On arrival
When you arrive at your Venture destination, you'll be greeted by your In-Country Co-ordinator. They will provide you with a full orientation briefing to help familiarise you with your new surroundings and workplace, while you spend your first couple of days settling in. You will also receive a schedule of your Venture's day-to-day activities.

Your venture begins
At first, things might seem strange and perhaps a little daunting, but don't worry you'll soon find that you will grow into your new role, and adapt naturally to your surroundings. By the time your venture comes to an end, you probably won’t want to go home. You'll be given the chance to be involved in all aspects of your venture, and will be encouraged to be constructive about meeting day to day challenges. Showing initiative and making suggestions are welcomed, but communicating and working well with the local people and your fellow volunteers is as equally important. Naturally, volunteers are expected to be enthusiastic and committed to their chosen Venture organization. Starfish volunteers always have their weekends free to relax, reflect and explore their local surroundings a perfect time to perhaps start planning another venture! It’s also a great time to prepare your working week.

For more information on what you’ll be doping on any specific venture, check the relevant Venture page on this website.

Homeward Bound
Once you return home from your venture, Starfish will ask you to give feedback on your experiences, so we can learn what you most enjoyed about your Venture and what you would like to do in the future. We will also be able to provide you with a valuable reference about your Venture work for your CV.

Application Requirements
Age: Starfish Ventures are open to anyone aged between 18 and 70. Due to insurance issues if you are over 55 please contact us direct on 0800 197 4817 discuss your venture of interest.

Country of residence: Applications are welcomed from British and non-British citizens alike. Non-British citizens will be required to demonstrate competency in English, usually by telephone interview. Additionally, non-British citizens who wish to take part in a Teaching venture will need to demonstrate fluency in English and ideally possess an English language qualification.

Security: All Starfish Ventures volunteers are asked to produce a criminal records certificate prior to their departure date.  A certificate is required for volunteers to attend their venture.  Non-British Citizens must provide clear evidence that they have no criminal record.  Information on how to apply for a CRB certificate is included in volunteers’ My Venture section.

Flights and funds: You will be expected to book your own international flight to Thailand and to have sufficient funds available to support yourself throughout your stay. Once you have booked your flight you must contact your venture manager with the details.

Visas: Starfish will provide you with advice on visas but you are responsible for obtaining the visa yourself. Starfish's 'My Venture' section includes a downloadable pdf of the Thai Embassy's visa application form.

Vaccinations: You are required to seek medical advice on vaccinations prior to your venture.

Medical conditions: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, you must notify Starfish for insurance purposes and ensure you have sufficient medication to last for the duration of your venture.  It may be difficult to find such medication in Thailand.