Service-Learning in Thailand

Students from Howard University traveled to Thailand for the spring break component of their creative nonfiction course, which focused on storytelling rooted in lived experience, culture, and identity. Thailand was selected for its rich cultural context and strong opportunities for immersive, experiential learning through engagement with diverse communities. Through writing practice and field experience, the students strengthened their ability to observe, research, and tell meaningful nonfiction stories. Some program highlights included working with a nonprofit dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities, a food rescue and relief organization, and a aikido martial arts community program.

Howard students learned from informative lectures, and took part in food rescue and distribution with Scholars of Sustenance, a food rescue and relief organization in Bangkok that works to reduce food waste while supporting communities in need. Here, the group’s efforts made an immediate impact. Their local guide in Bangkok had not heard of Scholars of Sustenance before this experiences and hopes to help introduce the organization more broadly to local communities. This highlighted the program’s value not only for students, but also as a bridge for broader local awareness of community food systems. 

This engagement [with Scholars of Sustenance] did not feel like four hours…the time flew by…it was the most impactful session of the program.

Sufiya Abdur-Rahman
Faculty, Howard University

The group then traveled to Chiang Mai, Thailand’s cultural capital and second largest city. There they partnered with the Peace Culture Foundation, which promotes non-violence and positive social development through education, community programs, and aikido martial arts training. The session with the Howard students explored cultural traditions. Through presentations and an immersive Thai New Year experience, the group gained a firm grounding in Thai culture and one that strongly resonated with their focus on storytelling. 

Despite being postponed due to the conflict in the Middle East, the program was able to run smoothly and as planned thanks to the flexibility of everyone involved. The program in Thailand successfully translated classroom themes into immersive, community-based learning experiences. Over the 10 days in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, the cohort developed their skills in writing, research, and interviewing. They returned home with a greater appreciation for Thai culture and service learning, but also a novel’s worth of new life experience.