Pulitzer-prize winning journalist Nicholas Kristoff believes that travel should play a central role in education. In his article, Cum Laude in Evading Bandits, he makes his case for learning abroad: "If colleges provide credit for dozing through an introductory Spanish class, why not give credit for a 'gap year' in a Bolivian village?"
Andaman Discoveries also encourages people to see the world as a classroom, which is why we were pleased to welcome the University of California at Los Angeles back for a second successful study tour in July.
The stories of UCLA and our many recent guests confirms that everyone gains an education through a homestay or by volunteering long-term. Thank you to all of those who learned, laughed, and had fun with us this July and August.
Thank you for reading.
The Andaman Discoveries Team
|
UCLA Study Trip
Students Complete Month-Long Study Tour
|
Students and staff from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) turned Thailand into a classroom for their field study course: "Thailand: Sustainable Communities and Ecosystems." The course is a community-based, integrated, and social and natural science field research program. Students engage in sustainability research, intercultural activities, and fieldwork. Students used their knowledge to join Thai villagers and organizations in community service.
The study tour was sponsored by the UCLA Institute of the Environment. Professor Michael Silverman was involved at each step of the development and implementation of the program. The dedication of Professor Silverman and the UCLA Institute of the Environment were crucial in the success of the program.
|
BBC Filmmaker's Unique Experience
World Challenge 2009: Voting Opens September 28
|
 Andaman Discoveries is one of twelve finalists for the World Challenge 2009, a global competition aimed at finding projects or small businesses from around the world that have shown enterprise and innovation at a grassroots level. As a finalist, we will be featured by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). In July we welcomed a film crew for a three-day visit.
Film crew director Maximillian (UK) said, "I have traveled far and wide to over 80 countries in the course of my work and leisure, but rarely have I experienced what I did that day. I was let into and warmly received (with no strings attached) to a private and special community. The sensitive manner in which Andaman Discoveries and the communities it works with approaches these visits, is in my opinion the only sustainable path in order to retain a true taste of adventure without trampling all over and quickly losing what was special and attracted one there in the first place." |
Local Action
Ban Talae Nok Youth Group
|
 Ladda "Pink" Aharn, Ban Talae Nok (BTN) community coordinator, is pleased to share the progress of all of the great work that the youth group is doing in the village. Here's a look at four projects underway that the youth group is leading:
Waste Management Project: Many children participate in this activity each month. "It is about more than collecting garbage," said Pink. "It helps the youth have unity and work together. Then after their hard work, they all join together for snacks."
|
Career Breaks that Matter
Southern Thailand Orphanage Volunteer
|
 The study tour participants weren't the only UCLA students we welcomed in July -- UCLA alumnus and Los Angeles resident Christina Liu-Shaffer also joined us as part of a two-month career break. Christina wanted to experience a place abroad rather than just see it, so she chose to volunteer for a month at the Southern Thailand Orphanage before traveling throughout Thailand and China.
Christina said, "My volunteer experience has been amazing. Volunteering at the orphanage has changed my life! I feel so lucky to have been a part of the orphanage's family and I will cherish this experience forever." |
Experiences to Savor
Burmese Students impacted by Volunteer
|
 We recently bid farewell to Jeannine Curd of New Zealand, who volunteered for two months at the Burmese Learning Center. Jeannine was touched by the experience and hopes to return.
"Things that made my stay memorable were the little things unbeknownst to me. At the last class every day, I would say 'see you tomorrow', and before I knew it, the students were saying it to me at the day's end. I thought, How do they know that?, Then I realized that despite thinking the students were not learning, that every little thing you do and say is savored."
|
In the Jungle, the Ban Na Jungle
N-ACT supports communities through survey tours
|
Two German trekkers ventured deep into the Ban Na jungle with N-ACT program manager Nattaya "Nat" Sektheera and five local guides in July. Ani and Anne were excited by the unique opportunity to join a survey tour in a local community while also volunteering at a tsunami-orphan aid project near Khao Lak. The jungle trek consisted of two days and one night of camping.
"We had a wonderful time on the trek, the guides were so knowledgeable and helpful. Nat, our translator, was fantastic. We did not expect the food to be so good and we will definitely come back for a longer trek the next time," said the trekkers.
|
Welcome Aboard!
Experienced Program Manager joins Andaman Discoveries
|
Claudine Nagiah, UK, has nearly a decade's worth of international development and natural resource management experience. She has been living in Thailand since January 2009, and plans to assist Andaman Discoveries until November in the office and with on-site projects.
"My passion is to work in ecotourism and community-based tourism, as it's an area which I find interesting, varied, challenging and fulfilling. I am looking forward to learning about Andaman Discoveries and Kuraburi, which I hear has some of the best food in Thailand," said Claudine.
|
News that's Fit to Print
Journalists become a part of the story
|
We welcomed freelance journalist Sarah Warwick in July. During her visit, she spent time in Ban Talae Nok, the Burmese Learning Center, and Kamphuan Community Learning Center.
Andaman Discoveries was also featured in the July/August issue of fahThai, the in-flight magazine for Bangkok Airways. The article, titled "Have Heart Will Travel," recommends voluntourism opportunities in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. |
Andaman Discoveries Store
Show your support. Become a part of the story.
|
Have you been searching for the perfect gift for your friend's upcoming birthday, or are you one of those ambitious holiday shoppers already on the gift hunt? Then visit the Andaman Discoveries Store, which has a gift for almost any occasion. Products include t-shirts, hand-made cards from women in Bak Jok village, herbal soap made by the women of Ban Talae Nok, and hand-carved Moken boats from Bak Jok.
If you have a suggestion for something you'd like to see in the store, please leave a comment or contact us.
|
Copyright
2009 Andaman Discoveries
|
|
|
|
|
|
Why Us?
|
Andaman Discoveries' internationally recognized community development and tourism projects make a real difference. Our International and bilingual staff have extensive knowledge, allowing guests to enjoy a true cultural exchange.
We have developed comprehensive teaching materials for those planning to volunteer in a school. And for folks new to Thailand we can arrange regional transport and accommodations, and even offer advice on traveling (our staff loves to explore the country, too!).
|
Stay Connected!
Join our mailing list, become a friend on Facebook, follow our moves on Twitter, or join our LinkedIn group!
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
"I am truly appreciative of the help that AD gave us in creating a program that connected students with local communities as well as ideas relating to sustainable development and eco tourism . Your wonderful staff and personal attention made our stay in Thailand a great learning experience."
Rebecca Shipe, UCLA (USA), Environmental Science lecturer
|
"The sensitive manner in which Andaman Discoveries and the communities it works with approaches these visits is, in my opinion, the only sustainable path in order to retain a true taste of adventure without quickly losing what was special and attracted one there in the first place."
Maximillian, UK, Television Producer & Director
|
"Going with the BBC tour for AD activities in Tung Dap and your role in promoting eco tourism in Southern Thailand was one of my most fulfilling experiences during my travels. Meeting the Moken and being treated as a legitimate guest in their home as opposed to a typical tourist was a real honor."
Kevin, UCLA (USA), Study Tour
|
"Now that we're home, when people ask me what was
the most memorable part of our vacation, I tell them about our time in the
village. It was such a great way to kick off our trip -- like taking a Thailand 101
course before being set loose in the country"
Kari and Aaron, Cultural Tour
|
"I
loved the after dinner session of talking with the host families via the
translator. Really got to see the differences between our cultures as well as
the similarities."
Joshua, Cultural Tour
|
"Food
was incredible, the best I have had in Thailand. The villagers were all extremely welcoming and hospitable.
This was an excellent experience and a great way to immerse yourself in the
culture."
Lauren, Cultural Tour
|
|
|
