Top Study Abroad Programs in Thailand

IPSL: Chiang Mai – Study Abroad + Service Learning in Thailand

Program Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Contact:
4110 SE Hawthorne Blvd #200
Portland, OR 97214
USA

Phone: 503.395.IPSL (4775)
Website: https://www.ipsl.org/undergraduate/thailand/

Description:Re-think Study Abroad! Experience advanced Cultural Immersion through volunteering, academic study and homestays with local families! IPSL students in Chiang Mai can study Thai, gender and sexuality, human rights, and other courses focused on social justice and refugee issues. Spend a fall or spring semester in Chiang Mai, studying Thai culture, language and society at Chiang Mai University and engaging in substantive volunteer service in a wide range of community development agencies and NGOs.

Nestled in the mountains of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is an amazing city with roots dating back to the 13th century. It is the second largest city in the country, but in many ways it remains a small town, attracting visitors for its historical charm, dramatic mountain backdrop, hundreds of temples, and friendly people of diverse cultural identities. In Chiang Mai, you will enjoy exploring rich cultural sites, sampling (and learning to prepare!) Thai cuisine, browsing exquisite handicrafts at the many late-night shopping bazaars, observing festivals and traditional performances, and experiencing the warmth and graciousness of the Thai people. You will spend a semester in Chiang Mai, studying Thai culture, language, and society at Chiang Mai University; living near the campus; and engaging in substantive volunteer service for 10-15 hours per week. Your volunteer service immerses you in the culture and deepens your understanding of Thai society in a way that goes beyond that experienced in traditional study abroad programs. It also contributes to your knowledge and use of the Thai language.

USAC: Chiang Mai – Study Abroad at Chiang Mai University

Program Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Contact:
University Studies Abroad Consortium
Virginia Street Gym #5
1664 N. Virginia Street, MS 0323
Reno, NV 89557-0323

Phone: 1.775.784.6569
Website: https://usac.unr.edu/study-abroad-programs/thailand/chiang-mai

Description: Known as the “Rose of the North,” Chiang Mai is located on the Ping River in Northern Thailand and dates back over 700 years. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, it is in one of the most scenic areas in the country. Unlike most of Thailand, the climate in the north—and especially in Chiang Mai—can be cooler, with rain and mist, but it still has tropical heat and humidity. The region is full of lush jungles, national parks, and over 300 Buddhist temples. Historically and culturally important for trade, Chiang Mai Province is the second largest province in Thailand. A city of cultural, trading, and economic prominence for hundreds of years, Chiang Mai is host to many historical and cultural landmarks. There are over 700 temples in Chiang Mai alone. The famous “night market” is a sprawling tourist attraction that offers all sorts of trinkets, local handicrafts, food shops, and shows. Its tiny passageways and colorful booths are great fun to explore, however there are many side streets of shops and restaurants away from the touristy zone where students can find authentic local cuisine and truly start to experience all that Chiang Mai has to offer. Near the city there are national parks and nature preserves, including the highest mountain in Thailand, Doi Inthanon, Obkhan, and Doi Pui Suthep National Park. Located just outside of town, Wat Doi Suthep Buddhist temple overlooks the city—and Chiang Mai University—from the top of Doi Pui Suthep. CMU students traditionally hike to the top as part of an annual tradition; once they arrive at the top they find the elaborate temple with its pure gold dome, the beautiful view of the city, dancing shows by local hill tribe children, musicians, vendors, and a marketplace.

ISDSI: Thailand – People, Ecology & Development

Program Location: Thailand

Contact:
48/1 Chiang Mai-Lampang Road (Superhighway)
Muang, Chiang Mai, 50300
THAILAND

Phone: (800) 282-9352
Website: https://isdsi.org/

Description: At ISDSI, you will trade-in the traditional classroom for hands-on expedition travel. ISDSI courses will immerse you in the unique cultures of Thailand, and give you the opportunity to increase your understanding of sustainable development while learning from local community leaders. Courses are academically challenging and the overall program will provide you a deep cultural experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. Going beyond the normal classroom, you will have the opportunity to embrace the vibrant beauty of Thailand first-hand, be welcomed into home-stays by families of different ethnic groups, and engage with the people from the local communities.

You will be challenged intellectually, emotionally and often physically throughout the semester, and upon completion you will join a network of alumni who say the experience is more than rewarding. Alumni often comment that studying at ISDSI broadened their way of thinking and perceiving the World and that the experience prepared them for the real World.

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Thailand – Semester in Chiang Mai

Program Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Contact:
The Education Abroad Network
505 N LaSalle St., Suite 200
Chicago, IL 60654-7103

Phone: 800.585.9658
Website: https://teanabroad.org/programs/thailand/chiang-mai/

Description:As northern Thailand’s first institution of higher education and the country’s first provincial university, Chiang Mai University offers students the opportunity to study at one of the top academic centers in Thailand. Nestled amongst the northern hills of Thailand and in the cultural heart of the country, the university is located minutes from Chiang Mai’s city center. Students are typically housed with a Thai roommate to promote friendships and immersion within the university setting. The semester includes a three-day Orientation Program; included excursions to regional hilltribe villages and historical points of interest; plus the unique opportunity for various volunteer experiences around the city and courses that you won’t find anywhere else. Students benefit from the guidance and support of an on-site Resident Director and university staff during their time in Thailand.
Mix in the beauty of Thailand’s southern islands, scenic elephant rides, quiet moments in ancient temples, and the buzzing energy of Southeast Asia, and you have the makings of the best four months of your life!

Knowledge Exchange Institute (KEI): Bangkok – Study Abroad at Mahidol University International College (MUIC)

Program Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Contact:
63 Sickletown Road
West Nyack, New York, 10994
USA

Phone: 1.212.931.9953
Website: https://www.keiabroad.org/thailand/bangkok.php

Description:Discover the traditional spices of Bangkok, Thailand as you float through the market and visit the golden temples. Then experience the energetic dominance of the modern city when you see the maze of skyscrapers pushing into the sky.

Program Overview:
– Study at Mahidol University International College (MUIC)
– Wide selection of major-specific, regional studies and general education courses (taught in English)
– Internship and volunteer opportunities
– Maximum of 16 credits per quarter
– Transcripts issued by MUIC and/or Lincoln University (accredited in the USA)
– Cultural field trips in Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Ko-Samet Island and Northern Thailand
– Affordable inclusive program fee
– Predeparture advising and planning
– KEI Onsite Director and 24/7 support