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Asian Elephant Field Course (June 15 - July 11, 2025)

by: Mahouts Elephant Foundation

10 (3)

Asian Elephant Behaviour and Community Driven Conservation in Thailand This is a 4 week field course that offers university students the opportunity to join an ongoing research project studying the behavior and ecology of re-wilded Asian elephants in their natural habitat. Students will gain hands-on experience in animal behavior sampling methods, research design, and behavioral data analysis. St...

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Program Highlights

University Credits available for this course led by renowned conservationist Dr Liv Baker

Unique opportunity to study Asian elephants in natural habitat

Full immersion into Karen indigenous community with English speaking team always available

Opportunity to gain new language skills

4 week and 2 week options available

Quick Details

Locations
  • Thailand
Availability
Year(s) Offered2025Duration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • Summer
Cost Per Week$2000-$5000
Age Requirement:Varies
Types & Subjects:
  • Animal Welfare
  • Biological Research
  • Conservation
  • Eco-Tourism
  • Environment
  • See more
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

10

Total Reviews

3

Amazing experience!

by: Haven Powell - United StatesProgram: Asian Elephant Field Course (June 15 - July 11, 2025)
10

This research opportunity is a great way to get experience in field research and life, and the amazing Karen community was very welcoming. Highly recommend this to anyone who loves biology and learning about different cultures.

Amazing opportunity in Thailand

by: Kate Parnin - United StatesProgram: Asian Elephant Field Course (June 15 - July 11, 2025)
10

I attended the Mahouts Elephant Foundation field course in Thailand during the Summer 2024 session. This was really a once in a lifetime experience that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in elephants or animal behavior. I participated in this program a few months before starting a Master's program as a way to gain experience conducting animal behavior research in the field. The program is extremely well run, taking every effort to make sure students feel prepared before departing to Thailand and supporting students throughout the four weeks. Students stay with local Karen families who are extremely welcoming and happy to share their culture and their beautiful village. Accommodations are basic but sufficient and provide students with a chance to unplug and enjoy nature (if they so choose). Hiking into the forest and spending time with the elephants is truly an incredible and rare experience and all of the staff make sure both the guests and the elephants feel safe and comfortable. I learned so much about how to observe and collect behavioral data from the elephants. The instructors are happy to tailor projects to each students interests and intended goals. For anyone looking to learn more about elephants, animal behavior research, or community based sustainable tourism, I can't recommend this program enough.

A remarkable experience!

by: Leya Hirakawa-Kao - CanadaProgram: Asian Elephant Field Course (June 15 - July 11, 2025)
10

I participated in this field course through my university (the University of British Columbia) in 2022 as an undergraduate student in applied animal biology. This program allowed me to fully experience what it was like to be a field biologist. I hiked through some of the most beautiful mountain terrain I've seen, observed elephants exhibit their natural behaviours without restriction, and learned how to effectively take field notes under the expert guidance of Becca and Liv. Although I was fully expecting the elephants to be the highlight of this experience, it was actually the connections and relationships I made with the local Karen community. I was so awe-struck with the community that I even went back the following year to learn more. Thank you, Mahouts Elephant Foundation!

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Thailand

Types and Subjects

  • Subjects & Courses
  • Agriculture
  • Animal Science
  • Asian Studies

Availability

Years Offered: 2025

Duration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • Summer

Age Requirement

Age Requirement Varies

Guidelines

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group

Cost per week

$2000-$5000

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Welcome Dinner
  • Group Meals
  • In-Country Transportation To & From Project

Accommodation Options

  • Home-stays

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Some college credit, no degree
  • University Sophomore (2nd Year)

Application Procedures

  • Phone/Video Interview
  • Written Application

Frequently Asked Questions