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In today's constantly changing geopolitical world, travel organizations, and their clients, need to be flexible. Thirteen students just hours from departure for an elephant rehabilitation program in Thailand are instead lending support to victims of human trafficking and building water filters in Cambodia.
Itinerary plans shifted from Thailand to Cambodia in the wake of a Thai military coup 48 hours prior to the group's departure. The host company, Adventures Cross-Country, and school administrators closely followed the progression of an unexpected military takeover in Thailand. As events evolved overnight, together they developed an alternative plan for the group to travel to Cambodia instead.
Working around the clock, the Adventures Cross-Country staff constructed from scratch a new program in Cambodia, organized week-long service projects, lodging, transportation, visas; and they secured airline tickets for the students to the new destination. As a result the group departed for Cambodia on the same day they had been scheduled to leave for Thailand.
"That our school partners and the families trusted us so much that they allowed us to take their kids to Cambodia instead of Thailand speaks volumes to their faith in Adventures Cross-Country," said Scott von Eschen, President.
"There was so much uncertainty in the hours following the coup that we thought we should present the parents and students the potential option of a program in Cambodia," said Sophia Weeks, Regional Director of Adventures Cross-Country (http://www.adventurescrosscountry.com/).
"One of our main concerns was making sure that on such short notice we could engage our students in meaningful service projects in Cambodia. We were able to eliminate this concern by working closely with our local partners in that country. Students will be meeting victims of human trafficking who are now learning a trade. They will help build water filters to secure clean water for villagers, and they will teach in village schools," she added.
While cultural immersion and service are priorities on this adventure, sightseeing is also part of the mix. The students will visit, among other sites, Angkor Wat and the Killing Fields, sites of Khmer Rouge regime atrocities.
Under normal circumstances pulling together this Itinerary is a year in the planning. In 10 hours this trip had come together, aided by solid international relationships and connections.
"It came together. The families were thrilled about Cambodia. The students hit the ground running when they landed on Sunday night," Weeks added.
Adventures Cross-Country advocates meaningful travel as the best way to inspire teens to become responsible global citizens.
Scholarships are available to boys currently in grades 9-12 for two programs: Thailand Elephant Service that runs July 1-31 and Costa Rica Service Ultimate that runs June 28-July 18. A third scholarship program open to boys in grades 7-9 is Hawaii Service that runs July 1-14.
Scholarships are available to girls currently in grades 8-9 for Costa Rica Service Ultimate that runs July 16-Aug. 5 and for girls currently in grades 7-9 for Costa Rica Service Classic that runs July 21-Aug. 3.
Adventures Cross-Country's 50-page catalog details Community Service, Language Immersion and Multi-Sport programs in 21 countries on six continents for youth seeking a summer service learning experience, all while exploring cultures and communities off the beaten path. The full catalog in a digital version can also be viewed online: click here. To order a copy or to speak to a representative, call (415) 332-5075 or visit online: http://www.adventurescrosscountry.com/.
