ELEPHANTS, EDUCATION & CULTURAL DISCOVERY

Sawadee ka! (Hello!) Upon arrival at Chiang Mai airport, GLA staff will greet you. After a short bus ride to our Home Base, we’ll have a brief orientation and settle into our rooms. Get to know your fellow travelers over a delicious first Thai dinner, then enjoy a restful evening. Our Home Base is comfortable and air-conditioned—make yourself at home!

We’ll kick off the program with a city tour, visiting a local museum and exploring the vibrant walking market. Get hands-on with the local cuisine during a cooking class, then reflect with fellow students and GLA Mentors. We’ll share our travel experiences, discuss leadership, and prepare for our first day of community service.

Over the next few days, we’ll work with a local organization focused on the ethical treatment of Thai elephants. You’ll assist in planting and harvesting food for the elephants, prepare their meals, and help maintain their habitat. Learn about the cultural significance of elephants in Thailand and the growing push for better ethics in elephant tourism.

Today, we’ll say farewell to the elephant sanctuary and head to our next adventure. On the way, we’ll stop at stunning Thai temples, where we’ll have the opportunity to converse with an older monk and explore different cultural philosophies. In the evening, we’ll settle into our new Home Base and visit the vibrant Night Bazaar, where you can shop for textiles, souvenirs, and enjoy local street food.

Today, you’ll experience the ancient tradition of Muay Thai boxing with a class from a local instructor. Learn about its rich history and test your athleticism as you practice basic moves—expect a great workout! Afterward, we’ll visit local Thai markets, explore parks and attractions, and take in the beauty of Doi Suthep, a famous mountain temple. We’ll also visit Doi Inthanon National Park to immerse ourselves further in the local culture and natural beauty.

Today, we’ll focus on social issues in Chiang Mai, particularly regarding education and its impact on quality of life. After an orientation, we’ll dive into lesson planning for our new service project: teaching students in rural Chiang Mai. Our goal is to inspire excitement about staying in school and help students who are falling behind prepare for important exams. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on their educational journey.

Today, we’ll head to a local government primary school to begin teaching. Be ready to adapt your lesson plans, stay energetic, and keep things engaging with games and activities to help your students stay focused. English is an essential skill in today’s globalized world, especially in areas where tourism plays a major role. Afterward, we’ll reflect on the experience and compare the differences between Thai schools and the schools we’ve attended.

Today, we’ll visit one last temple and explore the local market for some final souvenirs. Then, we’ll gather with our GLA family to reflect on the incredible experiences and connections made during our time in Thailand. We’ll finish the day with a special farewell dinner prepared by local staff, celebrating the memories we’ve created and the meaningful work we’ve accomplished together.

After completing the program, students will travel back to the airport in Chiang Mai. There, the GLA team will help everyone check in for their flights and see the group off on their return journeys home. Sawat dee, Thailand!