Shannon's Thailand Gains

Cultural Gains:

While working on our final project we were given the amazing opportunity to do a home stay in Ban Nam Sai, a Tsunami Village built by the Princess in 2007. The family that we stayed with was so welcoming and willing to share their story and their culture with us. The beautiful woman in the yellow shirt is Babua, and despite the fact that she didn't speak a word of English, we were still able to laugh together and show our appreciation for everything she did for us.
On our last day at the Home & Life orphanage we all put on a talent show in which all of the girls performed traditional Thai dance and taught us how to move in the end. My favorite part was watching Awe and Joom shake it with huge smiles on their faces. Although I felt totally lost when we danced around the room, it didn't matter as long as you were having fun and appreciating the beauty and richness of the Thai culture.


Academic Gains:

My favorite part about the academic learning on this trip is the fact that it was mainly conducted outside, in the environment. The hornbill hike on Koh Ra was very interesting because in the relatively small area of land that the trail covers we were able to walk through a multitude of biomes, from chaparral to jungle. Also, we saw crazy camouflaged insects and beautiful flora.
Our final project worked with researching and determining the sustainability of Elephant Trekking Eco-tourism. By interviewing the owner and the elephant expert Sun, we were very impressed with their awareness for the environment and the sustainable practices that they implemented at Asia Safari, Khao Lak. My favorite part of the project was when Sun let Kelley and I ride the elephant bare back up to the elephants' sleeping area. It was scary but very exciting!!


Personal Gains:




















Looking back on the experience, my favorite memories were the times spent with all of the adorable Thai kids. On Koh Ra at the Moken Village, although the little girls were shy at first, by the end of the visit they had sweet smiles on their faces and didn't want us to leave. Also, our time at the orphanages was a blast. I loved playing soccer at Beluga School for Life, and throwing mud balls at Home & Life with the children. Again, despite the language barrier we were able to laugh and enjoy each others' company.
Finally, I loved all of the adventures that I took to experience all that Thailand has to offer. I made so many memories with new friends and came back a more worldly person. From snorkeling to motor biking I was able to view the beauty that the country possess and I cannot wait to return for more!!!

Thank you all for the amazing experience, I will never forget it.

Your friend,
Shannon