Long-term Volunteer Testimonials

Welcome to a page of  testimonials contributed by recent long-term volunteers at FORRU-CMU!  Explore first-hand accounts their experiences and how their time with the unit impacted their personal and professional growth.

Isa Haans (Isabelle)

Hi, I’m Isabelle and I was an intern with FORRU-CMU from August 2023 until January 2024. I am studying Environmental Sciences in my home country the Netherlands, and this internship was part of my undergraduate degree program. I helped the FORRU staff with their projects, which was a really nice way for me to learn a lot about forest ecosystem restoration and how important all the research is that FORRU does. It felt incredible to be a part of the staff for half a year and actually feeling like my work has a positive impact on the environment. Field trips can be hard work, the days can be long and are very hot. However, the work is very rewarding and the staff is so kind, which makes the field trips a lot of fun as well. I will always remember this formative experience and the opportunity I got to work with the FORRU-CMU team. 

Victoria Chazin

Hi, I'm Victoria and I worked with FORRU-CMU for 4 months August to December 2023. I am studying Biology back home in Maryland and was looking for practical experience. Working with FORRU-CMU staff was a wonderful experience. I helped out with educational events, fieldwork in forest, seedling care, seed extraction and data collection. Before working with FORRU-CMU, I had very little experience with fieldwork and now I have developed strong skills and practical experience, all really rewarding. Volunteering at FORRU-CMU is arduous sometimes, long and hot days, but it was worth it, as I felt I made a lasting difference.

Elsa Stocking

I spent 9 months at FORRU-CMU, as part of my undergraduate degree. During this time, I learnt about and was practically involved with all the steps of tropical forest restoration, using the framework tree species method. This included work in the nursery, in the field and educational events and working with drones. Through my time at FORRU-CMU, I was able to meet a range of people within the field and learn all things trees from the experts. I found a particular interest in seeds and nursery work, doing research on germination and keeping track of all the species. It was a privilege to work with an amazingly hardworking and friendly team, and what better place to do this than beautiful Chiang Mai. 

Mathilde Le Levier

I spent five months (1/2/23-15/6/23)

 at FORRU-CMU, as part of my Master’s Degree in Ecology. It was a very enriching experience. I contributed to a wide variety of activities: education events, field trips in the native forest, seedling care, data collection and more. I designed and implemented a small research project that greatly improved my skills in experimental design and my capacity for independent work. I also participated in tree planting and maintenance, which was really rewarding. Volunteering at FORRU-CMU is hard work some days, but it is worth it, because it allows you to contribute to something bigger than yourself—something that will have long-lasting positive effects. 

Cleo Grimes

Volunteering at FORRU-CMU was one of

my favorite experiences of living in Chiang Mai! It is such a wonderful way to connect with the community and help the beautiful, thriving environment there. I learned so much about environmental rehabilitation and conservation, and the importance of these practices for our forests. I also gained experience of seedling experiments and community outreach, and I developed a new appreciation for the environment around me. I absolutely loved every bit of my time working with CMU's Forest Restoration Research Unit and will forever cherish the knowledge I gained and the formative experiences I had with the team. 

These testimonials show how hands-on learning, timely mentorship and rewarding work at FORRU-CMU can deliver formative experiences. If you're considering joining our volunteership program, please browse the volunteership page and then contact us.