Semester in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia: a region accentuated by the vibrant greens of rice fields and jungle forests, competing environmental needs, incredible history, profound religious beliefs and practices, and the cultural diversity of hill tribe communities: each country offers a unique cultural experience unto itself.   With modern challenges meeting social needs, the collision of urban expansion and industrialization with indigenous land rights and equal access to resources, this region is perfect for a deep dive into history, human rights, and sustainability.

This 6-week program travels from the Thai temples and old walled city of Chiang Mai to the Cambodian UNESCO world-heritage center of Angkor Wat; from the mountainous jungles of northern Thailand to the clear ocean waters of the country’s famed southern islands.  This region is rich with the warmth and hospitality of its peoples, but also complex with history and present day challenges affecting those same people. 

We will explore not only the challenges posed by development in this region, but the many solutions (lived and potential), paying special attention to this area's rich history and traditions that have and will continue to guide the way.  

This short semester is designed for change-makers who want to proactively engage in solutions for climate, social justice and human rights.  Retreats and reflections are interspersed throughout the semester to allow you to focus on looking inwardly, so that you take action outwardly.   

Where We Travel

Program Details

Length

Fall 2024: 42 days

Program dates *

Fall 2024
October 2 - November 13

* Dates may fluctuate depending on flight times and availability.

Group Size

A maximum of 13 Students & 2 Overseas Educators

Eligibility

Our typical student is between 17-22, though we sometimes work with students slightly outside that range depending on circumstances.

College Credit & Scholarships

Learn more about: College Credit and Scholarships
College credit is available, however students pursuing credit will be required to attend the otherwise optional pre-departure virtual sessions (typically 3-4 sessions).

Language Requirements

None

Cost:

Fall 2024 (42 days): $9,900

Program tuition includes all planned meals, accommodations, scheduled program activities, internal program transport, and international medical+evacuation insurance for the duration of the program. International airfare (est. $1,300-$1,500), internal flight (est. $150-$250), visa fees (est. $120) and spending money (est. $200) are extra.

About Our Southeast Asia Semester

Southeast Asia is a land of ancient tradition, distinctive cultural expression, and tremendous complexity.

Defying European colonization, Thailand provides a unique opportunity to witness a culture uninterrupted by external authority, yet deeply impacted by globalization and tourism. We explore various aspects of this culture, enjoying the warmth and hospitality of Thai people while uncovering layers of social complexity, economic disparities, and the endangered ways nomadic hill tribe communities live.

Cambodia is a land of contrasts, from grand temples at Angkor Wat to the genocide of the Khmer Rouge, students will get the opportunity to witness how Cambodian society continues to heal from this era and marvel at the resilience of local peoples while acknowledging how impacts have endured and shaped modern culture.

We’ll explore traditional village life through homestays in both Thailand and Cambodia where we will live with and engage in the daily life of locals. We’ll witness the emphasis on close family systems inherent in Thai culture and life in the floating villages in Cambodia. We will learn mindfulness and meditation practices from local monks while exploring the role that Theravada Buddhism plays in the lives of locals.

Rehabilitation and Regeneration: In both Thailand and Cambodia, the group will spend time in communities working on sustainable and regenerative practices to heal both humans and the land.  You will spend time in an ecovillage in Thailand and learn about holistic practices. You will also spend time with a young community of activists in Cambodia who have chosen to return to a more holistic and healing relationship with the land and each other. 

Learn about Community in Northern Thailand by trek through the beautiful forested hills of Northern Thailand. During this time, you’ll engage with local NGOs to discuss topics of human rights related to borders and national identity. Through homestays with a hill tribe community, we witness how traditional ways of life are being both challenged and revitalized in the face of globalization and modernization.

SCUBA certification and water: Slow down your pace of life in southern Thailand on the famous SCUBA island of Koh Tao.  You and your group will get to see the vibrant marine life as you earn a PADI certificate.

Questions We'll Explore: 

  • What does human migration look like in Southeast Asia?   What leads to people leaving their homes and families in search of a better life.  What conditions do they face as they seek to find safety.  What can be done?
  • How are communities in Southeast Asia approaching sustainability? What traditional practices can be revived to allow us to live in harmony with our natural world. 
  • How are identities formed?  What role does a country's history play in its people's identities?  What does this mean for marginalized groups?
  • How can we be agents of change?  What inner work needs to happen? What outer action needs to be taken?  How can Buddhist practices help us approach creating change for ourselves and others?

Carpe Diem Education’s Southeast Asia semester brings you face to face with the beauty and challenge of these two distinctive nations. Through living and engaging with local communities, the journey provides an enhanced perspective on issues of human rights, cultural preservation and sustainability.  By focusing on the resilience of communities and the land, we learn not only about the current problems,  but also the proactive and life-affirming ways that we can overcome current and future challenges. The Southeast Asia semester allows you to engage with change makers in these countries as you gain skills to apply these concepts back home.

Testimonials

"JUST DO IT! There'll definitely be some difficult moments, but you're strong enough to make it through! Go out there, have experiences, and HAVE FUN!"

-Laura,
CDE Student

"I have grown more than I thought possible, and I will never forget what I’ve learned on this trip."

-Elizabeth,
CDE Student

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