Participants arrive in Chiang Mai and are welcomed with a smooth hotel check-in at Mountain View. The group gathers for a welcome dinner followed by a program orientation. This session sets expectations, introduces staff and clinical supervisors, and provides an overview of the immersive experience ahead. Learning outcomes:

• Acclimate to the travel environment and group dynamic
  

• Understand the goals and structure of the program
  

• Begin developing professional rapport with peers and facilitators

The day begins with a Thai language and culture workshop at the hotel. This foundational session provides students with key phrases and social context to navigate their surroundings. Participants then explore the Old City in small groups through a hands-on scavenger hunt that reinforces language skills. In the afternoon, the group visits RICD, the program's main community partner, and receives a formal orientation to Thailand’s AAC practices. They tour the AAC Center and the primary facility that will host Tykes Camp. Learning outcomes:

• Gain basic Thai language skills to support communication and cultural immersion
  

• Observe AAC infrastructure and therapeutic services at RICD
  

• Begin forming an understanding of local clinical contexts

Participants visit Don Kaew Community Hospital to explore Thai traditional medicine and wellness philosophies. Through rotating sessions led by Dr. Tammy, they learn about ancient practices including element-based (“taat”) therapies, Thai massage, and herbal medicine. In the evening, students dine at a local market, absorbing more of Chiang Mai's vibrant culture. Learning outcomes:

• Understand the role of traditional medicine in Thai healthcare
  

• Reflect on alternative healing modalities and their integration into rehabilitation
  

• Evaluate the cross-cultural implications of traditional vs. Western therapeutic frameworks

At Chiang Mai University, participants engage in AAC-focused activities led by the Linguistics Department. They practice clinical role-play using AAC tools and analyze Thai linguistic features. In the afternoon, back at the hotel, the group receives an introduction to Tykes Camp from their Clinical Supervisors, including an overview of participating children, family profiles, and camp goals. Learning outcomes:

• Apply AAC tools in structured role-play scenarios

• Analyze how language structure and cultural values shape therapy approaches
  

• Prepare to design therapy interventions tailored to diverse client needs

The group travels to the Elephant PooPoo Paper Park with children and staff from the Dulabhatorn Foundation. Working in small groups, students participate in creative, sensory-rich activities that serve as informal AAC practice. Afterward, they return to the hotel for Tykes Camp planning, then wrap up the day with a Thai cooking class at Asia Scenic.

Learning Outcomes:

• Apply AAC techniques in naturalistic, engaging settings
   
• Strengthen rapport-building and child-led communication strategies
   
• Explore sensory integration through environmental and hands-on learning

Participants spend the day at the Dulabhatorn Foundation, a local organization serving children with developmental differences. They observe clinical supervisors in action, meet with staff, and gain a deeper understanding of the foundation’s community work.  Midday, the group travels to Elephant Kingdom, a local sanctuary where students engage in a guided experience focused on animal care, conservation, and therapeutic interaction. This visit provides a powerful experiential learning opportunity, encouraging students to reflect on how structured animal interaction can support emotional regulation, social communication, and connection—especially in children with developmental differences. The day ends with leisure time and dinner at Chiang Mai’s Wualai Walking Street. Learning outcomes:

• Observe interdisciplinary therapy models in a real-world clinic
  

• Develop cultural sensitivity and community engagement skills
  

• Reflect on client and family-centered practices in a Thai context

This intensive planning day focuses entirely on Tykes Camp development. Participants design therapy stations, prepare intervention materials, and finalize session plans with support from their clinical supervisors. The day also includes a trip to Kam Paeng Din market for supplies and group collaboration exercises. Learning outcomes:

• Design developmentally appropriate therapy stations
  

• Plan interdisciplinary interventions for children with communication challenges
  

• Strengthen collaboration and leadership within a clinical team

Students head to RICD to set up Tykes Camp and conduct a full run-through of their therapy stations. They refine logistics, transitions, and intervention materials based on team feedback. In the afternoon, they participate in a Muay Thai session at The Bear Fight Club, connecting physical wellness with discipline and resilience. Learning Outcomes:

• Execute planning strategies for a structured therapy camp
  

• Incorporate feedback to improve intervention delivery
  

• Explore physical and cultural elements of health promotion

Tykes Camp begins! Children arrive at RICD and rotate through the therapy stations designed by the participants. The day focuses on building rapport, facilitating communication, and adapting plans in real time. Post-camp debriefs guide participants in refining their approaches. Learning outcomes:

• Facilitate evidence-based interventions using AAC tools
  

• Adapt activities to diverse learner needs in a group setting
  

• Reflect on therapeutic impact and refine clinical decision-making

Students continue facilitating therapy stations while incorporating feedback from the previous day. They focus on reinforcing goals, supporting transitions, and improving station consistency and flow. Group reflection highlights key challenges and adaptive strategies. Learning outcomes:

• Deepen intervention strategies based on child response and feedback
  

• Improve group management and caregiver communication
  

• Develop professional resilience and problem-solving skills

 On the final day of Tykes Camp, participants complete remaining rotations and host a closing ceremony for children and families. They collect feedback and celebrate participant progress. The afternoon includes time for rest, with a final reflection session in the evening. Learning outcomes:

• Evaluate the overall impact of a multidisciplinary therapy camp
  

• Celebrate child achievements and contribute to a sustainable model
  

• Develop self-awareness and confidence as a future clinician

A formal morning session includes group presentations, written reflections, and program evaluations. Participants identify key learning moments and personal growth, and develop a plan for transferring lessons into future academic and clinical work. Learning Outcomes:

• Synthesize program experiences into personal growth statements
  

• Translate international fieldwork into academic and professional goals
  

• Develop strategies for continued global engagement

Participants pack, check out, and head to the airport for international flights. Final goodbyes are exchanged, and students depart with new skills, cultural insight, and professional inspiration. Learning outcomes:

• Conclude the experience with a sense of purpose and reflection
  

• Maintain professional relationships and networks
  

• Leave with tools for lifelong learning and cultural humility