Counseling Study Abroad
Upcoming Trips
Thailand - March 18-30, 2020!
A Guided Self Discovery Journey - Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai
Mindfulness, Professional Exchange, and Cultural Immersion- 1 professional development graduate credit or 15 CEUs
Faculty lead: Dr. David M. Kleist
Tour Guide: Rotjanee Daphne Larsen (Awake in Thailand Tour guide)
Itinerary
Mar 20 (F) - Arrive in Bangkok, fly to Chiang Mai
Mar 21 (s) - Explore Chiang Mai inner city, temples, sample local cuisine, night market
Mar 22 (Su) - Join temple festivities (i.e., alms round, blessings, ceremonial)
Mar 23 (M) - Chiang Mai University, Humanities Department, Professional Exchange with Psychology Dept.
Mar 24 (T) - Elephant Nature Park experience (van ride about 1 hr., one way)
Mar 25 (W) - Chiang Rai (White temple visit, Cat Cafe visit) van ride about 3 hours from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai)
Mar 26 (Th) - Visit a meditation retreat center in Chiang Rai; Return to Bangkok
Mar 27 (F) - Visit Chulalongkorn University Psychology program, dinner at traditional Thai restaurant
Mar 28 (S) - Visit Jatujak outdoor flea market, dinner at the Asiatique
Mar 29 (Su) - Visit Phra Mahawongsakya (Than Anil) at Wat Borworn, Indian temple, Chinese temple.
Important Dates
$500 deposit due by 1/17/20
$2000 balance due 2/5/20
Total: $2500
* Travel Scholarships available for full time Idaho State University students ranging between $500-$800).
Airfare not included: to make air arrangement, contact Launa @ TTS Travel
Be certain to have a current passport (expiration date at least October 2020)
For those taking as credit or workshop we will have two prepatory meetings prior to departure to discuss syllabus, learning objectives, assignments, and discussion of Thai culture and expectations.
Please contact Randa Fuller @ 208-282-3156 for sign up details, or Dr. David M. Kleist at kleidavi@isu.edu for more details and any inquiries.

Recent Trips
The service and multi-cultural trip was to Sichuan University, Chengdu City, and Beijing, China. The trip involved working, research and multi-cultural commuication at the university, tours of Wangjang Park, Qingyand Taoist Temple and Wuhou Temple, and the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. The students also hosted a workshop training program for Chinese counselors together with professor Gensang Zeren of Sichuan University.
The Mexico course provided students with a culturally rich experience by engaging in cultural, historical, and spiritual community service and mental health issues. Students learned about the political, social, and environmental diversity of the country and experienced the history, customs, and culture of the Mexican people while engaged in activities at a domestic violence and children’s shelters in Puerto Vallarta.
The Thailand course include an academic exchange with the Psychology Department at Chulalongkorn University; a tour and service at an orphanage/shelter; tour of the temples and historical sites of Chiang Mai, a visit to an all-female Buddhist monk temple; and an Elephant Park Tour and Service.
The goals and objectives for the course to Italy was to provide students with an international experience and unique personal growth adventure where the social, political, environmental, and cultural systems are tremendously different from that of the United States; stimulate students’ interest and desire to learn about the practice of Mental Health; engage students in the culture, customs, and spirituality of people in Italy by visiting cultural, archeological, and historical, meeting and conversing with local people, and participating in activities that reflect the Italian culture; and provide students an opportunity to engage in a service.