The Education Abroad Network: Chiang Mai University - Thailand

  Thailand

• Chiang Mai: 
Chiang Mai

Term: Fall, Spring 

Description: Granted its Royal Charter by his Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on January 15, 1964, Chiang Mai University is one of Thailand's oldest, largest and most renowned institutes of higher education. It is acknowledged as the pre-eminent center for study in the north of Thailand and has become the Higher Learning Hub for the Greater Mekong sub-region (including other countries such as Laos and Cambodia). The main campus (Suan Sak) occupies a leafy 615-acre site at the base of Doi Suthrep mountain, about 2.5 miles from the center of Chiang Mai. The university has a large research profile and boasts a student population of more than 27,000.

Academics / Courses of Study

All students will undertake the Thai History and Culture course, which includes two field trips. Students will spend a weekend in a hill-tribe village living in a villager's dwelling, eating traditional food and experiencing village life. The second field trip is to Chiang Rai where students will engage in a service learning opportunity in the Doi Tung Project. Students will select three additional subjects from the following list:

- Thai Theatre, Music and Dance
- Buddhism
- Thailand and its Neighbors
- The Thai Political System and Concepts of Democracy
- The Golden Triangle - A look at the history of the drug trade

More subjects will be continually added; please contact us for full listings. All courses appear on an official Chiang Mai transcript. Students will partner with a local Thai student for this program. An optional Thai language course is available.

Accommodation

All rooms are fully furnished and air-conditioned, with private bathrooms. Accommodation also includes a choice of meal plans. Students will be housed in single rooms but living with local Thai students. Some share-apartment options with local students also may be available depending on the semester.

Highlights: Chiang Mai is a 700-year-old city caught between two worlds. Thai tradition and customs are still very much alive in this city, and they happily co-exist with the newly modern Thailand. In 1800, a moat and huge brick walls were built around the city to protect it from invasion, but they now protect the "old city" from any high-rise development. The city is most famous for having more than 300 Buddhist temples, and one of the most holy, "Wat Doi Suthrep," sits atop the mountain that overlooks the city. Chiang Mai is rife with festivals and is definitely the handicraft capital of Thailand with beautiful woodwork, jewelry and ceramics. The city also has a vibrant nightlife with many excellent restaurants and a lively music scene.

Cost in US$: Semester program fees will range from $8,000 - $11,000

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian and Kiwi Participants.