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Healthcare
Projects - Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need teaching experience? No, it is not
necessary to have teaching experience. The TSC goal is to
help Thai students, Thai hospital staff, and Thai teachers
improve their conversational skills. So, classroom
instruction is similar to talking with your friends. The
emphasis is on speaking, listening, vocabulary, and
comprehension.
Do I need to speak Thai? No, you do not need to speak
Thai. Hosts and counterparts speak English at varying levels
of proficiency. We do ask volunteers to try and pick up some
basic phrases and words in order to enhance their
experience. Your handbook contains a listing of Thai words
and phrases that will come in handy.
What immunizations do I need? A list from the Center
for Disease Control (CDC) can be found on page 2-4 of the
TSC handbook. This listing, plus consultation with your
physician, will determine what immunizations you should
acquire before entering Thailand.
Do I need a visa? Yes, the Thai Ministry of Labour
requires all TSC team members to obtain a Non-Immigrant
Type"O" visa.
What type of clothing should I wear? Thais accept
volunteer participants as members of their staff. Women
should wear skirts or slacks with tops (no tank tops) and
men should wear trousers with shirts.
How will I know my Project assignment? We will review
your personal background information, resume and e-mails. If
you have communicated any special desires or interests these
will be considered. The Thailand Program Director and
Program Manager will discuss everything listed above with
our Thailand Coordinators in order to select your project
assignment. You will be notified by the Program Director of
your project placement prior to your project’s starting
date.
How will I know who my host will be? A host family
will be assigned to you based on the information you provide
to TSC. You will be informed of your host family assignment
prior to your project’s starting date, and will be provided
with the family name, telephone number, postal and e-mail
addresses.
Can special dietary requirements be accommodated?
Yes, many volunteer participants in Thailand have been
vegetarians. Host families can accommodate vegetarians, and
they cook excellent vegetarian meals.
Where will I sleep? Hosts have houses similar to
Western style houses. Each participant will have her/his own
bedroom, with a bed, bedding, closet or hanging racks, desk
or chair, light and fan.
What is my support network while on the project? Your
support network is your host and your counterpart. In
addition, TSC has an in-country Coordinator on the project
site.
What is the size of the group? Group sizes vary
according to the time of year, but there is an average of
seven participants per group. You are together as a group in
Bangkok and when you travel to meet your host families. Once
you meet your individual hosts, you will leave the group.
However, more than one volunteer participant may stay with
the same hosts. You will have time to meet with the other
members of the group on weekends.
Can I split my time between projects? Yes, Buddhist
Cultural Tradition participants will teach at a school and
also spend time teaching at a Wat. Health care participants
spend three days at a health facility and two days at a
school.
Can I Travel During My Project Time? Yes. Many
participants choose to take a "long weekend" in order to go
trekking or do other activities. Long-term participants can
take advantage of the many holidays and weekends to travel.
What type of pre-trip training is provided? Upon
signing up for a project, volunteers receive an orientation
manual with information on the country and program, along
with a reading list, packing list and other health and
travel tips. An on-site orientation at the project site,
conducted by the In-country coordinators, will continue your
orientation process.
Does TSC have any religious or government affiliation?
No, TSC does not have any religions or government
affiliations.
Why do we have to pay to volunteer? Many people ask
why they have to pay to volunteer. TSC receives no outside
funding or grants. Also, while individuals may be able to
travel for less, TSC provides an entrance and reception into
Thailand, bringing you into a community and exposing you to
a culture that you could not receive if you traveled on your
own in Thailand. Through the long-term relationships that
TSC has established with communities, schools, and health
facilities, volunteers gain a unique perspective on the
culture and life of Thai people.
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