Recently we had the honour of hosting university students from ISTOM in France, joining the team in Chiang Mai to support important work. We asked them to share their experience here:
My name is Emma, and I am a student at ISTOM, an engineering school specializing in international agro-development in France. I had the opportunity to do my final internship at Monsoon Tea Company, focusing on landslides affecting tea plantations.
My objective was to analyze these phenomena, which generally occur after heavy rains, and to propose solutions to stabilize the soil to limit future risks. These landslides can destroy crops and represent a direct danger to producers. My work focused on the Pa Pae area, which was affected by a major 17-meter-high landslide. The project aimed to both stabilize the destroyed area and restart tea production. To respond to these two challenges, we opted for a solution that respects the local forest environment: reforestation. We planted deep-rooted fruit trees, vetiver, an herbaceous plant with particularly dense roots that are effective for soil stabilization, and new tea trees.
This experience was very exciting and instructive. It allowed me to learn more about tea farming in Thailand’s forests and to better understand the issues related to landslides, which are common in this mountainous region. I also had the opportunity to work with the producer, Dara, to help her relaunch her activity and implement preventive measures. Finally, this internship also gave me the opportunity to discover the spectacular places and landscapes of northern Thailand’s mountains, which are always magnificent, whether it’s sunny, foggy, or rainy!
It was also my first time in Thailand and Asia in general, and I am so glad I had the opportunity to live in a city like Chiang Mai. Life here is both peaceful and dynamic, with always new places to discover: cafés, markets, temples, activities… it’s impossible to get bored! I discovered a rich culture, friendly and welcoming people, and a varied and always delicious cuisine, even if it was sometimes a little too spicy! I finally learned to appreciate everything. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better city to spend these five months in, and I know I will be back one day, for sure!
I am so glad I had the opportunity to live in a city like Chiang Mai. Life here is both peaceful and dynamic, with always new places to discover: cafés, markets, temples, activities... it's impossible to get bored!
