Description

Sabai Dee and Welcome to Laos
As the sun sets over the jagged limestone mountains and brilliant green rice fields that lead to Na Som, people head home after a long day of work. You stop at a crystal-clear stream to swim with friends after a satisfying day of service. Welcome to Laos, one of the hidden jewels of Southeast Asia. People here say their life is sabai sabai, or 'all good,' and Laos exemplifies this national slogan. This country is rich in stunning landscapes and is home to people who throw open their doors and their hearts to visitors. Join us for an exhilarating week of service and adventure in a traditional Hmong village nestled in one of the most untouched places on earth.

At Home with the Hmong
Over 50 different tribes dot the Lao countryside and each has its own language and traditions. The Hmong, who live among the jagged, limestone peaks of the north, are one of the largest ethnic groups. Rustic Pathways has adopted the Hmong village of Na Som, and the kind people of this lovely village have adopted Rustic Pathways. Three of our full-time employees hail from this village and will help you get acquainted with the people, culture and surroundings. Families here will happily welcome you to their village and make you feel right at home. You'll also have the chance to learn about Hmong history, culture, food and traditions, and pick up a touch of colloquial Hmong while you're here in the village.

As Na Som becomes a second home, you'll witness some of the mysterious aspects of Hmong culture. Hmong people believe in good and evil spirits that interfere humorously or sadistically with humans. Shamans will demonstrate how 'chosen ones' communicate with spirits through chants, dances, and trances using tools passed down through generations of spirit whisperers. You may also witness a ceremony that involves the whole village working with the shaman as he sacrifices pigs, beats drums, and burns incense to invoke the spirits.

Building Futures by Building a School
Your service here will center around the village school, which has dirt floors, leaky roofs, and walls made of woven mats. Students wear threadbare uniforms but sport bright smiles, and their joyful nature is contagious. We have a vision to completely rebuild this school and revolutionize the academic opportunities for these children. You will build walls and raise roofs as you improve the quality of life for the children of Na Som. You will also work on a health project implementing strategies that will impact both local students and the elderly in your host village. Our hosts are extremely appreciative of our efforts and enjoy working alongside us  they always have grins on their faces and no doubt you will too!

Into the Mountains
There will also be plenty of time to explore the awe-inspiring wonders surrounding Na Som. Tractor rides and hikes will bring you to caverns that wind deep into the limestone cliffs. After these excursions, cool off under cascading waterfalls and in crystal-clear lagoons as water buffalo snack on grass nearby. This trip provides an extraordinary opportunity to live and work with a fascinating Hill Tribe culture.

Want to extend your summer adventure? This program connects easily with our other enriching programs in Southeast Asia, China and India.

Highlights

BEFRIEND the warm-hearted villagers of Na Som, who will share their traditional Hmong culture with you.

REBUILD a well-worn village school and positively change educational opportunities for young Hmong children.

ASSIST with a health and nutrition initiative that will benefit everyone, from students to the elderly, in your host village.

EXPLORE jungle-covered mountains and hidden caves filled with sparkling rock formations and Buddha statues.

WITNESS the mysterious supernatural ceremonies of the spirit-whispering Hmong shamans of Na Som.

ROPE SWING into turquoise swimming holes fed by mountain streams and surrounded by dazzling rice fields.

Qualifications

Students must be 14-years old and up to participate on the program. Additionally, participants must submit an application through the Rustic Pathways website and complete the appropriate documents before traveling on the program.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

995 USD + 225 USD Internal Airfare + International Air

Cost Includes:

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

Program Fees Include:

The above cost includes all ground transportation in-country, 3 meals a day, housing, staff through the duration of the program, all supplies for the volunteer projects and all excursions on the program itinerary not listed as optional.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Other

Scholarships are Available

Rustic Pathways is providing over 100 scholarships for the 2012 season based on a mix of both need and merit. Application deadline is every year in early Spring. Please contact us for more details on applying for a scholarship and other financial aid options.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-2 business days

Rustic Pathways's Mission Statement

Rustic Pathways is a pioneer in providing superior quality travel and service programs for students and families in some of the world's most welcoming countries. Rustic Pathways demands professionalism and integrity across all of its operations, insists on quality in all aspects of its programs, and places the safety of its students above all other considerations. We enrich the lives of our students and our staff, benefit the parts of the world we serve, and build cultural bridges that lead to greater global understanding and cooperation.

Year Founded

1983