Program Details
- Location:
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Program Type:
- Study Abroad
- Degree Level:
- Undergraduate
- Term:
- Summer
Program Overview
- Program Description:
Spend four weeks this summer in Chiang Mai, Thailand - a beautiful and popular city in the north, rich with 700 years of ancient history and the heart of Lanna culture. As a summer study abroad student you will soon learn and experience first-hand the magical charm that Thailand holds. If you're looking for an active and engaging program that will engage you in Thai culture, this is your best bet! You can start picturing yourself: Living in beautiful Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand - Recently voted the world's number two best city, this medium-sized city has a rich history and culture and is one of Thailand's most popular destinations. People come from all over to enjoy Chiang Mai's easy way of life, great food, and fun nightlife. From Chiang Mai, you can explore the mountains and visit hilltribe villages, learn to cook Thai food, ride elephants, go bamboo rafting and experience so much more. Studying at Chiang Mai University (CMU) - Surrounded by temples, a national park, a palace, and flower gardens, CMU is one of Thailand's top universities. CMU is located on a beautiful campus at the base of the famous Doi Suthep mountain. It's a modern university that largely influences Chiang Mai with its 35,000 students. Facilities include an international center, art galleries, sports facilities, and other conveniences. Savoring the delicious Thai cuisine - Whether you enjoy the delicious and affordable Thai food from the many colorful street carts or at any number of restaurants, two things are for sure: you won't go hungry and you won't burst your budget! We'll show you some of our favorite street carts and restaurants, as well as take you to the Sunday market so you can try your hand at making traditional Thai dishes.
CISabroad students on the Summer in Thailand program take courses at Chiang Mai University (CMU), one of Thailand’s top universities. CMU offers programs instructed in English for international students interested in learning about local Thai topics. Summer in Thailand students take 2 courses during this 4 week program. All students will take basic Thai language lessons, with a focus on culture, and additionally choose one of three elective courses. Classes are experiential and enhanced with excursions and activities designed to deepen the understanding of Thai culture. Learn Thai, immerse yourself in the language, culture and history and choose from classes on Buddhism, Gender in Southeast Asia, or International Finance.
Here are some great reasons to consider studying for a summer in Thailand with CISabroad: Courses offered in English, with Thai lessons and a mandatory Thai History and Culture course to help you adapt Benefit from Thai Language lessons! Learn the basics to communicate with Thai people around the country Live in Chiang Mai, a medium-sized college town, popular with foreign and domestic tourists due to its pleasant climate, beautiful setting, rich history, and laid-back atmosphere Local excursions include visiting markets, trekking into Hill Tribe communities, riding elephants and more A hub for travel across Thailand and nearby countries such as Lao, Cambodia and Malaysia Study at an internationally-focused and well-regarded university, taking classes in Thai History and Culture, Gender Studies, Buddhism or International Finance Housing in the Old Town, where you will experience the culture and customs of Thailand, and explore the many old temples, markets, coffee shops and restaurants Enjoy the company of fellow study abroad students, meet other international students, and get to know the local Thai people
- Setting Description:
- Summer in Thailand is based in Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand. Known to Thais as the "Rose of the North," Chiang Mai is a popular tourist destinations for Thai and foreigners alike who come to experience the great climate, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and amazing food, and to venture out into the surrounding mountains. The medium-sized college town is home to around 150,000 people, with a greater metropolitan populaton of around one million. Chiang Mai is set on an elevated plateau at about 1,000 feet above sea level, flanked by mountains and bisected by the Ping River. The fortressed historic center displays its historical prominence as the former capital of the Lanna kingdom. Popular activities include trekking into Hill Tribe communities, riding elephants, hiking in Doi Inthanon National Park (home of Thailand's tallest mountain), savoring tasty street food, enjoying the nightlife, and witnessing the city's many festivals and cultural celebrations.
- Cost:
- For current prices and dates please visit the CISabroad website.
Additional Program Information
- Scholarships:
- Yes
Program Reviews
Overall Rating
Based on 1 Reviews
- The Summer of Temples and Mango Sticky Rice11/24/17
I think back to July and it feels like a dream. From backpacking by the rice paddies of Pai, sharing mango sticky rice with newfound friends, or finding banana blossoms on hill tribe pathways, I found adventure on the other side of the world. Not only
did I experience into a new culture, a new lifestyle, and language, but I found lifelong friends. I stay in contact with my roommate and other members of my group through social media. I talk with several of them at least once a week. We all stayed together at the Chiang Mai Gate Hotel, which was well-known by locals and taxi-drivers, making it an easy trip to the university and a quick walk from all the weekly walking markets and food vendors. Whether it was attending school, getting lunch, or going out for the night, I could not have felt safer. It's also amazing that a trip abroad can make me feel so connected to the rest of the world and have that connection be maintained. I learned so much and retain the memories through collected journals and photos. I was part of a program that helped me find fellow adventurers from all over world, bringing us together and showing us all that Thailand has to offer with weekend excursions and activities and the freedom to plan a few independent expeditions. The program that I was a part of offered so much support, from pre-departure assistance and advising, to post-trip career support. I had a great on-campus advisor to guide me through the process of applications, financial documents, and departure checklists. As far as my time in Thailand, the on-site coordinators were always available for contacting, which was a blessing when I became ill and needed medical attention. I was unsure on getting medical assistance when I had only a beginner's understanding of Thai, but the on-site coordinator was kind, beyond words, to ride with me in the tuk-tuk to the hospital and sit with me in the waiting room while I saw the doctor and received my medicine. Also while travelling, the program linked us to "Thai buddies" at the university. These amazing individuals taught us so much on the local language and culture and we all had so much fun going out and exploring the city together. I consider them great friends and stay in contact with them to this day. I know that when I revisit Thailand, I have amazing people to travel with in future. Now, post-travels, I have the support of fellow CISabroad alumni ambassadors and alumni relations coordinators in sharing my story. Through their guidance, I have learned how I can best use this experience in the path ahead of me, and as a result, I'm planning on applying to do my dietetic internship abroad in becoming a registered dietitian. I am also using my experiences to fuel my dream to practice nutritional education abroad. I could not have been blessed with a greater group offering better support. I am beyond thankful. Thank you to CISabroad for bringing us all together in Chiang Mai.
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend