Your group will be assigned to either the village of Ban Lao or Maekong depending on weather, number of students, and village need. The village communities are similar and regardless of which village your program takes place in, you will enjoy similar living conditions and activities. Most importantly, in both of these communities, the school is the center of village life and the "Teach to Travel Experience" will be based there.
You and your group will live near the school while using a simple building nearby as our dormitory. Fold-out mattresses are laid on the floor with comforters and sleeping bags over them, and mosquito nets are tied from the ceiling to cover the beds. It is far from glamorous, but it is comfortable and safe. In the mountains, evenings can get chilly, so be sure to bring sweatpants and a sweatshirt or jacket for hanging out in the evenings and sleeping.
BECOME PART OF THE COMMUNITY
Once school ends for the day at 3:30, it's time to interact with community in other ways. Evenings make great study and classroom time. Reach out to the children and families of the village, spend time with them during your free time, and become a part of the tribe. There is limited wireless internet, and it can be very slow. There will be lots of board games on hand to play with the village kids and we'll have Scrabble, Boggle, cards, and other favorites on hand. It's also okay to bring an extra couple books, some art supplies, or a favorite game to play.
We try to really be a part of the community, so you might have the opportunity to participate in all kinds of projects. Of course there's time to be on your own or with your new Loop friends, whether going on a sunset walk, taking photos in the village, or just hanging out the evenings. But we want to get out and interact with the community too!