Thailand: Elephants & Conservation Expedition™

Highlights

Embrace Thai culture and support an organization working to provide wild elephants a safe corridor to fresh water.
  • Visit the bustling capital of Thailand, where you’ll explore incredible temples and markets
  • Float down a river into an elephant reserve
  • Volunteer at a sanctuary for an endangered species of wild cattle, of which approximately only 120 exist in the world
  • Learn what the life of a mahout is like at an elephant camp
  • Take part in reforestation as you work at a tree nursery

On This Program you will...

Become an eco-warrior, taking your compassion for wildlife and the environment to the next level. Help an organization in protecting the endangered wild Thai elephant population by providing a safe corridor to water. Learn about the plight of both wild and domestic elephants. Discuss the complexities of elephant tourism. With a bit of good luck, observe the behavior of these gentle giants in their natural habitat! Visit temples and discover Thailand’s fascinating culture.

Your Adventure is Just Around the Corner!

Community Service

Volunteer at a community tree nursery and help with re-planting and reforestation. Clean out old catchment dams and build new ones that will serve as wild elephant watering holes. When you visit the Banteng, a critically endangered species of wild cattle, help build salt-licks and seed-bombs. Assist an eco-village by building bricks out of mud to later be used to construct sustainable housing. Volunteer at an elephant sanctuary, where you may get up close and personal with these majestic animals. GLA supports the welfare of elephants, and service activities involving elephants will meet our Animal & Wildlife Welfare Policy.

Immersive Learning

Thai culture is a tapestry of riches just waiting to be discovered. Participate in a snake education course and learn about the many different species found in Thailand, as well as how to deliver basic first aid for a snake bite. Experience world-famous Thai markets and incredible local food firsthand. Visit the Grand Palace and the Golden Wat temple to see the Emerald Buddha. Lastly, learn about the importance of protecting and preserving land for the last remaining wild elephants in Thailand, so they’ll be around for many generations to come.

Adventure

Every day is an adventure when you fall asleep to the sounds of wild animals nearby and awaken to the sound of birds singing. Hike through the jungle to beautiful waterfalls, where you’ll have the chance to swim in the natural pools. Encounter wild elephants safari-style at a national park. Explore a local river via raft and kayak and cycle through rugged terrain nestled between mountains and hills. Spend a day on the beach where you’ll explore a unique cave which houses a traditional Thai temple.

Lodging

Home Base will be at a hotel on the outskirts of Kanchanaburi. Accommodations are well-appointed, clean and safe. Students sleep in gender-segregated rooms with roommates, and share bathrooms with hot-water showers.

Thailand Travel Requirements

Good news! As of May 1, 2022, Thailand will be dropping COVID-19 testing procedures upon arrival for fully vaccinated travelers. This means that fully vaccinated travelers will no longer be required to show proof of a pre-arrival negative RT-PCR test, nor will they need to undergo an arrival test and quarantine.

In order to enjoy these new reduced restrictions, everyone needs to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and up-to-date according to the vaccination schedule.

Everyone will still be required to register for a Thailand Pass with a Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination and a travel insurance policy with medical coverage no less than $10,000 USD (reduced from $20,000 USD).

PLEASE SEE THE DATES & TUITION SECTION FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Dates & Tuition

Thailand

Elephants & Conservation Expedition™

21-DAY FLAGSHIP PROGRAM
2023 Dates
COMING SOON
 
Duration: 21 days
Tuition: $5,299
COVID Surcharge: $30
Student/Staff Ratio: 8 to 1
Community Service Hours: 42
Language Hours: N/A
COVID SURCHARGE
Surcharge Amount
$30 USD
Surcharge includes:

Final Antigen COVID-19 test to return home

Tuition Includes All In-Country Expenses Including:

  • Airport pick-up/drop-off
  • In-country transportation
  • Lodging
  • 3 meals per day
  • Professional full-time staff and experts
  • 24/7 parent support hotline during the program
  • Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
  • Cultural activities, lectures and excursions
  • Pre-departure materials and support
  • Educational materials