Thailand Summer High School Programs with Rustic Pathways

This trip was everything I could have asked for, but it became even more. Within those three weeks, my mindset on life evolved and I learned values I had never considered. I went with the intention to do community service to better the lives of others, and through this experience I bettered my own. I could go on to tell you my favorite memory, but what is more important is what your future memories can and will consist of: never ending laughter and new friends made, stimulation of your mind and what it means to be who you are, times of fear and even sadness, the growth from low moments, and my favorite, the visible change in your mind and you as a human being from the start of the trip to its finish, because it will happen. Now, all of these may be quite broad, but that's only because I don't want to tell you what I've learned, I want you to experience them yourself. The take away from this rant, quite simply is, go on this trip, and brace yourself for the time of your life! it will change you, and all for the better.

This trip has completely changed me, and I am so happy that it did. Before this trip I was so ungrateful for my education and would most often than not, dread going to school. Seeing how limited the Thai people were to education changed my beliefs forever. When I first arrived the Kapuang School, my heart filled with love when I saw all of the students for the first time. All of the students had the biggest smile on their faces and you could see how much determination they had to learn. This experience of teaching at this school actually made me realize that I wanted to be a teacher. Making education available to everyone is now one of my main priorities because it is so important to having a good life. On another note, waking up at the Children's Home every single day put a smile on my face. Whether it was playing kane ball with the locals or singing and playing the guitar with the leaders, I had a smile on my face the whole entire time. I don't think I have ever been that happy. Another component that made my trip much better was being able to disconnect from my phone. I am usually always attached to my phone, and not having to worry about it for 3 weeks made me a much more relaxed person. I recommend everyone to turn off their phones on any Rustic trip, because it betters your experience. I made so many strong friendships on this trip with all of the leaders and I am so grateful and happy to have been able to meet all of the people tha I met. Although when arriving to the Elephant Sanctuary I was very shocked, I still had an amazing experience. A 4-star hotel was not what I was expecting but it was nice to have an actual shower! If you are looking for a more "rustic" trip (as in roughing it, or homestays) I would not recommend the elephant sanctuary for you. But if you are a first time traveler, it may be very comforting!

This was a completely new experience for me as it was my first trip traveling by myself. It started off organized once I got to the airport since I could see everyone in their Rustic t-shirts. Like most people, I was nervous to go because I did not know what to expect. However, my trip started out well before I even got to Thailand because I made long lasting friends at the airport. Once we got to Thailand, we took a 4 hour drive to the Children's home. This was not a dreadful drive, however, because the scenery was amazing. We were able to drive through the city and see the different culture right away. Once we got to the Children's Home, my first impression was how beautiful it was. The place itself was urrounded by rice fields and mountains. The Children's Home has bamboo huts which people sleep in and there's a main area where people get to socialize and do many different things like play soccer.
The best part of all was getting a buddy from the Children's Home. I got to spend time with her such as going to the local market or helping her with English. Today, I still keep in touch with her. Not only did we get a buddy but we also taught classes one day which was an incredible experience. It was really fun to see what the schools were like and getting the chance to help the children with English. They all giggled and smiled during their whole lesson. My favorite part was when we taught them games such as "Down by the Banks" or "Duck Duck Goose" because they loved to be able to go outside and play while still learning.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this program because it is an unforgettable experience. The different culture I got to experience and the people I met through this program made it a life-changing trip. I'll never forget all the special memories that I had at the Children's Home in Thailand.

My trip to Thailand was amazing to say the least. The trip was extremely fun and unforgettable. My favorite part was seeing a different part of the world that I am usually not in and experiencing the unique Thai culture. The food was delicious, I even tried eating a cricket, yum! The views were spectacular, I loved the beaches. Also, the children in Thailand were kind and cooperative. Thailand was one of the best experiences of my life. I highly suggest this trip to others!

With Rustic Pathwyas, I chose the Elephants and Amazing Thailand Program. Working with the elephants each day was the most amazing experience I ever had; they're peaceful and loving, let alone gentle and amazing. I bonded with my elephant, Tantawan. Waking up early every morning with her was a blessing and I'm humbled to have had this experience.

The kids at the children's home were all amazing. They were eager to meet you, talk to you, and get to know you. Every night we would have dinner with them, and it was great time to get an idea of their lifestyles. The counselors as well were all amazing. Some were fresh out of college, but this just meant they were that much more excited to be there. I saw the counselors more as fellow camp members, but when it came to travel somewhere or do something, they were authoritative and proper. Overall the entire experience was memorable and humbling: Memorable because of all the new people I met, and humbling because of the kids I met at the home.

Our son took a Rustic Pathways trip to Thailand in July, 2015 for the first time. He absolutely loved it and was very impressed with the program and the chaperone/guides. He can be quite critical when it comes to group activities and teacher/guide skills and had nothing but great things to say about his experience. He loved it so much that he wanted to sign up for next summer as soon as possible! He will be traveling to Peru for two different programs in 2016!

3 weeks before I left for thailand my mom texted me out of the blue saying she had just seen a magazine for a travel program and and asked me if i wanted to go to thailand 3 weeks from then. To me this was crazy I've never been any were outside of america other than europe and in such short notice too. I didnt want to because i was so nervous but was convinced to do it and it was the best decision of my life. Definitely the most amazing week of my life!