Our Gap Year Thailand Program is a great way to be on your own in a supportive atmosphere, develop your confidence and skills while making new friends in Southeast Asia. You get to learn about another culture and contribute to the lives of the people you meet in a very authentic, personal and safe environment. Being of service, while having fun, are key elements to our Gap Year Program. We have numerous volunteering, learning and exploring options and flexibility is one of our strong points.
The first 3 weeks:
The first few days are quite laid back in order to adjust to a new time zone. There is no real agenda other than settling in and recovering from a bit of jet-lag, however, a great massage and tasty food are mandatory! After this initial adjustment period, the focus shifts to learning the basics of Thai language and Thai culture and, more specifically, learning to live successfully in Khon Kaen. After exploring Khon Kaen and understanding the basics of Thai culture, we will then embark on our first excursion (week 3). This trip will be to the beautiful city of Chiang Mai. Enjoy the video below and take note of what interests you as what we do and where we go will be decided by the group. The destinations of future trips are flexible and chosen by group consensus.
Weeks 4-8:
The next 5 weeks focus on experiencing a mixture of volunteering and learning. Also, there will be another excursion around the 6 week mark; destination decided upon by a group vote. Monday through Friday will find you immersed in service and learning, while the weekends are yours to do with as you please. There are many interesting day trips you can take in and around Khon Kaen. Click here to see videos about Khon Kaen.
Cost, commitment & options:
We require a minimum 2 month commitment from our gap year students and the cost is 2,600 US dollars. Additional months are 1,200 US dollars. This cost covers your accommodation and utilities as well as the monthly excursions. The fees also include all learning and volunteering activities. The only thing you pay for on top of the $2,600 is your plane ticket, food (quite cheap here) and any phone calls you make (we will provide a mobile phone & sim card for you). Of course, any souvenirs, gifts or other items you wish to purchase are at your discretion and expense. Note: if we take a trip to Luang Prubang, or Vien Viang, Laos (highly recommended for month #3), add $250 for Laos visa & airfare.
Why a 2 month commitment?
We believe 2 months is the minimum amount of time to really have an authentic, meaningful experience. Other programs offer 2 week options and some require a 6 month commitment or more. We feel that our students should have the choice to continue, or not continue, after completing the initial 2 months.
Why do we offer such a varied schedule in the first 2 months?
By being exposed to numerous volunteering and learning options, you may find something that really interests you. Students who wish to continue on past the 2nd month can narrow their focus to a specific field of study or place to volunteer. For example, taking an accredited TEFL course (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), a Thai language course, volunteering at an orphanage, Muay Thai boxing etc. Of course, for students who stay for a 3rd month and beyond, keeping a varied schedule is okay.
When does the gap year program commence?
The 2011 program begins towards the end of June. The exact arrival week will be determined by coordinating with all of the students who have signed up. Other start dates occur every month after June.
Why choose our program?
Khon Kaen Education & Travel Programs is a small, family operated organization that offers an authentic and exclusive experience. We don’t accept more than 12 students during any given month. With us, what you see is what you get. While you are in Thailand, we consider you part of our family.
To the parents:
There are many questions that would come to our mind (we are parents, too) if we were to send our child to another country. What about insurance, health care, visa, safety etc. Feel free to e-mail us, call us on Skype, or call Nancy Young (Educational Advisor) at 1-415-596-4248 with any questions or concerns you may have. Also, please read the additional information at the bottom of this page.
Katt & crew Kayaking in Laos!!
Additional information:
Deposit & Payment A $600 deposit is required to reserve your spot. Only twelve places are available; first come first served. The deposit is non-refundable, but may be applied in full for future use. The deposit may be paid by check or through Paypal on our website (a 3% fee will apply). The balance of $2,000 may be paid any time prior to arrival, or in cash on arrival in Khon Kaen, Thailand.
Passport & Visa Make sure your passport is valid until at least June, 2012. Also make sure that there are at least 8 blank pages. Apply for the tourist visa at a Thai Embassy in the US by mail in the LAST WEEK of March. If you apply before March 31st, the visa is free & allows you 3 months to enter Thailand. The visa is for 2 months & can be renewed for an additional month for $60. DO NOT apply for the visa before the end of March, as you only have 3 months to enter Thailand. Contact us for tips on how to apply.
Travel insurance Although we don’t require you to acquire travel insurance, we highly recommend it. Consider going with a well known company like American Express or AAA. All 6 hospitals in Khon Kaen are well-equipped, modern facilities. The best private hospital is Khon Kaen Ram and they have a website in English: http://khonkaenram.com
Safety Khon Kaen is an extremely safe city. Violent crime is almost unheard of. The only thing about Khon Kaen (and most of Southeast Asia) that is more dangerous than a typical American city is the way people drive. Therefore, we recommend that our students DO NOT rent motorcycles! The public transportation system is safe and cheap.
Weather Daytime high is 90° and the average low at night is 70°. Of course, an afternoon rain offers a refreshing drop in temperature, but generally speaking, it’s hot! There’s no need to pack an umbrella-they are very cheap here in Khon Kaen.
Missing home? Asian culture is vastly different than American culture.
While most of the time this is fascinating, you may on occasion miss
“home”. The best and cheapest way to stay in contact with family and friends is through Skype. If you don’t already have a Skype account, we encourage you to get one. Also, should you get a craving for Western culture or food, there are 20 English speaking channels on cable TV, a movie theater with English audio films, multiple KFCs, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Swensens and over 30 7-Elevens. Khon Kaen University has an exchange program with the US & there are usually 10-20 American students enrolled.
What to bring/not bring We suggest that you pack light. Clothing, umbrellas, sandals etc. are quite cheap here. Definitely bring a laptop if you have one and any photo/video equipment. Don’t bring unnecessary credit or ATM cards (1 or 2 cards is enough). Do bring a good pair of sunglasses and a hat. Hiking boots aren’t necessary, but a good pair of athletic shoes for walking around is advised. Lighter footwear can purchased cheaply while you are in Khon Kaen.
