Hill Tribe Service and Elephant Conservation Rustic Trip Review

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.