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Brilliant 4.73rating (151)
  • Life On Land
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Wildlife Conservation Internship.

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Learn about Asian elephants and their cultural significance in Thailand.
  • Observe elephants in their natural habitat.
  • Gain experience in conservation fieldwork and training to enhance your skills.

Highlights

  • Learn about Asian elephants and their cultural significance in Thailand.
  • Observe elephants in their natural habitat.
  • Gain experience in conservation fieldwork and training to enhance your skills.
  • Support a team of scientists and academics conducting impactful research.
  • Develop your leadership skills and receive guidance from experienced mentors.

    • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    50+

    About the program

    Support community efforts to help reintegrate elephants into their natural habitat, from their previous lives in the tourism industry.

    In this immersive internship program you'll explore three main areas: elephant research, teaching English for community development and biodiversity conservation.

    As part of the elephant program, you'll lead health checks, study herd behaviour, educate others about Asian elephants and assist with ...

    About the program

    In this immersive internship program you'll explore three main areas: elephant research, teaching English for community development and biodiversity conservation.

    As part of the elephant program, you'll lead health checks, study herd behaviour, educate others about Asian elephants and assist with reintegrating elephants relieved from the tourism industry into protected forests.

    Teaching English to kids, homestay families and elephant keepers is a big part of community development. We're also working to reduce reliance on elephants financially.

    In the biodiversity program, you'll survey local wildlife like reptiles, mammals, insects and birds.

    Rotating through these programs gives you a diverse skill set for your future career. You'll get to share ideas, take on leadership roles, and receive mentor feedback regularly.

    Practical training sessions and mentorship will boost your leadership skills and career prospects. And you'll earn four qualifications and a LinkedIn reference, gaining international experience in remote areas.

    Nestled in the heart of Northern Thailand, our research station in Chiang Mai offers stunning views of mountains, fields and forests. Surrounded by picturesque hills, we get a panoramic view of the lush landscape below. During the rainy season, clouds drift by at eye level, creating a mesmerising scene. And since we're in the jungle, elephants can be found throughout the surrounding areas. Our project work takes us deep into the mountains of the Mae Chaem District, a 5-hour journey into the mountains, where the Karen elephant-keeping community resides. This community shares a unique and sacred relationship with elephants.

    Typical day

    Take part in a range of diverse activities in Thailand with GVI. From gathering elephant data to teaching English and enjoying local Karen dinners, there's plenty to experience and enjoy.

    Example of a typical day:

    6:30 AM: Kickstart your morning with a cup of locally sourced Roots coffee from a nearby ...

    Typical day

    Take part in a range of diverse activities in Thailand with GVI. From gathering elephant data to teaching English and enjoying local Karen dinners, there's plenty to experience and enjoy.

    Example of a typical day:

    6:30 AM: Kickstart your morning with a cup of locally sourced Roots coffee from a nearby village coffee shop.

    7:00 AM: Have breakfast with your team at the base breakfast bar before gearing up for the elephant hike.

    8:00 AM: Head out on a forest hike to collect elephant data, including health checks and behaviour observations.

    12:00 PM: Enjoy a group lunch, either packed or at the base, depending on the day's activities.

    12:30 PM: Take part in conservation training, research work or self-study.

    2:00 PM: Teach English, lead sports activities and promote environmental awareness at the local school.

    4:30 PM: Engage in conservation activities like web innovation and recycling workshops.

    5:45 PM: Reflect on the day's achievements and challenges as a team.

    6:00 PM: Share a traditional Karen dinner with your homestay family.

    7:30 PM: Wind down with leisure activities or join local events like quiz nights.

    10:00 PM: Hit the hay for a well-deserved rest ahead of tomorrow's adventures.

    Free-time activities

    When you're not involved in community work or conservation efforts, make the most of your downtime exploring the area or going on weekend getaways.

    • Visit Pai, a cool backpacker hub with a buzzing street-food scene. Check out awesome spots like Pai Canyon and join tours to caves and waterfalls to hang ...

    Free-time activities

    When you're not involved in community work or conservation efforts, make the most of your downtime exploring the area or going on weekend getaways.

    • Visit Pai, a cool backpacker hub with a buzzing street-food scene. Check out awesome spots like Pai Canyon and join tours to caves and waterfalls to hang out with other travellers.
    • Immerse yourself in Karen culture with local festivals and hands-on activities like bamboo cup making.
    • Experience the lively atmosphere of village celebrations at the Buddhist temple. 
    • Relax in nature at a conservation forest campsite for stargazing and firefly spotting. Note, facilities are limited here.
    • Stay active with games like football, volleyball and ultimate frisbee at the nearby field, then grab a cold one and enjoy the views.
    • Explore scenic hiking trails through corn fields to catch the sunrise or venture into the forest for a chance to see gibbons.
    • Grab refreshing smoothies and noodle soup at Boh Luh's Smoothie Shop, browse handmade goods, and unwind with movie nights at the base.
    • Challenge your crew to ping pong battles at the base hut's table, including other participants and the local mahouts.
    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 traditional Karen cooking.
    • Connect with the Karen people's culture.
    • Forage for forest medicine with a village elder.
    • Visit Thailand's highest peak.
    • Explore Thailand's elegant and mysterious waterfalls.
    • See amazing biodiversity on a night trek
    • Take a sunrise hike up Two Tree Hill.
    • Sleep under the stars alongside Asian elephants.

    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 (intermediate 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

    The language spoken in the village is not Thai but, "Pakinyow" a dialect of the Karen villagers. Volunteers do not need to be fluent in English though they do need enough to understand all training and health and safety guidelines

    Time Commitment

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

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    What's Included

    • 24-hour emergency phone
    • 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 provided online 8 weeks prior to program start:
      • PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION (1 hour)
      • PROGRAM SPECIFIC TRAINING (1–5 hours)
      • OPTIONAL: WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COURSE (10–15 hours)
    • Comprehensive training program that encompasses theory lectures, group study and field practise
    • Location orientation
    • Long term experienced staff
    • Meals while on project (except on work placements for long term internships)
    • Required transportation for the duration of your stay
    • Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
    • Welcome meeting
    • Your own room within homestay

    What's Not Included

    • Additional drinks and gratuities
    • Extra local excursions
    • Flights
    • International and domestic airport taxes
    • Medical and travel insurance
    • Personal kit
    • Police or background check (where necessary)
    • Visa costs

    Airport Pickup at Chiang Mai International Airport

    GVI can provide airport pickups between 12pm and 5pm on the project start date at Chiang Mai Airport. After arriving at Chiang Mai International Airport, please make your way to Exit 2. You will be met outside the exit by pickup staff  who will be wearing a marked T-shirt and holding a sign with your name on it. 

    If you are not arriving within the pick up window you will find regulated taxi stands to your left upon exiting the baggage pick-up area there you can arrange a taxi to the Eco Resort. The fee should be a flat rate of 200 THB. Alternatively, Eco is not far away, and a Red Truck Taxi or Tuk Tuk should cost between 20 to 80 THB. 

    Accommodation

    At GVI Chiang Mai, you'll be hosted by local families in traditional stilted houses. Homestays usually come with their own rooms or single hut, and each homestay has its own bathroom. Located throughout the village, these homestays offer easy access to the GVI research station while immersing you in the Karen culture. With amenities like cold running water for showers and filtered drinking water, along with shared bathroom facilities and collective base duties, you'll experience authentic community living.

    Food & Beverages

    Get fueled up for your adventures with breakfast at the base before hitting the trails. When it comes to lunch and dinner, you'll be treated to homemade meals by your host families. Think simple yet nutritious, mostly veggie-based with occasional fish or meat options. During your first week, a staff member will join you for meals to help you settle in. And every few weeks, get ready to master some traditional Karen dishes in fun cooking sessions. Join your fellow participants for these cooking adventures, where you'll not only whip up tasty dishes but also pick up a bit of the Karen language along the way.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) in Chiang Mai. 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

    2025

    • 01 Feb 2025
    • 15 Feb 2025
    • 01 Mar 2025
    • 15 Mar 2025
    • 29 Mar 2025
    • 12 Apr 2025
    • 26 Apr 2025
    • 10 May 2025
    • 24 May 2025
    • 07 Jun 2025
    • 21 Jun 2025
    • 05 Jul 2025
    • 19 Jul 2025
    • 02 Aug 2025
    • 16 Aug 2025
    • 30 Aug 2025
    • 13 Sep 2025
    • 27 Sep 2025
    • 11 Oct 2025
    • 25 Oct 2025
    • 08 Nov 2025
    • 22 Nov 2025
    • 06 Dec 2025
    • 20 Dec 2025
    2026
    • 03 Jan 2026
    • 17 Jan 2026
    • 21 Jan 2026
    • 14 Feb 2026
    • 28 Feb 2026
    • 14 Mar 2026
    • 28 Mar 2026
    • 11 Apr 2026
    • 25 Apr 2026
    • 09 May 2026
    • 23 May 2026
    • 06 Jun 2026
    • 20 Jun 2026
    • 04 Jul 2026
    • 18 Jul 2026
    • 01 Aug 2026
    • 15 Aug 2026
    • 29 Aug 2026
    • 12 Sep 2026
    • 26 Sep 2026
    • 10 Oct 2026
    • 24 Oct 2026
    • 07 Nov 2026
    • 21 Nov 2026
    • 05 Dec 2026
    • 19 Dec 2026

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 3,095€
    4 weeks 4,845€
    6 weeks 6,145€
    8 weeks 7,195€
    10 weeks 8,245€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 9,545€
    Average fees 1,171€/week

    Program fees

    1,171€ 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.

    4.7
    Travelers’ Choice
    One of the most loved volunteer experiences, according to travelers

    Location

    Asia > South East Asia > Thailand > Huay Pakoot

    Meet your project coordinator

    Bianca
    151
    reviews
    4.73
    Brilliant
    1998
    Founded

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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    Price details