Southeast Asia Semester: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia - culture, adventure travel, volunteering

- Multi-Country

Locations in Asia,  Various cities in each country

  Cambodia

Phnom Penh,  Siem Reap

  Laos

• Rural Areas: 
Rural Areas
• Luang Prabang: 
Luang Prabang

  Thailand

• Bangkok: 
Bangkok
• Chiang Mai: 
Chiang Mai
• All Other Areas in Thailand: 
Sukhotai,  Mae Sot,  Chiang Khong

  Vietnam

• Hanoi: 
Hanoi
• All Other Areas in Vietnam: 
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon),  Hue,  Hoi An,  Sa Pa

Term: Fall, Spring, Winter 
Dates: Fall semester: mid Sept - mid Nov. Spring semester: mid Jan - mid March

Description: Our unique program travels overland through the diverse and friendly Buddhist countries of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia offering fascinating history, welcoming peoples, dramatic landscapes, incredible adventures, cultural insights, volunteering, and focuses on sustainability, eco-tourism and grass-roots development.

Highlights: Southeast Asia is a fascinating melting pot of history, peoples, cultures and landscapes ideally suited to an adventure/education experience. Contrast scuba diving tropical reefs with riding elephants in the jungle; Modern cities and lifestyles with Buddhist monks practicing centuries old traditions; Ancient temples with tropical beaches; The hustle bustle of Vietnam with the laid back ambiance of Laos; Climbing gothic rock spires with rafting through jungle shrouded canyons.

We love this part of the world and discover more each time we return. If you are looking for an experience that challenges you, broadens your horizons and merges cultural and environmental sensitivity with fun and adventure - come and explore with us.

This semester program has a very strong experiential education component, comprising hands-on volunteer work, opportunities for meaningful connections with local people, pushing personal boundaries, and gaining knowledge of Southeast Asias history, societies and environments, facilitated by our knowledgeable trip leaders. This is an excellent study abroad or gap year option for students wanting to be exposed to and immersed in cultures radically different to their own.

The option to combine this with up to a semester of transferable US college credit gives you an unbeatable travel/study experience.

Students, graduates and non-students are welcome. Credit & non-credit programs are offered.

Highlights
- The ancient historical capital of Sukhothai and its superb temples and monuments
- Rafting, hiking and elephant trekking in the remote Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary
- Thai cooking course and traditional massage in Chiang Mai
- Trekking in the Nam Ha Biodiversity Conservation area in Northern Laos
- Remote 3-day riverboat journey down the Nam Tha and Mekong Rivers
- World Heritage town Luang Prabang, with its ambience, temples and waterfall
- Whitewater kayaking on the Nam Lik River
- Exploring Hanoi's old quarter
- Beautiful Sapa and three different trekking options including climbing Mt Fansipan, the highest peak in mainland Southeast Asia
- Sea kayaking in spectacular Halong Bay, based from our live-aboard junk
- Moto tour of the former imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue
- Relaxing in Hoi An. Clothes shopping, markets and a beach nearby
- Sharing experiences with kids from the Hoi An street children center
- Markets and museums of Saigon
- Get claustrophobic in Cu Chi's Vietnam War era tunnel systems
- Markets and museums of Phnom Penh
- Insight into rural life, home-staying with a wonderful Cambodian family
- Temples of Angkor Wat
- Explore Bangkok
- Scuba Diving
- Rock climbing
- Beach time in Southern Thailand

Cost in US$: 4700

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 12

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad

Pacific Discovery's Mission Statement: Through meaningful and challenging experiential travel, we aim to provide and assist participants in gaining the skills, confidence and insight to realize their potential in an increasingly global society; develop empathy for other cultures; further understanding of international issues; and heighten appreciation for the earth's wilderness and diversity.

Year Founded: 2001