THE PROGRAM
Spend six weeks of 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 ancient and modern Thai culture as well as specialized areas of Thai society such as women and Buddhism, queer studies, economic development, and democracy in Thailand.

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.

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. 

ACADEMICS
To learn about eligibility requirements, academic offerings, and the academic calendar;  click here: Academics - Thailand Summer

COST
Below you will find more information on program costs: Thailand Summer 2013_update.pdf

 

PHOTO GALLERY
Want to see more pictures? Click here!

HOUSING & MEALS
You will stay in Payap's International House on the Mae Khao campus. You will be housed in a double room with a Thai roommate when possible 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.

STUDENT LIFE 
Many activities complement your formal academic program. Thai students will act as your cultural guides, accompanying you on evening and weekend activities. You may even ride an elephant!

STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Thailand has been a great experience through and through. The people here are some of the nicest I've ever met. Our new Thai friends helped find places and events that us international students would have never found on our own. Chiang Mai is a beautiful city with a little something for everyone, from fish spas and temples to traditional Thai massages and night clubs. This is definitely the place to consider if you want a complete culture turn around. If you like elephant riding, tiger petting, white water rafting, or climbing waterfalls this is the place for you, and don't forget the best part... the food! I hope you like it spicy! - Mitch

EXPLORE THAILAND!

Visit the bustling capitol of Bangkok, climb the mountain ranges around Mae Hong Son. Along the coastal tail of the country explore the islands of Ko Tao and Kho Phi Phi Don. The geological and cultural opportunities are endless!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
For more information click here

HOW TO APPLY:
To apply, read the application instructions on the How to Apply Page. Then return to this program brochure page, and click the 'apply now' button at the top of the page.