Applications now Open!

Rolling Admission until all spots are filled, apply early to secure your place!

Four Week Course: June 15 - July 11

NEW for 2025: Two-week sessions now available!

Session 1: June 15 - June 28, Session 2: June 29 - July 11

Join our information session on January 15 at 11:00 AM Eastern Time to learn more!

Course Information

About ENVS301: Asian Elephant Behaviour and Community Driven Conservation in Thailand

This is a 4 week field course that offers university students the opportunity to join an ongoing research project studying the behavior and ecology of re-wilded Asian elephants in their natural habitat. Students will gain hands-on experience in animal behavior sampling methods, research design, and behavioral data analysis. Students will learn critical thinking and problem solving skills for implementing successful field research protocols, learn the fundamentals of recording and interpreting animal behavior, all while collaborating with indigenous mahouts (elephant keepers) and their community as they work to conserve the forest.

By promoting a multispecies approach to conservation, this course not only improves outcomes for animals and the environment, but also recognizes the interconnectedness of human health and well-being. In addition to participating in this vital research, students will have the chance to learn from expert staff, mahouts, and community leaders, and gain cultural immersion and language training in Sgaw Karen and Thai. Led by renowned conservation behaviorist Dr. Liv Baker, this program is perfect for students with a passion for biology, ecology, conservation, animal behavior, or animal welfare. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a difference in the world – apply now for the summer 2025 session, running from June 15 to July 11. Apply using our online application

Who It’s For

The four week college level field course is designed for University-aged students (or above) who are interested in careers in conservation biology, animal welfare, veterinary medicine, and adjacent fields. Masters students and professionals in related fields are encouraged to apply. Applicants should be interested in community-driven conservation work, comfortable with hiking, and comfortable living in a rural/remote area for a short period of time. A background in the biological sciences is helpful, but not required! You do not need to be currently enrolled in university in order to apply. We welcome individuals of all nationalities. The course is capped at a maximum of 12 people.

Two Week Sessions

Every year we hear from interested participants that the four week session is a bit too long to fit into busy summer schedules, so this year we are offering two-week sessions for students interested in getting a feel for field research and community-driven conservation but aren’t available for the full four week course.

For More Information Contact Us Today

Curriculum Questions Contact: Dr. Liv Baker MEF Research director

Submit Applications Online: Application Link 

Full Course Description

ENVS301: Asian Elephant Behaviour and Community Driven Conservation in Thailand explores how the science of animal behaviour and well-being can be used in conservation to improve outcomes for animals, people, and the environment.

Course participants will learn the fundamentals of behavioral observation and various sampling methods from instructor Dr. Liv Baker before having the opportunity to practice these skills in the field. Students will join an ongoing research project studying the behavior and ecology of re-wilded Asian elephants in their natural habitat, giving them the opportunity to observe foraging behaviors and social group dynamics that are only visible when elephants have access to their natural habitat. Students will gain hands-on experience in animal behavior sampling methods, research design, and behavioral data analysis while learning critical thinking and problem solving skills necessary for implementing successful field research methods. All of MEF’s research work is done in full collaboration with the indigenous community that stewards the forest and cares for the elephants. Students will have the opportunity to explore the complexities and challenges of real world, community-based conservation from an expert team that has been collaborating together for over a decade.

By promoting a multispecies approach to conservation, this course not only improves outcomes for animals and the environment, but also recognizes the interconnectedness of human health and well-being. Field course participants will learn from expert staff, mahouts, and community leaders about community-led conservation work. This is an immersive experience, where participants will be engaged in local culture, including language training in Sgaw Karen and Thai, and contributing to community conservation projects.

Studying Elephants in Their Habitat

MEF researchers and affiliated scientists have pioneered a longitudinal research program to study how re-wilded elephants live in the forest. This research is the first of its kind on Asian elephants and is a vital, compassionate step forward. Our research will advance the scientific community’s ability to conserve and protect Asian elephants worldwide. Accepted field course students will participate in this research program.

Life in the Field

As a field course participant, you will stay in local homestays in the village nestled within pristine cloud forest with breathtaking mountain views. The field site is in a remote Karen village in northern Thailand. The villagers speak S’gaw Karen and Thai. The accommodations are basic, clean and comfortable. Toilets are mostly western-style and showers are a traditional bucket bath. There is no running hot water in the village, and energy is all solar-based. Supported by MEF bi-and tri-lingual field staff, students will gain valuable cultural immersion experience – joining villagers in activities such as, rice planting, foraging for native vegetables, animal tracking, fabric weaving, forest crafts, and traditional meal preparation. Students will also gain language skills in Sgaw Karen and Thai through formal lessons as a part of the coursework, and by conversing with community members. 

Expert Course Instruction

Dr. Liv Baker works with Mahouts Elephant Foundation, directing their research program. Dr. Baker is a conservation behaviorist and an expert in wild animal well-being. Her research focuses on the role individual wild animals have in the health of their social groups and populations. Dr Baker’s work explores the similar patterns of well-being and behavior seen across the animal kingdom. Dr Baker’s conservation research projects involve a range of wild animals, including, elephants, primates, arachnids, rodents, and macropods. Dr. Baker is a faculty member at Sarah Lawrence College where she teaches courses on conservation science, wild animal interactions, ethology, and human-wildlife interactions. Dr. Baker is the Chairperson of the board of Panworks, a center for ethics and policy dedicated to the wellbeing of animals.

Dr. Baker will assist students with preparation for their field study and will join students for the first week of their field experience, providing on-site lectures and research guidance. After which, students will work on their individual projects with guidance from MEF facilitators and staff. 

The Field Course is run in Collaboration with PAN Works

Course Tuition, Room and Board:

Four Week Course: Starting From £3500 (Maximum £3800)

Two Week Course: £2000

Mahouts Elephant Foundation is a nonprofit organization (UK Registered Charity 1158956). We strive to make the course as affordable as possible within the constraints of staffing a very remote field site and fairly compensating all local collaborators. Please see below for links to general scholarships available. Most Universities offer scholarships/grant funding for summer research experiences. Contact your study abroad office or grant office to inquire about what your university offers.

Course Fee includes:

• On-site accommodation in a village homestay and home-cooked meals (3x/day)

• Thai welcome dinner in Mae Sot on night one

• Program-related travel (ground transportation)

• One on one guidance in research project development

• Expert english speaking staff-participant ratio of 1 to 3 or below.

• On site course instruction by Dr. Baker

• Pre-trip orientation and support from MEF staff and Dr. Baker

• Pre-trip readings and instruction from Dr. Baker

• Welcome pack on arrival with program T-Shirt and Water bottle

• Course-specific language materials created by MEF collaborating anthropologist

• On-site lectures and cultural experiences

• On-site translators in the field and language lessons

• Field Research Equipment

The Gilman Scholarship: This scholarship is open to US students who are receiving a Pell Grant and currently enrolled in college or University, they offer $5000 plus an additional STEM supplemental award for $1000.  The next round of applications opens mid-January and the deadline is Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 11:59pm Pacific Time.

Freeman-Asia Scholarships: The Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA) provides scholarships for U.S. undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. This scholarship is open to both US citizens and permanent residents who are undergraduate students at a two-year or four-year college or university. Recipients can receive up to $3,000 in awards for summer programs.

Fund for Education Abroad: FEA offers a range of scholarships depending on financial need. Their application form is done in conjunction with your FAFSA and requires that you have applied to receive credit for the course at your home institution. The application closes February 5 at noon EST, please contact us early if you plan to apply so we can ensure you have all of the materials you need.