Students from Central Christian College of Kansas joined peers from Tabor College, Sterling College, and Calvin University this summer for a service-learning and mission-focused study abroad experience in Thailand. The trip was coordinated in partnership with Bread of Life/Paladin Rescue Alliance and led by Dr. Lara Vanderhoof, Associate Professor of Social Work at Tabor College.
The experience combined education, service, and cross-cultural engagement while addressing critical needs in a rural region of Thailand. College students spent time at a government-run boarding school serving approximately 600 students in a mountainous and economically challenged area.
The team focused on three primary areas of service: swim safety instruction, English language education, and human trafficking awareness and prevention.
“Drowning remains one of the leading causes of death among youth in Thailand, making swim safety education especially important,” said Dr. Vanderhoof. “Students and teachers gained practical swimming and water rescue skills that can help save lives in their communities.”
Participants worked with children and school staff to build confidence in the water, teaching foundational swimming techniques, water safety practices, and simple rescue methods using everyday objects. By the end of the program, many participants who initially feared the water were able to swim independently and demonstrate life-saving skills.
In addition to swim instruction, college students led English as a Second Language (ESL) activities that helped young learners strengthen vocabulary, pronunciation, and conversational English skills. Lessons focused on practical language used in everyday life, school, and community settings.
The third component of the mission centered on anti-human trafficking education and prevention. Through age-appropriate lessons, activities, and discussions, students learned to recognize warning signs of trafficking, identify safe resources, and understand how to seek help when needed. Given Thailand’s ongoing challenges related to human trafficking, the education component provided valuable tools for personal safety and awareness.
Beyond classroom instruction, participants spent time building relationships with students and educators, learning about Thai culture while sharing their own experiences. Conversations often centered on education, language, daily life, and cultural exchange.
The group also gained a deeper understanding of the realities of human trafficking through educational visits and discussions with organizations working directly in affected communities. These experiences reinforced the importance of compassion, dignity, and service while helping students better understand global challenges and the role faith-based organizations can play in bringing hope and support.
For Central Christian College students, the trip reflected the institution’s commitment to combining academic learning with meaningful service and Christian mission.
“Our goal was not only to teach skills and share knowledge, but also to listen, learn, and serve alongside the people we met,” said Vanderhoof. “The experience reminded all of us that education, compassion, and human connection can have a lasting impact.”
Central Christian College student participant:
- Jared Crabtree
- Atasia Harris
Tabor College student participants:
- Jada Thomas
- Annie Wall
- Elizabeth Jordan
- Alice Jordan
- Bethany Demars
- Kaitlyn Simmons
- Krislayn Higerd
For more information about the program, contact Dr. Lara Vanderhoof at larav@tabor.edu.