FAQs
FORGE
Intercultural service opportunities sponsored by
Christian Mission to the Orient
Adobe Block Wall waiting for a new application of plaster
1. What is FORGE? An opportunity to FORGE long lasting relationships and build intercultural community through service projects at Lanna Theological Center in Chiang Mai Thailand.. Volunteers from around the world work together to put up walls for new buildings or assist in maintaining or improving current earth buildings such as applying whitewash (every 2-3 years), painting fences and other buildings, laying tile, landscaping. The opportunities to FORGE new friendships are limitless
2. Who can FORGE? Anyone with a heart to serve and who is not afraid of a little hard work. Earth building technology does not require any special education. Training is done on site and you learn as you go. The neat thing about earth building is if you make a mistake, grind up the dirt and start over. Please note we do have age restrictions. If you are under 18 years old you will need to be accompanied by one of your parents or legal guardian. Church youth groups must have church approved and vetted adult sponsors.
3. How many can join a FORGE team? FORE teams are made up of 10-15 volunteers at a time. Depending on the project we can have up to 20. You can organize a team from your church, college, youth group. If you can not get 10 volunteers or are coming as an individual you may be part of a team made up volunteers from different organizations.
4. How will I FORGE? It depends on the season and where we are in a particular phase of construction. You may be painting outside structures. Once the rainy season begins in May/June (and lasts through October) activities will shift to under the roof. If the roof and a new building has been constructed you may be putting up the walls. Or you may be whitewashing new walls or walls in an existing structure.
5. When can I FORGE ? July 1-13. We also work with you to schedule a date that works for you, your team, and for us. This could be later in the summer, or in the fall. If you want to volunteer for a specific activity there may be some constraints. For example painting exterior structures are best done during the months of January-April (our hot and dry months). Other activities such as whitewashing interiors, putting up block walls, can be done at anytime of the year.
6. How long do I FORGE? A typical project will last 7-14 days. (Spring break may only have 5 days to account for travel time) You have control over how many days you can be here.
7. Are there other service opportunities available? Yes, we can plan to split your time between work site projects and serving in a different capacity. For example you might spend the cool morning hours working on a construction project. Rest in the afternoon, and then participate in an after school service with children, a church youth group (Thai speaking or English Speaking) or in a near by orphanage/children’s home. Each team/trip can be tailored accordingly.
8. How much does it cost to FORGE? Volunteers are asked to donate $1,000 for project fees. This covers your room and meals on the LTC Campus, transportation in country, all supplies and equipment (paint, dirt, sand, water, tools etc.) NOTE: souvenirs, special tourism events are not included and are the responsibly of the volunteer)
9. What about AIRFARE? Round trip airfare is the responsibility of the volunteer and is NOT included in the $1,000 project fee. Depending on the season and airline of choice, RT tickets from the mid west USA can range from $1,200-1,700 per person. This is economy and may include a long layover somewhere (layovers cut into your time in Thailand so plan accordingly) Typically a volunteer can be expected to spend between $2,200-3,000 (RT airfare + Project Fee)
10. What about health concerns/insurance? We have good health care in the event of an illness or accident. All volunteers must let us know ahead of time of any health concerns All volunteers are responsible for any health related costs incurred while participating. Therefore all volunteers must confirm international coverage with their insurance provider. If your provider does not cover international illness, cheap travel insurance may be purchased. We encourage all volunteers to purchase travel insurance regardless of their current coverage. No vaccinations are required for trips to Thailand. However you can check with the CDC about recommended vaccinations and make up your own mind as to what you want to do.
11. I am a student, how can I afford to FORGE? If you are enrolled in a Bible College, or active member of a Campus Ministry, or coming as a youth member of a church sponsored team your project service fee will be $600.
12. What about sight seeing? YES! Why come all this way and not get to experience something of Thai culture? We always build in time for sight seeing activities. Some are free, like visits to Chiang Mai’s famous Night Bazaar. Some you have to pay for such as riding elephants.
4. How will I FORGE? It depends on the season and where we are in a particular phase of construction. You may be painting outside structures. Once the rainy season begins in May/June (and lasts through October) activities will shift to under the roof. If the roof and a new building has been constructed you may be putting up the walls. Or you may be whitewashing new walls or walls in an existing structure.
5. When can I FORGE ? July 1-13. We also work with you to schedule a date that works for you, your team, and for us. This could be later in the summer, or in the fall. If you want to volunteer for a specific activity there may be some constraints. For example painting exterior structures are best done during the months of January-April (our hot and dry months). Other activities such as whitewashing interiors, putting up block walls, can be done at anytime of the year.
6. How long do I FORGE? A typical project will last 7-14 days. (Spring break may only have 5 days to account for travel time) You have control over how many days you can be here.
7. Are there other service opportunities available? Yes, we can plan to split your time between work site projects and serving in a different capacity. For example you might spend the cool morning hours working on a construction project. Rest in the afternoon, and then participate in an after school service with children, a church youth group (Thai speaking or English Speaking) or in a near by orphanage/children’s home. Each team/trip can be tailored accordingly.
8. How much does it cost to FORGE? Volunteers are asked to donate $1,000 for project fees. This covers your room and meals on the LTC Campus, transportation in country, all supplies and equipment (paint, dirt, sand, water, tools etc.) NOTE: souvenirs, special tourism events are not included and are the responsibly of the volunteer)
9. What about AIRFARE? Round trip airfare is the responsibility of the volunteer and is NOT included in the $1,000 project fee. Depending on the season and airline of choice, RT tickets from the mid west USA can range from $1,200-1,700 per person. This is economy and may include a long layover somewhere (layovers cut into your time in Thailand so plan accordingly) Typically a volunteer can be expected to spend between $2,200-3,000 (RT airfare + Project Fee)
10. What about health concerns/insurance? We have good health care in the event of an illness or accident. All volunteers must let us know ahead of time of any health concerns All volunteers are responsible for any health related costs incurred while participating. Therefore all volunteers must confirm international coverage with their insurance provider. If your provider does not cover international illness, cheap travel insurance may be purchased. We encourage all volunteers to purchase travel insurance regardless of their current coverage. No vaccinations are required for trips to Thailand. However you can check with the CDC about recommended vaccinations and make up your own mind as to what you want to do.
11. I am a student, how can I afford to FORGE? If you are enrolled in a Bible College, or active member of a Campus Ministry, or coming as a youth member of a church sponsored team your project service fee will be $600.
12. What about sight seeing? YES! Why come all this way and not get to experience something of Thai culture? We always build in time for sight seeing activities. Some are free, like visits to Chiang Mai’s famous Night Bazaar. Some you have to pay for such as riding elephants.