5-Day Introduction to Conservation - Elephant Conservation Center

Introduction to Conservation

Join our team in Laos for five days of fieldwork, observation, and elephant-focused learning.

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Join us at the Elephant Conservation Center (ECC) in Laos for a unique five-day course designed to give students, graduates, and aspiring conservationists direct insight into elephant care, welfare, and rewilding. Set in a protected forest landscape, this immersive programme combines field observation, science-based learning, and practical training alongside our resident herd and expert team.

Whether you’re preparing for a career in wildlife biology or simply passionate about elephant protection, this short course offers a rare opportunity to live and learn at an active elephant sanctuary deeply involved in long-term species conservation.

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS

Live and learn at a genuine elephant conservation centre in Laos
Participate in elephant monitoring, forest treks, and behaviour observation
Learn from veterinarians and biologists in a real-world field setting
Gain practical skills in research, data analysis, and proposal development
Explore the social, ecological, and ethical dimensions of elephant conservation in Southeast Asia
Visit our on-site lab and learn about scientific tools used in elephant welfare and rewilding research

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

Who is this course for?

This course is ideal for:

Undergraduate students in conservation ecology, biology, zoology, or animal science
Gap year students or early-career professionals exploring wildlife conservation
Graduate students seeking Southeast Asian field experience
Anyone aged 18+ with an interest in elephant welfare and environmental protection

Group Size & Accommodation

We welcome a maximum of 16 students per course to ensure a focused, hands-on experience.

Participants will stay in shared dormitory accommodation on-site at the Elephant Conservation Center. Meals are served family-style, featuring authentic Lao cuisine. Our site is remote, peaceful, and surrounded by natural forest — offering unparalleled access to elephants in semi-wild conditions.

No prior academic experience is required, but participants should be comfortable around large animals. The programme is conducted in English.

PROGRAMME ITINERARY

Arrival & Introduction
Pick-up in Luang Prabang and transfer to the ECC via minivan and boat
Orientation and programme welcome
Visit the Elephant Nursery and observe young elephants socialising and bathing
Elephant Hospital tour and introduction to healthcare practices
Forest trek to observe elephants heading to overnight grazing
Evening conservation presentation and welcome dinner

Elephant Behaviour & Mahout Culture

Morning trek to observe elephants foraging in natural habitat
Walk alongside mahouts and learn about traditional elephant care
Lecture on behaviour monitoring techniques
Observe bathing and training sessions using positive reinforcement
Traditional dinner with ECC’s mahout team

Monitoring, Data & Research Skills

Behaviour observation and data collection
Guided data entry and analysis session with ECC biologists
Workshop: How to design a research proposal
Small group brainstorming and topic development
Evening screening of elephant conservation documentary

Male Elephants & Group Presentations

Trek to observe free-roaming male elephants
Develop and present mini research concepts to ECC staff and peers
Group feedback and discussion with conservation professionals
Dinner with ECC staff and mahouts

Forest Immersion & Lab Visit

Final morning forest walk with elephants and mahouts
Farewell lunch
Tour of the ECC’s research lab with a biologist
Return transfer to Luang Prabang

FEES, DATES & CERTIFICATION

Fee

$780 USD

The programme includes a full 5-day conservation course, shared dorm accommodation at ECC, all meals (Lao cuisine), and return transport from Luang Prabang. It also covers all lectures, activities, fieldwork, materials, and instruction from ECC’s team of veterinarians, biologists, and mahouts.

Please note: international or domestic flights to Luang Prabang, travel insurance, and any costs before or after the course in Luang Prabang are not included.

Dates

Session 1: First week of May (Mon-Fri)

Session 2: Second week of June (Mon-Fri)

Each session runs over five days and follows the same structure. You can choose the one that best fits your schedule.

Sign up to either session via the application link below. Places are limited, so early registration is recommended.

Certification

While ECC does not issue formal academic credit, we provide a Certificate of Participation upon successful completion.

We are happy to provide documentation if you wish to apply for credit through your home university.

WHY STUDY AT THE ECC?

Located in Sayaboury Province, home to the largest population of elephants in Laos, the Elephant Conservation Center is the country’s only facility with an active breeding programme and dedicated research labs. As a student, you’ll gain exclusive insight into:

Ethical elephant management techniques
The intersection of culture, tourism, and conservation in Southeast Asia
Practical approaches to elephant care, behaviour monitoring, and welfare science

You’ll also be contributing to our ongoing mission to protect Laos’ remaining elephants — through science, education, and sustainable fieldwork.