Thailand and Cambodia Experience

  Cambodia

• Other Cities in Cambodia: 
Phnom Penh

  Thailand

• Bangkok: 
Bangkok
• Chiang Mai: 
Chiang Mai
• All Other Areas in Thailand: 
Sukhotai,  Ubon Ratchatani,  Mae Hong Son

Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: June 28- August 8

Description: An ecology, cultural studies, and service program with jungle trekking, community aid projects, village home-stay, and an introduction to Buddhism.

Rainforests, emerald-green rice fields, aqua-blue seas, and incredible coast lines are the majestic natural back drops to our Thailand program. From the cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai, to small rural villages nestled amid rice paddies, we explore palaces, temples, canals, markets, ruins and sensational landscapes by train, bus, bike, boat and foot.

Beginning in Bangkok, then arcing along the borders of Burma and Laos, our Thai course incorporates a variety of experiences that are both broad in scope and profound in depth. We begin the journey in a small, bucolic town where, far from other tourists, we can justly appreciate the hospitality and gracious living that has earned Thailand the reputation of being the "land of smiles." Once mastering simple phrases in Thai language, exploring the delicacies of a night market, and initiating our discussion of Thai Buddhism, we travel into the foothills that border Burma, where we meet with aid and development workers, and embark on a several day trek through the jungle. Spending our nights in thatched-hut, ethnic minority villages and in refugee settlements, we learn about the politics of neighboring Burma, and we explore a variety of border issues. During the third, fourth and fifth weeks of the course we live in communities that are close to the hearts of our trip leaders: staying with friends and families known to the instructors, working on service projects, and enjoying a Buddhist monastery retreat. The course concludes with two options: Option A: a visit to Thailand's magical coast, for a week in the sun, to enjoy snorkeling, boat trips, and exploration of island life; or Option B: a trip to Cambodia, to explore the phenomenal ruins of Angkor Wat, to survey issues in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, and to further participate in aid and development projects.

On the Thai course, service work - such as assisting with health-care projects, teaching in ethnic minority villages, or assisting with integrated farming projects - affords students opportunities to make significant contributions to the communities we visit. A multi-day Buddhist monastery stay - with morning meditation, alms rounds with monks, and lessons delivered by the monastery's abbot - offers students a rich introduction to principles in Thai Buddhism. The trek - along muddy footpaths crossed by tapirs and other endangered species - introduces a variety of issues in ecology, land use and development. The home-stay - always a highlight with students - offers remarkable opportunities to get under the skin of Thai culture. Throughout our journey we meet with champions of aid and development work, network with community leaders, and guide students through independent projects of their own design.

Highlights:
Rugged Travel: 2 stars
Train, bus and boat travel

Home Stay: 4 stars
7 to 10-day home-stay

Trekking: 2/3 stars
Moderately challenging 3-5 day jungle trek, day hikes

Service: 4 stars
Numerous opportunities for individually-directed service work, several structured service projects

Survey of Development Issues: 4 stars
Land-use, coastal ecology, women's issues, economic development, development and minority issues, health care

Language Study: 3 stars
Frequent classes in Thai Language

Philosophy and Comparative Religion: 4 stars
Introduction to Buddhism

Focus of Inquiry: 4 stars
Environmental studies, especially focused inquiry of a broad range of development issues, minority issues, art, cooking traditions.

Cost in US$: 5,950

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 15/16 17/18

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of Max 12

Scholarships are Available.

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Where There Be Dragons's Mission Statement: Through expertly guided and honest introductions to the cultural and physical landscapes of developing Asia and Latin America, and through Experiential Education that stresses the empowerment of the student, Dragons strives to cultivate cultural awareness and sensitivity, opportunities for personal growth through physical and emotional challenges, and a commitment to the communities through which we travel, providing young adults with a richer understanding of themselves, and of the social and physical worlds around them.

Year Founded: 1992