health care and health education in thailand

Volunteers who choose health education will have the opportunity to work in a variety of different projects located in or near Bangkok.  An excellent project is available that gives volunteers the opportunity to work with disabled children.  Volunteers will learn the basics of Thai massage and then use their new skills to help the children with their disabilities. 

Another project is available at a children's hospital in Thailand.  Children who have been hospitalized for a long period can become unhappy and bored.  Additionally, these negative feelings can make their symptoms worse.  Volunteers can help by playing with the children, helping the hospital staff with their care, and tutoring the children in English or other subjects. 

There may also be opportunities for interested volunteers to shadow or assist doctors and other healthcare professionals.  This may include tasks such as: taking temperatures, bathing patients, changing clothing and diapers, and acting as a translator for foreign patients.  These opportunities are subject to availability.

The Health Education program is an excellent opportunity for dynamic volunteers to expand on their ideas of public health. Volunteering in Thailand will allow participants the opportunity to acquire knowledge of health systems in other cultures and make a real difference in the lives of local Thai people.   Volunteers can participate in health education clinics such as: breast feeding clinic, teen clinic, drug clinics, and others.  Volunteers will need to be self-directed and motivated in order to make the most of this opportunity.

Eligibility: Volunteering isn't for everyone. Volunteering in Thailand requires flexibility and patience. Individuals should be self-starters, who genuinely respect the Thai people and their culture. Volunteers go to Thailand to share their time and energy with the people, to experience the Thai culture first hand, and to grow as citizens of the planet.

Pre-Departure Information: Before participants embark on their trip abroad, they will be provided a pre-departure guide that includes important details about their project. In addition, volunteers may contact World Endeavors any time prior to departure with questions.

Activities:

To help participants learn more about Thai culture and integrate with the community, 30 hours of Thai language instruction is included for all programs of 4 weeks or longer.

 For volunteers placed outside Bangkok, where the language school is not easily accessible, alternate language training options will be arranged.  Volunteers placed outside Bangkok may receive less than 30 hours of training, for logistical reasons.

Not Included: