SUMMER TRAVEL PROGRAMS FOR TEENS

Discover the natural and cultural beauty of Thailand during this epic five-week experience. Provide elephant care at a sanctuary. Gain hands-on experience with education, animal welfare, marine biology and conservation. Help teach English to Buddhist monks. Journey from lush Chiang Mai to tropical Koh Tao, also known as “Turtle Island,” to the bustling city of Bangkok.

• Teach novice Buddhist monks English as a Second Language
• Responsibly care for elephants living at a sanctuary for rescue elephants
• Learn about cultural, social and environmental issues related to elephant tourism
• Snorkel and kayak in crystal clear waters and get plenty of beach time — including a visit to Koh Madsum (“Pig Island”)
• Support artificial reef creation and environmental clean-ups
• Explore three distinct locales across the country
• Designed for teens ages 14-19

This program runs an extended 33 days, of which the first 10 days are spent at a comfortable Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) hotel in Bangkok. ASQ is a period of mandatory quarantine residence for arriving international visitors at Government-accredited hotels. The remaining portion of the program includes travel and immersion throughout various regions of Thailand.

The GLA Programs Team has worked with local partners to ensure this quarantine experience is top-notch, with impressive accommodations and a built-in program orientation period. After a negative COVID test on or around day 5, students will be free to utilize the hotel’s outdoor common areas, like its beautiful rooftop relaxation garden.

On this program you will travel to Thailand to find out why it’s known as “The Land of Smiles”. As you journey from Chiang Mai to Koh Tao to Bangkok, you’ll learn from experts about the importance of English education, the nuances around elephant tourism and the importance of environmental stewardship in sustaining Thailand’s natural wonders.

After a 10-day quarantine (Thailand has kept its COVID numbers very low by enforcing stringent travel restrictions!), you’ll get to explore the country in a way few visitors do — guided by local experts and without hordes of other tourists!

You’ll learn the art of Muay Thai boxing and visit a local hill tribe, where with a little luck you may have a chance to shoot a traditional bow and arrow. At night, visit the famed Chiang Mai night bazaar, shopping for handicrafts and sampling Thai cuisine. On Koh Tao, it’s all about the water. You’ll snorkel, kayak and spend plenty of time on the beach (while wearing your reef-safe sunscreen, of course!) You’ll boat over to Koh Madsum (“Pig Island”), where you’ll snorkel in turquoise waters and share the beach with native pigs who swam their way there. Go on a jungle hike, where you can help clean up the local environment along the way. In Bangkok, you’ll visit world-renowned temples and have a chance to explore Thailand’s bustling capital, known for arts, culture and history.

Spend time volunteering at an elephant sanctuary, teaching English to novice Buddhist monks and supporting marine conservation efforts both in the water and on land.