Summer Study Abroad Programs in Thailand

We did a giant loop of the Caribbean in 88 days, beginning in Antigua and sailing down through the lesser antilles to the coast of South America, then on to Jamaica, Honduras, Mexico, Cuba, and several other islands learning navigation, vessel operations, as well as credentialed college material.

My Sea|mester voyage(s) were unforgettable trips for more than a few reasons. Not only did it provide an environment where all students could live in their classroom and form unbreakable bonds, but it also allowed young adults to truly experience this planet we call home. I was able to sail the Carribbean while earning college credits, and get Padi scuba certifications- all taking place in the first few months of 2020. Even though we sailed right into the Covid-19 global pandemic (no pun intended), it really proved what an incredibly well thought-out program Sea|mester promises. Safety is always the top priority for any adventure, and this study abroad program delivers. The professional staff are excellent at teaching their subject matter, and the experiential learning never ends. This program is incredibly well suited for individuals that want to go out of their comfort zone, meet other students that also are seeking adventure, and who understand that you only live once. One of my main reasons for finding and selecting this program was because I was able to study abroad and experience different countries, cultures, and lessons- all while our floating home traveled with us. I even went back on a second trip with Sea|mester in the summer of 2021, and it was just as enjoyable as the first time around. These trips are for those who are excited to experience the world, and not afraid to put in the effort and teamwork to travel from place to place. You really do feel a sense of accomplishment when you can look back and see how much you learn about the subject material, and about yourself.

If you had told me in January 2023 that I would spend my summer on a 112-foot schooner, crossing the Atlantic with zero sailing experience, I would have laughed, and then asked what a foulie was. My voyage was different from the typical Semester at Sea experience. Argo was small, with just 12 students and 6 staff, so there was nowhere to hide and no one to hide from. By the end, we were no longer a group of students and staff. We were a family. Some of my favorite moments happened after dark. My watch team and I would lie flat on the deck inside what we called the “sparkle dome”: bioluminescence glittering in the water below and a galaxy of stars above, so that it felt as though we were floating in the middle of a sphere of light. With no cell service for days, there was nothing to look at but the ocean and nothing to listen to but each other. Those nights, I felt both the smallest and the luckiest I have ever been. The ocean also gave me my favorite surprises. Crewmates would bang on my hatch window so that I would come up and see the dolphins, even when it wasn’t my watch. They knew how much I loved the marine life, and they cared enough to wake me for it. I can’t think of a better way to be loved. Then there was the adrenaline. Our passage to the Azores brought near gale force winds and 3 to 4 meter swell in the pitch black. We crawled across the deck at 4 am, dodging flying fish and waves crashing over the stern, then spent the rest of the day being tossed around our bunks. It was uncomfortable and chaotic, and it produced some of the best laughter of my life. On calmer days, I was backflipping off the bow, climbing the mast to free a halyard shackle, and leading my first sail raise. The girl who struggled on her first sailing test and felt like the only one without experience learned to motivate her watch team through the 3 am boat checks that no one ever wants to do. Our crew was divided into watch teams, groups that rotated through shifts steering, navigating, and keeping Argo safe around the clock. Over time, those teams became tight-knit units with their own traditions. That identity came to a head during the watch team challenge course, a friendly competition in which the teams raced against one another through a series of physical and teamwork-based tasks, including a run up a grassy, slippery hill. Watch Team Two won, and we celebrated it with the seriousness of an Olympic victory, complete with an aggressively chanted team name. In port, we hiked and explored new countries together, and each place felt bigger because I was seeing it through the eyes of people who had become my closest friends. Our captain, Calum, joined our holiday traditions, told stories we will carry with us forever, and taught us silly songs. He showed us how to be a family and, more importantly, how to be part of one. When the voyage ended, I walked the length of a dock in Gibraltar alone, leaving Argo and everyone aboard behind. It was one of the hardest goodbyes of my life. But it wasn’t really a goodbye. Our entire crew is still in a group chat that texts daily. Argo taught me how to sail, but the people taught me what a crew truly is, and I know they will be close to me for the rest of my life.

I loved being at the Aauja site. Everyone was so welcoming and I felt so appreciated and felt like they were open to the information and therapy we could offer. All the cultural experiences were awesome. The elephant sanctuary was amazing and I loved seeing a temple first hand.

This was such a great experience, filled with memorable moments and unique opportunities for learning. Once we arrived, there were so many opportunities to explore the community and experience Thai culture beyond the classroom and clinic. One of my favorite activities was the cooking class, which was amazing. Preparing food offered a hands-on way to learn about the culture while enjoying the experience with our group. I also appreciated how our guides responded to our interests. When we expressed interest in visiting temples, they planned an opportunity for us to go into the community and explore them. Seeing the temples in person was beautiful and gave us a greater appreciation for the traditions and cultural significance of these spaces. Visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary was another unforgettable experience and truly a highlight of a lifetime. Being there was something I will always remember and felt incredibly special. Overall, this trip offered much more than I could have learned through coursework alone. The combination of cultural experiences, community exploration, and shared learning made it meaningful. I am grateful for the thought and planning that went into these opportunities and for the memories and perspectives I will carry with me moving forward.

I enjoyed each activity that was planned for us! I appreciated how our group leaders listened to our needs and were flexible with our schedule so that we could participate in all of things that we wanted to do. Each guide was kind and cared about what we were doing. Translations were timely and accurate!

This was a great trip! I really appreciated Pooi, Pan, and Amber's planning and adaptability. It was very well organized and I couldn't believe they managed all 25 of us. They were great at answering our questions and helping us around the city. It went very smoothly and I had the best time ever.

Truly wish experience was so amazing and it wouldn't have been without the help from the TherapyAbroad team they truly became like family to us and we all cried leaving them and saying goodbye at the airport. I cannot describe in words how meaningful this trip went to me, I will remember it forever.

I had an incredible time with this experience. I learned so much about therapy in another part of the world and about the Thai culture. It helped me to see from another perspective that will contribute to how I am as a future OT practitioner. The foundations we were at were very supportive of our learning, allowing us to think outside the box and feel like real OTs. I also think the cultural experiences (especially the elephant encounter) were extremely meaningful to being fully immersed in the culture and created memories that I will never forget.

Getting to see multiple parts of Thailand was incredible, from the clinical site to the elephant sanctuary to the adaptive rock climbing. I loved getting to see more of the country than just the square.

I was unsure about traveling to Thailand at first. By the end of our first day, I was sure that this was going to be an amazing trip. By the end of the trip, I was overwhelmed with excitement by the amount of memories made and experiences had.

I cannot be more thankful for Pann, Pui, and Amber and their guidance throughout our trip. They really made this experience for me. The entire program program was flexible and adaptable to changes, very kind and welcoming, provided plenty of cultural experiences, and also very helpful as far as translation and providing cultural insight. I'll cherish it forever. Thank you!

They were excellent hosts that provided a great balance of education, cultural experiences, and fun! They were very open to any questions. The activities planned were great to do as a group, and meals were great for exploring culture.

I had an amazing experience with Therapy Abroad. Amber was a huge help when communicating with my client, and with her support, I was able to develop a really positive relationship with her. All of the activities were meaningful and gave me the opportunity to apply what I have learned in occupational therapy school in a completely different cultural setting. I also loved getting to experience Thailand outside of the clinical setting. The elephant experience was one of my favorite parts of the entire trip, and the food was so good. Before coming, I honestly did not know very much about Thailand, so it was really exciting to learn more about the culture, the people, and the environment while actually being there. Overall, the trip was such a positive experience, and I am very grateful for everything I learned and the relationships I made. I would absolutely love to come back to Thailand someday.

Overall, the trip with TherapyAbroad was lovely. Everything was so organized and it really strengthened our ability to be fully immersed in the culture and experience as a whole. I would recommend anyone travel with this program in the future.

My experience in Chiang Mai, Thailand, was one of the most eye-opening and special experiences I have ever been a part of. It was such a privilege to be able to work with the community and individuals there.

This experience was so incredible! I learned and experienced so much. I already want to go back and also this experience lit a fire in me to continue doing international experiences related to OT. The therapy abroad/progression facilitators were AMAZING and made the trip so smooth so that we could just fully immerse ourselves into the culture and fieldwork experience.

This week was well orchestrated and I was able to learn and see so much. It was a great experience immersing into Thai culture. The week’s activities were very fun and great learning experiences, especially the cooking class. Everyone was so friendly and I loved the work I got to do at Au Jaá.

This trip has made and will continue to make a lasting impact on me! I built such a great connection with my partner as well as all the staff I had the pleasure of working with. I did not think I could make such a difference or have such a profound experience within the 3 clinic days we had. But I truly was able to realize how much knowledge I have and also how much can be done with so little. Everyone I met was extremely kind and generous, and all of the activities we completed (in and out of the clinic) were fun and insightful. I highly recommend Xavier going to Thailand again, and I can't wait to see more updates in the future!

This was an incredibly rewarding experience that I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to do. I was amazed to see how much these communities can do with such limited resources. I loved immersing myself in another culture, especially one that is completely different than my own. It was so beneficial for my learning as a future healthcare provider to consider all upbringings and cultures, and how each one values differ.