By Annamaria Balazs
From 13th September 2025, I participated for two months in a Horizon Europe Staff Exchange project called “Prelab” The sending organisation was Development Perspectives (Ireland) and the host was VSA Thailand. VSA Thailand is a volunteer organization focused on supporting local communities through education, social development, and cultural exchange. The organization works closely with local partners to ensure that volunteer efforts are sustainable and beneficial to the communities involved. Volunteers come from different countries, creating a diverse and collaborative working environment.
The main objective of this experience was to gain insight into how the organization operates on a daily basis and to observe its cooperation with Thai universities and partner institutions. This report describes my activities, observations, skills gained, and reflections during my time in Thailand.
VSA’s programs foster mutual understanding, appreciation of cultural diversity, and solidarity among people and nations. By engaging volunteers in activities that respond to community needs, VSA contributes to building individual capacities, reducing conflict, and enhancing local development potential.
VSA Thailand works in cooperation with international partners such as ICYE (International Cultural Youth Exchange) to coordinate volunteer programs. These programs place international volunteers in schools and institutions, where they contribute through teaching, cultural exchange, and educational support. During my visits, I supported VSA Thailand in both administrative and field-based activities. My main responsibilities included: Assisting with the introduction of the VSA/ICYE volunteer programto aFrench volunteer teacher, explaining program objectives, rules, and expectations together with VSA staff, observing and following the volunteer’s placement at the Internship Exchange Tutorial and Language School
I was attending classes and activities to understand the volunteer’s role and teaching methods also monitoring how the program was implemented in practice and how the volunteer adapted to the school environment. These tasks allowed me to understand the full process of volunteer placement, from introduction to daily implementation.
(Annamaria Balazs with volunteer Thea from France and Internship Exchange Tutotrial Language school teachers and students)
I met with a volunteer placed through the VSA internship program at Khaoroopchang Municipality to receive detailed updates on their roles and daily activities. During the visit, I learned about the specific tasks they were performing, including assisting with community PR projects, supporting local initiatives, and collaborating with municipal staff. I observed the challenges they faced in adapting to new working environments and the strategies they used to overcome them. The visit also provided insight into how VSA coordinates with local authorities, monitors volunteer progress, and ensures that the internship program benefits both the volunteers and the community.
During my time, I met volunteers working in the Disaster Relief and Rescue Unit in Hat Yai, which is part of VSA’s program supporting local emergency services. I learned about the specific tasks volunteers were assigned, including assisting with training exercises, community safety programs, and logistical support for disaster response operations. The visit provided insight into the challenges volunteers face in a high-pressure, service-oriented environment, as well as the skills and coordination required to work effectively alongside professional staff. I also gained an understanding of how VSA monitors volunteer activities in such specialized placements and ensures that both the volunteers and the host organization benefit from the program.
(Annamaria Balazs with Tum and the disaster relief and rescue unit volunteers)
I also visited several host families who accommodate VSA volunteers in Hat Yai and Songkhla. During these visits, I observed the living arrangements, household environment, and facilities available to volunteers. I also learned how VSA selects and evaluates host families to ensure a safe, comfortable, and culturally enriching experience for volunteers. The visits allowed me to understand the role of host families in supporting volunteers’ daily lives, providing guidance, and fostering cultural exchange. Additionally, I viewed properties that could be provided to future volunteers and assessed how each environment contributes to a positive placement experience.
(Annamaria Balazs with Tum and host family in Hat Yai)
An important aspect of the organization’s work is maintaining strong relationships with partner universities. University visits helped me understand how academic institutions contribute to volunteer programs and how VSA ensures that both student and community needs are met. I visited Thaksin University several times, TSU in southern Thailand, known for its focus on culture, education, and community development. This was a friendly campus with a strong sense of Thai tradition and respect. During my visits, I had introduced my organisation Development Perspectives,and gave a presentation about Ireland to English students about Irish cultures and traditions, famous places, music and sports (GAA), Irish food, and daily life in Ireland, I used videos and pictures to make it interesting. Students were welcoming, polite, and curious about other countries. The teaching atmosphere felt supportive and interactive, especially for international visitors. I had several workshops with smaller groups about Appreciation of Social Values and Traditions between Ireland and Thailand. I have participated in several activities with students, supporting lessons and interactive learning session; I have attended classes and observed teaching methods and cultural exchange activities.
Visiting Thaksin University was a valuable academic and personal experience. Presenting Ireland to Thai students helped me grow professionally and culturally. The experience strengthened my interest in international education and global learning.
Overall, my time with VSA Thailand was both personally and professionally rewarding. It deepened my understanding of international volunteer work, improved my intercultural skills, and inspired me to continue exploring opportunities in community development, education, and international cooperation.
This experience enhanced my understanding of cross-cultural collaboration, organizational management, and the practical challenges and rewards of volunteer work. It also allowed me to appreciate the importance of community engagement, cultural exchange, and structured support systems for volunteers.