Our first Service Year team went to Thailand in the summer of 2008. It’s hard to believe it was that long ago. Our first partnership was with the Rotary Club of Patong Beach in Southern Thailand. We are so grateful for them and their many years of coordinating for our teams.
In 2015 we made the move up to Northern Thailand with a new partner Travel to Teach in Chiang Mai. Travel to Teach is an NGO focused on organizing volunteers to teach English across the globe. The Chiang Mai Travel to Teach coordinating efforts are spearheaded by Jim Wiengyos. Jim is amazing and she does such a fantastic job making sure everything is prepared and runs as smooth as possible for our teams.
Our teams work hard but also get to have some fun. The Chiang Mai team spends their last couple days in Chiang Mai exploring the temples and night markets. They also visit Ran-tong Save and Rescue Centre where they spend the afternoon feeding, playing, and bathing elephants.
Trip and Program Details
What's Included?
The Youthlinc Service Year is a 9-month transformative program focused on youth service learning and leadership development. This immersive program empowers young individuals to become lifelong humanitarians by making meaningful impacts on both local and international communities.
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9-Months of programming, monthly team meetings, local service and international travel support
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Round-trip international airfare is included from Salt Lake City, Utah (we are a Utah-based program).
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All Meals and clean water while in Thailand
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All Accommodations and Transportation
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Excursions to an Elephant Sanctuary and Tours of Chiang Mai
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Emergency Medical and Evacuation Travel Insurance
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Travel Clinic consultation with The University of Utah Travel Clinic
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Medical Professional that traves with the team
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Trained Adult Team Leaders
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1:3 Ratio of students and adults
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Virtual Impact Modules
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Youthlinc Dashboard and Service Hour verification system
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Presidents Volunteer Service Award (currently on hold by current Presidential administration)
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Social Fundraising Platform
Basic Itinerary
01
Depart SLC
02
Travel Day
03
Arrive Chiang Mai
04
Opening Ceremonies
05
Projects and Cultural Exchange
06
Projects and Cultural Exchange
07
Projects and Cultural Exchange
08
Projects and Cultural Exchange
09
Projects and Cultural Exchange
10
Projects and Cultural Exchange
11
Closing Ceremonies
12
Elephant Excursion
13
Depart Chiang Mai
14
Arrive back to SLC
Meet Our
In-Country Coordinator
Maneerat "Jim" Wiengyos- Travel 2 Teach
My name is Maneerat but you can call me Jim. I am from Chiang Mai, Thailand. I Graduated from Khon kaen University in Hotel and tourism management. I am the director of Travel 2 Teach in Thailand and Coordinate Volunteers and manage collaboration with other volunteer organizations including Youthlinc. Enjoy working with international volunteers on project aimed at improving the daily lives of communities.
Meet the June Team Leaders
Team Leader (TL)
Kevin Biddle
Youthlinc has truly transformed my life! I first got involved in 2016 when I went on my initial trip to Cambodia. I hadn't heard of Youthlinc before, but my daughter was excited about joining, but only wanted to if I came along as one of the mentors. I can't thank her enough for introducing me! I instantly fell in love with the experience and everything Youthlinc stands for. Those two weeks completely shifted my perspective on the world. The incredible people you meet, the friendships you form in distant countries, and the genuine joy they carry in their lives is something we can all learn from. After that first trip, I've returned every year since as a team leader, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
Email: Kevin@youthlinc.org
Assistant Team Leader (ATL)
Sam Price
I’m most excited to meet my team this Service Year and build strong, positive dynamics together. In my free time, I love ceramics, rock climbing, going to concerts, and spending time outdoors. Something fun I’d like my team to know is that I run my very own ceramics business!
Email: Sam.P@youthlinc.org
Meet the July Team Leaders
Team Leader (TL)
Charlotte Shragge
Hi Youthlincers! I'm Charlotte Shragge, and I am super excited to start my third year with Youthlinc as the team lead for Team Thailand July! I love service and especially building connections with the people I meet in country and those I travel with! I love sharing this experience with my daughter, Maddie, and getting to watch her light up as well as all the humanitarians. I enjoy making charcuterie boards, hosting dinner parties, skiing, getting outdoors, walking my two dogs and squirrels (who doesn't?!)! I unashamedly am also an avid reality TV watcher. I am thrilled to get back to Thailand, and learn even more about the people, the culture, and create a real impact
Email: Charlotte.S@youthlinc.org
Assistant Team Leader (ATL)
Maddie Shragge
Hey Youthlinc! My name is Maddie Shragge, and I am super excited to participate in my third year with Youthlinc! I went to Thailand in 2024, Cambodia this past summer, and will be going back to Thailand as the Assistant Team Lead in July! I love service and especially learning people’s stories and getting to build relationships! I love thrifting, playing guitar, reading, and rock climbing! I can’t wait to go to Thailand this year and I would love for you to join!
Email: Maddie.S@youthlinc.org
