Independent Homestay in Thailand (Ages 18+)

Thailand is a famous tourist destination because of the beautiful beaches lining the southern region of the country, but if you’re looking for a way to truly experience the unique culture and kind people of Thailand, our independent homestay program is a wonderful opportunity. With a flexible structure, this program is especially fitting for those who wish to immerse themselves in Thailand’s culture without having every moment planned.

Locations
Host family placements may occur throughout Thailand, and you can choose up to 3 locations in order of preference within Thailand. While we are unable to guarantee your requests, we will do our best to accommodate them.

Accommodation and Meals
Host families represent all walks of life, just like families from your home country. Your family may be a couple with or without children, a single parent, or a single person interested in other cultures. Greenheart Travel works together with partner offices in Thailand to find the best match for you according to your unique profile and interests. Our partner office maintains a network of trained local coordinators who select, screen, and monitor host families to help make a placement that is appropriate for you.

Within each family you will experience a different dynamic, but they are all motivated by the idea of making cross-cultural friendships. They will be eager to learn about you and your culture and are excited to teach you about their own. Your host family placement will include full board (3 meals per day). In most Thai families the family meal is very important, and you should read up on proper eating etiquette before you arrive!

Activities and Sightseeing
Families and the time they spend together is very important to most Thai families, and your host family will probably take pride in showing you the history and beautiful country near the home. Thailand is a bigger country than most people realize, and you should not expect your host family to trek all over the countryside to take you to a specific beach or landmark you want to see, and often your host family will take you to places “off the beaten path” that will end up being more interesting than visiting places from a guide book.

Families do not expect for you to be just a boarder, but rather a friend and a part of their family. While the main focus of the program will be getting to know your host family and spending time with them, you will have the chance to see local attractions as well. Exploring the community in which you live can be a great way to further your knowledge of the local culture and language. However, you should feel comfortable traveling on your own, as host families are not required or expected to be tour guides.

Local Support
Greenheart Travel always provides you with a thorough network of support before departure and during their time abroad. You will be provided with pre-departure orientation materials that will walk you through every step of your program. You will also have a local coordinator available to you throughout your stay to help with any difficulties or questions. He or she is trained to work with exchange participants and is there to help you make the most of your experience.

Travel Arrangements
All travel arrangements must be booked according to Greenheart Travel instructions. Booking travel is your responsibility, but we are more than happy to help you figure out the best way to get to your host community. Some placements are within a reasonable driving distance from the central airport, making it easy to hop in a cab that will take you to your new home. In most cases you will need to take a train or public bus to your host community. Greenheart Travel can arrange for a local coordinator to meet you at the airport and make sure you get on the correct train or bus. However, you should be prepared to make some transfers independently.

Dates
The homestay program in Thailand is for two to four weeks and you may set your own start and end dates throughout the year.

Requirements
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Participants should be able to speak basic Thai.

Program Costs 

Included	Not Included
Lodging	Airfare
Half Board (2 meals/day)	In country transportation
Medical/Accident Insurance	Phone cards/internet
Local Coordinator	Sightseeing activities
24 Emergency Staff	Souvenirs
Pre-departure Orientation

Fees may be paid by personal check, money order or credit card.