming Global Community Development Programme | Local Committee Assumption University E-mail: khonjinchrischou@gmail.com Tel: +66 (0) 86-819-3003 Ms. Krongsap Nuthongkaeo (Aloha) Vice President of Incoming Global Community Development Programme | Local Committee Bangkok University E-mail: krongsap.nuthongkaeo@aiesec.net Tel: +66 (0) 80-487-2161 Ms. Neeracha Sunthonthip (Gift ) Vice President of Incoming Global Community Development Programme | Local Committee Chulalongkorn University E-mail: neeracha.sunthonthip@aiesec.net Tel: +66 (0) 909 745 713 Ms. Phatcharanan Sungkao (Nan) Vice President of Incoming Global Community Development Programme | Local Committee Thammasat University E-mail: Chintaro_0@hotmail.com Tel: +66 (0) 89-466-5660

 

Ms. Suravi Bantawa Vice President of Incoming Global Community Development Programme | Local Committee University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce E-mail: bantawasuravi3gmail.com / suravi.bantawa@aiesec.net Tel: +66 (0)96-338-0758 / +66( 0)92-770-1461 Ms. Pornkamon kit t isurin Vice President of Incoming Global Community Development Programme | Local Committee Mahidol University International College E-mail: pornkamon.kittisurin@aiesec.net Tel: +66 (0)84-4242304

 

About Thailand

With twelve million foreigners flying into the country each year, Thailand has become Asia's primary destination for

people looking to spice up their lives a little. Yet despite this vast influx of tourists and their cash, Thailand's cultural integrity remains largely undamaged – a country that adroitly avoided colonization has been able to absorb Western influences without wholly succumbing to them. Though the high-rises and neon lights occupy the foreground of the tourist picture, the typical Thai community is still the traditional farming village. Almost fifty percent of Thais earn their living from the land, based around the staple, rice, which forms the foundation of the country's unique and famously sophisticated cuisine. Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, not dissimilar to England‟s, whereby an elected Prime Minister is authorized to be the head of government and a hereditary Thai King is head of state. The Kingdom of Thailand, covering an area of 514,000 square kilometers, lies in the heart of Southeast Asia bordering Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia. Thailand can be roughly divided into the mountainous north, the fertile plains of the centre and the many beautiful, tropical beaches and island of the South. The currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht. Baht come in both coin and banknote form. The size of Thai currency, both coins and bills increases with value and varies in color.

 

Geography and Population

Thailand is the 50th largest country in the world; most nearly equal in size to Spain. Located just 15 degrees north of the equator, Thailand has a tropical climate and temperatures typically range from 19 to 38 degrees C (66-100 F). Thailand‟s largest peak, Doi Inthanon, is 2,565 meters (8,415 ft) tall. Thailand covers 510,890 sq km of land and 2,230 sq km of water. The coastline of Thailand is 3,219 km long. Thailands longest shared border is with Myanmar (Burma), stretching 1,800 km. Thailand has a rough geographical area of 514, 000 sq km (200,000 sq miles). This makes Thailand roughly equivalent in size to France or Texas. The population of Thailand comprises of roughly 65 million citizens, the majority of whom are ethnically Thai, though peoples of Chinese, Indian, Malay, Mon, Khmer, Burmese, and Lao origin are also represented to varying degrees. Approximately 7 million citizens live in the capital city, Bangkok, though this number varies seasonally and is otherwise difficult to accurately count.

Weather and Temperature

The weather in Thailand is generally hot and humid: typical of its location within the tropics. Generally speaking, Thailand can be divided into three seasons: “hot” season, rainy season, and “cool” season, though Thailand‟s geography allows visitors to find suitable weather somewhere in the country throughout the year. Located just 15 degrees north of the equator, Thailand has a tropical climate and temperatures typically range from 19 to 38 degrees C (66-100 F)

 

Culture

Thai culture has been shaped by many influences, including Indian, Lao, Burmese, Cambodian, and Chinese. The traditional Thai greeting, the wai, is generally offered first by the younger of the two people meeting, with their hands pressed together, fingertips pointing upwards as the head is bowed to touch their face to the hands, usually coinciding with the spoken word "Sawasdee khrap" for male speakers, and "Sawasdee ka" for females. The elder then is to respond afterwards in the same way. Social status and position, such as in government, will also have an influence on who performs the wai first. For example, although one

may be considerably older than a provincial governor, when meeting it is usually the visitor who pays respect first. When children leave to go to school, they are taught to wai to their parents to represent their respect for them. The wai is a sign of respect and reverence for another. Thai cuisine blends five fundamental tastes: swe et, spicy, sour, bitter and salty. Some common ingredients used in Thai cuisine include garlic, chillies, lime juice, lemon grass, and fish sauce. The staple food in Thailand is rice, particularly jasmine variety rice (also known as Hom Mali rice) which is included in almost every meal. Like most Asian cultures, respect towards ancestors is an essential part of Thai spiritual practice. Thais have a strong sense of hospitality and generosity, but also a strong sense of social hierarchy. Seniority is an important concept in Thai culture. Elders have by tradition ruled in family decisions or ceremonies. Older siblings have duties to younger ones. Taboos in Thailand include touching someone's head or pointing with the with the feet, as the head is considered the most sacred and the foot the dirtiest part of the body.

 

Do and Don’t in Thailand

Can do

• Do respect al l Buddha images. Buddha images are held sacred and sacrilegious acts are punishable by imprisonment even if committed by foreign visitors.

• Do dress properly when visiting a temple. • Do remove your shoes before entering a temple, somebody‟s house

and even some shops. • Do treat monks with the highest respect. • Do try and keep calm no matter what the problem or provocation

may be. • Do eat with a spoon. Use the fork to load food on to the spoon. • Do lower your body sl ightly when passing between or in front of people. • Do try and learn a few basic phrases in Thai, like „hello‟ and „thank you‟. • Do smile a lot. Understanding the Thai smile • Do enjoy yourself . Thais like life to be sanuk. • Do ensure that you have a visa if you need one. • Do make sure you have adequate travel insurance.

 

Cannot do

• Don’t show disrespect towards the Thai Royal Family. • Don’t cross your legs when you are in the presence of a monk. This applies whether you are sitting on the floor or

in a chair. • Don’t touch a Thai woman without consent. Despite the image portrayed in some bars and clubs, the majority of

Thai women are conservative • Don’t be overly affectionate in public. This has changed in recent years and younger Thai couples can be seen

holding hands, but snogging your boyfriend or girlfriend in the middle of the shopping mall won‟t win you too many friends. As with many things, Thais know that behaviour in the West is different to Thailand so you won‟t be chased out of town for holding hands with your partner, but resist the temptation to do so inside temple grounds.

• Don’t sunbathe nude. This is offensive to most Thai people although nobody is likely to say anything to you if you do so.

• Don’t worry too much about whether you should wai or not. • Don’t touch a Thai person’s head or ruff le their hair. Apologize if you accidentally touch somebody‟s head.

There are exceptions to this standard of behaviour; for example, it doesn‟t apply to lovers in the privacy of their room. Thai people will also sometimes pat a child on the head, but as a Westerner it‟s best not to do this to any child to prevent any embarrassment.

• Don’t place your feet on the table while sitting, don’t point to anything with your feet and don’t touch anybody with your feet.

• Don’t raise your voice or lose your temper; try and be jai yen. • Don’t be offended by questions about age, marital status or what you do for a l iving. These are

subjects that will often come up in small-talk. Of course, you don‟t have to answer (especially the question about age), you can just smile and just say it‟s a secret or „mai bok‟ („not telling‟).

 

• Don’t take Buddha images out of the country. Strictly speaking it is against the law to take or send Buddha images out of the country unless special permission has been granted. However, this doesn’t mean that stores won’t sell them to you. Theywil l sell them to you, but won’t necessarily tell you about the regulations.

• Don’t overstay your visa. .

All this information is to prepare you to have the most amazing experience in Thailand !

 

Come to Thailand for the Experience of Your Life!