THAILAND

Each program has a specific packing list that has been designed to fit the program’s activities, length, climate and cultural differences. Please click here to view the Thailand: Hill Tribe Impact packing list.

Most of Thailand, with the exception of the mountainous regions in the north, can be described as hot and humid. Day-time temperatures in the summer months usually fall in the mid-80’s, with an average humidity of 66% to 82%. In the northern hill-country temperatures can fall into the 50’s, and it can get quite chilly in the evenings. Though it is not the rainy season during our summer program, it can rain frequently throughout the month of July in the regions we visit.

ARCC has been operating programs in Thailand for many years, and we have built close relationships with a variety of individuals, small communities and organizations who enjoy hosting ARCC student groups. On this program, we spend time living and working in a remote hill tribe village. The specific service projects that each group will work on depend on what is most needed in the community at the time. Projects could include building a bamboo bridge for safe access to the school in wet season, a village meeting house, a playground, or making renovations to a school. We also participate in an elephant service project at a nature preserve and elephant sanctuary and teach English to local schoolchildren.

Thailand is a relatively clean and safe place to travel. However, ARCC does recommend that you take some health precautions before your trip to Thailand. When you enroll in the program, you will receive more complete information on pertinent travel vaccinations and immunizations. Please also refer to the Traveler’s Health section of the CDC website. Our leaders carry a full first aid kit, and are all certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR).

During this program we sleep in a variety of accommodations: small hotels, a community center, dorm style bungalows, a monastery and overnight trains.

We use a variety of transportation on the Thailand: Hill Tribe Impact program. We travel by train in overnight sleeper coaches and by private busses.

We will have the opportunity to sample traditional Thailand cuisine such as noodles (like Pad Thai), curries, springs rolls and fresh fruits. We will also be taking a cooking class to learn how to cook all of our favorite dishes!

For Thailand: Hill Tribe Impact, ARCC recommends that you bring an additional $150 of spending money. You should bring this money in the form of cash (small bills are best) and also bring an ATM/debit card with you. Thailand uses the “baht” as currency and there are approximately 32 Thai baht to every US $1.

As with any international program, we strongly recommend talking to your bank about its international withdrawal policies to avoid any surprise fees or card cancellations.

Yes, all students traveling to Thailand need to have a valid passport. Please make sure the passport expiration date is at least six months after you travel. Passport applications are available at the post office. If you do not already have a passport, you should apply for one as soon as you enroll in this adventure. It normally takes six weeks to process a passport application.

No. US and Canadian citizens do not need a visa for this program (unless you plan on staying in Thailand before or after the program).

All of Thailand falls within a single time zone. While on your program in Thailand, the time will be 11 hours later than New York (Eastern Time), 12 hours later than Chicago (Central Time), and 14 hours later than San Francisco (Pacific Time).

Although you will not be doing traditional backpacking on this program, it is important that you bring a backpack as your main piece of luggage. During the program the group will be navigating through airports, on and off buses, up and down stairways, and taking short hikes on unpaved paths. The group will be able to move much more efficiently if everyone is carrying their belongings on their back.

We have the chance to live amongst some people who have the very basics for survival. With education being a tool to better their lives, basic school supplies are welcomed with open arms. Pens, pencils, notepads, and books are widely accepted. Soccer balls are also an incredible way to cross the cultural border and share smiles. Because of limited space on our vehicles ARCC would ask that every person to bring no more than a gym bag of goods to donate.