Job Discussion Forums

MPG · Posted: Fri Apr 14, 2006 12:07 am Post subject: Cultural Extremes Volunteer work

Hi, has anyone ever had anything to do with the Cultural extremes volunteer program in the Rayong area, they have some programs in which you can volunteer for about 6 weeks I think. They accomodate you and then you can receive a placement, I thought it may be a good way of testing the waters without making a 6 month 1 year commitment. ( also maybe some 'bun'/ merit in it for me Smile

I would really appreciate any comments.

tedkarma · Posted: Fri Apr 14, 2006 1:39 am Post subject:

The "Cultural Extremes" program is just another website for TEFL International - though it is not really clear there. They have many websites all presenting their TEFL Cert program from different angles.

Notice you MUST take their TEFL Cert program - and pay full price for it - then work at 1/3 the going rate for NIKE. There has been much discussion on this board and others as to whether a large international corporation - needs volunteers.

They've had a volunteer program (or at least a program of job placement - where the jobs pay a subsistence living) for a couple years now. Extreme Cultures just tries to sell their program from another angle.

Good marketing!

MPG · Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 1:56 am Post subject: Thanks Tedkarma

Thank you for the insight with regard to NIKE, I don't think I am keen to help that corporate monster, I asked a mate who is a Thai national and in the manufacturing industry (engineer) and who works in Rayong and he seems to think there is no NIKE factory there (maybe the shoes are made under licence) Who knows! Thanks again for the info

Bruce · Joined: 22 Feb 2003 Posts: 51 Location: Around the world

A major point of clarification: The NIKE program was for factory workers at their subcontractor, not Nike itself. Nike actually funded it out of their own pockets for no reason other than to assist these workers.

And Cultural Extremes offers far more than one program. There are currenly volunteer and quasi-volunteer programs in several countries.

J-kun · Posted: Tue May 16, 2006 4:53 am Post subject:

I'm also curious about Cultural Extreams. They're advertising a 5 month program here on Dave's now where you get a "free" 4 week TESOL certificate and then do 4 months teaching at a school in SE Thai. Accomodation is provided and you get the princely salary of 15k a month (eek!) after the course.
I don't really understand how they call the cert free when you have to front the money for it. You're probably better off paying for a TEFL course, then finding a job that pays a reasonable wage. Still, I'm considering it.
Is there anyone here who has participated in this program? How was the teaching placement? Decent accomodations? Did you find the training worthwhile?
Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences.

tedkarma · Posted: Mon May 22, 2006 2:01 pm Post subject: