Thailand

THAILAND

This subject will focus on the introduction to the cultural, environmental and societal diversity of Thailand. The geography of Thailand means that the range of what the country has to offer is very wide compared to many other countries. You will find mountains, cliffs, jungle, rice fields, waterfalls, islands, beaches – sometimes within a relatively short distance as well. The cultural difference from the North to the South – or even from the East to the West can be seen in language, traditions, art, architecture, religion and food. This subject will look at Thai culture, history, heritage as well as modern society – latter with a focus on environment, nature, marine life, sustainability and lifestyle. 

One of our methods will be to visit schools and a take a deep dive into a wide range of different parts of Thai culture. We will also be working together with local non-profit organizations and be volunteering in different projects.

CLASSES

In class, we will work with different themes and issues in order to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of Thailand as well as its different cultures. In doing so, we may invite guest teachers to teach us to do a bit of Muay Thai, cook a few Thai dishes or learn a few Thai phrases. We will also work with key concepts such as cultural understanding and religion and issues such as inequality and LGTBQ+ rights.  

Another important theme is environment and nature. We will work with the UN Development Goals and different environmental experts or organizations to learn and understand more about the relationship between humans and nature. Before we go on the trip, we will already have worked with the UN goals, life on land and life below water. Our goal it to be able to compare and maybe find parallels to problems that is the same both in Thailand and in Denmark. 

TRIP

REC has a strong bond to Thailand – both in terms of the many students that come from Thailand every year, our partners and previous culture travels. 

The culture travel to Thailand is not a holiday where the program is fixed before we leave. The students are expected to work together to influence the content of the trip, and therefore our destinations and projects have varied from year to year. In the following is a short description of the overall goal of our travel this year.

Thailand – Culture, Nature & Sailing

The program so far will be split into 3 parts. We will start the trip in Bangkok where we will get a glimpse of everyday life in a metropolis with culture emerging everywhere. We will visit old temples, go to Muay Thai, enjoy the street kitchens, visit the happening areas and soak in the hectic energy of the big city.  It is a priority to establish connections to schools and various organisations, so we can meet and interact with local Thai students, get a deeper understanding of everyday life for Thai people in the city and learn more in-depth what it means to be a young Thai person in Thailand today. 

After a few days in Bangkok, we will travel into the wilderness in Khao Sok where our focus will be wildlife and nature preservation. You will get to hike through the humid jungle, cook in the wilderness and hike back during the night. We will experience Thai wildlife first hand and get a better understanding of what challenges the nature and wildlife in this part of the world. 

When we arrive on Phuket, we will go sailing on two big catamarans. We will visit islands, snorkel in the crystal clear waters go on small expeditions on land. We will also be focusing on marine life, environmental sustainability and Thai lifestyle on the islands and coasts. When you are on a boat it is important to work closely together with the Skipper and participate in all aspects of the running of a boat – from cooking and cleaning to navigation and sailing. It is a commitment! 

The last few days in Phuket will be focus on working together with our partners in various projects. The projects can be focusing on environmental sustainability or wildlife preservation etc. The underlyding goal is to work with people from the local community and better understand the local culture, the relationship between the local population and to some extent the tourism industry on the island and in extension the consequences and actions taken. 

We have previously collaborated with: Sustainable Maikhao Foundation, UWC Thailand, Gibbon Rehabilitation Center, Life Home Project Foundation and Phuket Pearl – just to name a few.

AFTER THE TRIP

A part of the evaluation of the subject and travel is a presentation prepared by the students where they will share what they have learned and experienced. It is also mandatory for the students to produce a ‘product’ for the PVA competition as a part of this evaluation process. The reflection and evaluation process is an important element of the subject and is considered a tool for connecting personal experiences, learning from both classes and the travel itself – with gaining intercultural understanding. Students must learn to reflect on their own role as a traveler and citizen in a global world. 

ECONOMY

Travel cost: 15.000 DKK

Pocket money: 1000 DKK

VISA

Danish nationals – will receive toursit visa on arrival

EU nationals – ibid

Non EU nationals – depends on nationality. Check: https://thaievisa.go.th/

All must have a passport valid min. 6 months after the return date of the travel!

VACCINATIONS

Diphtheria

Tetanus

Hep A

EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS

Interest in the country and curiosity for meeting new people. Motivated to engage actively in projects and exchanges both during classes and during the travel. There are no special requirements for the sailing part, as you will be prepared for this before the travel.

	Jesper Bach Christensen jbc@ranumefterskole.dk

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