Dragons Thailand Summer Abroad Program: Spirit of Greng Jai
Location
Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai and 2 other cities
Description
From forested mountain tops to small rural villages nestled amid rice paddies to the buzzing metropolis of Bangkok, our Thailand program is a broad and unforgettable journey in “The Land of Smiles.” In one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, our Thailand course provides off-the-beaten-path experiences that incorporate village home-stays, community service work, jungle trekking, extensive discourse on Theravada Buddhism, and a thorough discussion of regional politics and issues in human rights. Our program begins in Chiang Mai, in Thailand’s north, and then travels to border areas in the east. Outside of Mae Hong Son we hike through bamboo forest and stay with ethnic Karen villagers. In Mae Sot near the Burmese border, we survey border issues and integrate service work with inspiring visits to medical clinics, orphanages, and various NGO’s. In Sukhothai we explore fantastic ancient ruins in one of Asia’s most splendid World Heritage Sites, and we settle into a Buddhist monastery for a five-day meditation retreat. From the hill-regions of the north, we travel to the coastal communities of the south for a week-long exploration of sea-fairing communities in regions bordering Malaysia. Our Thailand adventure culminates with a few day’s exploration of the country’s colorful and bustling capitol, Bangkok.
Highlights
Following is a sample itinerary for Dragons Thailand: The Spirit of Greng Jai Summer Abroad Program. Our sample itineraries are based on past courses; in order to meet instructor team goals, as well as the goals and interests of particular student groups, future itineraries are subject to change.
Week One:
Orientation in L.A., fly to Mae Hong Son: visit local markets and begin immediately to discover the incredible variety of foods in Thailand. Immerse in a study of Thai culture and ethnic minorities, bike amid rural villages and rice fields; visit Buddhist monasteries, daily language instruction.
Weeks Two - Three:
Visit communities bordering Burma and Laos: jungle trekking to rural villages. Live with families in a network of villages learning their trades and living as they do. Visit Burma and travel to similar villages in Burma studying the varying effects that tourism and government policies exert over minorities in each country.
Weeks Four - Five:
Home-stay, group service project, internships, further work on Independent Study Projects, further study of comparative cultures and religions.
Week Six:
Wat-stay (live in a monastery): meditate daily, study the teachings of Therevada Buddhism, chant with monks, and reflect on the experience. Return to Bangkok, meet with heads of NGOs and international aid and development organizations.