THAILAND GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP PROGRAM
About Us
Greater Social Equality. A More Sustainable Environment. A More Secure World for Everyone.
Challenges Abroad is a social enterprise that provides impactful, customised overseas learning program for students. Our mission is to develop the next generation of Global Citizens, who as future leaders will help shape a better future for everyone.
Through our programs, we ensure that students not only develop a global mindset but gain vital life and employability skills, enabling them to have a positive impact on the world through their future endeavours
We are proud to be a Certified B Corporation!
It reinforces that together, we’re delivering programs that are not only transformative for students, but also beneficial for communities and respectful of the planet
The Challenges Abroad Difference
Student Impact
Developing the next generation of Global Citizens.
Community Impact
Delivering long-term development projects that support local communities.
Enviornmental Impact
We are working on becoming a carbon neutral organisation.
Short-Term Programs, Long-Term Impact.
Our Global Citizenship Program enables students to step out of their comfort zone whilst building their understanding of the wider world, learning about new cultures and fostering meaningful connections with the local community.
Global Citizenship:
Students broaden their perspectives, embrace cultural diversity, and ignite a lifelong drive to make a difference in the world
Cultural Immersion:
Discover, connect & experiencestudents dive into vibrant local cultures, learning through meaningful cross-cultural exchange
Community Engagement:
Lead, inspire & create changestudents deliver hands-on workshops, building skills and leaving a lasting impact on local schools.
Every Challenges Abroad program supports the goals and objectives of our international development charity, theFutureSenseFoundation
Participants on a Challenges Abroad programaretherefore, not only directly impacting the community through their project, but are part of a sustainable community development initiative that will have a long lasting, positive impact.
Thailand: Land of Smiles
Our programs are based north of Chiang Mai in Mae Sariang, a district in the Mae Hong Son province which is referred to as the land of nature - it is a small and quiet town surrounded by green mountains, is home to diverse ethnic minority communities.
Days 0-1
Travel & Arrival
Flight duration: Approx. 12-15 hours
Arrival Airport: Chiang Mai International Airport
Transfer: Approx 4 hours by private bus
Accommodation: Challenges Abroad Hub
Touch down in Thailand! You're arriving in the north - up here, mist-covered mountains, ancient temples, and the warm rhythm of local life set the tone from the moment you land.
After being welcomed at Chiang Mai airport by your group mentor, travel four hours through winding mountain roads and lush valleys to Mae Sariang - a charming riverside town that will be your home for the first chapter of the adventure. As evening settles in, explore the town and gather for a welcome dinner. After a long journey, a good night's sleep is calling because tomorrow, the real adventure begins
Mae Sariang
Chiang Mai
Week 1: Community Engagement
Days 2-3
Program & Cultural Orientation
Accommodation: Challenges Abroad Hub
Tucked away in the mountains of northern Thailand, Mae Sariang is often called a “hidden gem” thanks to its laid-back vibe and untouched beauty
Wake up in Mae Sariang, a town that moves at its own gentle pace along the banks of the Yuam River, with golden temple spires catching the morning light Over the next two days, you'll dive straight in with language and cultural sessions, get to know our Hub team who'll be by your side throughout, and begin shaping your vision for the community project ahead
Days 4-7
Mae Sariang
Accommodation: Challenges Abroad Hub
Spend five immersive days embedded in the local community, partnering with local schools to bring your skills to life by running interactive workshops. With dedicated time to craft your sessions, you’ll step into the classroom feeling ready to contribute in a meaningful waylearning just as much from the community as you share This hands-on experience builds confidence, uncovers new strengths, and leaves a lasting, sustainable impact.
Beyond your workshops, soak up Mae Sariang’s laid-back charm and experience culture in the most authentic way - through shared laughter, new friendships, and everyday moments that shift perspective
Potential workshop topics: The goal: inspire creativity, spark curiosity and build aspirations
Weekend: Chiang Mai
Day 8
Mae Sairang > Chiang Mai
Travel Time: Approx 4 hours | Accommodation: Hostel
Kick back and relax, share stories and reflections with new friends, and soak in Northern Thailand’s incredible landscape as you travel to the vibrant city of Chiang Mai! You’ll arrive by lunch time and have time to settle in before discovering everything the city has to offer across your weekend
Chiang Mai
Accommodation: Hostel Days 8-9
Spend the rest of your weekend exploring Chiang Mai - a city celebrated for its rich culture, historic charm, and vibrant atmosphere. Discover beautifully intricate temples scattered throughout the old city, each offering a glimpse into Thailand’s spiritual heritage, before diving into the energy of Chiang Mai’s famous night markets. Here, you can browse local handicrafts, pick up unique souvenirs, and soak up the lively evening buzz.
It’s also the perfect place to further indulge in Thailand’s incredible food scene, with endless street food options and local favourites to try From savoury dishes to sweet treats, there’s something for everyone but one thing you absolutely can’t miss is mango sticky rice - it’s a must!
Sunday evening will be an opportunity to rest and recharge, share your highlights from your adventure so far, and get ready for the week ahead - where you’ll be getting to know some other, much larger, Thai locals
Week 2: A Bucket-List Moment
10-15
Elephant Nature Park
Accommodation: Sanctuary Dorms Days
Spend an unforgettable weekend at an ethical elephant sanctuary, where you’ll observe elephants in their natural environment! Learn about each elephant’s unique story and journey to the sanctuary, gaining a deeper understanding of conservation and responsible tourism. You’ll also take part in hands-on activities that support their care, such as preparing nutritious “elephant cakes,” making this a meaningful and memorable experience you’ll never forget.
Did You Know?
Humans are slowly inhabiting more and more of the natural habitat for Asian elephants, and many are captured and put to work in the logging and tourism industries. Today there are less than 50,000 Asian elephants in the world
Day 17 Departure
Airport: Siem Reap International Airport or Phnom Penh International Airport Transfer: 6-7 Hours (depending on departure airport)
The final day and journey home offer time to reflect on the skills you ’ ve developed, the experiences you ’ ve shared, and the perspectives you ’ ve gained, recognising how much you ’ ve grown as Global Citizens
Global Citizenship Programs
Key Objectives:
Developing the Next Generation of Global Citizens
Providing a structured & reflective experience for students, as they apply their knowledge and skills in a practical, real-world setting.
Short-Term Programs, Long-Term Impact
Working towards achieving the UN Goals for Sustainable Development, supporting the FutureSense Foundation
Mutually Beneficial Programs
Ensuring that there is mutual benefit and learning for the local community and student participants.
of students think that their Global Citizenship journey was a lifechanging experience that has inspired them to experience the world more!
Global Citizen,Nadia
As the name suggests, of course there are challenges, but the problemsolving skills and confidence that come out of the experience are unmatched.
We measure the impact of our programs on student participants by evaluating the following 10 key skill areas:
Students will tackle real-world challenges hand-in-hand with local communities, seeing the direct impact of their contributions
Students will step into a different world, experiencing new cultures firsthand and building genuine connections that change how they see the world.
Students will strengthen emotional development and self-awareness through reflective and collaborative experiences
Students will push beyond their comfort zone, discovering resilience, confidence, and capabilities
Students will examine their own perspectives on privilege, equity, and global citizenship, developing empathy and a deeper sense of responsibility.
Students will build authentic skills through daily interactions, learning to communicate & work effectively across cultural differences
This experience has really made me grow as a person; it has greatly improved my confidence and independence, and I have made some incredible memories! Global Citizen, Sarah
To me, being a Global Citizen, means more than just seeing a country, it means immersing yourself in the culture and engaging with the people around you. It’s about learning from them and them learning from me so that we’re learning together to build better relationships.
Risk Management
We ensure that...
Every program activity has been risk assessed with safety audits conducted and can provide school with information required to complete pre trip processes
We have real-time safety management system with a robust emergency response process
All participants have 24/7 support from our in-country staff
Every participant has arranged a comprehensive travel insurance (mandatory)
We conduct a comprehensive program briefing process to ensure students are well prepared for their program
