Description

With biologically diverse jungles, rich river basins, and thickly forested mountains, Laos has one of the most pristine natural environments in all of Asia. As a vital part of the Mekong River watershed, the people and environment of Laos are deeply affected by river development and regional politics. Still today, Laos is primarily a rural nation of subsistence farmers.

While traveling in "The Kingdom of a Million Elephants" we enjoy an authentic, rugged and very gritty journey that opens our hearts to the area's people while opening our eyes to multi-national issues in development.

Our program begins with a survey of Theravada Buddhism - the dominant philosophical ethos that is found in so many aspects of both Thai and Lao culture. We travel along the Thai/Lao border, exploring spectacular caves and remote jungle between Ban Houei Xay and Luang Nam Tha. From Luang Nam Tha we embark on an extended, rigorous jungle trek to Akha minority villages, followed by a white water rafting trip to villages inhabited by Khmu, Lantaen and Tai ethnic minorities. We then journey to Luang Prabang where we explore a UNESCO heritage site with amazing architecture and a multitude of ancient golden temples. Thirty kilometers outside of Luang Prabang students begin their home-stays with ethnic minority families in Tin Keo Village. Students also participate in service projects which introduce them to various environmental and development issues facing Laos. From Luang Prabang we then journey high into the remote Xiang Khuang Plateau, site of the mysterious Plain of Jars. On the Plain, we explore the complexities of post-conflict reconstruction, environmental politics, and ecotourism development.

We conclude the program with a reflective week in the Mekong River's Four Thousand Islands Area in southern Laos.

Highlights

Dragons Laos: Culture, Conservation, & Service Summer Abroad Program offers a wonderfully rich and balanced experience of Southeast Asia. With a 5+ day homestay, students practice their Lao language, learn about Lao cooking, connect with their young siblings, and have an opportunity to experience what it is like to live in rural and urban Laos. Service options include numerous opportunities to volunteer in orphanages, assist medical professionals in clinics for disabled children, or guest-teach at local primary schools. Through travel by boat, bus, bicycle, and foot, students see a wide breadth of the country and travel as authentically as possible. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of contemporary Buddhism in Southeast Asia, development issues, history, politics, and peace studies.

Travel Types

• 4th World Studies
• Camping
• Cooking
• Environmental Studies
• Hiking
• Native Culture Studies
• Nature Tours
• Overland Tours
• Trekking
• Volunteering

Type of Programs

• High School Study Abroad
• Adventure Travel
• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Language Immersion
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• Laotian

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

5,950 USD

Cost Includes:

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

Program Fees Include:

Tuition includes everything except international flight medical insurance and small personal expenses (personal calls home personal snacks aside from meals laundry services, email/internet cafes, etc.)

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

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

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Written Application
• Letters of Reference
• Phone/Video Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week

Where There Be Dragons's Mission Statement

Dragons programs are authentic, rugged and profound learning adventures that expose the beautiful and complex realities of the countries in which we travel. Featuring extended itineraries, Dragons programs encourage deep immersion into strikingly different physical and cultural landscapes, combining the best in experiential education, travel, service learning, and physically and intellectually challenging experiences. While programs vary in their focus - with some trekking and wilderness intensive, others strong on service and development studies, and still others language-oriented - all Dragons journeys are designed above all else to be fun, safe and honest educational experiences.

Year Founded

1993