Programs | WINTER Programs | THAILAND

The Program

Thailand, a country located in the heart of the Indo-Pacific, is home to some of the most diverse marine life on Earth. Set against a backdrop of lush forests, Thailand's striking coastlines give way to an underwater wonderland characterized by vibrant coral reefs. In these warm, tropical waters, you can watch predatory fish line up to be cleaned by wrasses, lionfish defend themselves with venomous spines, and damselfish chase off intruders to protect their patches of algae. With endless opportunities for discovery, Thailand offers an unparalleled look at the complex dynamics of reef ecosystems.

With Thailand's spectacular marine and coastal environments as our classroom, students will travel the length of the country, crisscrossing the Malay Peninsula and visiting offshore islands to study marine ecosystems, reef resilience, and the interconnectedness that exists between the ocean, the land, and local communities. Although field sites may vary from year to year, highlights include spending time on islands such as Koh Rang and Koh Surin to complete snorkel surveys, learn fish identification techniques, and collect data for a long-term reef health monitoring project; observing fascinating and bizarre species interactions while studying coevolution and biogeography; immersing ourselves in Thai culture through experiences such as a cooking class, temple visits, tastings at local markets, and a canal tour in Bangkok; recognizing how deeply human communities are rooted in marine systems by visiting a Moken village and an Urak Lawoi village, home to Indigenous semi-nomadic seafaring groups; exploring mangrove forests and seagrass beds while analyzing the impacts of shrimp farming and discussing dugong conservation; and kayaking through a submerged karst landscape surrounded by dense, virgin forest in stunning Khao Sok National Park while learning about river hydrology and the impacts of dams.

By the end of the program, students will be well versed in coral reef ecology, the pressures posed by climate change, and the evolutionary and biogeographic history behind Indo-Pacific diversity. Students will gain tangible field skills by conducting reef surveys, recording data, and interpreting trends from a long-term dataset spanning more than 20 years. They will also become skilled at identifying coral reef species, with special emphasis on assessing reef health and recognizing the functional roles fishes play in maintaining ecosystem balance. We will weave conservation strategies, resource management, and cultural perspectives throughout our studies.

Stories From the Field

Kylund Prior

THAILAND 2020 ALUMNI AND GILMAN SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Below is an excerpt of Kylund’s blog A Journey with Wildlands Studies about her experience as a Gilman Scholarship Recipient and as a student.

“Some days we spent hours in the water seeking out fish species we had yet to see, hoping to get a rare glimpse of a reef shark. Others were spent interacting with members of indigenous communities to learn about their culture and how it was threatened. The only consistency in our daily routine was that we had the opportunity to interact with the subjects we were learning about. It was an incredible experience and full of memories.”

Watch the Thailand Student Video

Program Photo Gallery

Eric Witte

LEAD INSTRUCTOr

PhD Candidate in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, UC Santa Cruz

Eric is an evolutionary biologist interested in venom and biological invasions. His current research focuses on the role of venom in lionfish invasion of coral reefs. He uses genomic techniques to understand both ancient and modern evolution. In addition to research, Eric is a passionate educator who taught biology in Morocco and Madagascar. He believes that travel helps us to develop a multidimensional understanding of other cultures and environments. Eric leads our Thailand and Japan programs.

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