Global Team Internship in Thailand
Embark on a transformative journey with Think Pacific in the vibrant city of Chiang Mai, Thailand! Join students from around the world in an immersive Global Team Internship designed to develop your cultural competency, elevate your employability, and provide you with the adventure of a lifetime.
Whether you’re seeking hands-on experience, a global perspective for your career, or an unforgettable travel experience, this program offers the unique opportunity to make a positive impact while enhancing your skills in one of Southeast Asia’s most inspiring destinations.
Experience a unique blend of authentic cultural immersion, professional skill-building, and exploration, making this internship an ideal choice for students looking for a meaningful international experience during their summer break.
- 1-month team based internship in Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Explore a new culture & delve into the traditional way of life
- Create work for up to 3 different ‘For impact’ organisations and social enterprises
- Tackle real world & impactful projects, which promote sustainable development
- Prepare for the future of work – diverse, ever-changing and hybrid
- Develop the skills and attributes, which employers crave
- Up to 120+ hours of learning, mentoring and global work experience
- Suitable for all students – supercharge your CV & boost your employability
- Project includes: Accommodation, 24/7 in-country support, food, domestic travel, internship projects, cultural and adventures activities.
- Dates: June, July or August 2025
- Fees: £1,895 for 1-month in Thailand.
- University scholarships available. Download Our Funding Guide
Project Discovery Session
Monday’s 5pm [GMT – London] / 12pm [EST – New York] (Register Here)
Monday’s 2pm [FJT – Suva] / 12pm [AEST – Brisbane] (Register Here)
Chiang Mai, nestled in the mountainous region of northern Thailand, is a city that beautifully blends ancient traditions with modern life. Known as the cultural heart of Thailand, it offers a more relaxed pace compared to bustling Bangkok, making it an ideal location for immersive learning and meaningful community work. Rich with history, Chiang Mai is home to hundreds of ancient temples, vibrant markets, and traditional festivals that offer a glimpse into the country’s spiritual and cultural roots. The city is surrounded by lush jungles, scenic mountains, and national parks, providing ample opportunities for exploration and outdoor activities. With its friendly locals, artisan communities, and deep-seated values of community and heritage, Chiang Mai presents an inspiring and supportive environment for participants to engage in impactful projects, broaden their perspectives, and experience authentic Thai culture.
Our Chiang Mai internship experience is designed around three core components to maximize your cultural immersion, team development, and impact:
Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Chiang Mai through guided cultural experiences, from exploring ancient temples and engaging in traditional Thai ceremonies to learning Thai language basics and local customs. Chiang Mai also offers the opportunity to take part in authentic Thai cooking classes, traditional dance workshops, and craft-making sessions with local artisans. Through your internship, you may also get the chance to participate in cultural exchange events, where you’ll meet local students, families, and community leaders, allowing you to connect with the heart of Chiang Mai on a personal level.
Engage in meaningful, hands-on projects by working with inspiring local social enterprises and NGOs in Chiang Mai. These organizations focus on sustainable development. Your team will tackle real-world challenges, such as creating marketing strategies for eco-businesses, developing awareness programs, or planning sustainability initiatives alongside local change-makers. By working directly with Thai social enterprises, you’ll gain firsthand experience in social impact and develop a global perspective on community-driven solutions.
Strengthen bonds with your fellow interns through exciting outdoor team-building adventures! Take on activities like hiking through Chiang Mai’s lush mountain landscapes, exploring hidden waterfalls, and navigating eco-friendly jungle treks. Chiang Mai offers the chance to embark on group excursions, including bamboo rafting, zip-lining through the forest, and visiting ethical elephant sanctuaries where you’ll gain insights into local conservation efforts. These adventure activities are designed to build your resilience, teamwork, and adaptability—skills essential for any career path in our interconnected world.
Here’s why we think this program stands out for students looking to make the most of their university summer:
- Develop In-Demand Global Skills: Gain hands-on experience in leadership, project management, and cross-cultural teamwork, skills that are essential in today’s global job market.
- Engage with Real-World Impact Projects: Collaborate directly with local social enterprises, supporting sustainable development projects in Chiang Mai.
- Embark on an Authentic Cultural Journey: Engage with local traditions through cooking classes, temple visits, art workshops, and language exchanges that offer a deep and authentic experience of Thai life.
- Experience Adventure and Team Building: Discover Chiang Mai’s natural beauty from scenic mountain treks to bamboo rafting and exploring ethical elephant sanctuaries.
- Prioritise Personal Growth and Wellness: Step outside your comfort zone, develop resilience, and boost your confidence as you navigate new environments and tackle diverse challenges.
Think Pacific’s Global Team Internship in Chiang Mai welcomes students from all fields of study, requiring no specific skills or prior experience. This program is perfect for those eager to enhance cultural awareness and employability skills like leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, all while enjoying a travel-based experience that promotes personal and professional growth.
With a diverse range of inspiring projects, participants can choose their preferences as a group, exploring different project-themes within a short timeframe. The internship emphasises adaptability and teamwork, pushing you to step outside your comfort zone and thrive in a dynamic environment. Join us for an enriching experience that prepares you for the future of work!
After an engaging first week of cultural discovery, orientation, and team-building activities with your fellow interns, you’ll dive into inspiring projects for dynamic businesses and NGOs in Chiang Mai. Each week, the Think Pacific team hand pick a selection of local partners, from which participants can choose their action project to work on as a team. The week kicks off with a site visit, where you’ll gain insights into the organization’s vision, goals, and challenges.
Following the visit, you’ll collaborate in small groups of 3-5 interns to address the project brief, developing and presenting your “action project” and ideas to the organization at the week’s end. This partnership not only allows host organisations to benefit from fresh, international perspectives and innovative thinking from students but also enables them to prototype new concepts, initiate projects that may have been limited by staffing resources, and refine their strategies and operations based on your insights.
Our partners in Chiang Mai include a diverse range of local enterprises, family-run businesses, startups, social enterprises, and charities. These organizations span various sectors such as, including arts, tourism, retail, and technology. Each partner is selected for their commitment to ethical practices and sustainability, ensuring that they align with our values.
Each week, you’ll tackle an Action Project that addresses a specific challenge faced by your partner organization. Your team’s mission is to find the best solution to these often broad and engaging problems. Projects will emphasise research, development, and issue resolution, requiring you to collaborate effectively while being mindful of cultural differences.
Creative and critical thinking will be key to achieving impactful results. At the end of each week, you’ll present your solutions to the organisation for feedback, allowing you to refine your ideas and gain valuable insights from experienced mentors.
See your journey on the Think Pacific Global Team Internship in Chiang Mai…
Program Dates 🌴🌎
25th May – 21st June 2025
29th June – 26th July 2025
3rd August – 30th August 2025
This secures your place in the team and provides personal support from your project coordinator, access to our pre-departure portal, online preparation webinars and your Think Pacific t-shirt. Your registration fee is added to your project fees.
This covers the remaining costs of the placement. Many students receive bursaries from their universities to support their participation and/or fundraise for their program fees. It’s up to you whether you fundraise or not but your project fee is due 60 days before the project begins.
We pride ourselves on the delivery of a safe, structured and personally supported experience. Our philosophy is to provide a high-quality and exceptionally well-structured international internship that gives you a once-in-a-lifetime experience, whilst contributing to sustainable development.
Currency | $GBP |
---|---|
Registration Fee | 195 |
Program Fee | 1700 |
Welcome to the FAQ section of Think Pacific’s Global Team Internship in Chiang Mai! Here, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about the program, including details on accommodation, health and safety, cultural immersion, and support. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to support you every step of the way!
Think Pacific collaborates with numerous universities around the globe to promote student mobility and enhance employability opportunities. We offer various scholarships and grants for students through partnerships with individual university departments and governments in several countries. Students are encouraged to explore the possibility of scholarships and bursaries for our projects in Thailand.
To discover if funding is available at your university or in your region, please reach out to us at info@thinkpacific.com for personalised assistance and information.
Full Inclusions List for Think Pacific’s Global Team Internship in Chiang Mai
- Airport Welcome and Transfer: Enjoy a warm welcome upon arrival and transfer to your accommodation in Chiang Mai.
- Accommodation: Serviced accommodation for the whole project provided in Chaing Mai.
- Welcome Ceremony: Participate in a special welcome ceremony upon your arrival in the community, marking the beginning of your immersive experience.
- Meals: Enjoy breakfast and dinner provided from Monday to Friday throughout your 4-week project.
- Business Site Visits and Co-Working Spaces: Benefit from arranged visits to local businesses and access to co-working spaces to enrich your professional experience.
- Guided Activities: Participate in a variety of guided activities, including local hikes, excursions, cultural experiences, and opportunities to attend local festivals or community events.
- 24/7 Support: Our dedicated local and international staff team will coordinate daily group activities and provide round-the-clock support to ensure your safety and well-being.
- Expert Management Team: Enjoy the expertise of our in-country manager, Thai-based project managers, and UK team, who will provide planning, risk assessments, and 24-hour backup support throughout your internship.
- Comprehensive Resources: Access a detailed online portal and personal project planning resources to enhance your internship experience.
The following costs are not inclusive. However, Think Pacific provides comprehensive and personalised support to assist:
- Flights: Budget approximately £550 – £950
- Insurance: Budget approximately £100. Think Pacific can advise and provide details for example policies.
- Visa: £0
- Spending Money: Budget approximately £300 for lunches, weekend food & additional drinks or items of a personal nature.
- Vaccinations: Typhoid and Hepatitis A. Budget approximately £50 (However, vaccines can be free for most students). We advise you check with a medical professional for any specific vaccines you may require.
Apply for university funding to cover flights and insurance.
Your health and safety are our top priorities during your Think Pacific Global Team Internship in Chiang Mai. Our dedicated team is committed to ensuring that you feel secure and supported throughout your experience. Before your arrival, we provide comprehensive health and safety briefings, covering essential topics such as local customs, emergency procedures, and personal safety tips. While in Chiang Mai, you will have access to 24/7 support from both local staff and international team members, who are well-versed in the area and ready to assist you at any time. We also ensure that you have the necessary health resources, including information on local medical facilities and support for any health concerns you may encounter. By fostering a safe and supportive environment, we empower you to fully engage in your internship experience while prioritising your well-being.
During your Think Pacific Global Team Internship in Chiang Mai, you’ll stay in comfortable, serviced accommodation designed to support your journey with convenience and security. The accommodation offers shared living spaces that encourage bonding with your fellow interns, creating a communal atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding after busy days. Rooms are equipped with essential amenities to ensure a comfortable stay, while communal areas provide the space needed for group discussions, reflection, and relaxation. Staying in serviced accommodation offers a blend of modern convenience with access to local experiences, and while it may be different from what you’re used to, Think Pacific’s team is always on hand to help you settle in and make your stay as enriching and enjoyable as possible.
At Think Pacific, we understand that preparation is key to a successful and enriching internship experience. That’s why we provide comprehensive pre-departure support to ensure you feel confident and informed before setting off on your journey. Our pre-departure support includes detailed briefings, access to informative resources, and personalized guidance from our experienced team. We walk you through everything from cultural insights and project expectations to packing lists and travel logistics. This support helps you build excitement, answer your questions, and set you up for a seamless transition as you embark on your Think Pacific adventure.
- Access to the Pre-departure Portal: This portal provides the step-by-step process to prepare for Bali, including fundraising information, flight information, kit list, visa, cultural preparation. Student can watch videos with our team and download document.
- Contact our team: You can contact our team anytime between office hours, either give us a call on 0113 335 9919 or email; info@thinkpacific.com
- Online community/network: You can communicate with fellow volunteers, alumni and our team through our online community, hosted on the Might Network app. Within 3 months of you departing to Bali, you shall be entered into a private group with your volunteer team.
- Live Pre Departure webinars: Our team host live sessions in the months leading up to your project. These are a great way for you to ask questions and delve deeper into planning for your project. They also add to the excitement!
During weekends in Chiang Mai, you are free immerse yourself in the enriching and adventurous activities that showcase Thailand’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Embark on a hike through the lush trails of Doi Suthep National Park, where a trek to the mountain’s summit rewards you with breathtaking views of the city and a visit to the sacred Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple. For those interested in ethical wildlife experiences, spend a day at an elephant sanctuary, learning about conservation and helping care for these gentle giants. You can also explore the local craft villages, where artisans specialize in traditional pottery, textiles, and woodcarving, or visit peaceful botanical gardens to unwind amidst exotic flora. The nearby hot springs and scenic waterfalls also offer a perfect backdrop for a restorative, nature-filled weekend away from the hustle and bustle.
Breakfast and dinner is provided by Think Pacific during the mid-week period and all dietary conditions or requests can be catered for. Outside of those meals, you are free to try the delights that Chiang Mai has to offer across the range of cafes, street markets & restaurants. Food is cheap is Thailand so you do not expect to spend more than £5 for any meals you purchase yourself.
Chiang Mai is celebrated for its flavorful and diverse cuisine, offering a taste experience deeply rooted in Northern Thai traditions. Street markets are filled with the aromas of classic dishes like khao soi, a creamy, coconut-based curry with egg noodles and tender chicken or beef, garnished with crispy noodles, lime, and pickled vegetables. For a lighter option, som tam, a spicy green papaya salad, delivers a fresh crunch with a blend of tangy lime, chili, and peanuts. Chiang Mai also offers distinctive sai ua, a fragrant Northern Thai sausage seasoned with lemongrass, kaffir lime, and fresh herbs. Visitors can explore an array of vegetarian and vegan choices, especially in local markets and restaurants that cater to health-conscious travelers. Food in Chiang Mai not only delights the taste buds but also offers a window into the region’s rich culture and history, making every meal a culinary adventure.
Think Pacific’s in-country team in Thailand is dedicated to supporting and guiding participants throughout the Global Team Internship, ensuring an enriching and impactful experience. By investing in local staff, we not only create sustainable, long-term employment within Thai communities but also ensure that those who know the country and its culture best are at the forefront, leading projects and fostering strong relationships with local enterprises. Our international team provides 24/7 additional support and mentorship, sharing their own experiences of living and working in Thailand to help participants feel supported and fully immersed in their journey.
Adjusting to life in Chiang Mai for Think Pacific’s Global Team Internship can be an exciting but sometimes overwhelming experience as you encounter a culture vastly different from your own. Culture shock is common and can stem from the contrasts in lifestyle, such as the slower pace of rural life, the close-knit community interactions, and deeply held spiritual and cultural practices that shape daily routines. You might notice differences in social etiquette, food, communication styles, and approaches to time and work. It’s perfectly normal to feel a mix of emotions—curiosity, excitement, and even discomfort—as you adapt. Think Pacific’s team is here to support you as you navigate this adjustment, and you’ll find that by staying open-minded and embracing each new experience, culture shock can lead to a deeper appreciation and understanding of Thailand’s rich culture.