Vermont to Thailand (VT2T) helps young people “think globally” as they're entering adulthood.  Suvannee Promchan in Thailand, and Linda Wheatley in Vermont, LOVE the power of true cultural immersion. Although travelers visit temples, parks and historic sites, the highlight of our visit is the village home-stay.  Our host families and communities open their hearts and homes to them and involve them in their day-to-day routines.  It is all quite unfamiliar to the travelers and prompts much questioning and wonder.  This immersion encourages reflection, builds confidence and results in a greater appreciation for the cultural richness of our globe.

Before M2T travelers leave home, we learn about our host country - its language, its customs, its climate, its religion.  We meet weekly to plan fund-raisers, study Thai phrases, get to know each other and generally prepare for the journey of a lifetime.  Each traveler commits to work about 100 hours in their home community to collectively raise about a third of the cost of the trip. The rest we have to earn on own own, bargain with parents and/or dig into educational funds. 

We have no trouble recruiting chaperones (typically 1 per 4 or 5 young people) as there is something enticing about these unique adventures.  Travelers stay in VILLAGES - we live in peoples HOMES and learn how they live and what's important to them.  We truly become part of their family and they become extensions of ours.  The stories and emotion that returning travelers bring back and share with their communities are remarkable - and seem to ensure further interest.  In fact, in  winter/spring 2008 there were seven young central Vermonters back in Ubon as part of their "gap year" - teaching English, writing articles, traveling the region and growing up.

The first Woodstock High School trip traveled in April 2008. WUHSMS students were studying Southeast Asia - topics like the Thai Monarchy and governmental structure, the Cambodian genocide and the Vietnam War.  Linda and Suvannee guided them on a cross-region exploration passing through Bangkok, an Isaan village, Siem Reap (home of Angkor Wat) and finally to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon).  They, too, met regularly in preparation for their adventure.

Going to Thailand is a big commitment, but is apparently one worth making - as M2T "graduates" return again and again! 

 

 

(Suvannee and her two grown kids, Fon and Pai) 

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Thank you for your interest!

Why don't YOU come along to Thailand?!?!

Please see VT2T offerings and www.sweetmangotours.com