Prior to leaving for Thailand in May, members of Global Service Learning (GSL) prepared to roll up their sleeves and get dirty as part of their work with the country’s Forest Research and Restoration Unit.
They’re used to projects with sweat-equity — projects that demand their physical labor — having previously served in China, Guatemala, Malawi, Nicaragua, and Swaziland for the group’s annual international service learning trip.
"Before the trip, we expected to complete a large amount of work with sweat-equity as the focus," said Ty Garner, a junior from Broomfield, Colo. "When we arrived, we did a large portion of more focused service with specific jobs, but not as much physical labor.”
In Chiang Mai, located in northern Thailand, the group worked with the Forest Research and Restoration Unit (FORRU), a group of ecologists and university students that conducts research and develops effective methods on forest restoration and conservation. The group learned about and used a variety of forest restoration techniques, from clearing weeds along mountain ranges with machetes to measuring and plotting deforested areas with garden hoes, to planting nearly 250 trees and relocating 1,100 tree saplings.
The group then continued on to the nation's capitol, Bangkok, to work with local students from Thammasat University. Together they delved into environmental safety and sustainability work through university programs, planted mangrove trees across coastal areas, and taught various environmental lessons and interactive English language exercises to elementary students.
"Though there were days during our service when the students expended great amounts of physical energy in challenging climatic situations to achieve a service goal, there were also situations when they listened to lectures and presentations to become more educated about the social impact and environmental importance of our service work," said GSL advisor Julie Reager. "The work the students completed at the elementary school, for example, was equally as important for the people we were serving though it did not involve sweat-equity."
Where the physical labor in the group's service ended, the mental work of obtaining cultural enlightenment began. Students were guided through Bangkok and Chiang Mai, visiting iconic spots around the country such as the Grand Palace and Buddhist temple Wat Pho. They resided in the homes of Hmong tribe members in the village Ban Mae Sa Mai for a week, gaining insight into Thailand’s culture as well as the social impact their service had on the villagers.
Garner and fellow GSL members took note of the villagers' simple lifestyle and strong connections with each another.
"Everyone that we met on the trip was incredibly kind and had such a strong passion for their country,” he said. “Each person wanted to share with us as much as they could, and loved to ask us about our experiences."
Prior to the students' departure, villagers expressed gratitude for GSL's service through many expressive acts—including a musical performance they dedicated to the group.
"The students gained a great deal of insight regarding the definition of service learning and their purpose in the bigger picture of the world," said Reager. "Service projects should serve the people in ways they deem valuable and needed, not as we, as American volunteers, see as valuable and rewarding."
"I believe we learned the impact that all service has, and that no service can be seen as better or more important than another type of service work," Garner added. "All service opportunities inspire change, and with each new project, it is possible to make a difference in someone's life."
GSL will share more about their experiences in Thailand during a campus conversation this fall. Their trip marked the first time a student organization has traveled to Thailand.
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Story by Quinn Hullett, public relations intern.