Select Page

Volunteer

MAKE A DIFFERENCE: VOLUNTEER

Mundo Exchange is strongly supported by volunteers who make up a majority of our on-the-ground team and create the pulse of our organization. Are you interested in broadening your worldview? Learning about Buddhism? Finding peace at mountaintop pagodas? Experiencing the joy of a child’s laughter by teaching through fun activities?  Immersing yourself in nature? Engaging in rural village life? Learning about organic gardening with a local? You can do all of this and more, all while making a meaningful difference in the lives of those you interact with, by volunteering with us!
When you volunteer with Mundo Exchange’s community development projects it will open your heart to the local people and give you a deep understanding of their rich culture, their everyday challenges and their hopes and dreams for the future.  These are children, families, and elders who face extreme poverty and indifference on a daily basis AND they are some of the most resilient and compassionate people you may ever meet. As a volunteer, you can change the course of people’s lives – it might be through teaching English, lending a helping hand, sharing a smile and words of encouragement or putting in a new cement floor – there are countless ways that you can help someone better their lives.  Whether you are on a gap year, taking a break, or a retiree you can make a difference!
<table class="fees"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><tr><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><td></td><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><td></td><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --></tr><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><tr><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><td>One or Two Weeks</td><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><td>$700 (USD)</td><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --></tr><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><tr><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><td>Each additional week</td><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><td>$150 (USD)</td><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --></tr><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><tr><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><td> Payment for the first two weeks must be made when you make the commitment to volunteer with Mundo Exchange.  Payment for additional weeks must be made two weeks before you start to volunteer.  If you decide to stay longer (and we hope you will) payment should be made two weeks prior to your extension.</td><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> </tr> </table>   

Be part of creating long term, self-sustainable projects aimed at eradicating poverty and creating equal opportunities for everyone.

Due to the time it takes adjusting to a new environment and culture, we strongly recommend you stay a minimum of at least 2 weeks. Not only will you feel like you have had a more complete experience, but if you teach English to young children it helps them connect with you and feel more comfortable around you if you stick around for a bit.  However, if you really only have one week, we can try to work with you and create a program that fits your schedule with one of our projects. What Your Fees include: 
  •  Pre Arrival support and materials 
  • Orientation materials and classes
  • Help with reservations in-country
  • Pre-departure cultural, language and volunteer placement materials
  • 24/7 evacuation plan and support for emergencies
  • Translation and assistance for medical care
  • Initial transportation to your project site and back to volunteer house upon completion of project
  • Thai cooking class
  • Assistance with going to the medical clinic/doctor/dentist if ill or in need of dental care
  • Assistance with immigration issues including sponsorship for a work permit & non-immigrant O Single Entry Visa (Please see Immigration and Work Permit section below)
First Two Week Fees include: 
  • A skilled Thai cultural facilitator to help make your stay the very best it can be
  • Welcome Thai celebration
  • Cultural orientation
  • Introductory Thai language class
  • Personal support with Thai immigration registration
Weekly Volunteer Fees include: 
  • A skilled Thai facilitator to help with cultural and linguistic support at your volunteer site
  • Homestay that includes your room, enjoyment of the family home, meals
  • Full use of the Mundo Exchange Volunteer House when you are not at your Homestay (includes basic sleeping accommodation, full Thai/Western kitchen, wireless services, TV, garden, etc.)(Meals are not included) 
  • Internet access at the volunteer home, most schools and placements
  • Use of the Mundo volunteer house supplies and books
  • Bicycles for home stays and around town
While at Your Homestay You will Receive:
  • Basic accommodation 
  • Three Thai meals, with lunch being at placement
  • Initial transport to and from your Homestay site
  • Cultural and Linguistic support
  • Support at your volunteer site
  • 24/7 support for emergency needs
Your fees also include: 
  •  An introduction to Buddhist philosophy and Isaan Buddhist life if interested
  • Certificate of Completion for those successfully completing their orientation and project(s)
  • Reference letter for those staying 1 month+ & successfully complete their projects
  • A place to leave your items for those planning to volunteer after travel
  • Ongoing communication about your placements after you leave
Costs you are responsible for:
  •  Traveler’s Health insurance (REQUIRED – We partner with World Nomad https://www.worldnomads.com      Let them know you will be volunteering with Mundo Exchange)
  • Airfares and transportation to your orientation
  • All vaccines, medications and medical concerns
  • Visas and work permits, travel and fees
  • Personal expenses
  • All meals and transportation when not at a Homestay, although many volunteer sites do include a free lunch.  The Mundo Exchange volunteer house has a full kitchen for your cooking use and there are numerous of delicious restaurants within walking distance (typical Thai meals cost between $1.00 and $3.00. Drinks are separate)
  • Transportation costs to and from homestay placement other than initial transport
  •  During weekends there may be opportunities for camping & visiting important cultural sites.  Sleeping bags and tents are available at a very low fee or they can also be purchased VERY inexpensively.  You will need your own backpack to carry your things and we share transportation expenses  
What and Who your fees support:
  • Inscription fees for students to go to school 
  • Local volunteer assistants who setup your placements, help you during orientation, and during your stay, and after you leave
  • Medical care and supplies for people who cannot afford to pay
  • Pencils, paper, notebooks, etc. for students who can’t afford their daily materials
  • School uniforms for families who are unable to buy the annual mandatory clothing
  • Food for families who would otherwise go hungry
  • Transportation for persons with HIV and other serious illnesses to get to the hospital for on-going treatment
  • Transportation for students to go to school
What and Who your fees DON’T support:
  • Salaries for Mundo Directors – Mundo Directors volunteer our time and pay for all of our own daily living expenses
  • Administrative overhead costs – We have a donor who pays for all of our overhead costs including rental fees, technology and communication fees and transportation to projects
 

Interested in Changing the World?

Don’t have time to volunteer but still want to help? Fortunately there is more than one way to make a difference! You can become a Sponsor or Donate to our cause. You can also help spread the word and raise awareness by fundraising within your own community!