Accommodation The students will stay in several different types of accommodations during their program. Here are the highlights: Hotel in Chiang Mai The students will arrive in Bangkok and then transfer to Chiang Mai. There they will stay at the Mercure Hotel near the local university and one of the popular marketplaces. The hotel has a swimming pool and wifi. The students will share rooms based on gender and have access to private bathrooms. Elephant Center in Lampang The next stop is the Thai Elephant Conservation Center. The elephant sanctuary has Western amenities, such as air conditioning and private bathrooms. However, it does not have internet access. The center is run by the government and includes 300-acres of land near Doi Khun Tan National Park. The site includes an elephant hospital and training center. About 50 Asian elephants elephants and their caretakers called mahouts live at the center. A number of scientists and researchers also work at the facility to find ways to promote the well-being of elephants across the nation. Return to Bangkok The students will wrap up in Bangkok. After enjoying their last day together in Thailand, they will settle into the Cottage Hotel near the airport to get ready for their international flight. They’ll share rooms based on gender and have access to private bathrooms.
Service Projects The students will provide 20 hours of community service while on the program. This time will be spent caring for elephants and working on reforestation projects. During their stay at the Thai Elephant Center, the teens will interact with the herd of Asian elephants that live on the grounds. They’ll spend time with some adorable baby elephants in the nursery. They’ll also learn about the lifestyle of the local indigenous people who are the caretakers or the mahouts. The lessons begin with an introduction to the basic care the elephants need. The students will help bathe the pachyderms and plant and collect their food. At an onsite nursery, the teens will learn about efforts to conserve a diverse gene pool. They’ll also track the herd and collect data on elephant behavior. On the health front, the students will see how herbs are used to create medical treatments. They’ll also visit the animal hospital to learn more about caring for the animal’s health needs. Later the students get a glimpse of how the struggle for the elephants began. When the teens head back to Chiang Mai, they’ll learn about deforestation and work in a tree nursery. Rustic Pathways’ Southeast Asian Regional Manager Keegan Kennedy says saving the forests is crucial work. “Habitat loss is the biggest threat elephants face,” Kennedy said. “The students see how conservationists are planting fast-growing trees to attract pollinators and help wildlife.”
Food Students will be able to try standard foods that Thailand is famous for, such as pad thai. However, they also can grab something really different like fried crickets, roaches or other insects while traveling. Overall during the program, students will have an opportunity to eat foods from the diverse regional cuisines across Thailand. That food will be prepared by onsite chefs or at local restaurants. However, there’ll always be western and “comfort” food options for less adventurous eaters. During the trip to Thailand, I had so much fun tasting exotic cuisine and experiencing local Thai culture. For me, the trip was all about being independent… Along the way, I built the habit of learning ceaselessly and keeping my mind open each time I went to different countries. –Tingyuan Chen, Rustic Pathways Alumna
During the trip to Thailand, I had so much fun tasting exotic cuisine and experiencing local Thai culture… For me, the trip was all about being independent and open-minded. – Tingyuan Chen, Rustic Pathways Alumni
What’s Included in Your Program Program Leaders & Guides English Speaking Rustic Pathways international and local leaders Airport Transportation Meet and greet with private transportation to and from the airport Comfortable Accommodations All nights of accommodation in our Rustic Pathways Basehouse All Meals Included Breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout your stay Ground Transportation All transportation between program locations and activities All Activities Every activity, entrance fee, and experience in your itinerary 24/7 Support On-call support throughout the program for peace of mind Emergency Coverage Included emergency evacuation assurance plan All Fees & Tips Airport taxes, departure fees, donations, and guide tips What’s Not Included in Your Program International Flights Souvenirs Additional Snacks Visa Expenses Passport Fees
Hear from Past Students on Their Experience with Thai Elephants Brice Cooper is just one of the students whose life took a different course after learning about elephants in Thailand. She joined a Rustic Pathways program on elephant conservation that immersed her in the caretaker process. “It was as if a switch was flipped in my mind. It opened up a world to me in which I was working with animals in nature rather than a clinic or a zoo. It sparked a change from wanting to be a veterinarian to becoming a wildlife conservationist.” – Brice Cooper, Rustic Pathways Alumna Cooper went on to earn a degree focused on wildlife conservation from Cornell University and is taking steps to rehabilitate animals. Now other students will be able to walk in her footsteps. The Role of the Mahouts Many of the elephant caretakers, or **mahouts**, are part of the Karen indigenous group. Their role is passed down through generations, and they form a lifelong bond with the elephants in their care. During the program, students are paired with a mahout to see firsthand what it takes to care for these gentle giants. They assist with feeding, bathing, and learning the deep-rooted traditions of elephant conservation in Thailand. “These were not wild elephants. They were born with people so they couldn’t be released or they’d die. Conservation centers were created to support the elephants and teach people how to live with them. Elephants need people as much as people need the elephants.” – Keegan Kennedy, Southeast Asia Regional Manager Bringing Conservation Lessons Home The lessons students learn on this program extend far beyond their time in Thailand. Alumna **Maya Elia** says her experience working with elephants changed how she saw the world. “When I came back to Dallas, I looked around and saw crowded shopping malls and I missed the vast Thai jungle. Rather than waking up to bathe our elephants in a river, I woke up to check social media. I missed being surrounded by the gentle giants that I had become so close to during my week in Thailand.” – Maya Elia, Rustic Pathways Alumna Inspired by her time at the sanctuary, Elia spent nearly three years selling handmade elephant-themed products to raise funds for conservation efforts. Don’t Miss the Opportunity Alumna Sully Sims almost missed out on this life-changing experience, hesitant to travel so far from home. But after encouragement from a friend, she took the leap. “I got to work with one of the world’s most amazing creatures! Sometimes I think back to those weeks and have a hard time believing they were even real. And to think I almost didn’t go!” – Sully Sims, Rustic Pathways Alumna If you’re considering joining this program, take it from past students: it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will stay with you forever. Enroll Now and Begin Your Conservation Journey