Profile of the ideal visitor:

• willing to become part of a new community

• open-minded

• resourceful

• eager to learn and exchange

• cheerful

• adaptive and tolerant

Clouds and Silver Linings…

(the challenges and rewards of a hilltribe visit)

Every cloud has a silver lining. The programs we offer may challenge you in certain ways, but overcoming each of these challenges will bring a reward to make it worthwhile.

Challenge: You may have a bit of culture shock, which manifests itself in feelings of anxiety, isolation, or insecurity.

Reward: Exposure to a new, different culture will broaden your perspective and may cause you to reexamine your life or opinions.

Challenge: You will likely be living with people who do not speak your language; this may cause feelings of isolation.

Challenge: You will have very little privacy in a hilltribe village since many facilities (kitchen, rooms, etc.) are shared.

Reward: Sharing so many things with others creates a very close-knit, loving community.

Challenge: You may feel that you have little independence because you will have to adjust your routine to the needs of your host family.

Reward: By adapting to the lifestyle of your host family, you become a part of that family and receive the same warmth and care that they give their own relatives.

Challenge: You may feel frustrated by the slower pace of village life.

Reward: This slow pace lets you escape the stress and pressure of your usual routine and gain peace of mind.

Challenge: You may feel a little useless at first, as your skills and expertise from home may not be of much use in your host culture.