High School Study Abroad in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Delve deeper into the teen Thai experience with this incredible service program just off the beaten path. Travel to a new part of the world and explore Northern Thailand while you work with the magnificent Asian elephants at our partner elephant sanctuary. You will be directly involved with their care, spending all day with them, forming bonds and lifelong memories while learning about the conservation of these gentle giants. After working with the elephants, we will spend a day whitewater rafting down the mighty Pai River, taking in the scenic mountain surroundings and enjoying each other’s company on the quiet river banks. We will finish our travels in 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.

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

Explore the lush mountains and vibrant cultures of northern Thailand as you travel through Chiang Mai, Mae Ai District, and Chiang Rai. Teach conversational English to local students, contribute to hands-on construction projects at village schools, and learn from community members who call this region home. Between service days, hike to jungle waterfalls, cook traditional Thai dishes, practice Buddhist customs, and dive into the region’s diverse highland traditions. Cap your journey by exploring Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai—dynamic cultural hubs rich with temples, markets, and history.

A region accentuated by the colorful robes of Buddhist monks, the vivid greens of rice fields and jungle forests, and the cultural diversity of hill tribe communities—this is the ultimate Southeast Asia semester. Each country offers a unique cultural experience unto itself, and each faces the challenge of reconciling urban expansion and industrialization with indigenous land rights, free movement of nomadic peoples, and equal access to resources. This semester, walk among ancient temples, traverse mountainous jungles, and explore the clear blue water of Thailand’s beaches. You’ll explore tradition, globalization, and human rights against the backdrop of two of Asia’s most complex nations. Immerse yourself in community life through homestays and visits to remote villages. Emerge with your self-awareness and perspective forever altered. 2025: CLOSED Spring 2026: February 25 - May 6 Fall 2026: September 24 - December 4

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.

The High School Veterinary Service Program runs for two weeks in Northern Thailand and is open to students between 14 and 18 years old. Your small group will be led by a veterinarian who will teach you hands-on skills as well as supervise your veterinary and clinical activities. Spend one week at the Elephant Nature Park, the world-famous sanctuary for rescued elephants. You will help feed and bathe the animals and with the park's upkeep, and also have opportunities for veterinary rounds and contribution to elephant research. The next week, you will spend each day at a dog shelter learning veterinary medicine skills and taking part in two spay or neuter surgeries on dogs or cats. In the evenings and over the weekend, fun cultural activities are included in your tuition. These include a meditation lesson with Buddhist monks, a full day of zip-lining through the jungle, shopping in the markets, eating at local restaurants, visiting temples and waterfalls, and just enjoying the city. College credit and financial aid are available.

Learn, serve, and lead with Bright Light Volunteers in a country of your choice. Our Global Service Learning (GSL) program is designed for passionate middle and high school students, exposing them to various aspects, including cultural and social, of their host community. Participants not only broaden their knowledge but also develop a deeper understanding of local, national, and global issues. They gain insight into the interdependency and interconnectedness of people and communities, becoming equipped to act responsibly and effectively toward a more just and peaceful world. Additionally, they develop a range of skills outside a conventional classroom environment. If you’re interested in joining our movement and becoming a global citizen, get in touch with us today for more information.