The Thailand trip truly had something for everyone and was, without a doubt, the most impactful journey among all the AGS trips. As a senior in the global program, I’ve experienced Heifer and Costa Rica, but Thailand was on another level.
When packing and preparing for the trip, the realization hit me: I was about to embark on a 14-hour flight, plus additional travel time, alongside my classmates and chaperones. The hardest part of the entire experience was, by far, the long layovers. For example, our first layover in San Francisco lasted so many hours that we ventured out to explore the city. We toured San Francisco, walked across the Golden Gate Bridge, and made the most of our downtime.
After a grueling 14-hour flight, we finally arrived in the “Land of Smiles,” Thailand. Without giving away too many surprises, I’ll keep this brief. Our destination was a service center in northern Thailand, where we stayed for much of the trip. One of the first things we learned was how to say “thank you” and “hello” in Thai, with variations depending on whether the speaker is male or female. I also picked up the phrase “Can you reduce the price?”—because shopping in Thailand is to die for.
Our days were packed with activities I’d never imagined trying. One standout was the “confidence course,” where we navigated obstacles over water—falling in if we slipped. While this was an intense way to kick things off, the itinerary was well-balanced and never felt overwhelming. The service center itself was incredible, as were the staff, who quickly became familiar faces during our stay.
Meals were served buffet-style, and while I wasn’t expecting much, I was pleasantly surprised. Some meals were shockingly delicious! Our days were filled with art, hiking, and archery, while evenings offered free time for sand volleyball, ping pong, or just relaxing by the fire.
The most impactful experience of the trip, however, was visiting an elementary school. The moment our bus pulled in, we were greeted with uncontainable excitement—children giving us hugs, high-fives, and even small gifts. It was genuinely heartwarming. We spent the day getting to know them, creating sustainable gardens to benefit their community, and playing games like Duck Duck Goose. These kids were so enthusiastic, funny, and skilled—dominating us in soccer, of course. Saying goodbye was tough, as this was undoubtedly the highlight of the trip for me.
Afterward, we celebrated with a Lanna-style dinner, a Northern Thai cultural tradition featuring unique foods and festivities. We dressed in traditional outfits, often used as wedding garments, and enjoyed a meal that introduced me to new favorites, like “butterfly pea flower tea,” a vibrant and common welcome drink.
Leaving the service center was bittersweet, but the journey wasn’t over. On the way to the mountains, we visited jewelry and silk shops. Upon arrival, we were surprised by the chilly weather—a tip for future goers: bring layers! I hadn’t, and I certainly felt the cold.
In summary, this trip to Thailand was transformative, filled with new experiences, meaningful connections, and unforgettable moments. It will remain a cherished memory as I reflect on my time in the global program.
