Description

The Pacific Discovery Southeast Asia Program is an inspiring educational travel semester through the diverse and friendly Buddhist countries of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. Southeast Asia is a fascinating melting pot of history, peoples, diverse cultures and dramatic landscapes ideally suited to an extraordinary educational travel experience.

The program has a strong experiential focus. Participants get involved in service learning projects, have opportunities for meaningful connections with local people, gain knowledge of Southeast Asia's history, societies and environments, push personal boundaries and develop their leadership skills.

This educational travel summer program is suitable for high school graduates, gap year students, college students and graduates, ideally 18-24 years.

Since 2001, Pacific Discovery has provided travel study programs for hundreds of students and graduates, utilizing a staff of experienced and qualified program leaders and faculty.

If you have a thirst for adventure, to explore places you've dreamed of, learning through hands-on experiences, and making friends for life, then join us!

Highlights

* The ancient Thai historical capital of Sukhothai and its superb temples and monuments
* Volunteer week at the award-winning Elephant Nature Foundation
* Thai cooking course, Muay Thai (Thai martial art) workshop and an intro to yoga class in Chiang Mai
* 2-day Buddhist meditation retreat run by Thai monks 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 relaxed ambience, temples, waterfall and textiles
* 2-day trekking trip in Northern Vietnam amidst fascinating highland cultures
* 3-day boating and sea kayaking trip in spectacular Halong Bay
* Moto tour of Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam
* Gorgeous Hoi An and a workshop with a development organization
* Get claustrophobic in Cu Chi’s Vietnam War era tunnel systems
* Mekong Delta exploration by bike and riverboat with rural homestay
* Markets, museums and temples in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Phnom Penh and Bangkok
* Insight into rural Cambodian life, home-staying with a wonderful family in Takeo Province
* Volunteer days building a simple home for a marginalized family in Kampot, Cambodia
* Volunteer days teaching English to high school students in Takeo and Kampot, Cambodia
* Exploring the amazing temples of Angkor Wat
* Intro Scuba Diving and beach time in Southern Thailand
* 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

Travel Types

• 4th World Studies
• BackPacking Abroad
• Climbing
• Cooking
• Eco Tours
• Environmental Studies
• Heritage Tourism
• Hiking
• Homestay
• Kayaking (Sea)
• Native Culture Studies
• Nature Tours
• Overland Tours
• Photography
• Rafting
• Scuba
• Student Tours
• Tours
• Trekking
• Volunteering
• Caving/Spelunking
• Cycling (Mountain)

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications

No experience needed, but we like participants to have a positive attitude, be enthusiastic, open to new experiences and other cultures.

Minimum Education

High School

Languages

• English

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

6,950

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

* Internal and international program flights within Asia.
* Optional tickets available from Los Angeles to Bangkok return.
* All visas and airport taxes while traveling with the program.
* All accommodations - from rustic thatch bungalows to modern hotels and beach front lodges.
* In country transport - including chartered vans, local buses, trains, various boats, bicycles, rickshaws and elephants.
* All activities & excursions described in the itinerary.
* Meals as outlined in the registration packet.
* Experienced and knowledgeable program leaders.
* Academic facilitator (if taking optional credit).

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Community Development
• Education
• Grassroots Organization
• Orphans
• Street Kids

Age Range

18 - 23 ideal

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Home-stays
• Other

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 12-14

Scholarships are Available

Pacific Discovery does not provide scholarships, but we are happy to support you with any information required if you would like to pursue your own indepdent scholarship application.

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview
• Online Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-3 days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Pacific Discovery's Mission Statement

Through meaningful and challenging experiential travel, we 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