Overview

Andaman Discoveries study tour programs provide students with a personalized service trip set in the traditional culture and ecology of the rural, tsunami-impacted Andaman Coast of southern Thailand. We work closely with educators to provide comprehensive study tours that meet specific pedagogical objectives and include cultural highlights of the country at the most competitive price possible.

Our study tour program offers educational and community service trips to schools, universities, and educational institutes for students of all ages and abilities. Experience is the best teacher, and we organize hands on, student-centered learning activities led by a team of trained International and Thai staff. These trips are suitable for the International Baccalaureate CAS (Creativity, Action and Service) credit accumulation system.

Why Andaman Discoveries?

Southern Thailand boasts two of the world's oldest ecosystems: jungle and coral reefs. The area also has extensive mangroves forests, soaring waterfalls, and lush jungles perfect for exploring and understanding the relationship between natural resources and human activity.

We engage students with educational and fun activities that allow them to understand the interrelationships between culture, nature, and human activity. We are committed to education for sustainability and all activities are carefully designed to encourage reflection, critical thinking, and group collaboration. By helping students recognize the links between human activity and the environment, we encourage local, regional, and global citizenship. Understanding and respecting the world helps students to realize their place and responsibility to reduce their impact on the environment.

Our bilingual translators allow students to really engage with the villagers, and assist local guides in highlighting points of interest and explaining the region's fascinating eco-systems. Andaman Discoveries specially designed comprehensive support material, the Visitor's Guide and the Thai Phrasebook, allow people to make the most of their time in village.

Learning Objectives Include:

• Study the key cultural, economic, and sustainability issues of these coastal communities.
• Direct service – understand how service learning and reciprocal learning works to benefit students as well as communities.
• Study the biodiversity and interrelatedness of the eco-systems in the region including mangroves, beaches, tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and estuaries.
• Explore first-hand the interrelation of community development, coastal ecology, natural resource use, and conservation (e.g. traditional livelihoods and culture, tourism, community organizing, and environmental action).
• Experiential learning of analytical concepts such as sustainability, gender equity, and community vulnerability/resilience.
• Access a community's knowledge base on disaster management, natural resources, and traditional livelihoods.
• Conduct effective scientific and/or sociological field research, surveys, and exchanges in local communities;

What to Expect

Comfort zones will certainly be tested and give students the opportunity to re-assess their acceptance levels. Frequently, the favorite part of many students' trips is overcoming personal challenges from getting muddy to trying new food. Andaman Discoveries offers pre-trip project work to prepare and engage students for their time in Thailand.

Contact Information

For more information or to begin planning your study tour, please contact Andaman Discoveries.