Description

This 4-week summer program gives you the chance to experience Thailand's incredible environment and unique culture. We spend two weeks on volunteer projects working with elephants at the Elephant Nature Foundation, and with Burmese migrants at a vocational training education center. You'll also hike and canoe through tropical jungles, explore idyllic islands, ancient temples, kaleidascopic markets, and try your hand at Thai language and cuisine.

This educational travel summer program is suitable for highschool graduates, gap year students, and college students and graduates, ideally 18 - 24 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

* Volunteering with elephants at the award-winning Elephant Nature Foundation
* Volunteering with Burmese migrants and refugees at a vocational training centre
* 2-day rock-climbing and caving adventure (no experience needed)
* Hiking and kayaking in the amazing jungle of Khao Sok National Park
* Snorkelling and exploring spectacular Kho Phra Ngan island
* Historical Sukhothai and its superb temples and monuments
* Thailand's kaleidoscopic markets and temples
* Thai cooking course and traditional massage
* Informal lectures and discussions on history, culture, society and environment
* Very personalized small group experience, maximum 14 participants (compare with other programs of up to 40 students)
* Fantastic program leader supported by great local English-speaking guides

Travel Types

• BackPacking Abroad
• Student Tours
• Volunteering
• 4th World Studies
• Eco Tours
• Environmental Studies
• Hiking
• Homestay
• Native Culture Studies
• Photography
• RainForest Tours
• Snorkeling

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$:

3,950

Cost Includes:

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

Program Fees Include:

* All in-country transport including 2 flights within Thailand
* All accommodation
* Most meals
* 2 weeks of volunteer projects
* All excursions, activities and adventure travel as described in the itinerary
* Experienced Pacific Discovery program leader/s and local guides
* Online image library for your program.

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Animal Welfare
• Community Development
• Conservation
• Education
• Grassroots Organization
• Minority Groups

Typical Volunteer

Enthusiastic and open to new experiences and other cultures.

Age Range

18 - 24 yrs ideal

This Program is open to

American, European, Canadian, Australian, South African, Kiwi, Worldwide and Asian Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

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 plus Application Assessment

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