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Our International Internship Program provides an opportunity for both undergraduate and graduate students from a variety of backgrounds to join our project and gain valuable experience working in the nonprofit NGO sector. This program will challenge its participants to further their professional development in their area of expertise, while also learning new skills in a dynamic environment.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Currently, CNF has interns specializing in Photography, Forest Management, Website Development, Social Media Marketing, Sustainability Management, and International Relations. If you think your background or experience can contribute to our work, we would love to hear how! Our only criteria are passion, dedication, and respect.

DETAILS

Our organization operates primarily in two locations: Pai, a small town in the Mae Hong Son province of northern Thailand, and Tarutao National Park, a southern island chain in the Satun Province. Housing, meals, and transportation are provided. We also assist new interns with the visa application process, which, in most cases, will allow individuals to stay in Thailand from ninety days up to one year. The minimum duration for an internship with CNF is at least one month.

If you are interested in projects related to wildlife and environmental conservation and exploring a new culture and way of life, we invite you to apply for this internship! For more information please feel free to email us at: internships@conservenaturalforests.org.  Don’t forget to submit a resume and cover letter telling us how your background and education will contribute to our program. 

TUITION

The fee for the internship is 900 euros per month. This includes food, accommodation, and one motorbike for every two interns. It also covers the costs for the necessary documents for applicants to acquire a visa abroad, as well as the costs associated with extending their stay past 90 days. However, you have the option of arranging your own accommodation,  as well as providing for your own meals and transportation.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

All expenses associated with the arrangement of the internship, including the necessary documents to gain visa approval and assistance with the visa application process.

Your own private bungalow, fully equipped with your own bathroom and hot water for showers.

Freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner customized to your liking and food preferences during the week. Saturdays and Sundays are yours to explore the delicious flavours around Pai!

A motorbike for every two interns to use at your leisure.

Transportation and accommodation during educational road trips.

Transportation to your bungalow or hotel once you arrive in Pai.

In-country support services for the duration of the internship.

Free high-speed WiFi in your bungalow as well as the general living area.

FAQs

Will I get paid for the internship?

Candidates participating in our International Internship Program will not be paid for the internship – this is a voluntary non-paid training period. This is the standard in Thailand and for most global organisations. As a nonprofit, we simply cannot afford to pay our interns or provide free housing and transportation at this time. Our interns have found that the benefits far outweigh the costs. We try to keep the these costs as low as possible because we do not want them to be a barrier for entry. We believe we should benefit from the perspectives of interns from all walks of life and backgrounds. Your tuition fees go directly back into the foundation – toward reforestation and wildlife conservation, toward providing a better life for Mae Kamee and the local community.

What is the duration of the internship?

This is up to you, but we ask that you commit at least one month in order to reap the full benefits of an experience abroad. Most interns stay for 3 – 6 months.

How long will it take to arrange the internship?

We recommend that you apply at least 90 days in advance to your start date (especially if you are applying for university credit). However, we can expedite this process on a case-by-case basis.

What should I bring?

For work:

Sturdy work boots for hiking and the farm, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeve shirt – this will protect you from the sun as well as the bugs. Sunscreen can be expensive in South East Asia, try and bring some from elsewhere if possible.

Outside of work:

When not on the farm, dress is casual – feel free to be your unique selves! Keep in mind that Thai culture is traditionally conservative, please be aware of this by trying to dress as respectfully as possible when in more formal situations. When visiting temples knees and shoulders should be covered.

Don’t forget your laptop!

Can I get university approval or accreditation for my internship?

Yes! Many of our interns complete the practical requirement of their academic studies and gain credit for their internship completed at CNF.  Please let us know if you wish to gain academic credit for your internship.

We ask that applicants seeking credit for academic studies supply all of the necessary documentation with their application. The team at CNF will liaise with representatives from your university or college, if required, to ensure that all of the necessary academic documentation is completed and satisfactory.

What is the weather like in Pai?

June-Nov (Rainy Season)

Rainy season is wet and humid, bring clothes that easily dry along with a light rain Jacket along with a good pair of flip-flops. There are a lot of mosquitoes during this time, remember to use bug spray.

Dec-May (Dry Season)

Dry season can get extremely hot during the day, but drop below freezing at night. If coming during this period it is best to bring a sweatshirt and hat, warm blankets will be provided in the bungalows.

What kind of visa do I need?

You will be applying for a Non-Immigrant “O” Volunteer Visa at your local Thai Embassy or Consulate before you leave for Thailand. We recommend you apply at least one week in advance, or as soon as you have secured your travel dates.

How should I arrange my travel itinerary?

Arriving in Thailand:

After a long flight to Thailand you can stay one night in Bangkok as it is a big city with plenty to see, or switch airports and head directly to the northern city of Chiang Mai. There are plenty of places that can arrange your transport to either Don Mueng Airport which is where you can catch a flight to Chiang Mai, the flight is a quick and cheap 45 minutes, and makes for easy travel. You can always take the scenic route by taking the train where you can book an overnight sleeper, this is a little cheaper and a nice way to see some of the countryside. Once you arrive in Pai, we will pick you up.

Arriving in Chiang Mai:

Chiang Mai is like the capital of the north, a really cool city with tons to do and tons to eat! A couple days in Chiang Mai could certainly be worth your while and a good resting place before making your way up to Pai. When you decide what time and date you would like to head to CNF, let us know so we can arrange with Aya Service, located next to the train station, to take you up in one of their vans to us. The trip can take around three hours and has a lot of turns, but it’s quite a beautiful ride.

What is expected of me as an intern?

When interning with Conserve Natural Forests you are expected to follow the Code of Conduct and be respectful to the humans and nature you come in contact with here. You will be expected to work at least 20 hours per week on site and perhaps more off site depending on our goals and objectives. It is important that we feel as though you are learning from your experience so please feel free to bring up any concerns you have along the way.

Where are the bungalows located?

The bungalows are just 10 km (10 minutes) outside of Pai, where it is peaceful, quiet, and conducive to a productive work environment.

Is Pai safe?

Absolutely! While Pai city is comparable to an urban lifestyle, the atmosphere is that of a small community. People are warm and friendly, and look after each other’s wellbeing. We also have full medical support, and your valuable belongings will be safe in your bungalows with locks on all doors and windows.

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OUR NETWORK

Send us a message here to enquire about joining our internship program.

Want to contribute to our cause?

Conserve Natural Forests was built and continues to grow thanks to the generosity of like-minded people who support our work. We would not be where we are today without their help. If you would like to know more about how you can contribute toward restoring Thailand’s beautiful ecosystems and saving endangered species, please consider donating to one of our projects.

Want to contribute to our cause?

Conserve Natural Forests was built and continues to grow thanks to the generosity of like-minded people who support our work. We would not be where we are today without their help. If you would like to know more about how you can contribute toward restoring Thailand’s beautiful ecosystems and saving endangered species, please consider donating to one of our projects.

Send us a message here to enquire about joining our internship program.

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Building a sustainable future, one tree at a time.

info@conservenaturalforests.org

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Find us online and follow us on our journey.

Building a sustainable future, one tree at a time.

info@conservenaturalforests.org