This program offers the opportunity to work closely with Asian elephants, learning about their behavior, needs, and how to care for them responsibly. The program aims to provide a nurturing environment for the elephants, tailored to their specific needs based on age andhealth.
In Thailand, elephants are an important part of the culture, myths, and religion. Sadly, this respectdoesn’t always show in how elephants are treated. Many face abuse, poaching, deforestation, and loss of habitat, which has led to a sharp decline in their numbers. Today, Asian elephants are an endangered species.
The Elephant Care Program focuses on giving elephants the care they need, depending on their age and health. Throughout the week, you’ll help keep their habitat clean and healthy.
On Mondays, you’ll get an introduction to Asian elephants and learn how to prepare Thai herbal medicine for them with the help of the I Love Elephant team. This is a great wayfor newparticipants to understand the program’s goals.
From Monday to Friday, you’ll be involved in daily tasks like:
By joining the Elephant Care Program, you’ll not only support the elephants’ well-being but also learn a lot about their care. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these wonderful animals.
Located in the Surat Thani province, Koh Samui is the second largest island in Thailand, brimming with natural and cultural beauty. The island is known for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, and coral reefs, making it a paradise for beach lovers and diving enthusiasts.
This program is available all year
Duration during the week | Budget total mission |
|---|---|
2 weeks | 1520 € |
3 weeks | 2130 € |
4 weeks | 2740 € |
5 weeks | 3350 € |
6 weeks | 3960 € |
8 weeks | 5280 € |
10 weeks | 6600 € |
12 weeks | 7920 € |
A 200€ supplement applies to participants under 18 years old in order to cover the specific logistics and support required for minors, More information on this link Humanitarian Trips for Youth
Monday
On the Monday of your first week on-site, you will participate in our orientation day to get familiar with the surroundings and local culture. Your program will continue as usual starting Tuesday for the remainder of the week.
The program for the first Monday:
Tuesday to Friday
This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances. It is also possible to participate in community missions focused on construction and teaching in Koh Samui. Applications will be reviewed based on individual skills and goals.
The new center is located in Koh Samui, with easy access to all daily necessities to ensure participants feel comfortable. The house features standard shared rooms and private rooms, all of which are equipped with showers. Some annexes to the accommodation are available, capable of hosting 2 to 3 participants. There is a swimming pool and communal living spaces.
All meals are included (3 meals on weekdays, 2 on weekends)
All meals served in the accommodation are homemade, vegetarian-friendly, and you can expect typical Thai dishes, with plenty of rice or noodles accompanied by vegetables. Occasionally, meat will also be offered, along with seasonal fruit for dessert.
Although we do our best to accommodate the needs of our participants, most meals are local cuisine. If you have dietary restrictions or feel that the local dishes provided may not fully satisfy you, you might consider supplementing our menu with Western-style foods and snacks available in the nearby convenience stores.
You will spend most of your day at the Koh Samui center, where all the amenities are available. Koh Samui offers easy access to local shops, laundry services, and transportation through the GRAB app.
For all international projects, Realstep requires participants to take out travel insurance covering accidents, illness, and repatriation, as well as civil liability for professional activities abroad.
For complete protection while studying or interning abroad, you can take out Cap Student insurance online by following this link Student insurance abroad | Chapka Assurances, which will give you a 5% discount.
If you take out another insurance policy, we will ask you to send us a copy of your certificate in English.
Achieve the language level required for your international project with tailored support. The Clic-campus method Free Packers X Clic Campus foreign language training courses combines videoconference lessons and an innovative e-learning platform, offering complete flexibility from the comfort of your own home.
A Packing List is usually provided before departure by the local organizations, with all the necessary and recommended items to pack depending on the destination and the project.
If you take prescription medication, bring enough for the entire length of your stay, as well as a basic first-aid kit (paracetamol, bandages, etc.).
You may also consider getting a local SIM card when you arrive in Thailand. Instructions will be provided when you register for the project.
Requirements may vary from one program to another, especially for youth programs. The basic requirements are:
Thailand is known for being a very affordable destination, where you can enjoy great local dishes for €1!
Example budget for a 4-week volunteer project in Chiang Mai
The program fee includes all on-site logistics costs (meals, accommodation, transport), volunteer supervision and training, and a donation to the local NGO. Be sure to check the page for each project, as inclusions may vary.
Thailand is considered a safe destination for volunteers and international travelers. All volunteer projects are located in secure, well-frequented areas, and participants are supervised at all times by a local team.
However, you should always remain vigilant and follow the instructions and briefings provided by the host NGO on the first day of the project.
All humanitarian projects in Thailand are available year-round. Needs are ongoing, and projects remain open regardless of weather conditions!
The only thing to keep in mind: school holidays. Teaching/education projects are closed during New Year’s week and during school holidays.
Our projects are selected to ensure safety. Families benefit from a reassuring environment and supervised activities. The days are designed to include both children and adults, with a flexible pace and shared moments of discovery.
Yes! For families who want to travel together, we offer programs specifically designed to welcome children from 4, 10, or 15 years old, depending on the project. Our program pages indicate whether they are family-friendly, or you can contact our team to learn more.
You’ll stay together in accommodation with private rooms, in shared houses, or in comfortable local hostels.
