More Than an Internship

By Melani - 1 week intern

When I decided to come to Thailand, I knew I wanted to volunteer at an elephant sanctuary. I spent a lot of time researching, trying to find a truly ethical place - not just a tourist attraction marketed as one - before finding Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary.

I applied for the research internship for one week. I was excited about helping at an elephant sanctuary, but I didn't really know what to expect. After a week here, I can honestly say it was a life-changing experience. Living in a small Karen village, spending time with other volunteers who share my values, hiking every day to find the elephants, and simply observing them in silence helped me learn not only about elephants, but also about myself. There is something powerful about watching them roam freely, forage, interact with each other, play and just be elephants. Collecting data taught me patience, presence, and deep respect for their space. You see firsthand that they don't need humans to feed or bathe them — they spend most of their time exploring the mountains, eating different kinds of plants, including bamboo, and occasionally submerging themselves in the river for a bath.

I'm deeply grateful for this experience. It was even better than I imagined. It wasn't just about elephants - I connected with nature and with incredible people. I ate delicious local food, was welcomed by the village dogs after every hike, saw more stars than I have ever seen in my life, played games with the local children, and helped with English lessons. Being disconnected from phone signal made me feel more connected to the present moment. This week reminded me that sometimes the most meaningful experiences are the simplest ones.