from 3,145€

Brilliant 4.7rating (193)
  • Life Below Water
  • Life On Land

Coastal Conservation Internship

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Collect data and raise awareness about endangered sea turtles, coastal bird life, plastic pollution and environmental education.
  • Live in Phang Nga province, a coastal area known for its dramatic beauty, mangroves, limestone cliffs and white-sand beaches.
  • Learn how to identify species and conduct surveys. Collect data to build a database of terrestrial and marine species in Phang Nga.
  • Work at The Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Centre, assisting with animal care, morphology studies and tank maintenance.
  • Meet weekly with fellow interns and an experienced mentor for project guidance and leadership style feedback.

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

Kick-start your career in conservation by completing this internship in Southern Thailand. Live in the small coastal village of Ban Nam Khem.

Based in Southern Thailand, this coastal conservation internship combines international development with community engagement, addressing real-time conservation needs alongside The Royal Thai Navy. Engage in sea turtle conservation, beach cleanups and island conservation. Join activities like ...

About the program

Based in Southern Thailand, this coastal conservation internship combines international development with community engagement, addressing real-time conservation needs alongside The Royal Thai Navy. Engage in sea turtle conservation, beach cleanups and island conservation. Join activities like coastal and marine research, fieldwork training, turtle conservation and community outreach. Develop leadership skills through training and personal projects, receiving mentorship to excel in the competitive conservation field and make a meaningful impact on Thailand's biodiversity.

You’ll live and work in Ban Nam Khem, a village in Southern Thailand’s Phang Nga province. The area features varied landscapes, from mangroves to pristine white-sand beaches. Phang Nga stands out with its limestone cliffs and scenic coastlines, making it a unique place for your experience.

Typical day

From sea turtle conservation to beach cleanups, your days are packed with impactful projects. Enjoy delicious meals, reflect on your efforts, and end the day with fun activities or chilling out with your fellow participants. 
Example of a typical day:
07:00 Breakfast is enjoyed as a team.
08:00 Assist ...

Typical day

From sea turtle conservation to beach cleanups, your days are packed with impactful projects. Enjoy delicious meals, reflect on your efforts, and end the day with fun activities or chilling out with your fellow participants. 
Example of a typical day:
07:00 Breakfast is enjoyed as a team.
08:00 Assist local partners in conservation projects, from sea turtles and beach cleans to biodiversity surveys.
12:00 Lunch at a local spot, whether on a project or at base, as per your schedule.
13:00 Continue with project work or analyse collected data.
17:00 Return to base where you can relax and enjoy some free time.
18:00 Sit down with your group to enjoy a delicious Thai or Burmese meal prepared by a local cook.
19:00 Join a reflective session, discussing the day's work and its impact on the environment and community.
20:00 Time to socialise, enjoy presentations, or simply hang out with fellow participants.

Free-time activities

Explore a variety of options during your downtime. Consider island experiences like Similan and Surin for exceptional diving and snorkelling. Alternatively, Phi Phi Islands offer year-round appeal, known for unique limestone cliffs at Viking Cave. If you fancy vibrant beaches and dining, check out ...

Free-time activities

Explore a variety of options during your downtime. Consider island experiences like Similan and Surin for exceptional diving and snorkelling. Alternatively, Phi Phi Islands offer year-round appeal, known for unique limestone cliffs at Viking Cave. If you fancy vibrant beaches and dining, check out Khao Lak, a tourist hotspot with expansive coastlines and tranquil spas. For jungle adventures, Khao Sok National Park provides diverse wildlife and the ancient Cheow Larn Lake for jungle treks and kayaking. Explore Krabi Province, popular Phuket, enchanting Railay Beach or the iconic Phang Nga Bay. Experience the mountainous landscapes of Chiang Mai or the lively atmosphere of Bangkok with temples, the Grand Palace and bustling markets. 

Every four weeks, you can enjoy cultural immersion through GVI Experiences. These are included in your program at no extra cost.

Examples of activities may include: 

  • Learn to make traditional Thai and Burmese food.
  • Visit the Buddhist temples of Takuapa.
  • Practise a traditional Thai warrior massage.
  • Master Muay Thai self-defence techniques.
  • Raft along the Sok River.
  • Hike to hidden waterfalls.
  • Visit an untouched mangrove island. 
  • Sleep in a floating river bungalow.

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

Medical Form and Passport Copy

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

No specific skills required, all training is provided online 8 weeks prior to program start through self-paced training materials.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

What's Included

What's Included

Services by GVI

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • 24-hour emergency desk
  • 24-hour in-country support
  • Access to alumni services and discounts
  • Airport pickup (unless otherwise stated)

  • All necessary project equipment and materials
  • All necessary project training by experienced staff
  • Location orientation
  • Long term experienced staff
  • Meals while on project (except on work placements for long-term internships)
  • Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
  • Welcome meeting
  • 2 sessions with a career mentor 
  • Online courses endorsed by University of Richmond in the United States

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

  • Additional drinks and gratuities
  • COVID-19: Health and Hygiene Fee
  • Extra local excursions
  • Flights
  • International and domestic airport taxes
  • Medical and travel insurance
  • Personal items and toiletries
  • Personal kit
  • Police or background check
  • Visa costs (where necessary)

Airport Pickup at Phuket International Airport

Airport pickups can be arranged from 12:00 AM - 06:00 PM the day before your start date, please request this from the GVI office. 

From Phuket Airport you can find several hotels that are within a 5-minute walking distance. Our recommended hotel, Phuket Airport Place offers free airport pickups that you need to book at the time of booking the room. Please note that GVI will not be able to provide transport if you book in Central Phuket, Phuket Town or Patong Beach. Please stay near the meeting point which is near the airport.

Accommodation

Your accommodation, a comfortable dorm-style setup, is conveniently located just ten minutes from the beach and fifteen minutes from the village centre, offering daily access to local markets and shops. For those preferring more privacy, an upgrade to a nearby guest house is available, providing double beds, air conditioning and a workspace.

Food & Beverages

Get ready to enjoy the flavours of authentic Southern Thai cuisine during your program. Local cooks prepare Thai and Burmese lunches and dinners from Sunday to Thursday, adjusting spice levels to your liking. Fridays and Saturdays offer options to cook on base, order from local restaurants or dine out (at your expense). Dietary needs are easily accommodated – simply inform your support coordinator.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Phuket International Airport (HKT) in Phuket. We assist you to find cheap flights to Thailand. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Thailand provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Thailand you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Thailand. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

2023

  • 09 Dec 2023
2024
  • 06 Jan 2024
  • 20 Jan 2024
  • 03 Feb 2024
  • 17 Feb 2024
  • 02 Mar 2024
  • 16 Mar 2024
  • 30 Mar 2024
  • 13 Apr 2024
  • 27 Apr 2024
  • 11 May 2024
  • 25 May 2024
  • 08 Jun 2024
  • 22 Jun 2024
  • 06 Jul 2024
  • 20 Jul 2024
  • 03 Aug 2024
  • 17 Aug 2024
  • 31 Aug 2024
  • 14 Sep 2024
  • 28 Sep 2024
  • 12 Oct 2024
  • 26 Oct 2024
  • 09 Nov 2024
  • 23 Nov 2024
  • 07 Dec 2024
Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 3,145€
4 weeks 4,045€
6 weeks 4,945€
8 weeks 5,845€
10 weeks 6,795€
12 weeks (max. stay) 7,645€
Average fees 1,104€/week

Program fees

1,104€ per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Duration

2 - 12 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with GVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Meet your organization

GVI

Brilliant 4.7 rating (193 reviews)

Agency - founded in 1998

Verified by Volunteer World

  Good response rate

Coordinated by

Bianca

Spoken languages: English

About the project

GVI tackles critical local and global issues by operating award-winning education and training programs on sustainable development projects around the world.

Meet your organization

Founded in 1998, GVI runs programs in 21 locations, in 13 countries around the world, each manned by our own staff and aligned to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or UN SDGs as well as the objectives of local partners. We welcome participants from all around the world and help facilitate their development into global citizens. This is how we achieve our mission of building a global network of people united by their passion to make a difference.


We are truly a global family brought together by our dedication to long-term positive impact. At the root of our success is our commitment to investing in authentic, meaningful connections with one another, which is why mutual respect and trust are central to our operations. Although we respond with empathy to difficult situations, we believe that most circumstances can benefit from taking a light-hearted approach. By sharing stories of local achievement with our teams worldwide we build the momentum to catapult us toward our vision for the future.

193 reviews · rating4.7

Madeleine Lawrence rating4.8

2023 at Coastal Conservation Internship

I felt like it would be a life-altering experience going to Thailand for four weeks with GVI, and I was so completely right. Meeting volunteers from all sorts of backgrounds was so enriching and the friendships formed were so touching. The staff were all so caring and energetic, I felt inspired and ...
Camila Castellanos rating5

2020 at Coastal Conservation Internship

To be part of GVI on a volunteer program is the most beautiful way to know the world. To know different cultures, to be aware about the problems that humanity faces and to be part of the solution. Is your grain of sand for change the world with your actions. Travel with purpose, learning, living. ..
Rebecca Suter rating5

2024 at Empowerment of Women Internship

GVI Ghana has been absolutely incredible. The staff are so amazing at what they do and have an amazing balance between professional and friendly. It really feels like you are part of a family and the atmosphere on base makes you really feel at home. The work itself has been so rewarding. The ...
Mary Christensen rating5

2024 at Community Development Internship

GVI is a passionate organization that works diligently to promote life long learners and explorers. As an intern with GVI, I was able to explore the culture of my country of choice, serve a purpose greater than myself, and meet friends all around the world. I highly recommend this program to anyone ...
Pam Parkes rating5

2024 at Women's Empowerment Internship

I really enjoyed my recent trip to Siem Reap. The accommodation was very good, I upgraded to a single room with aircon and en-suite and had a fabulous room overlooking the pool. Food was excellent with plenty of choice, both in the guest house and local restaurants where we ate in the evenings ...
The GVI internships were amazing. I had the opportunity to learn and apply some new skills to real world partners that desperately needed help. So as well as building connections, earning a certificate, having fun, learning new skills, you will also make a difference to an organisation. I thoroughly ...

Location

Asia > South East Asia > Thailand > Ban Nam Khem

You might also be interested in

Volunteer Abroad  >  Environment  >  Conservation Work in Thailand
Contact Bianca
  Good response rate
English

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