Description

The Wonders of Amazing Thailand
Welcome to the Village Documentary Project, a fantastic combination of photography, touring, and service in Thailand. The journey will begin in the diverse mountains surrounding Chiang Mai, the cultural center of the country. Explore Doi Suthep temple, marvel at breathtaking waterfalls, and photograph orange-robed monks strolling down the streets. The city is also food lover's paradise where many international celebrities, such as Anthony Bourdain, dine regularly.

Mae Sot and the Burmese Border
From Chiang Mai, you'll travel southwest toward Mae Sot, an intriguing town on the Thai-Burmese border. Here you'll learn about the situation in Burma, witness life on the border, and meet people whose lives straddle the line between both countries. You will photograph local street markets where Burmese women with yellow-powdered faces, Hill Tribe villagers, and Indian merchants trading jade all come together to form a picturesque multicultural scene. Understanding life on this side of the border will help you through the second half of the program, which will involve working with students whose families have fled from Burma to Thailand in search of better lives.

Nohbo Academy - The Documentary Project
Spend the second week of your program at Nohbo Academy, just a few hours north of Mae Sot and a mile or so from the border with Burma. Here you will get to know some of the school's students and learn about their lives and stories. Most of the students here are ethnically Karen, and they grew up with their families in one of the refugee camps along the border. You will hear and document the incredible stories of these students as you help them share their lives. Many of the students will be your age, and they will give you unique insight into the lives of your peers in this region of the world.
A typical day might include working on portraits of students at the Academy, shooting pictures of children at play, or photographing a quiet moment between friends. You'll develop your technical skills and gain a deeper understanding of these amazing people who are eager to share their stories. Together you and your fellow Rustic Pathways students will compile a beautiful book of memories from your week at Nohbo. You will design, edit, and print the book and then leave it for the community here to reflect on and enjoy for generations to come. Hopefully the images and stories you bring home with you to share with your friends and family will help spread the word about the situation in Burma. You will leave Thailand with a genuine love and understanding of the Karen people, their captivating culture, and their dreams for a brighter future.

So What are You Waiting for?
This trip is great for brand new photographers, as well as experienced shutterbugs wanting to deepen their portfolios in amazing Thailand.

Want to continue your summer adventure? This program easily connects with our other great trips in Southeast Asia, China and India.

Highlights

TRAVEL from the bustle of big-city life in Bangkok to the peaceful rural hills of Northwestern Thailand and learn about what life is like for your local peers all along the way.

HONE your skills as a photographer, receive in-depth photography instruction, and benefit from portfolio reviews with your fellow students and instructors.

SHARPEN your photography skills and use your camera to brighten children's lives in a village school.

LIVE in a Hill Tribe village during your second week of the program, embrace the local culture, and immerse yourself in the daily lives of the students, families, and teachers here.

CREATE a book of photo memories as a key part of your community service work in your host village, where money is very scarce and the concept of a yearbook is even more rare.

Qualifications

Students must be 16-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

• Adventure Travel
• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• English
• Thai

Cost in US$:

USD 2,895 + 235 Internal Airfare

Cost Includes:

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

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

• Arts
• Tutor
• Youth
• Youth Development

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

in Groups

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