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Emily is a student at American University majoring in International Studies with a minor in Spanish.
Traveling with the Boston-based Loop Abroad, Emily was part of a small team that volunteered directly with rescued elephants at an elephant sanctuary.
The group spent one week at the Elephant Nature Park in northern Thailand to work hands-on with the animals and learn about animal rescue and conservation on a larger scale.
"I am extremely grateful for this experience. I was able to immerse myself in the culture and have fun at the same time," Emily said of her trip.
"I can’t even count how many times I had my breath taken away. I will never forget the things I have learned in Chiang Mai and at the Elephant Nature Park."
The Elephant Nature Park is home to over 40 elephants that have been rescued from trekking, logging, or forced breeding programs.
Many of them have been abused and suffer from chronic injuries.
At the Elephant Nature Park, they are cared for by volunteers from all over the world.
Students were able to feed, bathe, and care for elephants, as well as learn about their life stories.
During her time at the Elephant Nature Park, Emily learned about elephant tourism and behavior.
She helped with the many chores needed to run the park, such as preparing elephant food, cleaning elephant cages, chopping corn and grass to feed the elephants, and planting in the ENP's gardens.
For the rest of her time in Thailand, Emily explored all aspects of Thai culture, from meeting with Buddhist monks to visiting a hill tribe village to learning to cook Thai food.
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