Southeast Asia Semester: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia - Adventure Travel & Volunteer

- Multi-Country

• Other Cities in - Multi-Country: 
Various cities in each country,  Locations in Asia

  Cambodia

• Other Cities in Cambodia: 
Phnom Penh,  Siem Reap,  Takeo,  Kep

  Laos

• Other Cities in Laos: 
Luang Namtha
• Rural Areas: 
Rural Areas
• Luang Prabang: 
Luang Prabang

  Thailand

• Other Cities in Thailand: 
Krabi
• Bangkok: 
Bangkok
• Chiang Mai: 
Chiang Mai
• All Other Areas in Thailand: 
Sukhotai,  Mae Sot,  Chiang Khong

  Vietnam

• Hanoi: 
Hanoi
• All Other Areas in Vietnam: 
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon),  Hue,  Hoi An,  Sa Pa

Term: Fall, Spring, Winter 
Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: Jan - Mar and Sep - Nov every year

Description: The program travels overland through the diverse and friendly Buddhist countries of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia offering fascinating history, welcoming peoples, dramatic landscapes, incredible adventures, cultural insights, volunteering, and focuses on sustainability, eco-tourism and grass-roots development.

Highlights: This semester program has a very strong experiential education component, comprising hands-on volunteer work, opportunities for meaningful connections with local people, pushing personal boundaries, and gaining knowledge of Southeast Asias history, societies and environments, facilitated by our knowledgeable trip leaders. This is an excellent study abroad or gap year option for students wanting to be exposed to and immersed in cultures radically different to their own.

The option to combine this with up to a semester of transferable US college credit gives you an unbeatable travel/study experience. Students, graduates and non-students are welcome. Credit & non-credit programs are offered.

Southeast Asia is a fascinating melting pot of history, peoples, cultures and landscapes ideally suited to an adventure/education experience. Contrast scuba diving tropical reefs with riding elephants in the jungle; Modern cities and lifestyles with Buddhist monks practicing centuries old traditions; Ancient temples with tropical beaches; The hustle bustle of Vietnam with the laid back ambiance of Laos; Climbing gothic rock spires with rafting through jungle shrouded canyons.

We love this part of the world and discover more each time we return. If you are looking for an experience that challenges you, broadens your horizons and merges cultural and environmental sensitivity with fun and adventure - come and explore with us.

Highlights

* The ancient Thai historical capital of Sukhothai and its superb temples and monuments
* 3-day rafting, hiking and elephant trekking trip in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary
* Thai cooking course and traditional massage in Chiang Mai
* 2-day climbing and caving introductory course in Northern Thailand
* 2-day trekking trip in the Nam Ha Biodiversity Conservation area in Northern Laos
* 3-day riverboat journey down the Nam Tha and Mekong Rivers
* World Heritage town Luang Prabang, with its ambience, temples, waterfall and textiles
* Exploring the Old Quarter of Hanoi, Vietnam
* Mountainous Sapa with three different trekking options and fascinating highland cultures
* 3-day boating and sea kayaking trip in spectacular Halong Bay
* Moto tour of the former imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue
* Relaxing in Hoi An - tailor-made clothes, markets and a great beach nearby
* Markets and museums of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
* Get claustrophobic in Cu Chis Vietnam War era tunnel systems
* Mekong Delta exploration by bike and riverboat with rural homestay
* Markets and museums of Phnom Penh
* Insight into rural Cambodian life, home-staying with a wonderful family in Takeo Province
* Overnight trip in Prek Toal Biosphere Reserve and homestay in a floating village on Tonle Sap Lake
* Exploring the amazing temples of Angkor Wat
* Immerse yourself in Bangkoks kaleidoscopic markets and temples
* Intro to Scuba Diving in Southern Thailand
* Beach time in Southern Thailand
* Several volunteering days assisting with community development projects
* Series of informal lectures and discussions on history, culture and society
* Very personalized small group experience (compare with other programs of up to 40 students)
* Fantastic program leader/s supported by local guides

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: 5200

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18 - 25 ideal

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 12

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Pacific Discovery's Mission Statement: Through meaningful and challenging experiential travel, we aim to provide and assist participants in gaining the skills, confidence and insight to realize their potential in an increasingly global society; develop empathy for other cultures; further understanding of international issues; and heighten appreciation for the earth's wilderness and diversity.

Year Founded: 2001