Thailand stray dog rescue usf internship proposal

Stray Dog Rescue in Thailand

Intern Abroad | Thailand Stray Dog Rescue | Greenheart Travel 1

Introduction to Greenheart Travel Greenheart Travel is personally invested in providing cultural immersion programs that change lives, advance careers and create leaders. Our organization is a 501(c)3 non-profit committed to connecting people and planet to create a more peaceful and sustainable global community.

We provide others with the same positive travel experiences in which we ourselves engage. Through travel and cultural exchange, we help individuals reach their full potential, leading to a more tolerant, peaceful and environmentally sustainable world.

Greenheart Travel’s Values 

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A Commitment to the Environment: As the leading eco-friendly exchange organization, we are passionate about helping travelers explore the globe while respecting the environment and cultural heritage of the destinations they explore.

Our Carbon Offset Program: We donate a portion of your program fee to offset the carbon emissions your trip abroad will create, as well as donate to our environmentally-focused volunteer program partners to help them complete specific project goals. Check out how our past carbon offset donations have been put to good use: Creating Sustainability Within Our International Communities: We believe in supporting our travelers to make a positive impact in their host communities. The Greenheart Club is just one way we can help you promote green practices while traveling abroad through Greenheart Grant funding and community support.

Connecting with Our Local Chicago Community: Greenheart Travel plays an active role in community initiatives, informative workshops, and fundraisers to help others learn how to travel for a change in our hometown of Chicago, Illinois.

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Stray Dog Rescue Project in Thailand We achieve the above goals and values by partnering with organizations and governments overseas that empower their local communities through experiential learning and practical development. One such partnership is our dog rescue center in Thailand.

History of Program It is estimated that there are over 300,000 stray dogs in Thailand, a number that grows each year as these dogs continue to reproduce at alarming rates. With a 70% puppy mortality rate and 90% of dogs having ticks & fleas, these dogs are in need of care. As a Greenheart Travel intern, you will help these animals have a healthy life while working with the community to encourage humane treatment of dogs.

Started in 2013, the animal shelter aims to stabilize the stray dog population by providing necessary healthcare and vaccinations, adoptions, and public education about animal care. However, the demand for these services is ever growing, limiting the capabilities in the field.

Topic of Project The center receives anonymous animal donations throughout the year, including puppies, cats and even pregnant dogs! The organization started out with the simple goal of going around Hua Hin and giving food to hundreds of stray dogs. From its humble beginnings, the operation grew to include trained volunteer vets who furthered the capabilities by providing and administering vaccinations, medication, and even surgery and rehabilitation for animals in serious need of help.

We welcome the help of interns from all backgrounds!

On-site help is always needed as the project is growing and requires constant attention and hard work in areas of maintenance and also the treatment of street animals. This can be a rich and rewarding experience, but also tough and testing, an ideal opportunity to gain international experience while helping those who can’t help themselves.

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Intern Responsibilities   

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Feeding runs around Hua Hin. This happens on a daily basis and is also used as an opportunity to monitor the development of the different packs under our care around Hua Hin. Cleaning of clinic and general maintenance. This means, sweeping, mopping, and sanitizing of clinic, fixing anything from plumbing to fences, and more.

Administration of medical care in the clinic and in the field. Serious medical cases are transferred to the medical clinic where we are able to apply significant care, and it’s here where you will be asked to assist our resident vet and animal carer with anything they need. Field medical care is a simpler task, but just as important, and involves administration of shots and general medication.

Office administration. Paper work, yes this is important and requires constant attention. Making sure the books are kept up-to-date, and our databases are accurate is an important part of keeping the project running smoothly.

The upkeep of our social media and initiating and developing projects to spread the reach of the project in order to educate and encourage participation on the project.

Loving and caring for street animals

Example Weekly Itinerary Volunteers generally work during the week (M-F) from 8am until noon. During the middle of the day, you will have a lunch break at the project site. The volunteers then return to work on projects in the afternoon around 1:00pm and will volunteer until 5:00pm.

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Staff Involved in the Program

Jaco Kleinloog Director of Rescue Center. A South African national who has been living in Thailand for over 5 years, he is also one of the founders of the organization. Jaco is passionate about animals and has a particular interest in helping the street dogs of Thailand. He owns a rescue dog named Menace.

Jaco’s years of experience in Thailand and in business administration, and his genuine care and passion have helped expand its operations enormously.

Mor Aye Resident veterinarian. She has been a practicing vet in Thailand for more than 10 years. Her recent addition to the organization has allowed us to significantly expand our capabilities within Hua Hin. Mor Aye has the ability to perform complex surgeries and her local networks have enabled the center to deepen its ties to the local community.

Megan Arzbaecher Born and raised in the Midwest, Megan studied History and International Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She also participated in a 4 month around-the-world educational program with Semester at Sea, which opened her eyes to the need for culturally conscious education and global sustainability.

Megan will be your program manager at Greenheart Travel and will be the primary contact prior to your departure for Thailand, as well as your main coordinator for the internship program. All communication, questions and processing for your paperwork will go through Megan.

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What is it like in Thailand?

The animal rescue center is located approximately three hours south of Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. The town is called Hua Hin, although it is a fairly small beach community. Like any tropical country, Thailand is ruled by seasons, although they can vary quite markedly from the north to the south. Hua Hin is fortunate, in as much as it is fairly centrally located and on a narrow peninsula that extends down to Malaysia. As a result, Hua Hin has three distinctive seasons - as opposed to four that most western countries experience. Thais will refer to these as "cool, dry", "hot" and "rainy". 

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Dry season Roughly speaking the "cool, dry" season is from November-February. At this time of year, nights can get cool and the average temperature is 26 degrees centigrade. There is plenty of sunshine, although it is not as strong as later in the year. Rain is very seldom experienced.

Hot season The "hot" season extends from March-June. Temperatures can easily reach an average of 84 degrees F, with daytime heat rising to 95+ degrees F. Nights are also hot and humidity rises.

Towards the end of this season, it is not unusual to get some rain showers, but only in the afternoons and lasting generally not longer than an hour or so.

Wet season The "rainy" season lasts from July-October. However, Hua Hin does not suffer from the monsoon downpours that the north and south get. You can expect temperatures to be at an average of 80 degrees F with the evenings slightly cooler than in the hot season. Mornings can be overcast, but most days brighten up and become hot and humid. Any rain is normally reserved for mid afternoons and when showers occur, they don't last long and are a refreshing respite to the balmy days.

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Accommodations Volunteers are housed in a local volunteer housing complex. It is a basic accommodation in a small building complex approximately 10 minutes’ drive away from the rescue center. The rooms are shared with fans and common toilets. It is located walking distance to major areas in Hua Hin. Meals You will receive a daily meal stipend, which you can use to purchase local meals at restaurants or food carts. You can also opt to cook your own food if you prefer.

Internet Broadband internet is easily accessible throughout Thailand, and there is internet at the volunteer center. Many internet cafes are available throughout Thailand and mobile internet 3G SIM cards are available for about 800 THB per month.

Phone You can bring your own phone to use in Thailand, as long as it is unlocked and able to use a new SIM card. If you aren’t bringing your own phone, you can purchase one in Thailand for about $20 USD. Plans are pre-paid and very inexpensive. Calls to the US costs about 30 cents per minute on the cell phone plans. * BATHROOMS * In Thailand, many public restrooms are squatter toilets, and some flush while others do not.

Sometimes toilet paper is provided and sometimes not, so you may want to bring a travel size role of toilet paper in case you are traveling and need to use the restroom.

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Logistical Information Start Dates: This program is offered in throughout the year in the Spring, Summer and Fall terms. We offer multiple start dates for your flexibility and we can coordinate with your schedule once you are accepted onto the program.

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All arrivals are on Sunday.

All stays are for 6 weeks.

2016 Program Fee Unlike some of the other internship programs, Greenheart Travel offers an all-inclusive program fee which includes all of your in-country expenses. You will pay this fee upfront directly to Greenheart Travel via credit card.

Program Cost: $3,350

What is included in the program fee?

Round trip airfare from TPA to BKK

Accommodation

Stipend for daily meals

Pre-departure cultural orientation

Pick up at BKK Airport

Drop off at BKK Airport

On-site animal safety training

24 hour emergency support

Certificate of completion at end of program

Emergency Medical Insurance

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