50 hrs of fieldwork per week
1:6 staff to participant ratio
Includes GVI ExperiencesGain conservation research skills and valuable work experience in the coastal area of Ao Nang, Thailand. You’ll conduct dugong, sea turtle and seagrass surveys, while learning about island conservation alongside local organisations. Our three-month intensive fieldwork training is followed by a three-month work placement, offering opportunities to develop leadership skills and build expertise.
GVI Foundation Grants are now available for conservation programs abroad. Up to GBP 5,000 based on your motivation and circumstances.
Our six-month apprenticeship program in Thailand is an invaluable opportunity to kick-start your conservation career. Located in the vibrant Krabi Province, our research station in Ao Nang offers a diverse ecosystem, from lush forests to thriving coral reefs. Here, you’ll encounter various species like dugongs, whale sharks, turtles, hornbills, sunbirds and butterflies.
This apprenticeship guarantees a three-month work placement, following three months of practical training. It’s an excellent opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills, with a significant boost for your CV. As an apprentice, you’ll support ongoing conservation efforts, including beach profiling, seagrass surveys, coastline mapping with drones, biodiversity surveys and environmental education workshops. Additionally, you’ll assist in dugong surveys, coral reef restoration and monitoring sea turtle and shark populations. While snorkelling is the primary activity on this program, scuba-diving training is available at an additional fee.
Conveniently located near temples, national parks, shopping areas and lively nightlife spots, our hub is the perfect base for exploration. During your free time, dive into Ao Nang’s nightlife or immerse yourself in Krabi’s natural beauty. Enjoy rock climbing, kayaking and hiking in national parks like Khao Phanom Bencha and Than Bok Khorani.
This program aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities, Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production, Goal 13: Climate Action, Goal 14: Life Below Water, and Goal 15: Life on Land.
This internship is specifically useful for someone who has or is actively studying the below subject areas at school, university or college, or has an interest in these subject areas.
Some of the example typical activities you could participate in on this program.
Some of the partners we work with on base.
Located in the town of Ban Chong Pli, within the picturesque Krabi Province, our research station offers easy access to the vibrant town of Ao Nang, just a short 15-minute drive away.
Krabi Province, located on Thailand’s southwest coast, offers a wealth of natural beauty with its stunning beaches, limestone cliffs and lush forests. You can enjoy activities like rock climbing and kayaking, or go for a hike in nearby national parks such as Khao Phanom Bencha and Than Bok Khorani to spot wildlife and take in the scenery. Immerse yourself in the local culture with visits to temples, shopping and nightlife.
As a volunteer in Thailand, you’ll have the chance to see incredible species like turtles, dugongs, whale sharks, gibbons, woodpeckers and hornbills. Don’t miss out on Krabi’s attractions, including the Emerald Pond and Tiger Temple Cave. And make sure to explore the Andaman islands for their marine life.
An accommodation upgrade is available at an extra charge, depending on availability.
We want you to make the most of the chance to live in – and contribute towards – the most diverse and unique wildernesses and communities on earth. Introducing GVI Experiences – immersive adventure, cultural and wellness activities exclusive to GVI that have been specially designed in collaboration with our local partners to support and stimulate sustainable economic development.
Enhance your impact. Expand your adventure. Explore your world.
By joining a GVI program, you not only contribute to preserving unique ecosystems but also get the chance to explore the surrounding area or venture further to see what else the region has to offer on weekends.
Our field staff are a great source of advice on local travel options. Many participants choose to travel before or after their experience, solidifying friendships made on the program.
Engaging with a new context teaches global awareness, adaptability and critical thinking – skills highly valued in today’s world. Cultural immersion is encouraged, and there are many activities to enjoy during your free time or before and after your program. Please note, these suggestions aren’t included in the program fee and are at your own expense.
Explore the picturesque waterfalls of Khao Yai in central Thailand. Here you can spot unique Thai wildlife like gibbons.
Travel to the city complex ruins of Ayutthaya to learn more about Thailand’s heritage. This spectacular, but now abandoned city used to be the medieval capital of Siam.
If you’d like to find out what the experience of joining a GVI project is really like, simply contact us and we’ll put you in touch with one of our many Alumni.
We’ll try to match you to an Alum based on your location, nationality, age, stage of academic career, gender, and program interests. This allows you to gain insights into the experience that is most relevant to you.
Depending on your location you might be able to speak to an Alum over the phone or online, or meet up with them face-to-face at a coffee shop nearby. We also run a series of small events around the world where you can speak to GVI Alumni, Ambassadors and staff members.
Conservation Program Coordinator
Meet Eve our Conservation Program Coordinator in Ao Nang, Thailand. She was born in the United Kingdom but has since lived and worked in many countries across Europe. She is ext ...
When it comes to support, we ensure that each participant is provided with unparalleled, 360 degree support, from your initial contact with the GVI Family, all the way through your program, and even after, as you become part of the GVI Alumni Team.
As part of this promise, we will ensure, whenever possible, that one of our dedicated staff will be available to meet you at the airport. In most locations, we also set up a Whatsapp group to help with managing airport arrivals.
We will arrange with you prior to your departure that, should you arrive in the agreed upon pick up window, a member of our staff will be there to welcome you, easily identifiable in a GVI t-shirt or holding a GVI sign and wearing a friendly smile.
This means there will be someone there to greet you as you land, and from there you will be transported to your GVI base to start your adventure and meet the rest of your team.
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All of our programs have short-, mid- and long-term objectives that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). This enables us to report on our collaborative impact across the world in a streamlined manner, measuring which UN SDGs we are making a substantial contribution to. Furthermore, this will help our local partners and communities measure and visualise their contribution to the UN SDGs.
Prior to your arrival on base, you will be educated about the UN SDGs. Then once you arrive on base, you’ll learn about the specific goals we have in this particular location, our various objectives, and also clarification of how your personal, shorter-term involvement contributes to these.
Our aim is to educate you on local and global issues, so that you continue to be an active global citizen after your program, helping to fulfil our mission of building a global network of people united by their passion to make a difference.
GVI Ao Nang Long-term Objectives:
1. Promote sea turtle and dugong conservation.
2. Provide long-term and consistent data to conservation partners.
3. Increase public awareness of environmental issues and importance of environmental protection.
4. Assist with local marine and coastal waste management efforts.
5. Educate and train participants on biodiversity, survey techniques and marine conservation.
