Youth International - Asia

- Multi-Country

Locations Throughout the World,  Various cities in each country

  India

Agra,  Delhi,  Dharamsala,  Kolkata (Calcutta),  McLeod Ganj,  New Delhi,  Varanasi

  Thailand

• Bangkok: 
Bangkok
• Chiang Mai: 
Chiang Mai
• All Other Areas in Thailand: 
Chiang Rai,  Ayutthaya

  Vietnam

• Hanoi: 
Hanoi
• All Other Areas in Vietnam: 
Sa Pa

Durations of Program: 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Dates: September 18 - December 10, 2008.

Description: The world becomes your classroom and experience your greatest teacher!

Through a combination of volunteer work, home stays, outdoor adventure, and intense developing world travel, each Youth International participant is set up for a dynamic first hand learning experience about the region they are travelling. At the same time, they are presented with a unique environment and opportunity for self discovery.

Teams of up to 14 people between the ages of 18 and 25 travel together, with two group leaders. For a full 12 week semester they explore three different countries in one region of the world.

Youth International has been sending groups on learning adventures abroad since 1997, and offers three separate trips: Asia (Thailand, India, and Vietnam), South America (Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador), and Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and Namibia).

All three trips are offered twice each year: once in the fall semester which runs from September to December, and once in the spring semester which runs from February to May.

(*Youth International does not affiliate with, or adhere to, any specific religious or philosophical doctrine, and has no political affiliations or agenda.)

Highlights: Live with a tribal family in the mountains of Thailand while helping to build a school for their community, visit the Taj Mahal, meditate with Tibetan monks in the Himalayan mountains, hike along ancient footpaths connecting remote tribal villages in the hills of Vietnam, and much more... These are examples of just a few highlights on a trip that holds new adventures around every corner!

Youth International sends teams to Asia every year from September to December and February to May. Each team travels for 12 weeks through Thailand, India, and Vietnam.

The next available Asia program is for Fall, 2008. The full tentative itinerary for that trip, is as follows:

Colorado, USA (September 18 to 21):

For three days team members will live together in residence at the YMCA of the Rockies Conference Centre in Estes Park, Colorado. In the midst of this spectacular Rocky Mountain setting they will take part in a series of orientation workshops covering topics such as team building, health and safety, cultural sensitivity, and more, in preparation for their time abroad.

*A detailed orientation schedule will be handed out upon arrival in Colorado.

Flight to Asia (Sept. 21 to 22):

The Team will depart Colorados Rocky mountains on the morning of Sept. 21. They will fly together from Denver, across the Pacific Ocean, to Bangkok, Thailand.

*Participants will receive a detailed flight itinerary before the start of the program.

Thailand (September 22 to October 22)

Bangkok (Sept. 22 to 23):

Time to begin exploring this great Asian capital, including such sites as the Grand Palace, the floating markets, and the National Museum.

On the evening of Sept. 23 the team will board an overnight train heading north to Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai (Sept. 24 to 25):

Time to explore the endless temples, and bustling markets of Thailands large northern capital city.

On the 25th, travel by bus to village home stay.

Village Home Stay (Sept. 25 to Oct. 4):

For more than a week the team will live in homes with Thai families in a small village near Chiang Mai. They will volunteer their time to help work on a community project, and will learn about local life by living it themselves. (Project details will be given to team members before the start of the program.)

On the morning of Oct. 4th the team will depart the village and travel a few hours north by bus to Chiang Rai.

Trek in Northern Mountains (Oct. 4 to 9):

The team will trek for four days through the northern hills outside of Chiang Rai. Along the way they will stay overnight with host families in tribal villages. On the last day they will return to Chiang Rai and have the opportunity to explore the city's night markets.

Chiang Mai (Oct. 9):

The group will travel by bus about 3 hours from Chiang Rai back to Chiang Mai. They will have the balance of the day to continue exploring Chiang Mai before continuing on an overnight train south to Ayuthaya.

Ayuthaya (Oct. 10 to 11):

On bicycle, the group will explore the spectacular remains of this ancient Thai capital city.

Overnight train on the 11th from Ayuthaya south to Khao Lak

Khao Lak (Oct. 12 to 17):

Five days will be spent living with families in this small southern fishing village that was completely wiped out by the tsunami of December 2004. The team will work on a project to help with the continuing efforts of the people in this village to rebuild, and improve, their lives. (Project details will be given to team members before the start of the program.)

Koh Payam (Oct. 17 to 20):

A few days to explore pristine island beaches, swim, snorkel, relax and reflect on the Thailand experience.

Return to mainland and travel by overnight train to Bangkok on the 20th.

Bangkok (Oct. 21 to 22):

Site seeing. Free time. Thailand wrap up.

Flight to India (Oct. 22):

The Team will fly together from Bangkok to Delhi, India.

*Participants will receive a detailed flight itinerary before the start of the program.

India (October 22 to November 27)

Jaipur (Oct. 22 to 25):

From Delhi, the team will travel south by bus directly to Jaipur. For three days the team will live with host families in this colorful, culturally rich, bustling capital city of Rajasthan. Here, they will begin getting acquainted with Indian life. Each day will start with a yoga class, followed by survival Hindi language lessons. Days will be rounded out with various excursions within the city, visits to local sites, and introductory talks and workshops on various aspects of Indias culture and history.

Travel by overnight train on the 25th from Jaipur south to Udaipur.

Udaipur (Oct. 26 to 27):

The team will have a day and a half to explore one of Indias most colorful and romantic cities. They will tour the twisting streets of the old city, Monsoon Palace, and Fateh Sagar Lake, and will attend a workshop on Batik art.

There will also be a visit to a local NGO, and an introductory talk on development issues in local "Adivasi" communities, in preparation for the groups time in Ogna.

Travel about two and a half hours by bus from Udaipur to the village of Ogna on the afternoon of Oct. 27th.

Ogna (Oct. 27 to Nov. 3):

During this week the team will live with host families in the small rural village of Ogna, near Udaipur.

While learning about village life, by living it themselves, team members will also volunteer their help on community projects. Details of these projects are still being finalized and will be discussed at orientation. Most likely we will be continuing to help with the construction of the local community centre, and also teaching children at three different local schools. Mornings are also normally spent helping families with household chores and with work in the fields.

On Nov. 3rd the team will return by bus to Udaipur, and will have some free time back in Udaipur before taking the overnight train from Udaipur back to Jaipur.

Jaipur (Nov. 4 to 6):

Two nights back in Jaipur, reunited with the same Jaipur host families. The team will have a talk on the basics of Hinduism, and there will be some final time to explore the city, including a walking tour of the old city and Nahargarh fort.

Depart Jaipur on the afternoon of Nov. 6 and travel east by train to Agra.

Agra (Nov. 6 to 8):

Visits to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Free time.

On Nov. 8th the team will depart Agra and travel overnight by train north to Amritsar.

Amritsar (Nov. 9 to 10):

For one day and night, the team will live with other "pilgrims" in residence at the Golden Temple. While staying here, they will tour and learn about this holiest of sites for the Sikh faith.

Travel by bus north from Amritsar to Dharamsala on the 10th.

Dharamsala (Nov. 10 to 24):

This small town, tucked in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains of northwestern India is home to the Tibetan government in exile and a very large population of Tibetan refugees, including their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.

During this two week time period the team will split up and live in separate homes with Tibetan families. Days will be spent working on a variety of community service projects within the Tibetan community and also taking part in set activities to enhance their understanding of Tibetan culture, history and contemporary issues.

The team will also attend a three day introductory meditation retreat practised in the Tibetan tradition. Additionally, the group will trek for two days in the Himalayan foothills above Dharamsala.

Overnight train returning to Delhi on Nov. 24th.

Delhi (Nov. 25 to 26):

Time to explore India's bustling capital city, including sites such as Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India) a local Sikh temple, Raj Ghat, the Gandhi museum, and city markets.

Flight to Vietnam (Nov. 27):

The Team will fly together from Delhi to Hanoi, Vietnam.

*Participants will receive a detailed flight itinerary before the start of the program

Vietnam (November 27 to December 10)

Hanoi (Nov. 27 to 29):

The team will have time to explore the sites and rich ambience of Vietnams colorful northern capital. There will also be a full day pilgrimage to the Perfume Pagoda south of Hanoi.

Travel by overnight train north from Hanoi to SaPa on Nov. 29th.

SaPa and Surrounding Mountains (Nov. 30 to Dec. 5):

The northern village of SaPa is tucked in a beautiful mountain valley next to the border of China. It is home to a variety of minority tribal cultures. The group will have one day to enjoy the town and its friendly people while preparing for a trek into the surrounding hills.

For four days, the team will then hike through the mountains living with families in tribal villages along the way.

Return from SaPa to Hanoi by overnight train on Dec. 5th.

Hanoi (Dec. 6):

Free day in Hanoi to recover from SaPa trek.

Halong Bay (Dec. 7 to 9):

The team will spend the final three days of their epic journey living on a house boat and cruising around gorgeous Halong Bay, in the Gulf of Tonkin, just a few hours east of Hanoi. Time will be spent swimming, kayaking, exploring remote islands and beaches, relaxing, reflecting on the entire trip, and preparing for the return home.

Return by bus to Hanoi on the evening of Dec. 9th. Overnight in Hanoi on Dec. 9th.

Flight Back to the USA (Dec. 10):
The Team will fly together from Hanoi to Denver, Colorado. The groups journey will be finished upon arrival back in Denver.

*Participants will receive a detailed flight itinerary before the start of the program.

Qualifications: Anyone who will be between 18 and 25 years of age when travelling is welcome to apply to join a Youth International trip. (*Some flexibility with this age restriction does exist.)

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: US$8,500

The only costs that the program fee does not cover are personal items and individual free time activities. Personal items would also include health insurance and any medical expenses, travel visas, as well as transportation to and from orientation, in the USA, at the beginning and end of the program.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Q: What types of people join Youth International teams? A: This is a very common question, and is perhaps the most difficult to answer as there is really no "typical" Youth International participant. Each is unique! Our participants bring with them a wonderful diversity of backgrounds and interests. Team members share a like mindedness, and bond well, through their common interest and enthusiasm toward the activities and ideals which have drawn them all toward the Youth International program. All, in some way or another, are eager to step outside of the path they are on at the moment. To challenge themselves to get out and learn more about the world, and about who they are in relation to that world. Many are taking a "gap" year, or semester, off in the middle of college, or between graduating high school and beginning college. Several have recently graduated college, and want to experience some of the world before starting a career or going on to graduate school. A few are taking time out from a career. The vast majority of our participants come from the United States. From all corners of the country. We also have several participants join from across Canada. Youth International also has some members that have joined us from a number of other countries around the world.

Age Range: 18 to 25 years

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of up to 14

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad

Youth International's Mission Statement: Youth International opens the doors for young people to actively explore and discover a broader perspective on the world while developing a deeper understanding of who they are and what their place is within that world. Developing more personally and socially aware future leaders, Youth International also hopes to take small steps toward bridging the gap between people and nations and making the world a better, more peaceful place to live.

Year Founded: 1995