Description

Our Southeast Asia program travels to three exotic countries: Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. During your adventure you will experience first-hand the warm hospitality that this intriguing part of the world offers to the intrepid traveler. In turn, you'll get a chance to give back to the local communities through various service learning projects that range from building a community center in a minority hill-tribe village to teaching English at an orphanage. To complement your immersion into modern Cambodia, you will also surround yourself with the past in Angkor Wat and Siem Reap. Taking Thai language lessons, you will live with local families, trek through the villages of the hill tribes, and study the principles of permaculture. Delving into the regions fascinating relationship with religion, you will learn about Theravadan Buddhist philosophy and attend a mindfulness retreat in this ancient tradition. As you hone your language and travel skills, you will participate in the student-directed Free Travel portion of the program in Vietnam before volunteering at an elephant nature park. Finally, you will earn your SCUBA diving certification along one of the most beautiful reefs in the world and celebrate your personal accomplishments and the amazing group of travelers that make up your Carpe Diem group. College credit and financial aid available through PSU.

Highlights

* Live in a village home stay situation with local families while learning Thai
* Study Buddhism and attend a meditation retreat
* Learn about organic farming, seed-saving, sustainable agriculture and earthen building
* Trek in the remote countryside
* Learn how to travel independently abroad
* Volunteer at an elephant nature park
* Build a supportive traveling community
* SCUBA dive in the Andaman Sea or Gulf of Thailand
* Group sizes no larger than 12 students and and 2 leaders* University credit available through Portland State University
* FAFSA and Scholarships available

Travel Types

• 4th World Studies
• BackPacking Abroad
• Camping
• Climbing
• Cooking
• Eco Tours
• Ecology
• Environmental Studies
• Hiking
• Homestay
• Language Immersion
• Nature Tours
• Overland Tours
• Scuba
• Snorkeling
• Surfing
• Trekking
• Volunteering
• Yoga
• Birdwatching
• Dancing
• Martial Arts
• Native Culture Studies
• Photography
• Soccer/Football
• Sports
• Student Tours
• Tours

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration
• High School Study Abroad
• Language Immersion
• Student Tours

Languages

• English
• Thai
• Vietnamese

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

9,900

Program Fees Include:

* Food
* Accommodations and scheduled program activities for the duration of the program.

International airfare is not included - estimated at USD 1,500; internal Thai flight estimated at USD 180.

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

Worldwide, American, Australian, Asian, Canadian, European, Kiwi and South African Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living
• Guest House
• Home-stays
• Independent living
• Other

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 10

Scholarships are Available

FAFSA and Scholarships are available.

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 business days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Carpe Diem Education's Mission Statement

Inspiring growth and transformation through experiential education, community, and intercultural exchange.

Year Founded

1997