Summer High School Programs in Thailand with Rustic Pathways

While volunteering at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center, I had the opportunity to engage directly with wildlife while learning about local conservation efforts. I felt so connected to the animals. I was so grateful to feel so trusted by the members of the staff, to have such independence, and to feel empowered to take risks. I bathed the elephant I was paired with every morning and afternoon, stepping out of my comfort zone as I plunged deep into the water. I formed such a close relationship with my elephant as well as the mahout—the man who has dedicated his life to taking care of that one elephant. I am so appreciative to Rustic for giving me this experience in high school. I also had the privilege of being with a group of students who have become lifelong friends. We share such meaningful memories and we are always in touch. Every year, we travel on a new Rustic trip together, exploring new horizons.

This trip was so amazing!! Spending a week with the elephants was a once and a life time opportunity and one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. The first week we stayed at the hill tribe base. We met all the children that lived there and got to talk with them about there lives. We also got to see the beautiful Thailand. We went to temples and on a bike ride around the town. We also went to the local school where we finished the side walk around the new classrooms. We got to talk to the principle and speak with him about his life and the school. It was all so amazing! The second week we were at the sappraiwan an elephant sanctuary. It was stunning there. Everyday they had a new activity for use and it was all so fun!! I defined recommend this program!

The South East Asian Adventurer Program was truly a surreal experience. Spending time in both Thailand and Laos, I zip-lined across waterfalls, went island hopping, got face to face with an elephant, and most importantly met the most incredible people. I didn't imagine the bonds I would form with my group-mates and leaders could be so strong. My group of 9 was extremely close, from singing and dancing on the bus, to telling stories around the fireplace we were always laughing and smiling together. All three leaders were wonderful. One was American, and the other two were local. In addition to just knowing the local language, they introduced us to new foods, taught us about the culture, and told amazing stories. They were always attentive and worried about our well-being. The trip was extremely well organized, and the accommodations were amazing. The one piece of advice I would give students is to not overpack! There are a lot of flights and traveling that take place throughout the program so I recommend packing lightly. I would never get to have the same experiences if I just traveled with my family. I could not recommend Rustic Pathways more highly.

This past summer I went to Thailand with Rustic Pathways. It was a a little bit more than a two week program which combined teaching children english at Thai schools while helping create a foundation for a new kindergarten, as well as an elephant conservation program. Rustic was really good about making our accommodations nice as possible. The food that our chef, Chris, made for us as well as the students and families who lived at the base house was amazingly good. I was able to try so many new foods, including insanely flavorful fruit such as rambutan and mangosteen. During the first week of the program I was able to create really good friendships with not only the students who came to Thailand with Rustic, but the Thai locals as well. I really liked getting to engage with some of the Thai students who were around me age because I was able to get an insight on how life is in different parts of the world. Getting to hear various stories about little parts of different people's lives and how they got involved with rustic were some of the best stories I've ever heard in my life. Then the second part of the trip began and I got to go spend all of my time with elephants. I absolutely loved getting to learn more about how intelligent they really are. Elephants are so emotionally motivated, and they remember who humans are. Knowing that I could make an impact on these creatures lives was very special to me, and it changed my life forever.

Being able to travel so far alone made me feel independent and really helped me get ready for college and life away from my family. I was able to make decisions on my own and meet new people that have become lasting friends. Both years that I went on Rustic Trips my life was completely changed in so many different ways. The service I completed on these trips made me feel like I was making a difference even in the smallest of ways. Also, the kids I met warmed my heart and they are people that I still think about each and every single day. I also got to try amazing new experiences that I never would have been able to back home. Riding in songtails which are trucks with canopies in the back is one that I very vividly remember because of it fun

At 16 years old I wanted to travel, have an impact and experience the culture of other places. I was afraid of leaving the country for the first time by myself and not being safe. I found the rustic programs and was extremely excited to begin my rustic journey. Arriving at the airport I was scared about meeting people. Ten minutes after arriving all my fears disappeared. I met so many amazing people from all around the county and we instantly bounded. As we arrived in Thailand we were all amazed by the beautiful country. During the entire trip we were overwhelmed by the kindness that rustic staff and locals welcomed us with. It was also incredible to do service work in anitehr county. Volunteering within the states is very different. I felt like I was making more of an impact. Rustic pathways fouces on service projects that have lasting effects. Even after leaving the trip I know that the work I did will positively impact the community for years. Rustic pathways is an amazing way for kids to travel and learn. I would recommend rustic programs to everyone.

This was a unique experience because we stayed at a base house but I also had the opportunity to travel to Laos. This service-oriented trip was a truly culturally immersive experience. Throughout the two weeks we did service in the morning and the afternoon but in the night we went and explored all different parts of Udon Thani, for example, the night markets. The service for this trip was amazing! My personal favorite was teaching English and teaching swimming lessons because I truly love working with children. We also built a playground and a home. All of these experiences are incredibly rewarding and sparked a passion for service but also having some of the comforts of home like showers and electricity. But this service impression was amazing from activities that are not service and the food, and of course the service it was a trip that left me itching to do more traveling.

This past summer I went to Thailand with Rustic Pathways. I had no idea what to expect before I arrived. Rustic did a really good job introducing us to the culture of Thailand and showing us how to act respectfully in this foreign place. My job was to teach children English for the first week that I was there. The experience I had in the school was one of the best things I have ever felt. I had made a connection with the students I taught, and their teachers trusted me to teach their students. We learned to communicate through the language barrier. After the first week, we went to Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary. I had the pleasure to feed, walk and bathe an elephant that I was paired with. I learned so much about a very unique species. The local staff at the Sanctuary did an amazing job at explaining how they rescued the animals, and how they had to care for them based on where they came from. I learned so much about elephants, it was crazy! It was a surreal feeling, to find myself caring for these magnificent creatures. Not to mention, the friendships I made while in Thailand for two weeks were so special. I still talk to the people I met, whether that be from the US or Thailand.