Isan Survivor , volunteering program , cultural tour & Eco-Tourism, Volunteer Thailand Vacation

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	WELCOME TO ISAN SURVIVOR Isan Survivor is an international volunteer organization that operates in the Isan region of Thailand (the Northeast). The purpose of the group is to help Isan kids and run pro-poor projects for people who live in the rural countryside. We offer the opportunity for people of all ages, and from all around the world, who want to have alternative and meaningful volunteer experiences while seeking to find sustainable solutions for rural schools in Thailand, and working on projects targeting village development issues. " Isan Survivor " is a unique volunteering program where our volunteers can enjoy and experience true Isan culture and get off the beaten track, by participating in cultural and adventurous responsible tourism activities called “ Survive as Isan ” with our staff and local people, while volunteering in the area. Survive as Isan program introduces volunteers to the Isan way of life. You will have the opportunity to experience “ what it is like to be Isan ” and learn about the Isan people by participating in many traditional Isan recreations that can create great friendships and bonding with the fun loving, beautiful and kind people of this Isan region. A placement in the local community will let you live and interact with villagers. Isan people are known far and wide for their friendliness and hospitality, that is just another aspect of their remarkable culture. The program provides you with everything you’ll need, customary Isan food, accommodations and all activity fees are covered. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTIVITIES We provide them all Eco-Adventure- Recreational- or Cultural tours - Learning about the culture and festivals of the Isan area - Learning the Thai and Isan language - Visiting Wats <temples> in the Isan region - Isan and Thai cooking classes - Leaning pottery / handicraft - Thai massage / Yoga lessons - Learning Meditations in Forest Temple - Rice/vegetable planting and harvesting - Learn about and collect wild herbs, food and spices for cooking - Play traditional Isan games - Learn to play Isan musical instruments - Play community sports like Mekong beach soccer, River boat racing , and aerobic dancing - Mekong river rafting - Going fishing and swimming, Isan style, on the Mekong River - Buffalo riding and farming - Thai Boxing classes - National park trips and treks - Camping in the jungle WE can tailor the experiences to the needs you desire ! PS. And do not forget we and the children would like you to a Volunteer teacher during your stay !! → Read more about Volunteer → Volunteer Stories --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ISAN SURVIVOR HISTORY
		In 1980, in the small Isan village of Phonphisai, Nongkai, a premature infant named Jack was born. No one thought he would survive, but this is his story … The 80s were not an easy time for the Isan area - poverty could be seen everywhere. The area had no electricity, dirt roads, and poor medical care. Jack’s mother, who was pregnant with her first child, spent long hours working in the rice fields each day. In farming towns like Phonphisai, doctors were scarce and most people, including pregnant women, suffered from malnutrition.
	One day as she worked in the fields she started going into labor, 2 months premature. Distraught, she feared for the life of her baby... The baby, Jack, weighed less than 1 kg. The pitiable baby looked very small, thin, and unhealthy. As his parents cried, the rest of the family and neighbors prepared for a funeral, expecting the baby to be dead soon. The midwife thought it would be less than 2 days. A month went by and the baby lived. His mother still cried, worrying over the health of her tiny child and whether he would have any disabilities. What type of future would he have?
	Jack did survive, though always a little smaller and thinner than the other kids. Growing up, it was not easy living in the Isan area. The family struggled through some difficult years of hardship and poverty. However, Jack also enjoyed happy memories growing up within this landscape of rice fields and rivers. While other kids stayed at home playing with purchased toys, Jack spent his time learning about nature and gaining a deep appreciation for the outdoors. ......Older persons in the village happily shared their knowledge of nature and survival with him, which had been passed down from previous generations.
	Though he was an outdoors person, Jack was also a good student. After secondary school he went on to study at FGCC - First Global Community college, where he met and learned English from overseas volunteers who taught at the college. Like many people his age, after school he went to Bangkok to work. After just one year of the bustling, materialistic chaos of Bangkok he couldn’t wait to return to his peaceful home town full of natural beauty. Back home, he decided to use the knowledge he gained from college to help the people of his village.
		Jack joined the international volunteer organization as a Volunteer coordinator and project manager. In his village he hosted volunteers from all over the world. Together they worked on projects to help teach kids in the local area. During their stay Jack shared his Isan culture and customs with the volunteers. Inspired from the enjoyment experienced by the volunteers Jack decided to start “Isan-Survivor.”
	As a survivor himself, he created a fun program filled with the traditional activities used for survival (and recreation) in the Isan region. Jack happily shares his home and his culture with those who want to have a true Isan experience.

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www.isan-survivor.org