By Jenn Kim – 1 week intern

A week of internship at KSES will remain one of the best memories of my life so far. From the moment I arrived in Ban Na Klang village after a bumpy, roller-coaster-like drive, I felt very welcomed. Waving hands to the Karen kids running around with bright smile and petting the lovely village dogs filled me with excitement.

Our first elephant hike began early Monday morning. Watching them interact and forage together was mesmerizing. I realized how fulfilling it was to simply sit in the forest, immersed in the peaceful atmosphere, and spend hours observing these magnificent creatures.

Another aspect of my experience that filled me with gratitude was the people I got to be surrounded by. What made my time at KSES truly unforgettable was the incredible sense of community I became a part of. The staff members were all very supportive and provided us with valuable insights into the elephants’ lives and behaviors. As for my fellow interns, despite coming from different backgrounds and having diverse motivations, we shared a deep connection—not just through our mutual love and compassion for living beings and nature, but also through our shared sense of adventure and creativity. We were all, in some way, artists and explorers, stepping out of our comfort zones in search of broader perspectives in life.

The deep conversations over shared dinners, watching talented interns paint a mural in perfect synergy, cooling off in the river after a long hike, singing with the children during the Village English session, and feeding the village dogs—these are memories I will never forget.

And I already miss my homestay, a charming wooden house by a flowing stream. Every meal prepared by my homestay family was absolutely ‘gwee(delicious)’! And of course, I miss Nee’s wonderful banana and mango smoothies, which quickly became my go-to from the menu!

Although my stay was short, I am incredibly grateful for everything I experienced. I truly hope to return one day. Da blue!