Excursions:

For LanguageCorps, excursions are not just a leisure activity - they are an integral part of developing a true understanding of the character and beauty of your host country and its surrounding area. We balance the intensive classroom work and practice teaching with a series of excursions that occur throughout your training and your time in Thailand.

Most LanguageCorps programs offered in Thailand include an initial welcome tour of Phnom Penh during your arrival weekend. All programs include a 3-day excursion to Angkor Wat following the first week of the program. This has been our most popular excursion by far, and includes three glorious days wandering through ruins of the largest religious building area in the world. Temples range in condition from moderately restored to jungle encrusted. The excursion includes time for a visit to a near-by waterfall to cool off, relax and enjoy. This trip creates memories that will be treasured forever! A second weekend excursion is included to the beautiful beaches of Koh Chang island in Thailand. Here you will have a chance to relax, swim, visit the floating market and maybe even ride an elephant!

In addition, approximately once a month, excursions in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia are arranged for LanguageCorps teachers who wish to participate. Some of the trips currently offered include:

• Scuba diving in Ranong, Thailand
• Rocket festival and kayak trip in Laos
• Hanoi, Hai Long Bay, and the mountain village of Sapa, in Vietnam
• Sihanoukville Beach in Cambodia
• Flower festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand
• Nha Trang beach and boat trip in Vietnam

Costs vary by excursion. This is a great way to travel and spend time with people you either met during the training, or other LanguageCorps participants working in different Asian countries. 2-3 excursions (depending upon the trips chosen) are included for Flagship Program participants.

Things to See & Do in and around Pattaya:

For many, "Thailand" = great beaches. Our Training Center's host city, Pattaya, is known for sunbathing, diving, windsurfing, and water skiing; and also boasts the relaxing, park-like, royal temple Wat Yannasangwararam; the Sriracha Tiger Zoo; and the coral islets of Ko Lan, Ko Sak, Ko Khrok, Ko Phai, and Ko Rin.

Pattaya has recently developed into a major business center of Thailand, with the new office-industrial parks in Laem Chabang and Map Ta Phut diversifying an economy already booming thanks to domestic and international tourist traffic.

The royal capital since 1782, Bangkok is at the center of Thailand geographically, culturally, economically, and spiritually. Ten percent of the country's population lives in this tremendous metropolis, which boasts countless glittering temples and palaces, as well as a world-reputation for excitement and nightlife.

Nearby is the historic capital Ayutthaya, where Siam first became a powerful international force and developed its reputation for cosmopolitan openness. North of Bangkok, the pre-Thai ruins of the Khmer capital Lop Buri lie surrounded by the French-inspired Thai architecture of the early modern period.