CIEE Community Public Health in Khon Kaen, Thailand

  Thailand

• All Other Areas in Thailand: 
Khon Kaen

Term: Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall 17 weeks: mid August - mid December; Spring 17 weeks: mid January - mid May

Description: The goal of the Community Public Health program is to help students understand the complexities and challenges faced by the public health community in Northeast Thailand. This program provides a broad overview of public health management and community public health issues in Thailand and Southeast Asia. Students will be able to apply theoretical frameworks covered in the classroom, and be able to competently carry out community health assessments, develop and implement a public health project, and assess its impact.

Academic Program
The CIEE Study Center has been based at Khon Kaen University since 1991 and its initial focus on development was established three years later in 1994. The Community Public Health program begins in spring 2010. This program combines traditional classroom in struction with extensive field study involving government, private, and public health agencies, as well as visits to local communities.

Academic Culture
The Faculty of Public Health at Khon Kaen University prepares students in the classroom, while government officials and practitioners from local NGOs provide guidance during their visits to various public health projects. The program places the educational process squarely in the hands of the students as a group. Students gain skills facilitating participation and group dynamics, generating proposals, and organizing special projects. There is an emphasis on experiential, hands-on learning throughout the program.

The programs language instruction utilizes a proficiency-based approach designed to enable students to function effectively in everyday situations. Courses at all levels combine intensive classroom learning with the use of peer tutors and interactive exercises. Language classes are offered at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Highlights:

• Focused on trends in public health management in Thailand and Southeast Asia.
  
• Opportunities for engaging with local communities about healthcare issues, and for developing and implementing a public health project.
  
• Authentic exchange with villagers, NGOs, and others working for social change through site visits and hands-on field work.
  
• Opportunities for cultural integration through community stays and structured exchanges in Northeast Thailand, Thai student roommates, and peer tutors.

Culture
Cultural Activities and Field Trips
Students in the Public Health program visit local cultural and natural sites of interest, as well as participate in frequent field trips to public health-related programs. These may include HIV/AIDS hospice or hospital wards, the Ministry of Public Health in Bangkok, the leper treatment and living facility in Khon Kaen, alternative health centers, and herbal medication production facilities.

Immersion
Peer Tutors
Program participants are paired with Khon Kaen University students for weekly one on-one Thai language tutorials.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing.

Experience Required: yes