Students arrive at Chiang Mai International Airport and are welcomed by Therapy Abroad staff. After a group transfer, they check into the Mountain View Guesthouse and enjoy a casual group lunch. The afternoon includes a relaxed orientation where students meet their peers, facilitators, and Clinical Supervisors, and are introduced to the program expectations and cultural nuances of Thailand. In the evening, the group heads out to a warm, celebratory welcome dinner at The Chef, followed by a reflective debrief to set intentions for the experience ahead.

Learning Focus: Cultural orientation, team building, program overview, and initial reflection.

The day begins with a formal clinical orientation led by Therapy Abroad staff and Clinical Supervisors. Students learn about the Thai healthcare system, program goals, and their upcoming responsibilities. A Thai language and cultural session introduces essential vocabulary and etiquette, and students put it into practice with a fun community scavenger hunt. In the afternoon, a tram tour through Chiang Mai’s historic Old City offers a guided exploration of temples and monuments. The day ends with free time and dinner at Blue Diamond, a popular spot for health-conscious travelers.

Learning Focus: Cross-cultural communication, healthcare context awareness, and practical language immersion.

After a breakfast briefing and interactive Q&A with Clinical Supervisors, students split into small groups for site visits to local healthcare institutions: Rajanagarindra Institute of Child Development and McKean Senior Center. During these sessions, students observe therapeutic techniques, facility operations, and patient-provider interactions. The evening debrief encourages discussion and analysis of differences between Thai and Western approaches to therapy. Dinner is at the vibrant Chang Puak Market.

Learning Focus: Observation and analysis of PT/OT practices in diverse clinical settings.

Students start the day with a physically engaging Muay Thai class at the Sting Club, where they learn the basics of traditional Thai martial arts. The experience helps build confidence, body awareness, and insight into how physical movement can be therapeutic. The afternoon is relaxed, with free time to explore or recharge. In the evening, students are introduced to the foundational concepts behind Tykes Camp, Therapy Abroad’s signature group-based, play-oriented therapy model.

Learning Focus: Physical confidence, alternative therapy techniques, introduction to pediatric program planning.

The group visits the Prostheses Foundation to learn how low-cost prosthetic solutions are developed and distributed in Thailand. Then at the Dulabatorn Foundation, students explore sensory integration and developmental supports used for neurodiverse children. A guided tour of their therapeutic sensory garden inspires ideas for future camp activities. After reflection time, students enjoy the bustling Chang Phua Gate Night Market.

Learning Focus: Community-based rehab, sustainable healthcare solutions, environmental therapeutic tools.

In a vibrant exchange of culture and ideas, students spend the day collaborating with peers from the Thai National Sports University. They participate in traditional games and co-design therapy stations for Tykes Camp, focusing on areas such as gross/fine motor skills, balance, and social-emotional learning. This co-creation process culminates in brainstorming and testing activity stations. The day ends with a team dinner at Jinbei Shabu Sushi Buffet.

Learning Focus: Interdisciplinary planning, cross-cultural collaboration, activity design for therapeutic goals.

At Sri Ping Muang School, students dive into traditional Lanna drum and dance, engaging with the rhythm and ritual of Thai celebration. Following this cultural immersion, the group transitions to the Hmong Hilltribe Lodge nestled in the mountains. Here, students are invited to experience Hmong hospitality and prepare for the next day’s nature-based excursion.

Learning Focus: Cultural arts integration, rural health awareness, community connection.

Chang Land provides an ethical, interactive opportunity to learn about elephant care, conservation ethics, and animal-assisted therapy models. Students help feed the elephants and observe bathing sessions at a respectful distance. The day ends with dinner and exploration at the Sunday Walking Street market, a sensory-filled experience of food, music, crafts, and local color.

Learning Focus: Ethics in therapy, environmental care, cultural appreciation.

At Bronco Kids Sport Club, students participate in an adaptive swimming workshop, learning how to safely support children with diverse needs in aquatic environments. After lunch and feedback discussions, students finalize plans and materials for Tykes Camp with guidance from Thai partners and supervisors. Dinner is on-site at the lively One Nimman market.

Learning Focus: Inclusive recreation planning, adaptive physical education, teamwork.

Final logistics are addressed as students organize materials and complete a dry-run of all Tykes Camp stations at Dulabatorn Foundation. Students rehearse greetings, transitions, and session flow, while giving and receiving feedback to optimize outcomes. The evening wraps with casual group reflection and dinner at Tikky Cafe.

Learning Focus: Team coordination, implementation strategies, pre-session evaluation.

With Thai student peers, students welcome children and lead them through therapy stations focused on movement, balance, coordination, and sensory play. Structured debriefs allow students to adjust in real time and reflect on participant engagement. The evening ends with celebration and pizza at By Hand Cafe.

Learning Focus: Group facilitation, child-centered therapy delivery, real-time adaptation.

 Today students head to Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures for an immersive experience in adaptive climbing. They work one-on-one with children and local professionals, helping participants build confidence and overcome physical challenges through therapeutic climbing activities. This hands-on day reinforces principles of adaptive physical therapy, support strategies, and motivation. After lunch, students participate in a final group reflection session to synthesize their learning. The day concludes with a meaningful riverside farewell dinner at Khua Lek Cafe.

Learning Focus: Adaptive physical therapy techniques, one-on-one client support, reflective practice and closure.

Students pack, say their goodbyes, and head to the Chiang Mai International Airport for their flights home. They leave not only with new skills and international observation hours, but with new friendships, global perspective, and deeper clarity about their futures in PT and OT.

Learning Focus: Reflective closure, reentry preparation, and lifelong learning mindset.