Loop Abroad - Plight of the Thai Elephant

This trip has had a lasting impact on my outlook as my role as a global citizen. There was the perfect balance of volunteer work, cultural lessons, and fun! My favorite week was in Hoi Ya because we were completely immersed in the culture of where we were, there were no other tourists! I also of course loved the elephant nature park. Not only is the staff of loop abroad absolutely wonderful and attentive, the leaders at the elephant nature park also made every activity fun. I will always remember this summer as a time that changed my life (great college essay opportunities!)

My four weeks in Thailand were absolutely life changing. The energetic staff made me feel welcome from the moment I met them, and once I stepped into the airport and met the people who would soon become life long best friends, I could not contain my excitement. We spent our first weekend in a hill tribe village, where we slept at a school and got to play all day with the most adorable children I have ever met. The most challenging part of this week and probably the entire trip was getting used to squat toilets and bucket showers. This was only a challenge because it was so different from what I'd experienced growing up, but the whole point of going abroad is to try new things. I adored my time in Chiang Mai, where we went zip lining, river rafting, and shopping in street markets. However, my favourite week was the one spent at the Elephant Nature Park. I learned to view wildlife in a different way, and my experience at the ENP largely impacted my outlook on animal treatment, captivity, and conservation. Thanks to Loop Abroad, I have a new family. I've managed to see our trip directors Jane and Addam, who are always reaching out to us, and many of the best friends that I made in Thailand. I wish nothing more than to return to Thailand (preferably with my Loop family) and relive some of the great memories of this amazing summer!

I have been on two trips with Loop Abroad and all I say is that the staff in this program are amazing. Addam, Jane and Emily all work hard to provide you the best experience as possible. Every part of this trip was wonderful, I really have no complaints. The Elephant Nature Park was probably my most memorable times of the trip. Working with elephants is just something one can't pass up and it's really for a great cause.I also loved staying in the city of Chiang Mai. The SpicyThai Hostel is a great environment with great people and you simply can't have a bad time while staying there. I truly recommend this trip for everyone! You'll have a great time and make you'll make great friendships!

Emily, Jane, Adam, the other helpers, and all the Thai staff were absolutely amazing. I could not have picked better people to be a part of Loop Abroad. I loved taking cooking classes and going to Elephant Nature Park. Also, spending a week in the mountains with the Karen tribe was so much fun.