High School Experiential Learning Programs in Bangkok

Thailand, the land of smiles and the gateway country of Southeast Asia, draws more visitors than any other country in the region. This is all thanks to breathtaking natural beauty, ornate temples, robust cuisine, and ruins of ancient kingdoms. Buddhism, which places a high value on hospitality and kindness, is the dominant religion; and you are likely to see orange-robed monks and statues of the Buddha. Thailand is a country of incredible beauty with breathtaking temples, lofty mountains, sandy beaches, and fertile plains dotted with rice paddies. English is widely spoken, especially in the cities, and is a required subject in secondary schools and universities. Thai food reflects a blend of ancient with modern by offering a variety of flavors and just the right spices. Satisfy your appetite as you discover lifelong friends, an exotic culture, and age-old traditions.

We will explore the historical city of Chiang Mai, basking in the down-to-earth charm of this northern gem, shopping at local markets, enjoying a traditional Thai massage, and seeing lavish historic temples. Get ready to spend a day white water rafting down the mighty Pai River, taking in the scenic mountain surroundings and enjoying each other's company on the quiet river banks. Next, get ready for the Southern islands as we swap the jungle for the beach! We will swim, snorkel, scuba dive (optional), trek, and relax through this idyllic part of the world on the tropical island paradise of Koh Phi Phi and Krabi. Finally, jump into the bustling hub of Southeast Asia, Bangkok. Explore culturally historic icons, including the Royal Palace, Emerald Buddha, and Ayutthaya, before immersing yourself in the fast-paced street food scene, savoring pad Thai, and hunting for a bargain on Khao San Rd.

Volunteer and experience Thailand while immersed in this meaningful and life-changing program. Spend rewarding days caring for the country’s beloved gentle giants at a sanctuary. The Thailand Elephant Service and Adventure program is led by our friendly staff, who are available to provide guidance and reflection on the impact of our work. They also promote the value of empathy and cultural sensitivity. This program includes thrilling adventures across Thailand to make the summer experience even more memorable! Explore the bustling canals of Bangkok and nearby floating markets, and chill on the beach in Railay Bay. Meaningful service, incredible adventures, and new friends? A perfect recipe for the summer of a lifetime! Please note that a limited number of participants depart on day 15, while the teens on the 25-day program continue to Krabi.

From Bangkok's buzzing metropolis to the verdant mountains and rice paddies of the north, Thailand's staggering beauty leaves one enchanted. Explore the idea of reciprocity: participate in a three-day Theravada meditation retreat in the cool mountains or Chiang Rai, help out on a community-driven learning service permaculture project, and live with marginalized hill tribe communities. Our summer abroad program begins in Sukhothai, where students are oriented to the cultural, spiritual, and culinary nuances of the Land of Smiles before boarding the slow train north to Chiang Mai, the art and cultural hub. We explore the city’s many temples and meet with grassroots NGOs and activists working on gender equality, migrant worker rights, environmental protection, and elephant conservation. We move further north into the mountainous hill tribe regions in Mae Hong Son, where we hike from village to village through tea plantations and coffee fields, staying with ethnic minority communities to catch a glimpse into their traditional way of life. Then, we enter a small Theravada Buddhist monastery before venturing to a Thai-run eco-village to study permaculture.

This program is for anyone interested in learning how the world works and exploring the global issues impacting our lives.  In the spring semester, students will learn the workings of communist and capitalist economies and gain insight through on-site assignments and case studies. As the program progresses, we explore how the world is handling issues like global warming, immigration, terrorism, globalization, and the uses of artificial intelligence while immersed in Eastern cultures. We will visit Bangkok, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Mui Ne, Ho Chi Minh City, Sydney, Blue Mountains, Singapore, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. Dates: mid-January — late April 2026 The High School Study Abroad Program – Spring Semester in Asia is open to all secondary school students registered in public, private, or separate schools worldwide.