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Volunteering Frequently Asked Question List (FAQs)

What is included in the price?

We offer three different packages starting from 13,000 Thai baht per year. All packages includes support from CMU staff during the whole of this time, a letter of appreciation from your host organisation, an official CMU certificate of hours completed and, importantly, visa support for a one year Education Visa. The packages vary from basic to all-inclusive... You can find more information about presently available packages at http://www.teflcmu.com/Cultural_Exchange/.

What is the difference between the Cultural Exchange Programme and other volunteer programmes?

At Chiang Mai University’s Cultural Exchange Programme, we focus on the sharing of skills and education by offering tailor-made placements. Our vision is the successful placing of all our participants at organisations where they can share skills and also learn new skills. All of our participants are officially students of Chiang Mai University and we support the one-year Education Visa. The majority of volunteer organisations do not offer practical support for visas, and in general ask a higher fee to participate in their programmes. The Cultural Exchange Programme is a non-profit organisation in which participant fees cover overall running costs. The programme’s staff are committed to finding you the most suitable placement at the best price, however long it takes.

Is it possible to travel with friends or partner?

Yes, of course! Just let us know if you want to be on the same project with your friend or partner and we will arrange it for you. The more, the merrier!

I have religious needs - will this be a problem?

Please let us know if you have religious needs and we will do everything to make sure that you are placed in a residency that will meet your requirements.

I am already helping a local Thai community, can I still join the programme?

Yes, this is possible. We have a special package for people who already have a placement. We can support your visa and will make an official agreement with you, your host organisation and CMU. Look at our packages page for more information or to apply for this package.

Can I get more information from other participants?

Yes, you can read about the experiences of other participants at their blogs:http://www.teflcmu.com/Blogs/

What is required to apply for the Cultural Exchange Programme?

To officially enrol in the programme, you have to be at least 18 years old and should submit your application form, available online at

http://www.teflcmu.com/Apply/?program=Volunteer, a copy of your passport, a reference, (from, for example, a teacher, doctor, previous employer, parent or church leader) and, if you plan to work with children, a criminal record check. All documents required may be sent to us via email. After we have received your documents and the fee, you are officially enrolled in our programme and officially a student of Chiang Mai University.

How far ahead should I apply?

The more notice you can give, the more time we will have to find the most suitable project for you.

Is there a maximum age limit for participants?

Although we do not usually take volunteers under the age of 18, there is no upper age limit.

What hours do I have to work?

You should be prepared to commit at least 16 hours per month to your project, but there is no limit to the number of hours you may put in. We design an individual time schedule between you and the host organization, as we understand that every situation, project and person is different.

What Cultural Exchange placements are currently available?

Whatever skills you want to contribute, we will try our very best to find a suitable placement for you. Sometimes this will take a while, as we are committed to giving you the best possible experience. If you wish to enrol but are sure not how you can be of use, we can present a number of opportunities for your consideration.

Can I change my project?

If you are unhappy with your project, of course you may change. Please let us know the reasons behind your wish to change, and we will endeavour to find a more suitable position for you. An administration charge of 2,000 baht will apply.

What are the options?

Look at our running projects or send us an email if you like to use your own skills!

If I really love my placement, can I extend it?

Yes, of course, there are no additional fees for extending a placement.

What do I do if there is a problem?

If you have a problem, please contact our coordinators: cep@teflcmu.com or (+66) 053-943-761

Is it possible for me to volunteer for more than one project?

Yes, of course, but an administration charge of 2,000 Thai baht will apply, as it takes time to connect you successfully with another host organisation for a suitable second placement.

Can I use my own skills?

Yes, certainly! You can share your own skills and knowledge. Let us know what specific skills you prefer to work with and we will find you a suitable placement

How do I get to the project?

The majority of our projects are within Chiang Mai city and its surrounding districts, making travelling easy and cheap using tuk-tuks and songthaews. For more distant placements, Chiang Mai has a regular, reliable and extensive bus network serving the province and further.

I would like to work in a rural area, is that possible?

The Cultural Exchange project has a broad network covering many organisations in Chiang Mai Province. Once your preferences are noted, we can liaise with, for example, a hill tribe community in a rural area, an organic farm in the countryside, an orphanage and school up in the hills or one of our already running rural projects. However, if you want to work in a rural area, be aware that facilities may well be basic!

I?d like to teach, but don?t have any experience. Can you help?

If you?re committed to teaching English, but have no formal training, we can recommend the 120-hour TEFL Course

Why do I have to pay to be a volunteer?

Chiang Mai University is a non-profit making organisation, but there are costs, time-related and actual, involved in researching a suitable opportunity which fits in with your needs. Liaison with organisations, phone calls, visits, arranging visa papers, especially if a placement is unusual or outside Chiang Mai, can take a good deal of time and effort. The cost to you is less than that of most other organisations, and the services we offer as part of your placement are fully comprehensive.

What are my payment options?

You can pay by credit card, bank transfer or in cash. Look for our payment options on our website at: http://www.teflcmu.com/paymentoptions.php

How long does it take to arrange my visa?

Once you have received the paperwork confirming your placement on a project, getting your Education Visa is easy. If you are already in Thailand on a tourist visa, you must go to a Thai Embassy in a nearby country in order to change your present visa. If you are living outside Thailand, you should contact your local Thai embassy. Visa processing takes between 2-5 days. Let us know which embassy you will be using so that we can arrange your paperwork in time. Please visit http://www.thaiembassy.org/ to find and contact your nearest Thai Embassy.

I?m already living in Thailand. Do I need to leave the country to change my visa?

No, we will arrange the paperwork so that all you need to do is go to Immigration with the fee (at present 1,900 baht) and present your paperwork, passport and two photos.

What exactly is an Education Visa?

Chiang Mai University?s Cultural Exchange Programme focuses on sharing skills, knowledge and education. By joining our programme you officially become a student of the university and are eligible for an Education Visa.

What is the advantage of an Education Visa?

If you are here on a tourist visa, you must renew it after 30 days by leaving the country. At present, two 30-day visas are all you are allowed. With an Education Visa, you can stay in Thailand, and only have to visit Chiang Mai Immigration every 90 days to renew your permission to stay. In addition, an Education Visa has a higher status in Thailand than a tourist visa.

Is it possible to renew my Education Visa after one year?

Yes. We support your Education Visa for one year. If you decide to stay in the programme, we can renew your Education Visa and continue our support.

How many times can the Education Visa be renewed?

As of now, there is no limit for renewal of the Education Visa

What is a Criminal Record Check?

Criminal record check clearance documentation is compulsory if you are applying to work with children or vulnerable groups through our programme. Participants in Chiang Mai University Language Institute?s Cultural Exchange Programme who wish to work in these fields are requested to obtain a Criminal Record Check clearance certificate or an existing certificate update from police authorities in their home countries before enrolment in the programme. The clearance certificate should not be older than one year and should be updated at the time of submission.

Why do I need a Criminal Record Check?

Many of our participants are working with children and vulnerable groups, therefore we need to ensure that these children and vulnerable groups are safe. Unfortunately, it is well known that abusers often contact NGOs and other volunteer organisations in order to gain access to children and vulnerable groups. As a result, anyone wishing to work in this sector will need to assure us that they can be trusted by presenting a current Criminal Record Check clearance certificate issued in their home country.

How long does it take to arrange a Criminal Record Check?

This depends on your home country. On average, checks take five days in the USA, two weeks in the UK and up to four weeks in the Netherlands.

What is the price of a Criminal Record Check?

Criminal checks in most countries average $99. Checks on American nationals in the USA are $39.95, although New York State charges $55. UK checks are $125. and the Netherlands authorities charge $30.05..

How can I arrange a Criminal Record Check?

You can visit http://www.bcint.com/cmu.htm to fill out your details in your native language. Be sure to fill in all fields correctly. Your confidential information will be sent to a company which provides this service, and which will bill you for the service by email.

The following terms and conditions are an agreement between you and Chiang Mai University Language Institute (hereafter referred to as 'of CMU LI'). When you apply for our CMU LI Cultural Exchange Program, you are agreeing to what is written below.

By becoming a participant in our Cultural Exchange Program you acknowledge and accept the risks associated with living and working in developing countries. CMU LI is not liable for any loss or harm you may suffer, including but not limited to loss caused by delays, bodily injury or death, emotional upset, damage to or loss of property, war or terrorism. CMU LI is not liable for any errors or mistakes made by partner organizations, charities and projects.

Deposit, payment and application forms

We reserve the right to revise the program fee on our website. Once you have received a price quotation then this is valid for two months from the date of issue and you will only pay the price quoted even if prices change on our website in a period of two months.

Program deposit fees are due before we organize your placement. Full program fees are due before we prepare your visa support papers and no later then 3 weeks prior to the start of your placement. Program fees paid to CMU LI by means of bank transfer will need to have the transaction costs covered by the payee.

Upon receipt of your application form and program deposit fee we will start to organize your placement. However if you withdraw your application at any stage, as we will have already incurred costs in processing your application and organizing your placement we regret that we cannot refund your deposit fee as we need to cover our costs incurred on your behalf. Once the full program fee is paid and we've prepared your visa support papers no refund can't be made either.

We reserve the right to cancel your placement due to unexpected situations or changes with our partners or with the charities or any situations that require us to do so. If this situation occurs we will organize a different placement for you. We are however not responsible for any costs you have in cancelling your flights or any other costs.

Refunds and Cancellations

We will cancel your placement when we receive instructions from you. Cancellation is effective from the day we receive this notification. In the event of your cancellation deposit fees made are non-refundable. Once the full fee is paid, your visa papers have been prepared and your placement is arranged no refunds can be made unless there is proof of "special circumstances". CMU LI reserves the right to take this case by case and decide if a refund is granted. If this situation occurs, visas that are already applied for will be cancelled.

No refunds will be made if you voluntarily leave your Cultural Exchange Program placement for any reason after the program has begun. No refunds will be made for any accommodation, transport, sightseeing, meals or services not utilized.

Travel

The participant is solely responsible for arranging and paying for their own travel, specifically including all airfares or other transport costs to and from the host country as well as any local transport costs. It is the responsibility of the participant to carry all necessary documents when travelling abroad. While CMU LI may advise the participant on required travel documentation, CMU LI is not responsible for any supporting documents necessary for the participants travel needs or other purposes.

Unusual Circumstances

Your placement may be disrupted by an unusual event or circumstances that CMU LI could not reasonably have foreseen. If the unusual event is serious enough to significantly affect your placement, we will try to arrange a suitable alternative if possible. We do not make any refunds in these situations and you will be responsible for any travel costs involved. We cannot accept liability for the effect of any unusual event or for any loss, damage, expense or claim of any description you suffer as a result.

The participant acknowledges and accepts the responsibilities and risks associated with their agreement to travel, temporarily live in and provide participant services in a developing country. Such travel and participant work can be often hazardous and involves a certain degree of risk, inherently dangerous activities and personal perils to the participant, both foreseen and unforeseen, all of which are fully accepted by and solely assumed by the participant. Therefore, CMU LI including any and all of its employees, managers, directors, host families and host country partner organizations are not liable, to the maximum extent of the law, for any loss or harm the participant or associates may suffer, including but not limited to loss caused by: Personal injury, Emotional injury, Death, Illness or disease, Damage to or loss of property. CMU LI has no liability for any lack of performance, unavailability or failure of the services or its website, or for any failure of CMU LI to comply with these terms and conditions, where the same arises from any cause reasonably beyond the control of of CMU LI.

Passport & 1 Year Educational Visa

You must ensure that you have a full passport, valid until at least 6 months after your planned return date. CMU LI is responsible for arranging your 1 Year Educational Visa if you are officially enrolled in our Cultural Exchange Program, this means: you have a written confirmation that you have enrolled in our Program, you have filled out the application form and you have paid the full program fee. CMU LI reserves the right to cancel the 1 Year Educational Visa in any case.

Requirements

To enrol in the Cultural Exchange Program we require:

     - A minimum age of 18 Years

     - Minimum commitment of 4 hours a week / 16 hours a month or 180 hours a year when participant applies for a 1 year non-immigrant ED visa

     - No criminal background

     - Native or near-native English speaker

Our participants agree to cooperate with at least four evaluations on a yearly basis. The evaluations will be send by e-mail. Our participants have to fill out the evaluations completely and return them to CMU LI within two weeks from the date sent.

Flights and other Transport

You are responsible for arranging and paying for flights to and within Thailand. In all cases, this includes daily transport to and from your placement. We cannot meet, reimburse or otherwise be responsible for any flight, travel or other costs or expenses of any nature (including, for example, any charges made by airlines etc for cancelling, changing or transferring flights or other arrangements) which are incurred or arise as a result of your placement not proceeding or being cancelled, curtailed, withdrawn or changed.

Use of photos and comments

By agreeing to these terms and conditions you agree that we may use any photo(s)/image(s) we or someone on our behalf take of you or any comments (written or verbal) you make during or in connection with your placement for our promotional/marketing purposes (such as including them in our brochure / website) without obtaining your further specific permission or making any payment to you. CMU LI reserves the right to use feedback and pictures from participants for website material.

Insurance

It is highly recommended to have travel insurance during your program. You have to obtain your own travel insurance before you leave for your program.

Changes to the Placement

We reserve to make changes to your placement if this is required. You will be fully informed if any changes are made.

Commitment & involvement

We are relying on our participants in our program and expect of our participants' that they are committed. That means that our participants are loyal and dedicated to the program and the placement. They commit themselves to the Host organisation and the amount of hours agreed on.

You agree to follow all applicable rules, policies and guidelines of CMU LI and the host organisation, as well as the laws of the local country. If you do not follow all rules, laws, policies and guidelines, CMU LI' s director has the authority to ask you to leave the community immediately. If you are asked to leave, you agree to leave the community immediately and your Visa will be cancelled.

Code of conduct

All participants in our program are expected to adhere to proper conduct at their placements, proper conduct with children and listen to the instructions of your coordinator and the charities code of conduct. This covers, but is not limited to, respecting others' cultures and beliefs, working responsibly at your placement, respecting the accommodation and avoiding drugs and illegal activities. Also participants will be removed from their placement without a refund if they engage in illegal, violent or improper behaviour.

It is understood that any participant in our program will obey the laws of Thailand. This forbids alcohol consumption by minors and the use of illegal drugs. Participants are expected to be courteous and respectful at all times, and abusive behaviour will not be tolerated. CMU LI reserves the right to expel (without refund) any participant with improper behaviour and cancel the 1 Year Educational Visa.