from 1,095€

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

Plastic Pollution & Conservation

location
1 - 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

  • Assist directly with minimising the impact of marine litter in Thailand.
  • Build the capacity of local people to operate their own long-term sustainable development projects.
  • Promote environmental awareness by working with local students.
  • Work on conserving the endangered green turtle and learn about threats to sea turtle populations.
  • Contribute to biodiversity research to aid in the conservation of formally protected areas.

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

Live in the small coastal village of Ban Nam Khem and contribute to Coastal Conservation initiatives with a focus on plastic pollution.

Six of the seven species of sea turtles are classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, IUCN Red List as threatened or endangered. The green sea turtle, specifically, is classified as endangered. 


Work alongside the Thai government on turtle conservation projects to work ...

About the program

Six of the seven species of sea turtles are classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, IUCN Red List as threatened or endangered. The green sea turtle, specifically, is classified as endangered. 


Work alongside the Thai government on turtle conservation projects to work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals #14, Life below Water and #15 Life on Land.

You could expect to be involved in sea turtle conservation activities; beach clean ups to reduce plastic pollution; island conservation activities which involves travelling to a remote island to conduct camera trap, bird and butterfly as well as biodiversity surveys; and environmental education for local community members. 

This internship an optional Marine Conservation online courses which must be completed in order to obtain a certificate offered in partnership with the University of Richmond in the United States.

Typical day

Participants are expected to remain flexible as project work changes based on weather as well as needs of our project partners. 

Estimated Schedule:
  • 5 or 6am: Wake up call
  • 6 - 10 am: First Survey/Work at the Turtle Center
  • 12pm: Lunch
  • 1pm - 4pm: Second Survey 
  • 6pm: Dinner 
  • 9pm: Bed Time

Typical day

Participants are expected to remain flexible as project work changes based on weather as well as needs of our project partners. 

Estimated Schedule:
  • 5 or 6am: Wake up call
  • 6 - 10 am: First Survey/Work at the Turtle Center
  • 12pm: Lunch
  • 1pm - 4pm: Second Survey 
  • 6pm: Dinner 
  • 9pm: Bed Time

Free-time activities

By participating in this program, you are not only offered an opportunity to work toward conserving ecosystems but also the opportunity to see local sites! Our dedicated field staff are the best resource when researching local trips, they have compiled this list of activities. 

These side trips are ...

Free-time activities

By participating in this program, you are not only offered an opportunity to work toward conserving ecosystems but also the opportunity to see local sites! Our dedicated field staff are the best resource when researching local trips, they have compiled this list of activities. 

These side trips are not included in the program fee but are highly recommended: 
  • Krabi Province
  • Phuket Island & City
  • Island Hopping
  • Explore some of the top beaches
  • Khao Lak 
  • Khao Sok National park 
  • Phang Nga Bay
  • Mu Koh Chang National Park
  • Koh Tao Island
  • Kao Yai National Park
  • Nan Province
  • Ayuthaya
  • Chiang Mai
  • Bangkok
The possibilities are endless! 

We also now include cultural/local experiences. These experiences will take place once every 4 weeks. 

These activities may include: 

  • Learn to make traditional Thai and Burmese food 
  • Visit the Buddhist temples of Ban Nam Khem
  • Practice traditional Thai yoga 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)

Education Requirements

at School 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 phone
  • 24-hour in-country support
  • Access to Alumni Services and Discounts
  • Airport pick-up (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: MARINE CONSERVATION COURSE (10 - 15 hours)
  • 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

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

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

Airport Pickup at Phuket International Airport

We will ensure, whenever possible, that one of our dedicated staff will be available to meet you at the airport. We will arrange with you prior to your departure that, should you arrive in the agreed upon pick up window, a member of our staff will be there to welcome you, easily identifiable in a GVI t-shirt or holding a GVI sign and wearing a friendly smile. 

Accommodation

Our GVI base is located in the small fishing village of Ban Nam Khem, about one and half hours from Phuket airport, and about half an hour from the tourism resort town of Khao Lak. The village offers participants the chance to experience living in a real Thai community, tucked away from the usual busy hotspots. 

The base is only a ten minute walk from the beach and a fifteen minute walk from the centre of the village where you can find little markets and street food vendors. Our participants share the home, including a space to learn or relax, with GVI staff and other participants from all around the world. Rooms are shared with a maximum of 6 participants per room. Each room has a bathroom with showers and flushing toilets.

Food & Beverages

This program gives participants the opportunity to experience authentic Southern Thai cuisine, while still having the chance to share some of their own favourite meals from back home. Breakfasts might include toast, cereal, and, of course, a wide arrange of Thailand’s tropical fruit. On some days participants can prepare eggs and pancakes. From Sunday to Thursday night lunches and dinners are prepared by local chefs,  and on the weekends, participants can prepare their own meals.

Internet Access

Limited 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

  • 05 Aug 2023
  • 19 Aug 2023
  • 02 Sep 2023
  • 16 Sep 2023
  • 30 Sep 2023
  • 14 Oct 2023
  • 28 Oct 2023
  • 11 Nov 2023
  • 25 Nov 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
  • 21 Dec 2024

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

Program fees

1 week (min. stay) 1,095€
2 weeks 1,395€
4 weeks 2,195€
6 weeks 2,895€
8 weeks 3,345€
10 weeks 3,895€
12 weeks (max. stay) 4,445€
Average fees 732€/week

Program fees

732€ per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Duration

1 - 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

Sarah Ní Cheallaigh rating5

2023 at Plastic Pollution & Conservation

I had an amazing time with GVI in Phang Nga doing conservation work. I felt like I was truly helping the environment and the beautiful community around me. I would highly recommend to anyone who values the environment and would like to help protect it, and of course is interested in an ...
Mia Aroha Clifford rating4.8

2023 at Plastic Pollution & Conservation

The program was perfectly planned to include activities which both challenged and energised us as teenagers keen to explore Thailand and give back to the community. The staff were absolutely amazing at keeping our safety and well-being protected, while always bringing fun and laughter to our days. ..
Clara Fryer rating5

2023 at Plastic Pollution & Conservation

I have just finished my 4 week program in Thailand with GVI Phang Na doing coastal conservation and it’s been one of the best months of my life. I’m currently taking a gap year before going to uni to study global sustainable development and wanted to combine my desire to travel with my love for ...
During my holidays I chose to go 3 weeks in Thailand including 2 in a "useful" way by being a volunteer for GVI Phang Nga. As a nature lover, I opted for the Conservation program, this experience allowed me to learn about the various species on which we work: green turtles, birds, butterflies, ...
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 ...
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 ...

Location

Asia > South East Asia > Thailand > Phang Nga

You might also be interested in

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

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