Photographs from the CiENViDAS library: educational projects in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Would you like to travel to Thailand and live a different experience, while contributing to the education and development of local communities?
Volunteering in Thailand is an opportunity to get to know the country’s culture up close, share your knowledge and learn from a reality different from what you are used to. Beyond visiting its temples, beaches and landscapes, volunteering allows you to live an experience of cultural and human exchange.
At the CiENViDAS Foundation we offer international volunteer programs in Chiang Mai, one of the best-known cities in northern Thailand. Our projects are mainly oriented towards education and are designed for people who want to collaborate, learn and actively participate in the community.
We currently have three volunteer programs in Thailand:
- Childcare.
- Teaching in schools.
- Teaching Buddhist monks.
Programs have a minimum duration of two weeks and are available throughout much of the year.
In this guide you will find all the information you need to prepare your experience: programs, activities, requirements, accommodation, food, visa, price and recommendations to travel to Thailand as a volunteer.
Volunteering in Thailand: programs and requirements
CiENViDAS volunteer programs in Thailand take place in Chiang Mai, in the north of the country, and are especially focused on the educational field.
The purpose of the projects is to provide practical support to children and young people from different communities and educational centers, helping them in their learning and development.
It is not necessary to be a teacher or have specific training to participate. Depending on the program chosen, volunteers can collaborate in educational, sports, creative and daily support activities.
The three programs available are:
1. Childcare
A program focused on accompanying and supporting children in their daily lives, collaborating with care, learning and development activities.
2. Teaching in schools
An opportunity to be involved as a teacher or teaching assistant in schools, mainly supporting subjects such as English, mathematics, computing and creative activities.
3. Teaching Buddhist monks
A particularly interesting experience for those who want to know another dimension of Thai culture and collaborate in teaching young people who live and study in institutions linked to Buddhist monasteries.
The three programs are designed so that the volunteer can participate even if they have no previous teaching experience. Guidance, materials and support are provided throughout the project.
Why volunteer in Thailand?
Thailand is one of the most interesting destinations for international volunteering because it combines cultural exchange, education, learning and adventure.
Participating in a project in Chiang Mai allows you to get out of the usual tourist circuits and get to know the daily life of local communities in a closer way.
In addition, volunteering can help you:
- Get to know a different culture from within.
- Improve your ability to adapt.
- Practice and improve your English.
- Develop communication and teamwork skills.
- Share your knowledge with children and young people.
- Meet other volunteers from different countries.
- Discover new ways of understanding education.
- Have a personal experience that may stay with you for life.
But volunteering is not just about “giving.” It also involves learning, listening, respecting and sharing.
Every day in the project can become an opportunity to discover something new about Thailand and about yourself.
Volunteer programs in Chiang Mai
The three CiENViDAS programs are mainly oriented to the field of education and support for children and young people.
Projects are available throughout much of the year and have a minimum duration of two weeks.
Childcare
The childcare program in Thailand is aimed at people who want to collaborate directly in the care and daily support of children from disadvantaged communities.
The objective is to provide practical support in different children’s institutions, helping in daily activities and contributing to the development of children.
It is not necessary to have previous experience working with children. The volunteer will receive support from the coordinator and the institution’s staff.
What activities will you do?
Depending on the needs of the center, some of the activities may include:
- Prepare meals and help feed the children.
- Help children during bathing and daily routines.
- Support children with their homework.
- Play educational games and activities.
- Help children develop motor skills.
- Participate in early education preparation activities.
- Collaborate in activities related to health education and hygiene.
- Accompany the children in different activities of the day.
Volunteers work mainly in nursery schools and daycare centers, always with the support of a tutor from the center and the local coordinator.
Teaching in schools
The teaching program in schools in Thailand is designed for people who want to collaborate directly in the education of children and young people.
The objective is to reinforce the learning of students from communities with fewer resources, but with a great desire to learn, through educational support and complementary activities.
Volunteers mainly work in pairs as teachers or teaching assistants.
What activities will you do?
Depending on the center and the needs of the students, you can collaborate in:
- English teaching.
- Mathematics.
- Computer science.
- Creative subjects.
- Music and musical practice.
- Sports activities.
- Educational games.
- Support with homework.
- Class preparation.
- Preparation of teaching materials.
- Reinforcement activities for students who need individual attention.
The projects are developed mainly in government schools.
The school tutor and the coordinator will help you organize the activities and understand the needs of each group.
Teaching Buddhist monks
The Buddhist monk teaching program in Chiang Mai offers a different educational volunteer experience.
Many young people from disadvantaged communities go to these institutions to receive formal and spiritual education. In some cases, students also live at the center itself.
The participation of international volunteers allows us to reinforce certain areas of education and create a cultural exchange between students and volunteers.
What activities will you do?
The students are approximately between 8 and 25 years old and have different educational levels.
Activities may include:
- English teaching.
- Mathematics.
- Social skills.
- Educational games.
- Sports activities.
- Preparation of teaching materials.
- Development of resources to facilitate learning.
- Painting and classroom improvement activities.
Volunteers work in schools linked to Buddhist monasteries, with the support of a tutor and the coordinator.
This program also requires a particularly respectful attitude towards Buddhist customs, norms and traditions.
Requirements to volunteer in Thailand
One of the advantages of these programs is that you do not need specific professional training to participate.
The main requirements are:
- Be 18 years old at the start of the program.
- The program is open to both women and men.
- Have an intermediate level of English.
- Submit C.V.
- Complete the pre-registration form.
- Submit a criminal record certificate.
- Submit a certificate of crimes of a sexual nature, when applicable.
- Have the ability to adapt.
- Show respect for local culture and customs.
- Have an adventurous and supportive spirit.
- Have a desire to learn, collaborate and enjoy the experience.
In the case of minors, it will be necessary to have the corresponding consent and carry out a prior interview with CiENViDAS to assess participation in the program.
You do not need to be a teacher, have experience working with children or have volunteered before.
The most important thing is to come with responsibility, respect, initiative and desire to collaborate.
How long does volunteering in Thailand last?
The three programs have a minimum duration of 2 weeks.
Programs begin and end on Mondays, according to the calendar available for each program.
Arrival is at Chiang Mai International Airport, from where transfer to the accommodation is organized.
If you want to stay longer, you can consult with CiENViDAS about the available options to extend your experience.
Accommodation and meals during volunteering
During your stay in Chiang Mai you will be in accommodation located in Suthep, a quiet area close to the university and with access to shops, restaurants and transport.
The accommodation has:
- Shared rooms.
- Terrace.
- Common rooms.
- Dining room.
- Television.
- Wi-Fi.
- Kitchen.
- Common spaces.
In addition, the accommodation has the supervision and attention of the coordinator, who will be available to help you during your stay.
What will you eat?
Three meals a day, seven days a week, are included during the program.
Different Thai cuisine dishes are prepared, including options such as:
- Rice.
- Legumes.
- Vegetables.
- Tortillas.
- Chicken.
- Other typical local dishes.
Food may vary depending on the program and the planned activities or excursions.
Visa
This is a section that we recommend always consulting before traveling, since entry requirements may change and depend on nationality and the reason for travel.
One of the most frequently asked questions before traveling to Thailand is whether it is necessary to apply for a visa to participate in a volunteer program.
In the case of the CiENViDAS Foundation volunteer programs in Chiang Mai, the stays are short-term, with a minimum duration of two weeks. The applicable immigration documentation depends on nationality, duration and activity. The tourist exemption should not be understood by itself as authorization to volunteer; confirm with CiENViDAS and the Thai authorities which modality corresponds before purchasing the flight.
It is important to always check the updated requirements before traveling, as entry rules into Thailand may change.
Do Spaniards need a visa to travel to Thailand?
Currently, Spanish citizens can enter Thailand without previously applying for a tourist visa for stays of up to 30 days, as long as they meet the conditions established by the Thai authorities.
The regulations in force since September 15, 2026 establish a visa exemption for certain countries for tourist purposes and for a period of up to 30 days. Spain is among the countries included in this regime.
Therefore, for Spanish volunteers participating in our short-term programs, it is normally not necessary to apply for a tourist visa before traveling when the stay is within the permitted period.
Important: Visa-free entry is subject to the conditions set by the Thai immigration authorities and the final entry decision rests with these authorities.
What if you are from another country?
The requirements may be different depending on the nationality of the volunteer.
Some countries also have visa waiver agreements with Thailand, while other citizens may need to apply for a visa before travelling.
Therefore, if you do not have a Spanish passport, we recommend that you consult in advance the specific conditions for your nationality on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand or on the official Thai e-Visa platform.
Where can I check if I need a visa?
The easiest way to check the requirements corresponding to your nationality is to use the official Thai e-Visa platform, of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand.
You can directly consult the official page:
Official Website of Thailand Electronic Visa
The platform allows you to select the country that issues your passport and check if you need to apply for a visa, as well as consult the different categories available.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
In addition to checking visa requirements, all foreign travelers should be aware of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC).
The TDAC is a digital entry form to Thailand and is not a visa.
It must be completed before traveling to Thailand through the official immigration platform:
Official Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) – No Fees Required
We recommend carrying out this procedure only through the official website and checking the updated instructions before your trip.
CiENViDAS Recommendation
Before purchasing your plane ticket, always check the entry requirements corresponding to your nationality and the conditions in force on the date of your travel.
At CiENViDAS we will guide you on the necessary documentation to prepare your volunteering, but the immigration requirements and final entry authorization depend on the Thai authorities.
How much does volunteering in Thailand cost?
The base cost of the 2-week program is €750, plus a contribution of €200 to the CiENViDAS project.
Therefore, the cost of the two-week program is:
€750 + €200 contribution to the CiENViDAS project.
What does the program include?
The program includes:
- Personalized pickup at Chiang Mai International Airport.
- Transfer from the airport to the accommodation.
- Guidance about Thailand and its customs.
- Training on the project in which you will collaborate.
- Accommodation.
- Three meals a day.
- Cultural immersion activities.
- Daily round-trip transportation between accommodation and the project.
- Permanent assistance 24 hours a day.
- Administrative costs.
- Transfer to Chiang Mai airport at the end of the volunteering.
- Certificate of donation of the cost of the program for possible tax deduction, in accordance with applicable regulations.
- CiENViDAS Foundation International Volunteer Certificate.
What’s not included?
The program does not include:
- Air ticket.
- Visa or corresponding immigration authorization.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Personal expenses.
- Other expenses not expressly specified in the program.
What tasks can a volunteer perform?
The tasks depend on the program and the needs of each center.
A volunteer can participate in activities such as:
In childcare:
- Support in daily routines.
- Educational games.
- Motor activities.
- Support in hygiene and nutrition.
- Early learning activities.
In schools:
- English teaching.
- Mathematics.
- Computer science.
- Music.
- Sports.
- Creative activities.
- Support with homework.
- Preparation of educational materials.
With Buddhist monks:
- English teaching.
- Mathematics.
- Social skills.
- Sports activities.
- Games.
- Preparation of teaching materials.
- Activities to improve and decorate educational spaces.
Activities can be adapted according to the needs of the project and the level of experience of the volunteer.
When should you travel to Thailand to volunteer?
CiENViDAS programs are available during much of the year, so you can choose the dates that best suit your circumstances and the calendar of each program.
Thailand has different regions and climatic conditions, so it is advisable to check the weather conditions in Chiang Mai before preparing your trip.
For volunteering, in addition to the climate, it is worth keeping in mind that you will spend a good part of the time in contact with local communities, educational centers and children.
Therefore, it is advisable to travel with:
- Comfortable and light clothing.
- Comfortable footwear.
- Some clothing that covers shoulders and legs to visit certain places.
- Sun protection.
- Mosquito repellent.
- Reusable bottle.
- Plug adapter.
- Personal medication, if you need it.
- Travel insurance and medical assistance.
We also recommend informing yourself in advance about local customs and cultural norms to be able to integrate in a respectful way.
How to prepare for your volunteering in Thailand?
Preparing for international volunteering does not just mean packing your suitcase.
It is also important to mentally prepare to live with a different culture.
Before traveling, we recommend:
Learn about Thailand
Knowing some customs, social norms and traditions will help you adapt much faster.
Practice your English
You don’t need to speak English perfectly, but an intermediate level will allow you to communicate better with coordinators, other volunteers and students.
Be flexible
Not everything will work exactly as in your country. In international volunteering it is important to have patience and the ability to adapt.
Respect local culture
Especially in projects related to Buddhist monasteries, it is essential to respect the rules of the place, dress and religious customs.
Travel with an open attitude
One of the great riches of volunteering is precisely discovering a reality different from one’s own.
An experience that goes far beyond the trip
Volunteering in Thailand is not just about traveling to another country.
It is an opportunity to meet people, share knowledge, discover a new culture and learn to look at the world from another perspective.
During your stay in Chiang Mai you will be able to combine work on the project with time spent together, cultural activities and the possibility of getting to know one of the most fascinating regions of Thailand.
Volunteering can become an experience of personal growth, but it must also be done with respect, responsibility and commitment to local communities.
How to request information about volunteering in Thailand?
If you are thinking about volunteering in Thailand and want to know all the details before making a decision, you can contact the CiENViDAS Foundation.
You can fill out our information form and our team will contact you to answer your questions and guide you on the program that best suits your interests.
We will help you know:
- Available dates.
- Volunteering program.
- Duration.
- Price.
- Requirements.
- Travel preparation.
- Required documentation.
- Registration process.
Can you imagine living a volunteer experience in Chiang Mai?
Take the first step and discover how you can be part of our team of volunteers.
Fill out our information form and we will contact you.
