Chiang Mai, Thailand

The Program

SUMMER STUDY IN THAILAND!
Spend your summer in fascinating and beautiful Thailand where the ancient and the modern peacefully co-exist. You will find cars alongside ox carts and modern shopping malls in contrast to bustling night bazaars. In particular, the program courses will examine how modern Thailand attempts to balance economic development with environmental conservation and the rights of ancient ethnic minority groups with those of a Thai majority. You might even have the chance to ride an elephant!

THE LOCATION
Thailand is a land of international importance and exciting geographic diversity. Thailand borders four countries- Myanmar (Burma), Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia- and is an important U.S. ally and trading partner. Thailand also boasts approximately 2,000 miles of coastline to the south with some of the world's most beautiful beaches. Visitors from around the world come to trek Thailand's mountains in the north. Central Thailand is home to fertile agricultural plains and most of Thailand's population.

The program is located in Chiang Mai, a city of 250,000, in Northern Thailand, with greater metropolitan population of approximately one million. Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 on a plain surrounded by mountains. The remnants of the original city, marked by a moat and ancient walls, still exist. Chiang Mai is also home to 300 Buddhist temples (wats), several universities and museums, and serves as a gateway to the mountains and important national parks.

THE UNIVERSITY
Your host in Thailand is the Mae Khao campus of Payap University. Payap University, established in 1974, is a private university offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Thai and English. With three campuses in Chiang Mai, Payap enrolls a total of 8,500 students. Visit http://ic.payap.ac.th/ for campus photos and details.

HOUSING & MEALS
You will stay in Payap's new International House on the Mae Khao campus. You will be housed in a double room with a Thai roommate or another program participant. Single rooms may be available at an additional cost. Breakfast and dinner are provided Monday-Friday. Lunch and weekend meals are available at the university open-air food court or neighborhood restaurants. The International House has air-conditioned rooms, a dining hall where you will eat your meals, a lounge room, wireless internet, and a laundromat.