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Laos: Culture, Conservation, Service
Program Components
Rugged Travel: 
Relatively rugged; travel by boat, bus, bicycle and foot
Home Stay: 
5+ days of home-stay; village–stays during trek
Trekking:
Moderately challenging 4 to 6-day jungle trek, with minority village visits; optional day hikes
Service: 
Numerous opportunities to volunteer in orphanages, assist medical professionals in clinics for disabled children, or guest-teach at local primary schools
Survey of Development Issues:
Land-use and ecology; ethnic minority issues; urban and rural healthcare; education
Internships and Independent Study Projects (isp):
Opportunities for mentored study
Language Study:
Frequent classes in Lao
Philosophy and Comparative Religion: Comprehensive introduction to Buddhism in Southeast Asia
Focus of Inquiry:
History, politics, and peace studies; heath issues, strategies for effective development
Ellyn Bank, Parent 2009
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Dates: Jun 28 - Aug 8 Land cost: $5,950 Begins in: Los Angeles Est. flight cost: $1,700 |
Availability:
Accepting applications for Summer 2011.
With biologically diverse jungles, rich river basins, and thickly forested mountains, Laos has one of the most pristine natural environments in all of Asia. As a vital part of the Mekong River watershed, the people and environment of Laos are deeply affected by river development and regional politics. Still today, Laos is primarily a rural nation of subsistence farmers.
While traveling in "The Kingdom of a Million Elephants" we enjoy an authentic, rugged and very gritty journey that opens our hearts to the area’s people while opening our eyes to multi-national issues in development.
Our program begins with a survey of Theravada Buddhism - the dominant philosophical ethos that is found in so many aspects of both Thai and Lao culture. We travel along the Thai/Lao border, exploring spectacular caves and remote jungle between Ban Houei Xay and Luang Nam Tha. From Luang Nam Tha we embark on an extended, rigorous jungle trek to Akha minority villages, followed by a white water rafting trip to villages inhabited by Khmu, Lantaen and Tai ethnic minorities. We then journey to Luang Prabang where we explore a UNESCO heritage site with amazing architecture and a multitude of ancient golden temples. Thirty kilometers outside of Luang Prabang students begin their home-stays with ethnic minority families in Tin Keo Village. Students also participate in service projects which introduce them to various environmental and development issues facing Laos. From Luang Prabang we then journey high into the remote Xiang Khuang Plateau, site of the mysterious Plain of Jars. On the Plain, we explore the complexities of post-conflict reconstruction, environmental politics, and ecotourism development.
We conclude the program with a reflective week in the Mekong River’s Four Thousand Islands Area in southern Laos.
