This past week, Greenheart had the pleasure of hosting an exciting and impactful job fair in Thailand that brought together our dedicated hosts, our valued partner Acadex, and a group of enthusiastic participants. Every season, Greenheart organizes international job fairs in locations around the world so that our host organizations can travel to meet candidates in-person and get to experience their culture firsthand. Our Host Organizations get memorable experiences AND get to complete their seasonal hiring in just four days. It’s a formula that works.
Jessica Pennewell, Senior Manager and Fardosa Abbi, Program Support Coordinator at Greenheart shared a recap of the event with us.
The event was a perfect blend of cultural exploration, networking, and career opportunities. The first day was focused on immersing our hosts in the rich culture of Bangkok, while Sunday was all about connecting with potential seasonal hires–helping them explore new career opportunities and launch careers.
A Day of Discovery and Cultural Immersion
Our weekend kicked off on Saturday with a carefully curated series of activities designed to immerse our hosts in Bangkok’s rich cultural heritage and provide opportunities for meaningful connections that would contribute to the success of Sunday’s job fair.
Exploring the Grand Palace and the Reclining Buddha
The day began with a visit to the Grand Palace, the historic home of the King and Queen of Thailand. Our hosts were in awe of the intricate architecture and historical significance of this iconic landmark. Following the Grand Palace, we visited Wat Pho, home to the awe-inspiring Reclining Buddha. This 46-meter-long statue, one of the largest of its kind, set the perfect tone for reflection and tranquility, offering a peaceful atmosphere for the busy day ahead. As our hosts explored the temple grounds, they engaged in meaningful conversations, strengthening their relationships with one another and with Greenheart and Acadex.
Lunch at Rosniyom Tha Maharaj
After our visit to the temples, we made our way to Rosniyom Tha Maharaj, a riverside restaurant offering a delectable selection of traditional Thai dishes. The ambiance of the restaurant, paired with fragrant curries and fresh salads, set the perfect scene for our hosts to come together and discuss the plans and expectations for the job fair the next day. It was a time to align goals while enjoying the flavors of authentic Thai cuisine.
Canal Boat Tour with Greenheart Volunteer Project: Rivers for Life
Next, we embarked on an eco-friendly canal boat tour as part of Greenheart’s “Rivers for Life” initiative. This relaxing boat ride offered a unique perspective of Bangkok’s waterway system and gave our hosts the opportunity to engage in an environmental conservation effort by releasing fish into the river. We were given bags of fish to each release into the Chao Phraya River from a boat for sustainability. Initially, some were hesitant about handling the fish bags, but the experience quickly turned into a team bonding moment. The camaraderie and encouragement between participants were the highlight of the day, and it was a meaningful activity that deepened everyone’s commitment to sustainable practices.
Thai Massage at Healthland Ekkamai
After the boat tour, we took some time for relaxation at Healthland Ekkamai, where our hosts were treated to a rejuvenating Thai massage. Known for its therapeutic benefits, Thai massage was the perfect way to unwind and recharge after a morning of cultural exploration and team-building activities. Everyone left feeling refreshed and ready for the next phase of the weekend.
Sushi Dinner to End the Day
We concluded our enriching day with a delicious sushi dinner. We were served fresh sushi rolls, sashimi, and other Japanese delicacies. It was a great opportunity to reflect on the day’s experiences, share stories, and connect in a relaxed setting. This meal allowed us to wind down before transitioning to the job fair the following day.
Sunday: Job Fair at Thammasat Association
The second day of our event was all about the job fair, and it truly lived up to expectations. Hosted at the spacious Thammasat Association, the venue was the perfect setting for a productive and engaging day. The energy in the room was palpable as we kicked off the event with a warm welcoming Greenheart presentation, followed by introductions from our hosts—Laura, Natalia, and Karen. They shared valuable insights into what participants could expect from the program and an overview of the exciting opportunities available. That helped set the tone for the interviews by providing context and preparing participants for the day ahead.
Conducting Interviews
The interviews were the heart of the event, with some conducted in groups and others one-on-one. It was inspiring to watch our hosts and participants connect. Both sides shared their experiences and aspirations. The energy in the room was electric—everyone was eager to engage, ask questions, and explore the opportunities on offer. The hosts and participants engaged with one another. The level of preparation and enthusiasm from the Thai participants was exceptional. The interviews were not just an opportunity to find a seasonal job, it was also a chance to begin an exciting new chapter in their career, independently.
A Successful Event and a Bright Future Ahead
We are grateful for the connections Greenheart made. We built relationships and had inspiring conversations. The job fair was a tremendous success. It was exciting to see the careers our international participants will pursue, as a result of this event. We appreciate our hosts, partner (Acadex), and everyone involved in making this event one to remember.
If you are a business who would like to host international seasonal staff for a cultural exchange, please visit HirewithGreenheart.org to learn more.