Volunteer with Elephants in Thailand | GVI
by: GVI
In Northern Thailand, support local community members and elephant mahouts to reintegrate these intelligent land animals into expansive forest grounds. You’ll live in the rolling hillside province of Chiang Mai among local Karen communities, where you can learn about the diversity of Karen culture and gain cross-cultural skills. Guided by local mahouts, you’ll go on hiking expeditions to recor...
In Northern Thailand, support local community members and elephant mahouts to reintegrate these intelligent land animals into expansive forest grounds. You’ll live in the rolling hillside province of Chiang Mai among local Karen communities, where you can learn about the diversity of Karen culture and gain cross-cultural skills. Guided by local mahouts, you’ll go on hiking expeditions to record elephant behavioral data and take note of their sensory reactions to their environment and food sources. You’ll also learn how to identify the biodiversity in the area, conduct insect and stream surveys, and gain camera trapping skills. GVI collaborates with local partners to ensure ethical best practices are measured against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). This is...
Program Highlights
Travel to the province of Chiang Mai, visit local valleys and hike through verdant jungles while living among traditional Karen communities.
Contribute to livelihood alternatives for local community members and expand your knowledge of one of the world’s most intelligent land animals.
Develop wildlife conservation skills in behavioral data collection, biodiversity surveying, and camera trapping.
Contribute directly to the UN SDGs.
Meet people from around the world, make life-long friendships and learn about different cultural practices.
Media Gallery
Quick Details
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
- 1-2 Weeks
- 1-2 Years
- 2-4 Weeks
- 3-6 Months
- Parks
- Reforestation
- Wildlife
- American
- Canadian
- European
- Australian
- South African
Awards
Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Felt like a second home
February 27, 2025by: Josephine RuhstratProgram: Volunteer with Elephants in Thailand | GVIIt was a great experience. You get to know new people and also the village where you feel safe and welcomed. The GVI people themselves make you feel like a family and you also build friendships. The homestays felt like a second home. I would definitely recommend this program. It is a great opportunity to get to know new people and a new culture but also improve your impact on our environment and wildlife. You also have the chance to see the wildlife itself for example the Elephants and the Gibbons which were very fascinating.
Beautiful, life changing, and humbling setting
February 16, 2025by: Marwah RawashProgram: Volunteer with Elephants in Thailand | GVIThis was an amazing experience. Everything, from the people and their culture, to the stunning views everywhere you turn, it is a beautiful, life changing, and humbling setting to be in. I left feeling stronger mentally and physically (because of this hills of course). 10/10 would recommend.
Once in a lifetime trip
February 12, 2025by: Alice NewmanProgram: Volunteer with Elephants in Thailand | GVIGVI allowed me to complete a once in a lifetime trip. To experience living in a local community, teach at the schools and see elephants in the forest is something I will never ever forget. Having the chance to explore the local and wider area on weekends allows you to see more of Thailand and experience the culture. I've met some amazing people and am super sad that it's ended!!!
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
Types and Subjects
- Causes
- Parks
- Reforestation
- Wildlife
Availability
Years Offered: 2020,2021
- 1-2 Weeks
- 1-2 Years
- 2-4 Weeks
Age Requirement
Age Requirement Varies
Guidelines
- American
- Canadian
- European
- Australian
Cost per week
Program Cost Includes
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
- Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
- Required Equipment
Accommodation Options
- Home-stays
Qualifications & Experience
- Any/All Education Levels Accepted
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Online Application
Ready to Learn More?
In Northern Thailand, support local community members and elephant mahouts to reintegrate these intelligent land animals into expansive forest grounds. You’ll live in the rolling hillside province of Chiang Mai among local Karen communities, where you can learn about the diversity of Karen culture and gain cross-cultural skills. Guided by local mahouts, you’ll go on hiking expeditions to record elephant behavioral data and take note of their sensory reactions to their environment and food sources. You’ll also learn how to identify the biodiversity in the area, conduct insect and stream surveys, and gain camera trapping skills. GVI collaborates with local partners to ensure ethical best practices are measured against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). This is...
GVI
GVI
Ready to Learn More?
In Northern Thailand, support local community members and elephant mahouts to reintegrate these intelligent land animals into expansive forest grounds. You’ll live in the rolling hillside province of Chiang Mai among local Karen communities, where you can learn about the diversity of Karen culture and gain cross-cultural skills. Guided by local mahouts, you’ll go on hiking expeditions to record elephant behavioral data and take note of their sensory reactions to their environment and food sources. You’ll also learn how to identify the biodiversity in the area, conduct insect and stream surveys, and gain camera trapping skills. GVI collaborates with local partners to ensure ethical best practices are measured against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). This is...
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