Wander through a land of golden temples, green mountains and saffron robes. Journey to enchanting Thailand, a kingdom rich in culture, arts and tradition. In spite of rapid economic progress in recent years, Chiang Mai, where you’ll be based, manages to preserve the atmosphere of an ancient village and is still known for its beautiful temples and rugged natural landscape. Make unforgettable connections with Thailand’s rural youth through community service at a primary school and cultural exchange at a local high school. You’re sure to be transformed by the nation’s culture of warmth and reverence, experiencing off-the-beaten-path interaction with authentic cuisine, hospitable local residents, temple visits , bustling markets, an elephant home visit and outdoor adventure through the lush, green mountains surrounding Chiang Mai.
You’ll work at a school providing English instruction for local youth through classroom time, tutoring arts, crafts and sports. Over the course of your community service, develop meaningful relationships with your students also volunteer on various physical projects that support Thailand’s ethnic minority, the Northern hill tribes. Accelerate refurbishment efforts to shelters and infrastructure for there displaced families who have historically been oppressed.
Experience the wide diversity of Thai culture:Explore elegant wats (Buddhist Temples) speak with monks about their lifestyle and spiritual worldview. Gather fresh ingredients at a market for a Thai cooking class, learn the traditional arts of dance and Muay Thai boxing, get an authentic Thai massage and get up close and personal with majestic elephants. You’ll spend an unforgettable day learning about the conservation of the animals, as well as their significance in Thai culture.
Northern Thailand’s rugged geography is a playground for outdoor pursuits, including an extensive zipline through the local, leafy hillsides outside of Chiang Mai and the opportunity for a waterfall hike. You’ll also visit a Thai elephant home, where you’ll feed the elephants, walk them through natural settings and help the mahouts (elephant keepers) bathe the happy animals. Visit the famous Chiang Mai night bazaar and on our 21-day Flagship Program, go on a bicycling and kayaking adventure through beautiful mountains of Northern Thailand.
Accommodations are basic, but clean and safe. Students sleep in gender-segregated rooms with roommates, and have access to shared bathrooms with cold-water showers.
