Southeast Asia
It was one of those amazingly fun, unbelievably beautiful, life-changing experiences...the kind that can never be forgotten. I wanted you to know that trip will always be looked upon as one of my favorite experiences.
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The program will spend approximately 12 weeks traveling, studying the local languages, and volunteering with local non-profit organizations (both social and environmental services) throughout Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand.
LAOS
Orientation:
You have 3-4 days of orientation at a backpackers hostel in the capital of Laos and focus on group dynamics, the finer details of your program, and of course learning about relevant health and safety issues that you値l need to concern yourself with. We値l also launch you into a series of activities designed to familiarize yourself with the local customs and travel nuances of Vientiane.Wildlife Conservation:
Spend 10 days volunteering at a local environmental project focusing on working with Gibbons. You will be living in dormitory style housing in the evenings while during the day working with wildlife biologists in the forest studying Gibbons and their behavior. During the few days you池e not in the forests you値l be back at the hospital taking care of injured or orphaned gibbons.CAMBODIA
Phnom Penh:
After arriving into Phnom Penh we値l take a few days to recover from some long travel days and recuperate in this magnificent city that rests on the banks of the Mekong. Visiting the Russian Market and taking in some of the local temples we値l get a flavor for Cambodia痴 unique place in Southeast Asia.Siem Reap:
From Phnom Penh we値l travel on a 6 hour boat ride up river to Siem Reap and the oldest Hindu Temples in Cambodia: Angkor Wat. We値l spend two days taking Angkor Wat, studying their architecture, history, and generally getting a feel for how they placed in the formation of modern Southeast Asian culture.Social Service:
Spend two weeks based in Battambang, a town about 4 hours outside of Siem Reap living in a community with a focus on integration and self-sustenance for the poorest families in Battambang and trafficked girls. During the days we値l split into two groups and while one group is teaching at the on-site school our other group will be working on a construction project to benefit the community. The living here will be hard as the poverty is quite abundant.THAILAND
Language Study:
Spend two weeks studying Thai with a tutor for 4 hours each morning in the city of Chiang Mai while living with your own homestay family. Afternoons are free to spend with homestay families or to participate in optional cultural activities (traditional cooking, outdoor conservation work, etc.) On the weekends we'll have time to organize and design trips outside of town.Environmental Conservation:
Work for a week with a local Non-Profit (NGO) in Chiang Rai while living in their traditional village atmosphere. Expect to get dirty, but also expect to appreciate the uniqueness of living in a very traditional setting.Trekking:
Traveling from Chiang Rai we値l spend two days rafting down the Mae Kok River and then embarking for a two day trek through the Highlands of Northern Thailand. These are some of the best days you can expect with beautiful water falls in abundance.Introduction to Thai Buddhism:
Outside of Chiang Mai, as we drop from the Northernmost areas of Thailand a bit, we'll also drop into our spiritual selves and learn about Thai Buddhism through an introductory course offered through a local monastery.Short-Course in Thai Massage:
Also on the outskirts of Chiang Mai we'll avail ourselves of the fantastic teachers renowned for their instruction on Thai Massage. We'll be taking a 4-day course in traditional Thai massage - which means, of course, lots of practice ... and being practiced on!SCUBA:
Taking a train south to the Gulf of Thailand we値l then overnight and take a boat to Koh Tao for a week of rest, recreation, and of course SCUBA. You will live in a hotel on the beach and take a course leading to PADI Basic Open Water SCUBA certification. Higher levels of certification are available for those with previous dive experience. When not diving, you will have time for lazing on the beach and other recreation activities.Program Details
Program Dates:
Fall 2009: Sept. 9 - Dec. 2, 2009Group Size:
A maximum of 12 Students & 2 Adult Leaders
Eligibility:
Ages 17 and Up
Academic Credit:
Up to 18 credits available
Language Requirement:
None
Admissions:
No deadline - applications accepted on a rolling basis until start date.
Program Fee:
$8,900 Program fee includes all food, accommodations, and scheduled program activities for the duration of the program. International airfare, health insurance and spending money are extra. International airfare estimated at $1500; internal Thai flight estimated at $180. For information on Financial Aid click here.
