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Learning in the diverse landscapes of Thailand, a country where ancient rainforests and rich cultural traditions intertwine. This course focuses on Buddhism through the lens of ecosystem conservation and how we can use mindfulness practices in personal and professional settings. We will focus on how ecological, cultural, social, and spiritual values humans hold for nature are interwoven. Students will have opportunities to learn directly from extended times in nature and from monks and other local experts on-site at a beautiful forest monastery. The monks and nuns of this particular forest monastery are known for their social activism for environmental concerns, such as clean water sources for local communities.

This course was co-created by Dragonfly founders, Lynne and Chris Myers, in partnership with Thai partners from Mahidol University, the ThaiHealth Promotion Foundation, and JitArsa Bank, an organization focused on volunteering as a means of promoting love, kindness, and happiness.

A typical day on this EE course includes exploration and hiking in the local environment, instructor and student-led discussions of key course topics, presentations, engagement with local community experts, and time for inquiry investigations and journal writing. Prior to and following the field experience in Thailand, students will complete coursework via Canvas, ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University's learning management system, as they apply experiences at home.

*** If you're interested in Thailand: Buddhism & Conservation for Summer 2026, . This option is ideal for anyone needing Continuing Education Units or additional graduate credits, those with previous Master's experiences, or Dragonfly alums. We offer a limited number of spots (up to 6) for non-Master's candidates in most of our EE courses. An undergraduate degree is required. ***

Khao Yai National Park

Located approximately 200 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, Khao Yai is Thailand’s oldest national park. The 2,100 square kilometer park encompasses a variety of vegetation zones including evergreen rainforest and mixed deciduous forest. Approximately 200 to 300 wild elephants share the park with tigers, gibbons, barking deer, civets, and sun bears. Khao Yai’s rich forests are home to a large population of hornbills including the great hornbill, one of the most conspicuous of the hornbill clan with its bright yellow “horn” or casque on top of its head. There are numerous hiking trails and several wildlife observation towers, including one near a natural salt lick that entices elephants, barking deer, and gaur into the open.

Various forest wats (temples)

Discuss Buddhist views on nature, ecology, and conservation with scientists, educators, and “ecology monks” active in conservation efforts in Thailand. The group will spend several days at Buddhist monasteries, where students will be instructed in meditation practice and participate in discussions on contemplative education.

Wat Paa Sukato

Wat Paa Sukato is a forest monastery in a remote village in northeast Thailand’s Chaiyaphum province. The monastery is an outstanding example of the interwoven strands of conservation, Buddhism, and community. The monks designated the forest surrounding their monastery as sacred, prohibiting logging and the killing of wild animals. They fostered a reverence for nature among the local community and recruited the villagers to help prevent forest fires. The monks also helped local children form an environmental education club called Dek Rak Nok (Children Love Birds) with the goal to protect the local bird population. Monks also lead an annual week-long “Green Walk” around the watershed forest to promote conservation awareness.

Wat Paa Mahawan

Wat Paa Mahawan is a forest monastery in the mountains of Chaiyaphum. Monks of Wat Paa Mahawan work with the local community to nurture and conserve the forests surrounding the temple. The forest is an important watershed area, and the community conservation efforts help ensure the health of vital river systems upon which the local people, the forests, and the wildlife depend. The monks have also begun a biodiversity monitoring program to collect data on forest recovery and cultural uses of wild species. The monks hope to use the data to create further conservation awareness in the local communities.

(Course locations are subject to change.)

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