This twenty-two day short-term study abroad course will offer students academically rigorous course content in a Southeast Asian context. The program will include lectures by Thai professors, as well as field trips and talks by both Thai and Lao subject matter experts, both in the classroom and in rural villages. This short-term study abroad course examines the similarities and juxtaposition of business contexts between the thriving, upper-middle income country of Thailand with that of a landlocked, lower-middle income nation of Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos). Students will observe and learn about innovative business models that locals are using to address social needs and preserve cultural heritage. Through service-learning projects, students will engage with local college students and connect with rural villagers to address local needs. Fieldwork, activities and lectures will intersect the economic sectors of organic agriculture, hospitality, conservation and eco-tourism, education and fair-trade businesses that preserve cultural identity. This course serves as a Business Administration elective and satisfies the criteria for General Education Requirements in International Education.