Description

An amazing educational travel semester through the diverse and friendly Buddhist countries of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. Get involved in volunteer projects, have meaningful connections with local people, gain knowledge of Southeast Asia's history, societies and environments, plus cultural insights and incredible adventures amidst dramatic landscapes.

Southeast Asia is a fascinating melting pot of history, peoples, cultures and landscapes ideally suited to an adventure/education experience. Contrast scuba diving tropical reefs with riding elephants in the jungle; Modern cities and lifestyles with Buddhist monks practicing centuries old traditions; Ancient temples with tropical beaches; The hustle bustle of Vietnam with the laid back ambiance of Laos; Climbing Gothic rock spires with rafting through jungle shrouded canyons.

We love this part of the world and discover more each time we return. If you are looking for an experience that challenges you, broadens your horizons and merges cultural and environmental sensitivity with fun and adventure - come and explore with us.

Facilitated by our inspiring and experienced program leaders, this is an excellent study abroad or gap year option for students or graduates wanting to develop personal and leadership skills, and be exposed to and immersed in cultures different to their own. Optional transferable academic credit available to all participants.

This educational travel program is suitable for high school graduates, gap year students, college students and graduates, ideally 18-25 years.

Pacific Discovery programs combine sustainable educational adventure travel, cultural immersion, experiential education, volunteer and community service projects, personal and leadership development, and tons of fun! For gap year and college students, the opportunity to combine this with transferable academic credit gives you an unbeatable study abroad or gap year travel experience.

Since 2001, Pacific Discovery has taken hundreds of students and graduates on unique travel study programs abroad, utilizing a staff of experienced and qualified program leaders and faculty.

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

Highlights

* The ancient Thai historical capital of Sukhothai and its superb temples and monuments
* 3-day rafting, hiking and elephant trekking trip in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary
* Thai cooking course and traditional massage 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 ambience, temples, waterfall and textiles
* Exploring the Old Quarter of Hanoi, Vietnam
* Mountainous Sapa with three different trekking options and fascinating highland cultures
* 3-day boating and sea kayaking trip in spectacular Halong Bay
* Moto tour of the former imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue
* Relaxing in Hoi An - tailor-made clothes, markets and a great beach nearby
* Markets and museums of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
* Get claustrophobic in Cu Chis Vietnam War era tunnel systems
* Mekong Delta exploration by bike and riverboat with rural homestay
* Markets and museums of Phnom Penh
* Insight into rural Cambodian life, home-staying with a wonderful family in Takeo Province
* Battambang's bamboo train and countryside moto-tour
* Riverboat traverse of Tonle Sap Lake, through floating villages and Prek Toal Biosphere Reserve
* Exploring the amazing temples of Angkor Wat
* Immerse yourself in Bangkok's kaleidoscopic markets and temples
* Intro to Scuba Diving in Southern Thailand
* Beach time in Southern Thailand
* Several volunteering days assisting with community development projects
* 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$:

6,250

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 - 25 ideal

This Program is open to

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

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview

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