Mekong Semester: Tibetan Plateau to the Heart of Southeast Asia
- Cambodia
- China
- Thailand
- Laos
About Program
Travel to China remains effectively closed to foreign travelers. We hope the borders will open, but if they do not, we plan to run the Mekong program in Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.
Explore the largest river basin in Southeast Asia as you travel from Southern China to Laos, Cambodia, then Thailand. The Mekong Semester examines issues of transboundary resource management, explores diverse spiritual belief systems, and allows students to participate in meaningful learning service initiatives, driven by the communities they visit.
During the program students will experience daily life in Tibetan, Lao, Thai and Cambodian homestays. Trek through the Himalayas down to the tropics all while exploring exploring hot springs, glaciers and waterfalls along the way. Learn about the history of the region by meeting with community to understand the reality of Mao’s Cultural Revolution, The Secret War and Pol Pot’s Regime.
Financial aid and college credit is available.
Video and Photos
Program Highlights
- Explore the diverse range of spiritual beliefs and religions within the Mekong catchment including: Tibetan Buddhism, Taoism, Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism, Animism, Catholicism and Islam.
- Meet with community members to learn about the reality of Mao’s Cultural Revolution, The Secret War and Pol Pot’s Regime.
- Witness the negative impacts of large-scale hydro-power dam developments ecological systems.
- Experience rural village life in a Tibetan, Lao, Thai and Cambodia homestays participating in the daily rhythms of each place.
- Trek in arid Himalayas and humid wet tropics exploring hot springs, glaciers and waterfalls.
Scholarships
Where There Be Dragons Financial Aid & 529 Funds
Where There Be Dragons offers need-based financial aid to students that demonstrate reasonable financial need and are excited to engage with communities around the world.