Southeast Asia - Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

I am absolutely LOVING this experience. It is EXACTLY what I wanted and more.

Lizzie, Southeast Asia - Fall 2010



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 Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

THAILAND

Orientation:

Students will have about 4 days of orientation in which we'll focus on group dynamics, the finer details of your program, and of course learning about relevant health and safety issues specific to our program. We'll visit local sites, get a sense of Thai culture, and inevitably embark on a scavenger hunt to familiarize ourselves with local transportation. We'll also launch you into a series of activities designed to familiarize yourself with the local customs and travel nuances of Southeast Asia.

Language Study:

Spend two weeks studying Thai with a tutor for 2 hours each morning while living with your own homestay family. Afternoons are free to spend with your new families, stumble and laugh your way through Thai, and 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 the village. Later, we'll spend additional time studying Thai but this time in the city of Chiang Mai where we can learn Thai massage, study Thai music, or even take a class or two of Muay Thai boxing.

Environmental Conservation & Sustainable Building:

Work for a week with a local Non-Profit (NGO) outside of Chiang Mai learning about sustainable practices and volunteering in their efforts to promote green agricultural practices and peace-working. This same center regularly runs programs for local Thai people training them in organic farming methods in efforts to counteract the governments efforts in the direction of heavy pesticides.

Thai Buddhist Temple

Introduction to Thai Buddhism:

At a plush retreat facility about 1.5 hours outside of Chiang Mai, we'll drop into our spiritual selves and learn about Thai Buddhism through an introductory course taught by a former monk and Western teacher. You'll do a full-day of silence, learn about a variety of meditation techniques, and learn about the traditions of karma and dharma.

Volunteering with the Mirror Art Groupe:

Near the Golden Triangle, in the province of Chiang Rai, we'll trek through the lush forests into remote hill tribe villages, where we'll volunteer with a well-established NGO that has been helping disempowered minority groups gain access to basic human rights.

 

CAMBODIA

Angkor Wat & Siem Reap:

Angkor Wat Doorway Traveling from Thailand, we'll land in Siem Reap, city of one of the oldest Hindu Temples in Southeast Asia: Angkor Wat. We'll spend two days taking in Angkor Wat, studying their architecture, history, and generally getting a feel for how Hinduism and Angkor Wat played in the formation of modern Southeast Asian culture.

Social Service:

In Battambang, a town about 6 hours by boat outside of Siem Reap, we'll live in a community with a focus on integration and self-sustenance for the poorest families in Battambang and trafficked girls. During the days we'll 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, and the group will live collectively while sharing in the meals of the community.

 

VIETNAM

Free Travel:

With one more country to visit, it's time to put our newfound travel skills to work to explore the wonders of Vietnam. Beginning in Ho Chi Minh City, we'll have the chance to plan our own adventures while immersing ourselves in an entirely distinctive culture from those we've previously experienced. Possibilities include trekking in the Central Highlands of Dalat, visiting the tunnels of Cu Chi, and staying with families in the Mekhong Delta. Meanwhile, we'll see the history and after-effects of a devastating war from an entirely different perspective from that which we've previously known.

SCUBA:

We'll end our trip on the island of Phu Quoc, where we will achieve a PADI Basic Open Water SCUBA certification. Higher levels of certification are available for those with previous dive experience. When not diving, you'll have time for relaxing on the beautiful beach as well as other activities.

 

Program Details

Program Dates:

Spring 2012: February 8 - May 2
Fall 2012: September 18th - December 11th

gap year tuk tuk in Thailand

Group Size:

A maximum of 10 Students & 2 Adult Leaders

Eligibility:

Ages 17 and Up

University Credit & Federal Financial Aid:

FAFSA & Up to 18 credits available through Portland State University: www.pdx.edu

Language Requirement:

None

Admissions:

No deadline - applications accepted on a rolling basis until start date.

Program Fee:

$9,900 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 $1200; internal Thai flight estimated at $300. For information on Financial Aid click here.

Program Policies:

For a detailed description of our Program Expectations and Rules - The Sacred 6 please click this link. These are the rules that we expect of all of our students for their overall safety and to provide the best possible program.